Hailong Ju, Yiting Fang and Yezhen Zhu
Prior literature has long argued that knowledge networks contain great opportunities for innovation, and researchers can identify these opportunities using the properties of…
Abstract
Purpose
Prior literature has long argued that knowledge networks contain great opportunities for innovation, and researchers can identify these opportunities using the properties of knowledge networks (PKNs). However, previous studies have examined only the relationship between structural PKNs (s-PKNs) and innovation, ignoring the effect of qualitative PKNs (q-PKNs), which refer to the quality of the relationship between two elements. This study aims to further investigate the effects of q-PKNs on innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a panel data set of 2,255 patents from the Chinese wind energy industry, the authors construct knowledge networks to identify more PKNs and examine these hypotheses.
Findings
The results show that q-PKNs significantly influence recombinant innovation (RI), reflecting the importance of q-PKNs analysed in this study. Moreover, the results suggest that the combinational potential of an element with others may be huge at different levels of q-PKNs.
Originality/value
This study advances the understanding of PKNs and RI by exploring how q-PKNs impact RI. At different levels of PKNs, the potential of the elements to combine with others and form innovation are different. Researchers can more accurately identify the opportunities for RI using two kinds of PKNs. The findings also provide important implications on how government should provide support for R&D firms.
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Keywords
The emergence of mega-farms in middle-income countries like Brazil and Ukraine and the efforts to consolidate small farms into larger ones in China and elsewhere have suggested…
Abstract
Purpose
The emergence of mega-farms in middle-income countries like Brazil and Ukraine and the efforts to consolidate small farms into larger ones in China and elsewhere have suggested that new institutional arrangements and technology progress may increase the significant farm economies of size, and therefore challenging the classical inverse relationship (IR) between productivity and farm size. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a research to examine the existence of IR in China’s cereal production and further explore the possible mechanism.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the panel data concerning farms from 31 provinces in China in 2009–2014, technology efficiency and allocation efficiency in cereal production were measured based on the Translog production function.
Findings
In China, an IR exists between wheat, rice and maize production after controlling the related variables. Further, the presence of this IR is due to allocation efficiency rather than technology efficiency. Results of technology efficiency show that there is no significant difference between different size groups; in other words, even the larger size groups enjoy a higher technology efficiency in rice production. Results of allocation efficiency demonstrate that, compared with the larger farms, smaller holders tend to invest more in factors which are beneficial in growing productivity. Hence, yields of small-size farms exceed those of large-size farms, which consequently leads to the IR.
Practical implications
The scale consolidation of cropland is harmless to the efficiency of factor utilization and, conversely, may contribute in improving the technology efficiency of specific crops (like rice). Based on the results of allocation efficiency estimation, the extent of misallocation in large scales is relatively less due to their less input of fertilizer and pesticide; thus, the size-improving policy of farmland may contribute to the ease of the non-point pollution in agriculture.
Originality/value
The existing discussions of the IR in the context of recent China mainly focus on the accurate verification of IRs. This paper steps forward from the perspective of technology efficiency and allocation efficiency and explores the exact resources of IR with up-to-date and representative data and hopes to find some new conclusions.
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Erik Bergström, Fredrik Karlsson and Rose-Mharie Åhlfeldt
The purpose of this paper is to develop a method for information classification. The proposed method draws on established standards, such as the ISO/IEC 27002 and information…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a method for information classification. The proposed method draws on established standards, such as the ISO/IEC 27002 and information classification practices. The long-term goal of the method is to decrease the subjective judgement in the implementation of information classification in organisations, which can lead to information security breaches because the information is under- or over-classified.
Design/methodology/approach
The results are based on a design science research approach, implemented as five iterations spanning the years 2013 to 2019.
Findings
The paper presents a method for information classification and the design principles underpinning the method. The empirical demonstration shows that senior and novice information security managers perceive the method as a useful tool for classifying information assets in an organisation.
Research limitations/implications
Existing research has, to a limited extent, provided extensive advice on how to approach information classification in organisations systematically. The method presented in this paper can act as a starting point for further research in this area, aiming at decreasing subjectivity in the information classification process. Additional research is needed to fully validate the proposed method for information classification and its potential to reduce the subjective judgement.
Practical implications
The research contributes to practice by offering a method for information classification. It provides a hands-on-tool for how to implement an information classification process. Besides, this research proves that it is possible to devise a method to support information classification. This is important, because, even if an organisation chooses not to adopt the proposed method, the very fact that this method has proved useful should encourage any similar endeavour.
Originality/value
The proposed method offers a detailed and well-elaborated tool for information classification. The method is generic and adaptable, depending on organisational needs.
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Mohamed Ridda Laouar, Richard Hacken and Mathew Miles
The purpose of this article is to present a conceptual model for the design of a scholarly web portal at the University of Tébessa, with which it is hoped that scholarly work…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to present a conceptual model for the design of a scholarly web portal at the University of Tébessa, with which it is hoped that scholarly work stations that combine local and remote holdings, tools and documents will be created. Today, with access to enormous quantities of information facilitated by the web, boundaries between remote and local source documents become invisible. This is of extreme interest for libraries in Algeria, whose local holdings are very limited.
Design/methodology/approach
An outlined conceptual model of library portal architecture, with ontological classifications and relationships is presented. The model comes from applying literature reviews to the needs and specifications of the authors and leads to a detailed breakdown of the planning and implementation process.
Findings
Three findings in particular are worth noting. First, the contribution of web services to the seamless utility of a scholarly portal is indispensable: interoperable features, formats and protocols can be carefully customized. Second, the conceptual model assists not only in visualization but in implementation phases of the process from assessment of user needs and behaviors through interface creation and ongoing maintenance. Third, a method for recycling (or “porting”) existing applications in constructing new library services is a key component.
Originality/value
Though this library portal is conceived for an Algerian library, which will ultimately benefit from inclusion in a nationwide network, Réseau Régional Inter Bibliothèques Universitaires (RIBU), the conceptual model may guide anyone interested in aggregating online information resources into a single, seamless terminal.