This paper aims to sketch the outline of a systems framework for creativity. It involves several levels of analysis and addresses researchers and practitioners. When improving…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to sketch the outline of a systems framework for creativity. It involves several levels of analysis and addresses researchers and practitioners. When improving creative climates in work settings, it is necessary to have a better understanding of the various mechanisms of creativity and what strengthens or diminishes them.
Design/methodology/approach
Creativity research is fragmented and involves multiple aspects, levels and disciplines, ranging from biology to psychology and sociology. Concepts from systems science have particular value in understanding creativity, as they provide a transdisciplinary language of how systems work and adapt. This conceptual paper makes use of the language and concepts from the systems field to connect often disparate perspectives and clarify key mechanisms of creativity.
Findings
The core of this paper is a newly developed multilevel model of the creative mind. The proposed concepts provide a starting point for integrating further theoretical findings.
Practical implications
Improved understanding of creativity could help leaders more effectively use their creativity while facilitating the creativity of others for successful cooperation and problem-solving.
Originality/value
The visual models introduced here help bridge theory and practice while creating a stronger link between creativity research and studies in systems, cybernetics and complexity.
Details
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Abstract
Details
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Massimo Conti and Simone Orcioni
The purpose of this paper is to describe a system and a database structure for the tracing of the waste of electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) using radio-frequency…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe a system and a database structure for the tracing of the waste of electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) using radio-frequency identification tags.
Design/methodology/approach
The problems related to the management of WEEE and the international directives have been presented and analyzed. The authors propose a traceability system to extend the tracing in the reverse logistics.
Findings
The proposed systems allow a more efficient management of the reuse, repair and recycle phase of the products and components, thus reducing the disposal of the electric and electronic equipment. There are many possible positive impacts of the system. The authors investigate, in particular, the impact of the single component tracing on the disposal cost reduction and on the reliability improvement using reused components.
Research limitations/implications
The system has been tested in the production chain of a company that produces electronic equipment for elevators. Up to now, the results and impact are limited to the company.
Practical implications
The system has been applied in the management of reused components of a specific company. The immediate result was that the system allowed the redesign of the electronic product with a cost reduction and reliability improvement.
Social implications
The authors think that the proposed solution allows a step forward in the reduction of WEEE.
Originality/value
The database structure and the web application, used to track the entire working life of an electronic appliance, are original. Original is also the idea of tracing all the single components of the electronic products.