Neville Vakharia, Marilena Vecco, Andrej Srakar and Divya Janardhan
This paper explores the concepts of knowledge-centric organizations in the performing arts sector to understand how specific organizational practices relate to measures of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores the concepts of knowledge-centric organizations in the performing arts sector to understand how specific organizational practices relate to measures of financial and operational performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative analysis of 368 small and mid-sized nonprofit performing arts organizations in the USA was undertaken via primary data on organizational practices and secondary data on performance metrics. Structural equation modeling was used to validate the latent construct of knowledge centricity and to test hypotheses on how knowledge centricity impacts financial and operational performance, and is influenced by firm-level demographic variables.
Findings
Results show several distinct performance metrics that are statistically associated with knowledge-centric practices of the organizations analyzed.
Research limitations/implications
This article investigates the knowledge centricity of organizations, a relatively nascent theoretical concept, which is of significant relevance in today’s knowledge-driven economy. The findings can serve as a basis to further investigate strategic approaches that arts organizations can undertake to remain sustainable and operate effectively in a knowledge-driven society.
Practical/implications
It provides critical insights into management practices and approaches that can be instituted to drive improved organizational performance.
Originality/value
Building on the extant literature, this article develops a conceptual framework of knowledge centricity and defines a knowledge-centric organization. It thoroughly investigates the latent construct of knowledge centricity, identifies how knowledge centricity impacts financial and operational performance of nonprofit performing arts organizations, and provides grounding for future studies.
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Neville Vakharia and Alex H. Poole
This study examines the enabling factors and practices that foster knowledge management in museums and the impact of those factors and practices on museums' performance and public…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the enabling factors and practices that foster knowledge management in museums and the impact of those factors and practices on museums' performance and public value.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted an exploratory survey of senior leaders of 191 small and mid-sized museums in the United States. The survey tested a novel conceptual model that integrates the constructs of knowledge management enablers, knowledge management orientation and organizational performance. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses of survey data were conducted to identify both the presence and dimensions of these constructs as well as the nature of the relationships among them.
Findings
The results of this study identified strong and significant predictive relationships between the constructs of its novel conceptual model. However, findings also identified key gaps in how museums create, manage and share organizational knowledge. These gaps limit their organizational performance and their ability to create public value. The authors identify specific factors and practices that enable museums to improve their organizational performance and increase their public value.
Originality/value
As the first empirical study of knowledge management enablers and knowledge management orientation in museums, this research not only adapts the study of these constructs to the museum sector, but it develops a novel conceptual model that links these constructs to multiple dimensions of a museum's organizational performance and public value. This research sets the stage for new study of knowledge management in museums; it also provides valuable insights for museum leaders.
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Yukun Wei, Leyang Dai, YanFei Fang, Chen Xing Sheng and Xiang Rao
The purpose of this paper is to enhance the characteristics of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). Because these NPs stick together easily and are difficult to distribute evenly, they…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to enhance the characteristics of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). Because these NPs stick together easily and are difficult to distribute evenly, they cannot be used extensively in lubricating oils. Altering TiO2 was recommended as an alternate way for making NPs simpler to disperse.
Design/methodology/approach
Through dielectric barrier discharge plasma (DBDP)-assisted ball mill diagnostics and modeling of molecular dynamics, TiO2@PEG-400 NPs were produced using the DBDP-assisted ball mill. The NPs’ microstructure was examined using FESEM, TEM, XRD, FT-IR and TG-DSC. Using the CFT-1 reciprocating friction tester, the tribological properties of TiO2@PEG-400 NPs as base oil additives were studied. EDS and XPS were used to examine the surface wear of the friction pair.
Findings
Tribological properties of the modified NPs are vastly superior to those of the original NPs, and the lipophilicity value of TiO2 NPs was improved by 200%. It was determined through tribological testing that TiO2@PEG-400’s exceptional performance might be attributable to a chemical reaction film made up of TiO2, Fe2O3, iron oxide and other organic chemicals.
Originality/value
This work describes an approach for preventing the aggregation of TiO2 NPs by coating their surface with PEG-400. In addition, the prepared NPs can enhance the tribological performance of lubricating oil. This low-cost, high-performance lubricant additive has tremendous promise for usage in marine engines to minimize operating costs while preserving navigational safety.