Incorporating behavioral theory in design ideation for changing sustainability behaviors

Building on the behavioral theory of the firm, we empirically examine how starting strategies and syndication networks can influence venture capital (VC) firms’ problemistic search. We propose that: (a) depending on a VC’s strategic starting point, that is, the VC’s extent of specialization, the directionality of problemistic search may change to either expanding or contracting search activities; and (b) depending on search direction, structural holes in syndication networks can either impede or facilitate the problemistic search process. In a sample of U.S. VC firms, we find results consistent with our predictions, which have important implications for entrepreneurship and organizational strategy research.

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Idea generation with Technology Semantic Network

Artificial intelligence for engineering design analysis and manufacturing ◽

10.1017/s0890060421000020 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-19

Author(s):

Serhad Sarica ◽

Binyang Song ◽

Jianxi Luo ◽

Kristin L. Wood

Keyword(s):

Engineering Design ◽

Common Sense ◽

Semantic Network ◽

Idea Generation ◽

Semantic Distance ◽

The Core ◽

Design Idea ◽

Design Ideas ◽

Design Ideation

Abstract There are growing efforts to mine public and common-sense semantic network databases for engineering design ideation stimuli. However, there is still a lack of design ideation aids based on semantic network databases that are specialized in engineering or technology-based knowledge. In this study, we present a new methodology of using the Technology Semantic Network (TechNet) to stimulate idea generation in engineering design. The core of the methodology is to guide the inference of new technical concepts in the white space surrounding a focal design domain according to their semantic distance in the large TechNet, for potential syntheses into new design ideas. We demonstrate the effectiveness in general, and use strategies and ideation outcome implications of the methodology via a case study of flying car design idea generation.

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Almost‐Maximization as a Behavioral Theory of the Firm: Static, Dynamic and Evolutionary Perspectives

Review of Industrial Organization ◽

10.1007/s11151-019-09727-0 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 56 (2) ◽

pp. 237-258

Author(s):

Huw Dixon

Keyword(s):

Dynamic Behavior ◽

Firm Behavior ◽

Theory Of The Firm ◽

Behavioral Theory ◽

Price Rigidity ◽

Price Setting ◽

Term Survival ◽

Sales Revenue ◽

Evolutionary Perspectives

Abstract In this paper we consider the effect of epsilon maximization on firm behavior. In particular we focus on the dynamic behavior of firms with the use of the example of price‐setting: We show how almost-rational firms can be more volatile in their behavior. However, if a lexicographic preference for simplicity is made, then we can explain nominal price rigidity as a result of epsilon optimization. The behavior of the firm—which is consistent with its long‐term survival—is examined. We argue that epsilon-optimization is consistent with survival in any context in which something is optimized: such as sales revenue.

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