Peter Zackariasson and Timothy L. Wilson
The purpose of this paper is to identify, characterize, and discuss paradigm shifts that have occurred in the video game industry with some emphasis on competition and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify, characterize, and discuss paradigm shifts that have occurred in the video game industry with some emphasis on competition and competitiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
Basically, the paper depends upon a review of the literature associated with video game development. Past history is taken from texts and academic papers dealing with the subject. More current observations are taken from the business and popular press. These observations are placed within a context associated with the classic papers on industry evolution, paradigms, paradigm shifts, competition, and competitiveness.
Findings
It is difficult to capture present shifts in such a fast‐growing industry, but these shifts seem clear: the original entry of video games into the arcade sector that led to the industry and the demise of pinball; the development of the home cartridge and console that made the industry a home‐based phenomenon; the entry of independent game‐publishers that made the industry a two‐tiered one; and the development of massively multiplayer online role‐playing games (MMORPGs) that changed the way games are played.
Originality/value
The video game industry is an interesting one to follow. To an extent, its development characterizes our generation – fast paced, technologically oriented, and targeted toward the young and young at heart. This paper takes the subject away from a historical or anecdotal approach and places it within the context of industry evolution, paradigms, and paradigm shifts. It thus should be of value to students of not only video games, but also the evolution of rapidly growing industries and establishment of competitive advantages.
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The importance of mentorship in academia is discussed, and in particular the work of Timothy L. Wilson who has been instrumental for the author in this respect is described…
Abstract
Purpose
The importance of mentorship in academia is discussed, and in particular the work of Timothy L. Wilson who has been instrumental for the author in this respect is described. Drawing on historical practices from academia and the arts, the purpose of this paper is to communicate why and how mentorship could be applied.
Design/methodology/approach
As a conceptual paper this draws knowledge from the author's experience.
Findings
The general message concerns the importance of mentorship in order to create a vibrant (and sustainable) academic community.
Originality/value
The value of this paper is twofold: primarily it celebrates Timothy L. Wilson as a model to mentorship in academia, second it communicates the importance of mentorship per se.
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Peter Zackariasson, Gert‐Olof Boström and Timothy L. Wilson
This paper seeks to apply a structurational model of technology to reflect on the introduction, assimilation, and consequent industry change that accompanied the introduction of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to apply a structurational model of technology to reflect on the introduction, assimilation, and consequent industry change that accompanied the introduction of computer aided design (CAD) into the Swedish architectural industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The original research was designed to follow a change in an industry as it was occurring. A longitudinal study was used and the research design was centered on two surveys, taken 46 months apart during the adoption period, to examine the adoption and spread of the innovation. A structurational model of technology permits one to understand the interaction of people, technology, and institutions during these periods.
Findings
The competitive nature of the industry was affected. Adopters tended to adapt their business offerings to provide extended services whereas non‐adopters pursued an artistic emphasis in service provision. Technology came from suppliers to users, which in turn affected customers to the extent that they endorsed use. Understanding thus requires extending the two dimensional nature of the model to three dimensions involving supplier, user, and customers.
Research limitations/implications
One could always be critical of the specific geographic focus (Sweden), the specific industry (architecture), the specific technology (CAD) and the model (structuration) to explain a specific competitive development. Extension to other situations, of course, would strengthen and extend understanding.
Practical implications
Just knowing the nature of these developments should be of use to managers during such periods. That is, there is likely to be a split in the industry and both organizational types are likely to see their businesses affected.
Originality/value
The structurational model is necessarily extended to three dimensions in rationalizing the development.
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This study aims to determine whether partial least squares path modeling (PLS) is fit for purpose for scholars holding scientific realist views.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine whether partial least squares path modeling (PLS) is fit for purpose for scholars holding scientific realist views.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors present the philosophical foundations of scientific realism and constructivism and examine the extent to which PLS aligns with them.
Findings
PLS does not align with scientific realism but aligns well with constructivism.
Research limitations/implications
Research is needed to assess PLS’s fit with instrumentalism and pragmatism.
Practical implications
PLS has no utility as a realist scientific tool but may be of interest to constructivists.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to assess PLS’s alignments and mismatches with constructivist and scientific realist perspectives.
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Andreas Nilsson and Timothy L. Wilson
The purpose of this paper is to review the content, contributions and subsequent developments of the seminal paper by Barry Boehm, “A spiral model of software development and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the content, contributions and subsequent developments of the seminal paper by Barry Boehm, “A spiral model of software development and enhancement” written in 1988. The relationships of this paper to software development, agile projects, real options and present practice are put into perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
Basically an essayist approach is taken. First, the contents of Boehm's paper are reviewed and then associated with subsequent developments.
Findings
Review of the paper as published represents a documentation of cutting‐edge software development as it existed at the time. Fundamentally it suggests the viability of a non‐linear, customer‐influenced, development approach.
Practical implications
This basic approach illustrated in the spiral model of course has found its way into complex project approaches and management.
Originality/value
This paper follows the lines of increasing attention to classics, which is the purpose of this special issue of the journal. In particular, attention is called to the transition of thought on projects and project management from supplier‐oriented, linear processes to customer/client‐influenced, non‐linear ones.
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Annika Andersson and Timothy L. Wilson
The purpose of this paper is to describe the sequential nature that enterprise resource planning (ERP) projects tend to take and to describe how the buyer typically behaves…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the sequential nature that enterprise resource planning (ERP) projects tend to take and to describe how the buyer typically behaves concerning the need for control and learning in and in‐between ERP projects.
Design/methodology/approach
Results come from an in‐depth case study of sequential ERP projects. The respondents were a major Swedish retailer and a supplier who undertook upgrading of an ERP system with six separate and sequential projects. The research was framed by independent pre‐ and post‐interviews in three buyer companies' from different areas of business.
Findings
Results suggest that success is associated with mutual learning between supplier and buyer organizations that lead to reasonably amicable working relationships. Control considerations run through these projects and conflicts appear minimal in the sequential treatment. Insightful interpretation comes not only from empirical reflection on interactions in an in‐depth case study, but also from concepts available in decision making and project marketing as well.
Research limitations/implications
Case studies present in‐depth understanding but have generalization limitations. Also the case study was accomplished in Sweden and thus knowledge about behaviour in other countries and cultures is needed.
Practical implications
Managers investing in relationships and learning in an initial project probably suffer in terms of satisfaction and profitability at that stage but could accomplish more effective, satisfying and profitable situations over time. In particular, appreciation of the nature of the sequential project development, mutual control, delivery and learning in these projects could be useful in understanding the buyer behaviour in ERP projects.
Originality/value
Learning is important in projects but how do the buyers behave? A description of the sequential nature of ERP projects and the learning process both within the buyer's company and within the supplier's company is established. Tables are created that describe how the gap in the mutual learning process decreases in‐between projects in business‐to‐business projects.