Making or breaking the business case of digital transformation initiatives: the key role of learnings

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Colli ◽  
Verena Stingl ◽  
Brian V. Waehrens
Keyword(s):  
Technology Implementation ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Business Case ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe research aims to investigate how firms can develop their sensing capabilities for Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technology adoption through reframing their opportunity perceptions related to learnings from I4.0 initiatives.Design/methodology/approachThe research follows a design science research approach. Following the case of I4.0 technology introduction at a large food manufacturer, the paper develops a theoretical framework (artefact) and validates the applicability and efficacy of the framework within the case study.FindingsThe theoretical framework highlights the different temporal (short-term/long-term) and locational (direct/indirect) value dimensions of I4.0 opportunities. The findings show that the use of the framework can shift managers’ perception regarding the business value of an I4.0 technology implementation. Specifically, the framework reversed initially negative perceptions around a narrowly scoped business case towards an opportunity-oriented attitude exploring further potentials of the technology.Research limitations/implicationsThe research adds to the debate when and why firms engage in, and sustain their I4.0 initiatives by providing a novel perspective on firms’ sensing capabilities. As a single-case study, the framework requires further validation in practice.Practical implicationsThe proposed framework provides practitioners with an extended view concerning the potential value of digital transformation projects and serves as a conversational tool.Originality/valueThe presented wider frame for evaluating digital transformation projects, taking into account the more “intangible” value of their learnings, tackles the fundamental issue of translating explorative innovation efforts into exploitative value – a key challenge when dealing with innovation and one of the main barriers for the digital transformation.

A barrier diagnostic framework in process of digital transformation in higher education institutions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bayu Rima Aditya ◽  
Ridi Ferdiana ◽  
Sri Suning Kusumawardani
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Systematic Understanding ◽  
Diagnostic Framework

PurposeExisting literature has reported a barrier list that could affect the implementation of digital transformation in higher education, yet the research question of how to identify barriers remained unanswered. Thus, this study intended to address this gap.Design/methodology/approachThe research design adopted a mixed-methods approach based on the problem-centered design science research (DSR) process model for the development and evaluation of framework.FindingsThis study proposed a systematic framework of three sets of components: (1) the initial set of barriers; (2) the barrier rating scheme and (3) the barrier scoring matrix. The three-component of the framework is to identify and prioritize barriers to the successful implementation of digital transformation in higher education.Research limitations/implicationsThe evaluation of the framework was only based on an expert opinion.Practical implicationsThis study provided a direction to the policymakers for designing sensible strategies to increase the chances of a successful digital transformation in higher education.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the knowledge body by offering a more systematic understanding of barriers to digital transformation in higher education.

Social impacts of a short-distance relocation process and new ways of working

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 265-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matti Christersson ◽  
Christopher Heywood ◽  
Peggie Rothe
Keyword(s):  
Short Distance ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Social Impacts ◽  
Employee Perceptions ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Ways Of Working ◽  
The Social ◽  
Organizational Relocation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the social impacts of short-distance office relocation that also involved a new way of working, as perceived by employees during a relocation process. Relocation is any process of moving business premises and can consist of (often) significant change in locality, building change, workplace change and ways of working. This case study was not influenced by the effect of locality change making it hence a short-distance relocation. Design/methodology/approach The social impacts are analysed based on the perceptions of approximately 15 per cent (nine employees) of the case organization across the relocation process – two months before, one week before and four months after the move. The qualitative data collection is conducted by semi-structured interviews, supplemented by diaries and participatory action research. Findings Before the relocation, the subject organization’s old premises were considered inadequate. Still, employees had concerns during the process about the new open office environment including the adoption of new ways of working. Some employees did experience resistance towards the change, although the amount of engagement possibilities was deemed sufficient and engagement recognized as an important part of the process. After the relocation, adaptation was considered easier than originally anticipated and experiences of improved inter-team collaboration were reported by most while others experienced just the opposite, pointing out to emerging individual differences. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this study arise mainly from the ability to statistically generalize on the basis of a single case study which this paper represents. Furthermore, since the last interviews were made four months after the move, all post-occupancy implications were possibly not yet fully experienced. Originality/value The paper provides information on the social impacts of organizational relocation process, as it identifies individual employee perceptions during a relocation process where locality change is minimal. Moreover, the threefold research approach across the relocation process enables the appearance of possible time-dependent development of adaptation to change in employee perceptions and these perceptions to be analysed in more detail.

Digital transformation of legionella-safe cooling towers: an ecosystem design approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Ângelo ◽  
João Barata
Keyword(s):  
Cooling Tower ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Cooling Towers ◽  
Goal Modeling ◽  
Outbreak Response ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Outbreak Management ◽  
Digital Architecture

Purpose Legionnaires’ disease is a major threat to public health. Solutions to deal with this problem are usually siloed and not entirely effective. This paper aims to model the information requirements of legionella-safe cooling towers in the era of Industry 4.0. Design/methodology/approach A year-long design science research was conducted in a cooling tower producer for heavy industries. The project started with a bibliometric analysis and literature review of legionella in cooling towers. Goal modeling techniques are then used to identify the requirements for digital transformation. Findings The improvement of legionella prevention, detection and outbreak response in digitally enabled cooling tower should involve different stakeholders. Digital twins and blockchain are disruptive technologies that can transform the cooling tower industry. Originality/value For theory, this study revises the most recent advances in legionella protection. Legionella-safe systems must be prepared to anticipate, monitor and immediate alert in case of an outbreak. For practice, this paper presents a distributed and digital architecture for cooling tower safety. However, technology is only a part of outbreak management solutions, requiring trustworthy conditions and real-time communication among stakeholders.

Lean Six Sigma in higher education institutes: an Irish case study

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 948-974 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seamus J. O’Reilly ◽  
Joe Healy ◽  
Tom Murphy ◽  
Rónán Ó’Dubhghaill
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to contribute to a developing literature on continuous improvement (CI), enabled by Lean Six Sigma (LSS), in higher education institutions (HEIs). It reports on the key learning points arising from the initial steps taken by an Irish university on its CI journey. Design/methodology/approach A case study strategy was adopted following a participatory research approach. This approach supports reflexivity and also provides access to all relevant documentation and staff within the case university. Thematic analysis was supported by data reduction and display techniques. Findings The introduction of a LSS approach rather than a reliance on lean alone introduced a structured methodology (DMAIC) that supported simplification of a number of administrative processes. A number of specific improvements were achieved including: Cycle time and cost reduction; customer or employee satisfaction; and rework and error reduction. The findings support the importance of the Readiness Factors as identified by Antony (2014), with particular insight into the role of senior and middle management, the impact of training and deployment of expertise. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on an ongoing, longitudinal, empirical study of a single case study in Ireland. Originality/value This paper tracks the development of CI in a HEI in a longitudinal manner and adds to the emerging the literature in this area. The paper evaluates the role of management at various levels, analyses the use of LSS tools and techniques and evaluated the role of training and capacity building. Implications for Management are shared including: design and role of training programmes, role of champions at various organisational levels, including key functional areas and sustaining momentum.

A visual tool for identity communication strategy

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 831-854
Author(s):  
Dina Elikan ◽  
Yves Pigneur
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Complex Task ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Visual Tool ◽  
Scientific Approach

Purpose Being able to communicate a clear identity to different stakeholders is crucial for SMEs and startups in today’s world, which is characterised by accelerated innovation, growing competition and increasingly connected consumers. However, this can be a complex task for small organisations. The purpose of this paper is to propose a visual tool that supports entrepreneurs in SMEs and startups to collaboratively develop their identity communication strategy. Design/methodology/approach The paper follows a design science research approach. The authors propose the design of a tool as well as some preliminary qualitative evaluations. The authors conducted three iterations between design and evaluation, where the results of the evaluations are implemented in the design. Findings The authors demonstrate how to design strategic tools for allowing teams to co-design their identity communication strategy and present the tool. The authors also evaluate its use and find out through the preliminary evaluations that it could be easy to use and useful for practitioners. Originality/value The originality of this paper lays in the novelty of the tool and its development. Such a tool addressing identity communication strategy has not been developed with a scientific approach until now.

Blended learning adoption: a case study of one of the oldest universities in Europe

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 990-998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Previtali ◽  
Danila Scarozza
Keyword(s):  
Blended Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Faculty Satisfaction ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clinical Interviews ◽  
Main Factors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the determinants of blended learning adoption in universities by focusing on faculty’s satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach The research methodology is based on a case study of one of the most ancient University in Europe. The authors administered a questionnaire to the professors that used blended technologies, and the authors conducted clinical interviews with some of the key people involved in the implementation process. Findings The paper allows to identify the main factors that impact on faculty’s satisfaction. Student-related issues seem to be the most important factors influencing faculty satisfaction, while instructor-related issues and especially institution-related issues definitely seem to be less important. Research limitations/implications The study is focused just on a single case study. Further researches could explore a wider application of this research approach to several universities and different countries. Originality/value This study is one of the first that analyzed blended learning adoption in historic universities.

scholarly journals From crowd to cloud: simplified automatic reconstruction of digital building assets for facility management

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinimalan Balakrishnan Selvakumaran ◽  
Daniel Mark Hall
Keyword(s):  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Design Science Research ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Facility Management ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
User Engagement ◽  
Reconstruction Algorithms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
End To End

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of an end-to-end simplified and automated reconstruction pipeline for digital building assets using the design science research approach. Current methods to create digital assets by capturing the state of existing buildings can provide high accuracy but are time-consuming, expensive and difficult. Design/methodology/approach Using design science research, this research identifies the need for a crowdsourced and cloud-based approach to reconstruct digital building assets. The research then develops and tests a fully functional smartphone application prototype. The proposed end-to-end smartphone workflow begins with data capture and ends with user applications. Findings The resulting implementation can achieve a realistic three-dimensional (3D) model characterized by different typologies, minimal trade-off in accuracy and low processing costs. By crowdsourcing the images, the proposed approach can reduce costs for asset reconstruction by an estimated 93% compared to manual modeling and 80% compared to locally processed reconstruction algorithms. Practical implications The resulting implementation achieves “good enough” reconstruction of as-is 3D models with minimal tradeoffs in accuracy compared to automated approaches and 15× cost savings compared to a manual approach. Potential facility management use cases include the issue and information tracking, 3D mark-up and multi-model configurators. Originality/value Through user engagement, development, testing and validation, this work demonstrates the feasibility and impact of a novel crowdsourced and cloud-based approach for the reconstruction of digital building assets.

“Pollution prevention” is the key to drive sustainability

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 416-426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandeep Kumar Gupta ◽  
Sanjeev Gupta ◽  
S. Gayathiri
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Pollution Prevention ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Leather Industry ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Total Dissolved Solid

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the difference in firm performance between pollution prevention and pollution control strategies using a selected case study from the Indian leather industry. Design/methodology/approach This study followed a case study-based inductive research approach to validate the proposed preposition on field. The case-study analysis was based on qualitative and quantitative data. The authors developed a questionnaire and an interview protocol to capture the data about different industrial practices and motivation behind them. The study followed the concept of the triple bottom line approach for assessing the progress of the case firm on sustainability scale. Findings With the help of pollution preventive measures, such as replacement of salted skin with fresh skin and chromium salt with a phosphonium-based tanning agent, the case firm could overcome the biggest challenge of bringing down the level of total dissolved solid from 40,000 to 5,000 ppm in the raw effluent. Moreover, the firm has successfully recycled and converted tannery scraps and other waste into organic manure for internal use in its own plantations. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study could not be generalized as these are based on a single case study. Originality/value This study presents an example of sustainable practices and their benefits to the Indian leather industry to follow.

A BIM-lean framework for digitalisation of premanufacturing phases in offsite construction

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beda Barkokebas ◽  
Salam Khalife ◽  
Mohamed Al-Hussein ◽  
Farook Hamzeh
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Value Stream Mapping ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Modular Construction ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Evidence ◽  
Lean Principles ◽  
Upper Management

PurposeThe research introduces means for improving premanufacturing processes (design, procurement and bidding) by leveraging digitalisation in offsite construction. Specifically, this paper proposes a framework that provides measures for the planning and implementation of digitalisation in offsite construction by positioning building information modelling (BIM) as the key technology and lean principles to add value and reduce waste.Design/methodology/approachThe paper follows the design science research approach to develop the proposed framework and attain the aforementioned objective. The developed framework includes data collection, value-stream mapping and simulation to assess current processes, develop and propose improvements. An empirical implementation is employed to demonstrate the applicability of both the framework and the measures used to evaluate the outcomes.FindingsThe application of the proposed three-stage framework resulted in 9.45%–23.33%-time reduction per year for the various improvement categories in premanufacturing phases. Employing simulation and applying the developed measures provide incentive for upper management to adopt the suggested improvements. Additionally, while the empirical implementation was tested on a modular construction company, the methods used indicate that the framework, with its generic guidelines, could be applied and customized to any offsite company.Originality/valueWhile several studies propose that BIM-Lean integration offers an advantage in the context of production systems, this paper focuses on the initial design and planning phases, which are mostly overlooked in the literature. Moreover, the present study provides quantitative evidence of the benefits of data integration through BIM technology.

A relational view of start-up firms inside an incubator: the case of the ARCA consortium

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 601-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Di Fatta ◽  
Francesco Caputo ◽  
Gandolfo Dominici
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Collaborative Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Start Up

Purpose Analyzing the entrepreneurial ecosystem related to the ARCA consortium, the purpose of this paper is to study the relationships among the start-up firms inside an incubator. Design/methodology/approach Thanks to the adoption of the relationships concentric model and the density concentric model, the paper highlights the role of relational conditions for innovative projects in partnership among the incubated firms. Reflections herein are tested via a qualitative research approach based on a single case study: the ARCA consortium. Findings This research found that about 32 percent of relationships inside the incubator support the emergence of short-term relationships among the incubated firms. Furthermore, about 18 percent of the relationships support the emergence of strong collaborative strategies for the implementation of long-term relationships resulting in innovative pathways: innovative projects in partnership. Originality/value The most interconnected firms inside the incubator are those that play a central role also in the innovation pathway developing the higher number of innovative project in partnership. This finding emphasizes a correlation between collaborative relationships and innovation inside an incubator ecosystem.

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