scholarly journals The impact of digital technologies on business models. Insights from the space industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Aloini ◽  
Loretta Latronico ◽  
Luisa Pellegrini

Purpose In the past decade, in the space industry, many initiatives intended at offering open access to big data from space multiplied. Therefore, firms started adopting business models (BMs) which lever on digital technologies (e.g. cloud computing, high-performance computing and artificial intelligence), to seize these opportunities. Within this scenario, this article aims at answering the following research question: which digital technologies do impact which components the BM is made of? Design/methodology/approach An exploratory multiple case study approach was used. Three cases operating in the space industry that lever on digital technologies to implement their business were analyzed. Despite concerns regarding reliability and validity, multiple case studies allow greater understanding of causality, and show superiority respect to quantitative studies for theory building. Findings Big data, system integration (artificial intelligence, high-performance computing) and cloud computing seem to be pivotal in the space industry. It emerges that digital technologies involve all the different areas and components of the BM. Originality/value This paper sheds light on the impact that digital technologies have on the different BM components. It is only understanding which technologies can support the value proposition, which technologies make the infrastructural part able to support this proposition, which technologies may be helpful for delivering and communicating this value to customers and which technologies may help firms to appropriate the value that it is possible to seize the impact of digital technologies on BM.

Author(s):  
Sadhana Tiwari, Shashank Bharadwaj, Dr. Sunil Joshi

Banks have seen a convergence in end-customer banking interactions over the last decade, owing to IT-enabled solutions and services such as Core Banking, Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Wallet, Wallets Kiosk Banking. The evolution of IT in the banking industry supports both banks and their clients. Banks' business models are now centered on delivering consumer joy via IT-enabled solutions and services. Cloud technology allows banks to follow a digital paradigm for providing novel channels, reducing TAT to market new offerings, fulfilling consumer expectations, and adhering to regulatory requirements at a lower cost. In constantly evolving technical paradigms, cloud-based solutions offer a higher value proposition to IT solutions and services. Device administrators can remotely assemble, upload, customize, and execute virtual tools to manage a business solution using cloud infrastructure. Furthermore, cloud IT technology can be scaled up or down at any time based on planned use and specifications without incurring high costs. To assess the impact of cloud computing and artificial intelligence in operational and service advantage Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) technique is used. The thesis demonstrates how well the measured variables reflect the number of constructs and whether the estimation hypothesis is confirmed or rejected.


Author(s):  
Jose-Luis González-Sánchez ◽  
Jesús Calle-Cancho ◽  
David Cortés-Polo ◽  
Luis-Ignacio Jiménez-Gil ◽  
Alfonso López-Rourich

If the fourth industrial revolution should be the revolution of values, where people, more than ever, are at the center of everything, it may be the technology that gives us the ability to place ourselves in that privileged position. However, there is consensus that the fourth industrial revolution is not defined by a set of emerging technologies in themselves, but by the transition to new systems that are built on the infrastructure of the digital revolution that we have already lived. The speed of the advances experienced in the last decade, along with the scope and impact of these in society, have allowed us to understand that we have reached a new technological revolution. The convergence, that is the real revolution, not only of digital technologies but also physical and biological will allow humanity to face the great challenges that have been marked for decades or centuries.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dejan Jelovac ◽  
Čedomir Ljubojević ◽  
Ljubomir Ljubojević

Purpose The implementation of high performance computing (HPC) in business (especially small and medium-sized enterprises) is accompanied with mistrust to a certain extent, which has imposed the need for building of digital trust (DTrust) among stakeholders. The purpose of the present paper is to find out the ways on how to build and maintain such trust. Design/methodology/approach Analysis and critical reflection on previous research dealing with phenomena of digital transformation (DT), HPC, corporate digital responsibility (CDR) and DTrust have enabled the authors to design their own conceptual model as the answer to the research questions of how, and in what way, CDR influences DTrust. Findings The authors have determined that the previous researches pointed to the existence of the correlation between CDR and DTrust although they did not elaborate on this explicitly. It was shown that the DT itself directly influences trust and sustainability. The indirect influence DT has via CDR was the task the authors undertook through designing a new conceptual model within whose frame the authors separately presented the influence of total CDR on DTrust as well as of the specific CDR dimensions on the particular dimensions of DTrust. Originality/value The authors tried to offer the conceptual model that exactly determines the relation of individual dimensions of the processed phenomena by analyzing theoretical and empirical researches carried out so far, and eo ipso shed more light on their mutual relation. The authors firmly believe that this paper offers a useful frame for further empirical researches.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 889-923 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Antonio Joia ◽  
Gustavo Marchisotti

PurposeThis study aims to identify the social representation of cloud computing from the perspective of Information Technology (IT) professionals in emerging countries, comparing it with the extant literature on this subject.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from IT professionals in Brazil, which was used as a proxy for the emerging countries’ context related to cloud computing. Social Representation Theory was then applied to analyze the data.FindingsMismatches between theory and practice on cloud computing make it clear that most of the current scientific literature on cloud computing is, to a great extent, based on the context of developed countries rather than on the context of emerging ones.Research limitations/implicationsErrors of inference may have been made during the categorization of the words evoked. Furthermore, Brazil was used as a proxy for the emerging countries’ context related to cloud computing.Practical implicationsIT professionals in emerging countries have quite an operational view of cloud computing. Thus, companies in these countries have to align cloud computing better with new business models and corporate strategies in order to take advantage of the transformational impacts of cloud computing.Originality/valueIT professionals in emerging countries have failed to notice the strategic value of cloud computing, the new business models enabled by same, the privacy issues related to it and the impact cloud computing adoption can have on the IT costs of an organization. Moreover, mobility can be a paramount issue related to cloud computing in emerging countries – a fact thus far overlooked by academia.


Author(s):  
David Lowther ◽  
Vahid Ghorbanian ◽  
Mohammad Hossain Mohammadi ◽  
Issah Ibrahim

Purpose The design of electromagnetic systems for a variety of applications such as induction heating, electrical machines, actuators and transformers requires the solution of a multi-physics problem often involving thermal, structural and mechanical coupling to the electromagnetic system. This results in a complex analysis system embedded within an optimization process. The appearance of high-performance computing systems over the past few years has made coupled simulations feasible for the design engineer. When coupled with surrogate modelling techniques, it is possible to significantly reduce the wall clock time for generating a complete design while including the impact of the multi-physics performance on the device. Design/methodology/approach An architecture is proposed for linking multiple singe physics analysis tools through the material models and a controller which schedules the execution of the various software tools. The combination of tools is implemented on a series of computational nodes operating in parallel and creating a “super node” cluster within a collection of interconnected processors. Findings The proposed architecture and job scheduling system can allow a parallel exploration of the design space for a device. Originality/value The originality of the work derives from the organization of the parallel computing system into a series of “super nodes” and the creation of a materials database suitable for multi-physics interactions.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Boleslaw Rok ◽  
Monika Kulik

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how circular start-ups design and implement innovation into their business models to increase their positive impact. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study is based on an exploratory multiple-case study involving six circular start-ups with positive impact in Poland. Data gathering took place via in-depth interviews with start-up founders. Findings The analysis demonstrates that three factors, which are strongly interconnected, can significantly influence the development of a circular start-up. The first is the purpose-led motivation for circularity as a solution, mostly concentrated on the environmental education of different market actors. The second factor is built on the aim to increase the positive impact by addressing the most pressing social and environmental problems. It determines the impact on society as well as on the environment and the extent to which its model can be scaled up. The third factor is driven by the understanding of the purpose of the innovation, concentrated on the business model innovation regarding circularity. Practical implications This paper demonstrates the benefits for diverse stakeholders and the importance of using circular business models in start-up development. Circularity can be perceived as a main part of the new approach to improve sustainability. Originality/value Circular start-ups represent a new phenomenon in the entrepreneurial market. While the structure and logic of the circular business model in start-ups are significantly unexplored in the management literature, this model is viewed as a crucial step in the direction of increasing the positive impact of start-ups. From a theoretical and practical perspective, it is important to understand the differences and similarities in this area within different markets.


2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 222-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Achtenhagen ◽  
Leona Achtenhagen

Purpose Currently, the hype surrounding digitalization proclaims that the way in which companies create and capture value will change dramatically. Companies that adjust their business models to embrace digital technologies will need different skill sets and competences. Current research tends to focus on the impact of digital technologies on corporations or more generally the labor market, but the authors lack detailed insights into how companies perceive this development to influence their needs regarding employee qualifications. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore how companies perceive the impact of digital technologies on the education and training needs of current and future employees. Design/methodology/approach This study draws on eight case studies from the food industry. It focuses on one occupation certified within the German “dual system” of vocational education and training (VET), the machine and plant operator with focus on food technology. Findings The findings suggest that the impact of different digital technologies on employees’ job positions, working tasks and training needs is carefully considered in decisions regarding the implementation of digital technologies. Despite some company-specific contingencies, the perceived implications for VET needs are largely similar across the sample. Originality/value This study draws attention to the importance of reviewing VET needs in relation to the decision of implementing digital technologies.


2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 632-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah A Alabdulkarim ◽  
Peter Ball ◽  
Ashutosh Tiwari

Purpose – Asset management has recently gained significance due to emerging business models such as Product Service Systems where the sale of asset use, rather than the sale of the asset itself, is applied. This leaves the responsibility of the maintenance tasks to fall on the shoulders of the manufacturer/supplier to provide high asset availability. The use of asset monitoring assists in providing high availability but the level of monitoring and maintenance needs to be assessed for cost effectiveness. There is a lack of available tools and understanding of their value in assessing monitoring levels. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This research aims to develop a dynamic modelling approach using Discrete Event Simulation (DES) to assess such maintenance systems in order to provide a better understanding of the behaviour of complex maintenance operations. Interviews were conducted and literature was analysed to gather modelling requirements. Generic models were created, followed by simulation models, to examine how maintenance operation systems behave regarding different levels of asset monitoring. Findings – This research indicates that DES discerns varying levels of complexity of maintenance operations but that more sophisticated asset monitoring levels will not necessarily result in a higher asset performance. The paper shows that it is possible to assess the impact of monitoring levels as well as make other changes to system operation that may be more or less effective. Practical implications – The proposed tool supports the maintenance operations decision makers to select the appropriate asset monitoring level that suits their operational needs. Originality/value – A novel DES approach was developed to assess asset monitoring levels for maintenance operations. In applying this quantitative approach, it was demonstrated that higher asset monitoring levels do not necessarily result in higher asset availability. The work provides a means of evaluating the constraints in the system that an asset is part of rather than focusing on the asset in isolation.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahdi Valitabar ◽  
Mohammadjavad Mahdavinejad ◽  
Henry Skates ◽  
Peiman Pilechiha

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to present a parametric design method to generate optimum adaptive facades regarding occupants' comfort and building energy criteria. According to the literature review, the following questions have arisen to address the research gaps: Is it possible to have the outside view throughout the whole year without discomfort glare by utilising adaptive solar facades (ASFs)? How can architects integrate both view quality and quantity into ASF design? What is the impact of dynamic vertical shading systems mounted on south facades on the outside view, occupants' visual comfort and operational energy? How can we evaluate the view quantity through multi-layer shading systems?Design/methodology/approachIn recent years, there is a surge in demand for fully glazed buildings, motivating both architects and scholars to explore novel ideas for designing adaptive solar facades. Nevertheless, the view performance of such systems has not been fully explored especially when it comes to the effect of dynamic vertical shading systems mounted on south facades. This fact clarifies the need to conduct more research in this field by taking into account the window view and natural light. Consequently, a simulation research is carried out to investigate the impact of a dynamic shading system with three vertical slats used on the south facade of a single office room located in Tehran, on both view quality and quantity, visual comfort and operational energy. The research attempts to reach a balance between the occupant's requirements and building energy criteria through a multi-objective optimisation. The distinctive feature of the proposed method is generating some optimum shading which could only cover the essential parts of the window area. It was detected from the simulation results that the usage of a dynamic vertical shading system with multi slats for south facades compared to common Venetian blinds can firstly, provide four times more view quantity. Secondly, the view quality is significantly improved through enabling occupants to enjoy the sky layer the entire year. Finally, twice more operational energy can be saved while more natural light can enter the indoor environment without glare. The final outcome of this research contributes toward designing high-performance adaptive solar facades.FindingsThis paper proposes a new metric to evaluate the view quantity through a multi-layer shading system. The proposed method makes it clear that the usage of dynamic vertical shading systems with multi-layers mounted on south facades can bring many benefits to both occupants and building energy criteria. The proposed method could (1) provide four times more view quantity; (2) improve view quality by enabling occupants to watch the sky layer throughout the whole year; (3) slash the operational energy by twice; (4) keep the daylight glare probability (DGP) value in the imperceptible range.Research limitations/implicationsThe research limitations that should be acknowledged are ignoring the impact of the adjacent building on sunlight reflection, which could cause discomfort glare issues. Another point regarding the limitations of the proposed optimisation method is the impact of vertical shading systems on users' visual interests. A field study ought to be conducted to determine which one could provide the more desirable outside view: a vertical or horizontal the view. Research on the view performance of ASFs, especially their impact on the quality of view, is sorely lacking.Originality/valueThis paper (1) analyses the performance of dynamic vertical shadings on south facades; (2) evaluates outside view through multi-layer shading systems; and (3) integrates both view quality and quantity into designing adaptive solar facades.


2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (12) ◽  
pp. 33-33
Author(s):  
Chris Carpenter

The final afternoon of the 2020 ATCE saw a wide-ranging virtual special session that covered an important but often overlooked facet of the unfolding digitalization revolution. While the rising wave of digital technology usually has been associated with production optimization and cost savings, panelists emphasized that it can also positively influence the global perception of the industry and enhance the lives of its employees. Chaired by Weatherford’s Dimitrios Pirovolou and moderated by John Clegg, J.M. Clegg Ltd., the session, “The Impact of Digital Technologies on Upstream Operations To Improve Stakeholder Perception, Business Models, and Work-Life Balance,” highlighted expertise taken from professionals across the industry. Panelists included petroleum engineering professor Linda Battalora and graduate research assistant Kirt McKenna, both from the Colorado School of Mines; former SPE President Darcy Spady of Carbon Connect International; and Dirk McDermott of Altira Group, an industry-centered venture-capital company. Battalora described the complex ways in which digital technology and the goal of sustainability might interact, highlighting recent SPE and other industry initiatives such as the GAIA Sustainability Program and reviewing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). McKenna, representing the perspective of the Millennial generation, described the importance of “agile development,” in which the industry uses new techniques not only to improve production but also to manage its employees in a way that heightens engagement while reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. Addressing the fact that greater commitment will be required to remove the “tougher two-thirds” of the world’s hydrocarbons that remain unexploited, Spady explained that digital sophistication will allow heightened productivity for professionals without a sacrifice in quality of life. Finally, McDermott stressed the importance of acknowledging that the industry often has not rewarded shareholders adequately, but pointed to growing digital components of oil and gas portfolios as an encouraging sign. After the initial presentations, Clegg moderated a discussion of questions sourced from the virtual audience. While the questions spanned a range of concerns, three central themes included the pursuit of sustainability, with an emphasis on carbon capture; the shape that future work environments might take; and how digital technologies power industry innovation and thus affect public perception. In addressing the first of these, Battalora identified major projects involving society-wide stakeholder involvement in pursuit of a regenerative “circular economy” model, such as Scotland’s Zero Waste Plan, while McKenna cited the positives of CO2-injection approaches, which he said would involve “partnering with the world” to achieve both economic and sustainability goals. While recognizing the importance of the UN SDGs in providing a global template for sustainability, McDermott said that the industry must address the fact that many investors fear rigid guidelines, which to them can represent limitations for growth or worse.


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