Knowledge capitalization in mechatronic collaborative design

In mechatronic collaborative design, there is a synergic integration of several expert domains, where heterogeneous knowledge needs to be shared. To address this challenge, ontology-based approaches are proposed as a solution to overtake this heterogeneity. However, dynamic exchange between design teams is overlooked. Consequently, parametric-based approaches are developed to use constraints and parameters consistently during collaborative design. The most valuable knowledge that needs to be capitalized, which we call crucial knowledge, is identified with informal solutions. Thus, a formal identification and extraction is required. In this paper, we propose a new methodology to formalize the interconnection between stakeholders and facilitate the extraction and capitalization of crucial knowledge during the collaboration, based on the mathematical theory ‘Category Theory’ (CT). Firstly, we present an overview of most used methods for crucial knowledge identification in the context of collaborative design as well as a brief review of CT basic concepts. Secondly, we propose a methodology to formally extract crucial knowledge based on some fundamental concepts of category theory. Finally, a case study is considered to validate the proposed methodology.

Conceptual metaphor as a linguomental tool of reality knowledge: identification problem

The article investigates conceptual metaphor as a linguo-instrumental tool by which a person is able to know, evaluate and transform the world. The history of metaphor study has been considered in detail, from its complete denial to understanding as a mechanism of objective reality cognition, and it has been found that most approaches to the interpretation of metaphor were demonstrated in the twentieth century. In particular, it has been considered as a means of forming concepts, and as a semantic-two-dimensional, clearly connoted unit, and as a figurative structure of language, as a marker of idiosyncrasy, and as an object of linguistic and cultural research etc. The twentieth century witnessed the emergence of new scientific linguistic directions, which laid the foundations for understanding the conceptual metaphor associated with understanding the processes of transformation of mental categories into the language during cognition of the world, interpretation of metaphorical meaning, mechanisms of metaphorical renaming and suggestion, and manipulative potential of metaphor, etc. Within different scientific approaches a metaphor is considered as a mental phenomenon, an important way of creating concepts in the language world, which contributed to the emergence of new theories of cognitive study of metaphors as descriptive theory blends, metaphorical modelling, cognitive-onomastic analysis, etc. Further study of the conceptual metaphor, primarily on specific textual material, will reveal the cognitive-linguistic mechanisms of a person, taking into account national specifics, to identify the deep links between the language of the people and its intellectual heritage.

Stars and Brokers: Knowledge Spillovers Among Medical Scientists

This paper estimates the heterogeneity in peer effects among research scientists in terms of network position. I propose a new measure, brokerage degree, that determines the extent to which a scientist depends on a coauthor to provide him unique access to other scientists further away. I apply this measure to the coauthorship network of medical scientists. I show that network position is crucial for productivity by facilitating access to nonredundant knowledge. Identification results from variation in brokerage degree among coauthors linked to a star scientist who dies. A one standard deviation increase in the brokerage degree of a deceased star is associated with a 10% decrease in annual publications of his coauthor. By applying brokerage degree to topics, I provide evidence that access to knowledge flows embodied in scientists further away can account for a large proportion of the identified heterogeneity effect. This paper was accepted by Toby Stuart, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Green Banking Products: Challenges and Issues in Islamic and Traditional Banks of Pakistan

Purpose: The issuance of green banking guidelines in 2017 has opened the door of a new banking horizon for Islamic banks because the objective of Islamic banks, objective of Shariah, objective of Islamic economic system and objective of green banking are linked. Banking, especially Islamic banking based on products and one of the main components of green banking guidelines is the development of green banking products. Since green banking is in the infancy stage, therefore, the objective of the study is to explore the issues and challenges in green banking products in Islamic and traditional banks of Pakistan. Methodology: Semi-Structured interview technique is utilized for data collection. The green operation managers and Shariah scholars of sample banks selected as interviewees. Interviews are conducted through telephonic recorded calls and email-interviewing. Total of 26 interviews are conducted. Findings: The results indicate that lack of skills, knowledge, identification of the target market with the appropriate mode of financing and convincing the people are some main obstacles in green banking product formulation and implementation. Implications: At one-point, green banking is an opportunity for Islamic banks to achieve Maqasid-e-Shariah on the other side, it may become an obstacle because it further limits the financing areas for Islamic banks. The situation needs serious attention from policymakers to act at earliest.

Systematization of absorptive capacity microprocesses for knowledge identification in project management

Purpose This study aims to systematize the acquisition phase of absorptive capacity microprocesses that contribute to project management (PM) knowledge identification. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory and descriptive qualitative research was adopted. The first stage consisted of building the conceptual framework based on four systematic-literature-reviews. The data collection process in the second phase involved in-depth interviews, which are adequate to understand the interviewee’s reality. The sample composition consisted of 15 respondents who are PM professionals with an average of 15 years of experience. Each interviewee was chosen based on their expertise and ability to transmit the entire management process of several projects. The data were analyzed using the Atlas. Tecnology information software following the grounded theory technique with three coding cycles: open, axial and selective. Findings Based on the results, the authors organized the microprocesses into three groups: events, social interaction and the use of tools and techniques. Research limitations/implications The primary limitation of the study was the number of respondents. Future studies will be able to identify other microprocesses and evaluate their role in the knowledge identification process. Practical implications This study presents a systematization of microprocesses in knowledge identification, as it occurs in the context of PM. Based on the results of this study, organizations will be able to choose the microprocesses that best fit their operations and activities according to the complexity, innovation and/or criticality of their projects. Originality/value The systematic literature review revealed a gap in the knowledge identification phase of knowledge management as it pertains to PM. Thus, this study presents a systematization of how knowledge identification occurs in the context of PM.