The digital transformation of SMEs – a new knowledge broker called the digital innovation hub

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 1263-1288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Crupi ◽  
Nicola Del Sarto ◽  
Alberto Di Minin ◽  
Gian Luca Gregori ◽  
Dominique Lepore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
National Plan ◽  
Digital Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Brokers

Purpose This study aims to understand if and how European digital innovation hubs (DIHs) filling the role of knowledge brokers (KBs) can support the digital transformation (DX) of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by triggering open innovation (OI) practices. Design/methodology/approach After presenting a conceptual model of reference, a survey and a subsequent in-depth interview were conducted to capture evidence from Italian DIHs. These structures were selected for their growing importance, as confirmed by the National Plan for Industry 4.0. Findings The findings highlight that Italian DIHs act not only as KBs but also as knowledge sources that give rise to a digital imprinting process that is able to shape the DX of SMEs. Originality/value Research on knowledge sharing and OI has mainly focused on large firms. The study covers the gaps identified in the literature by considering the role of KBs in enabling SMEs to embrace DX.

Professional value and ethical self-regulation in the development of modern librarianship

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (6) ◽  
pp. 1261-1280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joacim Hansson
Keyword(s):  
Professional Ethics ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ethical Codes ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
Institutional Contexts ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to make a contribution to the theoretical understanding of documents and documentary agency in society through examples from a defined institutional and professional setting; and second, to create an understanding for the role of ethical codes in the process of defining and developing modern librarianship. Design/methodology/approach This study analyses the role of documentation carrying content of professional ethics in the formulation of modern librarianship. This is done through a series of example documents of various kinds, such as founding charters, peer handbooks and ethical codes systematically analysed through the use of document theory and theory on institutional change. Findings The findings of this study suggest that documents pronouncing ethical self-regulation within librarianship play a primarily legitimising role in situations where new types of libraries emerge or when libraries adapt to social change. The study proposes legitimacy as a key aspect of documentality, thus supplementing the established understanding of the concept. Originality/value This study is the first to analyse the role of ethical codes in libraries using document theory. It brings new knowledge to the role of ethical self-regulation in librarianship over time and in different institutional contexts. In suggesting a developed definition of documentality, it contributes to the theoretical understanding of the role of documents and documentation in institutions and in society at large.

scholarly journals Being lean: how to shape digital transformation in the manufacturing sector

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (9) ◽  
pp. 239-259
Author(s):  
Matteo Rossini ◽  
Fabiana Dafne Cifone ◽  
Bassel Kassem ◽  
Federica Costa ◽  
Alberto Portioli-Staudacher
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Significant Role ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Continuous Process ◽  
Radical Change ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transformation Pattern

PurposeIndustry 4.0 and Lean Production are a successful match in terms of performance improvement. While we understand the combined potential, there is still poor understanding of how companies should embrace digital transformation to make it successful and sustainable, and the role that lean plays in it. In this paper, we investigate how manufacturing companies embark upon digital transformation and how being lean might affect it.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted multiple case studies with 19 manufacturing companies. We identified two clusters of companies according to their Lean maturity, and we assessed digital transformation patterns by analyzing insights coming both from cases and from the literature. Integrating cross-case analysis results, we developed a framework that shows two different digital transformation patterns according to companies’ commitment to Lean.FindingsOur findings first and foremost show the significant role of lean in driving digital transformation. We identify two patterns, namely Sustaining digital transformation pattern, characterized by the pervasive role of lean culture with small and horizontal digital changes, involvement of people and willingness to maintain continuous process improvement, and Disruptive digital transformation pattern, characterized by few and large digital steps that imply a disruptive and radical change in the company system.Practical implicationsEmpirical evidence supports the relevance of the proposed model and its practical usefulness. It can be used to design digital transformation, prepare properly the introduction of Industry 4.0 through a lean approach, and plan the future desired state, identifying the Industry 4.0 technologies that should be implemented.Originality/valueIt is widely recognized that the relationship between Industry 4.0 and lean is significant and positive, yet little evidence was presented to back that. We aim at bringing this debate forward by providing initial empirical evidence of the significant role that lean has on digital transformation, showing how lean drives the digital transformation pattern of companies.

So you’ve just hired a killer chief digital officer – now what?

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Doonan
Keyword(s):  
Support Function ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Digital Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fast Tracking ◽  
To Come ◽  
The Right ◽  
First World ◽  
Chief Digital Officer

Purpose In 2017, companies woke up to realize that they were in the process of being disintermediated by West Coast technology players, from Google, Uber and Amazon to Facebook and Apple. Boardroom conversations were all about the need to make a play in technology, and CEOs, CHROs and heads of Talent all began recruiting Chief Digital Officers. However, newly minted Chief Digital Officers have found themselves in new, often strange, and overly ornamental and nonfunctional environments. This paper aims to discuss how to set a Chief Digital Officer up for success. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents interviews with over 100 senior Digital and Workforce Technology executives. Findings The emergence of the Chief Digital Officer is fast tracking the evolution of old industries as they compete in a tech-first world. However, without creating a proper support function, many CEOs, CHROs and Heads of Talent will find themselves cleaning up a mess rather than basking in the sun of a digital transformation. Being able to spot what type of workplace IT executive fits your company, along with having the right expectations and support in place for them to be successful, will allow you to have happy, more engaged and more productive employees for years to come. Originality/value If you plan to operate in a world of digital innovation and in the process hire a Chief Digital Officer, here are the things you need to know to ensure this executive’s success.

Contributions of Industry 4.0 to supply chain resilience

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guilherme Tortorella ◽  
Flavio S. Fogliatto ◽  
Shang Gao ◽  
Toong-Khuan Chan
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Effective Response ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Channel Strategy

PurposeThis study aims at identifying the contribution of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) integration into supply chains (SCs) to the enhancement of SC resilience.Design/methodology/approachA scoping review was conducted so that the relevant literature on SC resilience, and I4.0 integrated into SC management was examined.FindingsThe authors summarize the main findings from existing research and propose three research directions: (1) empirical validation of the contribution of I4.0 ICTs to SC resilience; (2) explore the role of processing-actuation technologies in enhancing restorative capacity; and (3) integration between I4.0 ICTs and omni-channel strategy as a means to resilience development at consumer and retail levels. The literature on the design of resilient smart SCs is far outnumbered by works reporting applications of I4.0 ICTs at different SC tier levels. However, the authors’ scoping review organizes the information available on these themes, setting the ground for the development of new theoretical propositions.Originality/valueThe integration of digital technologies from I4.0 can fundamentally change the SC management, acting as enablers of a more effective response to disruptions. However, the digital transformation of SCs is still incipient, and literature is particularly sparse when considering the contribution of I4.0 to the resilience of SCs.

Smart supply chain and firm performance: the role of digital technologies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah Fahad AlMulhim
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Smart Technologies ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis study aims to explore the impact of digital transformation on firm performance with the help of smart technologies.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a valid and well-structured survey to collect data from 460 respondents from 150 Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia. In order to analyze this data, SmartPLS software was used.FindingsThe empirical results of this study found that the digital transformation has no significant direct impact on firm performance. Therefore, in this situation, smart technologies play an important role in developing the link between digital transformation and firm performance.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the digital supply chain from SMEs' perspective by investigating the mediating role of smart technologies between digital transformation and firm performance.

scholarly journals When the workshop is working

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 404-415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Graham ◽  
Katie Hill ◽  
Tessa Holland ◽  
Steve Pool
Keyword(s):  
Social Interaction ◽  
Collaborative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Projects ◽  
Artistic Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
Bounded Space ◽  
Collaborative Space

Purpose – This paper comes from workshop activities and structured reflection by a group of artists and researchers who have been using artistic practice within research projects aimed at enabling researchers to collaborate with communities. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Three out of four in the group have a practicing creative background and their own studio/workshop space. Findings – Artists are often employed – whether in schools or research projects – to run workshops; to bring a distinctive set of skills that enable learning or collaboration to take place. In this paper the authors reflect on the different meanings and connotations of “workshop” – as noun (as a place where certain types of activity happen, a bounded space) and a verb (to work something through; to make something together). From there the authors will then draw out the different principles of what artistic practice can offer towards creating a collaborative space for new knowledge to emerge. Research limitations/implications – Key ideas include different repertories of structuring to enable different forms of social interaction; the role of materal/ality and body in shifting what can be recognised as knowing; and the skills of “thinking on your feet”, being responsive and improvising. Originality/value – The authors will conclude by reflecting on aspects to consider when developing workshops as part of collaborative research projects.

Intra-family succession insights: the presence of millennial cohort successors

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aprihatiningrum Hidayati ◽  
Aji Hermawan ◽  
Agus W. Soehadi ◽  
Hartoyo
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Detailed Structural Analysis ◽  
Depth Interview ◽  
Succession Process ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Intra Family

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to shed some light on an important phenomenon – how and why intra-family succession may change if millennial cohorts are considered as successors. Specifically, it aims to explore the superordinate themes that support the success of intra-family succession from perspective of two different cohort successors (X and millennial).Design/methodology/approachAn interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was adopted for detailed structural analysis of in-depth interview as it aims to explore meaning of participants' experiences. A total of ten individuals participated in the study.FindingsSeventeen superordinate themes emerged from participants' personal statements and experiences. The themes are grouped into four aspects: namely, characteristics of predecessor and successor, succession process, firm and family and succession output. These aspects were found to be different between X and millennial cohort successors. They then form an empirical model of intra-family succession from both perspectives.Research limitations/implicationsThis study enriches the theory of family firm by considering generational effect of successors on intra-family succession.Practical implicationsAs millennial cohort successors prefer to go directly into business (experiential learning) and are driven by non-material motives (passion-driven), predecessors are expected to utilize them in the process of nurturing and development.Originality/valueThis study considers the role of generation cohort in supporting the success of intra-family succession especially in relation to the characteristics of millennial cohort successors that have been shown to differ from that of X cohort.

The role of universities in times of crisis: a vice-chancellor's perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 405-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Dewar
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Natural Extension ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The People ◽  
Crisis Events ◽  
Practical Support ◽  
New Knowledge ◽  
Manufacturing Problems

PurposeUniversity responses to crises range from providing practical support to affected students and staff; providing leadership to the community; contributing to the development of government policy; developing new knowledge; establishing new qualifications to reskill the workforce in areas of need; and working with industry partners to solve commercial and manufacturing problems.Design/methodology/approachUniversities play a vital role in times of crisis. This undertaking is exemplified by the important contribution made by universities to the societal response to recent crisis events including bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is not surprising that universities play this role, however, because it is a natural extension of a modern university's mission of promoting sustainable development and making positive contributions to the communities which it serves. Importantly, the role of universities is multifaceted and encompasses both applied and theoretical elements.FindingsEach of these responses demonstrates the way that modern universities have become permeable institutions that are responsive to society and the people around them.Originality/valueThis is an original opinions piece.

Industry 4.0 disruption: assessing the need for adaptive capability

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Uma Shankar Rangaswamy
Keyword(s):  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adaptive Capability ◽  
Learning Capabilities ◽  
Improved Learning

Purpose Considering the advent of Industry 4.0, organizations need to undergo digital transformation to survive disruptions owing to rapid technological changes. Accordingly, organizations should develop their adaptive capability to respond to these technological advancements and move ahead with their digital transformation journey. Design/methodology/approach Based on the author’s insights as a practitioner on digital transformation and based on existing theoretical frameworks, the author presents a conceptual framework on the determinants of adaptive capability required for digital transformation. Findings Organizations should develop their adaptive capability through improved learning capabilities and effective knowledge management system. They should also focus on exploring innovations and ideas and discard unwanted business processes to meet Industry 4.0 disruptions and achieve digital transformation. Originality/value This study has been done based on the author's academic research on adaptive capability and personal insights after engaging in several digital transformation engagements.

scholarly journals Vulnerable adults in police custody

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-8
Author(s):  
Ian Cummins
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Police Custody ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Vulnerable Adults

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss the recent National Appropriate Adult Network (NAAN) report on the role of the appropriate adult. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on the NAAN report and a review of relevant policy and research literature. Findings There to Help 2 highlights that there are still significant gaps in the provision of appropriate adult schemes across England and Wales. These gaps potentially place vulnerable adults at increased risk. Originality/value This paper is a review of recent research.

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