Mikko Heikkilä, Sami Terho, Minna Hirsi, Aarne Halme and Pekka Forsman
This paper seeks to describe how signs can be used as a part of the work task scenarios with service robot.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to describe how signs can be used as a part of the work task scenarios with service robot.
Design/methodology/approach
The signs are used to control a work task of a mobile service robot. Tests are done in real outdoor and non‐structured environments with the WorkPartner robot. In the test scenario the signs are used to define the boundaries of a working area. Two different kinds of signs are tested: passive and active.
Findings
The signs can be used as a simple way to define the parameters of a work task. One of the advantages is usability. For example, the signs can just be carried to the working area and no other actions are needed.
Research limitations/implications
The tests focused only on bounding the working area with signs. Using the signs for pointing a direction, marking a route, or defining a location of a single target will be tested in the future.
Practical implications
Signs are an easy way to configure work tasks of service robots. The concept can be applied to various kinds of mobile robots.
Originality/value
The signs are introduced as an alternative or complementary tool for passing information of the task plan of a work task from the human operator to the service robot.
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The nature of the information systems needed in a networked firm isnot well known: nor is the process leading to particular solutions.Describes a small computer‐consulting company…
Abstract
The nature of the information systems needed in a networked firm is not well known: nor is the process leading to particular solutions. Describes a small computer‐consulting company which works as a network of independent consultants, and analyses the slow and circuitous path from recognizing its IS/IT needs to its commitment to a particular solution as seven steps; using ideas of structuration theory as a focus. During the selection process, participants formed new interpretations of the firm, of technology, and of the appropriate process towards a feasible solution. New resources – both material and symbolic – were acquired to enable the search. Existing “norms” provided boundaries for the search process, but at times had to yield or be circumvented in order for the organization to reach a solution.
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Maria Ivanova-Gongne and Lasse Torkkeli
This paper aims to investigate the role of culture in managerial sensemaking and conceptualization of business networking.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the role of culture in managerial sensemaking and conceptualization of business networking.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors apply qualitative methodology through the sensemaking approach on three Finnish and three Russian managers in mutual buyer–supplier business relationship dyads.
Findings
The results imply that the cultural background of the manager determines his perception of the level at which business networking occurs. Finnish managers conceptualize business networking as an organizational strategy, whereas their Russian counterparts conceptualize the phenomenon squarely at the individual level.
Research limitations/implications
The authors suggest that the underlying cause of the differences in the conceptualization of networking may be that Finnish business networking relies more on concepts derived from Western European business culture, whereas Russian networking relies more on the traditional culture. Consequently, they suggest that the concept of business networking in extant research may suffer from ethnocentricity. Limitations of the study include the limited extent of generalizations from its qualitative nature.
Practical implications
The results imply that business network relationships should be managed differently in different cultures, and that depending on the cultural background of the business partner, managing both the organizational and the individual levels of business networking is needed.
Originality/value
The study contributes to limited literature on culture and the role of individuals in managerial conceptualization of business networking. This is one of the rare studies to illustrate differences through individual sensemaking on both sides of the relationship dyad and account for both Western European and Russian market environments.
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Teemu Rantanen, Thomas Chalmers McLaughlin and Timo Toikko
– The purpose of this paper is to examine young people’s attitudes toward social welfare and their perceptions of who is responsible for providing social welfare benefits.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine young people’s attitudes toward social welfare and their perceptions of who is responsible for providing social welfare benefits.
Design/methodology/approach
Social welfare attitudes were examined related to three themes: government responsibility, trust in society, and individual responsibility. A sample of 725 students from 12 high and vocational schools in south Finland was used for analysis.
Findings
The data suggest that young people have a high regard for the importance of the government’s role as a social support and a mechanism of social welfare for all citizens. In addition, the results show that women highlight government responsibility more than men, and that men highlight the individual’s own responsibility for social issues. According to the results, there is a weak relationship between cultural values and social welfare attitudes. Collective values relate positively to an emphasis on trust in government and government responsibility for social problems, and relate negatively to an emphasis on individuals’ personal responsibility.
Originality/value
The study shows that the main principles of the welfare state are still accepted by the Finnish youth, although recent speculations about the future of welfare states.
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The role of incubators in promoting startup growth has received close research attention, but the findings paint a conflicting picture. This study aims to reduce the ambiguity…
Abstract
Purpose
The role of incubators in promoting startup growth has received close research attention, but the findings paint a conflicting picture. This study aims to reduce the ambiguity surrounding incubator impact by exploring how incubators can support startups with business model innovations – a significant growth factor for startups neglected in the incubation literature.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a multiple-case study design, the authors conducted semistructured interviews with incubator directors and startup founders, offering insights into their experiences. The transcripts were coded following the Gioia method.
Findings
This study shows that incubatees are exposed to and struggle with business model innovation. Therefore, this study explores how incubators can support startups in innovating their business models.
Research limitations/implications
This research reveals the importance of addressing the psychological needs of entrepreneurs in incubators. By offering emotional support, incubators can create a positive psychological environment, helping entrepreneurs face fears and challenges. This highlights the human side of entrepreneurship, which has not been considered in the incubation literature.
Practical implications
Incubator directors can strengthen their programmes’ impact by offering tailored support for business model innovation and facilitating network connections. Policymakers should encourage ecosystem collaboration and allocate resources to effective programmes.
Originality/value
This research fills a gap in the incubation literature by emphasizing the significance and need for support for business model innovation. This study also offers original insights into the psychological dimensions of entrepreneurship.