In October 1994, Cologne Public Library started using eight self‐service units for issues and returns in the central library. Two cash units were added in January 1996. The…
Abstract
In October 1994, Cologne Public Library started using eight self‐service units for issues and returns in the central library. Two cash units were added in January 1996. The introduction of self‐service was part of the implementation of the new integrated library system from Automated Library Systems Ltd., and the main objective was to improve the library's service to its customers. This article discusses Cologne's experiences and shows how the concept developed together by ALS and Cologne Public Library is based on three premises: complete integration in the ALS circulation software, with access to the central stock and borrower database; ergonomic front‐end software, user‐friendly hardware; and complete integration of a security system.
Santanu Sarkar and Ranabir Chakraborty
We were intrigued by the question of whether the convergence of businesses across nations in search of flexibility to survive economic crisis led to a convergence of the annual…
Abstract
Purpose
We were intrigued by the question of whether the convergence of businesses across nations in search of flexibility to survive economic crisis led to a convergence of the annual rate of change of union membership. The question emerged because the convergence theory was controverted, especially when the neo-capitalist idea failed to withstand the test of time during the economic crisis.
Design/methodology/approach
By adopting the model from Bain and Elsheik (1976) and using time-series data from 1990 to 2014 for Finland and India that survived economic crisis during this period, whereby union membership remained steady in Finland but declined in India, we assessed the empirical distinction between the changes in union membership.
Findings
We argued that when hit by an economic crisis, different nations had divergent responses and chose different means of economic recovery because of which the countries have not withstood the crisis in one specific way/direction that at all times, marginalises unions. Our main finding is that in both the countries, the annual rate of change of union membership during the years of economic recovery was determined by the policy response. And, policy responses were determined not only by the causes of economic crisis but also by the strength of unique national institutional configurations and history of the country.
Originality/value
The annual rate of change of union membership during the years of economic recovery was determined by the policy response. And, policy responses were determined not only by the causes of economic crisis but also by the strength of unique national institutional configurations and history of the country.
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André Buchau, Wolfgang M. Rucker, Uwe Wössner and Martin Becker
The purpose of this paper is to present an application of augmented reality (AR) in the context of teaching of electrodynamics. The AR visualization technique is applied to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an application of augmented reality (AR) in the context of teaching of electrodynamics. The AR visualization technique is applied to electromagnetic fields. Carrying out of numerical simulations as well as preparation of the AR display is shown. Presented examples demonstrate an application of this technique in teaching of electrodynamics.
Design/methodology/approach
The 3D electromagnetic fields are computed with the finite element method (FEM) and visualized with an AR display.
Findings
AR is a vivid method for visualization of electromagnetic fields. Students as well as experts can easily connect the characteristics of the fields with the physical object.
Research limitations/implications
The focus of the presented work has been on an application of AR in a lecture room. Then, easy handling of a presentation among with low‐hardware requirements is important.
Practical implications
The presented approach is based on low‐hardware requirements. Hence, a presentation of electromagnetic fields with AR in a lecture room can be easily done. AR helps students to understand electromagnetic field theory.
Originality/value
Well‐known methods like FEM and AR have been combined to develop a visualization technique for electromagnetic fields, which can be easily applied in a lecture room.
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Short-term problem solving during production launch may result in extended lead times and increased overall costs of new product development, thereby reducing the overall…
Abstract
Purpose
Short-term problem solving during production launch may result in extended lead times and increased overall costs of new product development, thereby reducing the overall profitability of a new product. While the previous literature suggests formalized procedures and systematic problem solving approaches, empirical analyses indicate improvised, non-systematic, and ad hoc responses actually being used in firms’ real world problem solving processes. The purpose of this paper is to explain the role of such non-systematic approaches for the efficiency and effectiveness of problem solving processes during production launch.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper empirically explores the impact of improvisational problem-solving behavior on a firm's production launch efficiency and on the success of new products. Moreover, the paper investigates the moderating role of technology familiarity, project complexity, and the number of occurring problems during production launch.
Findings
The paper finds evidence for a positive curvilinear effect of improvisational problem-solving behavior on new product success and production launch efficiency. Additionally, the paper finds that improvisation is especially reasonable in complex and familiar projects or in the case of many unplanned changes during production launch.
Research limitations/implications
The study provides evidence for the relevance of routinized and improvisational behavior during production launch.
Practical implications
Improvisational behavior decreases the performance of the production launch and the financial performance of a new product in the case of frequent product changes or complex projects.
Originality/value
For the first time behavioral theory is applied to the phenomenon of production launch and problem solving.
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In the wake of the Stiglitz Commission, we assess German economic well-being by considering income, wealth and consumption. A decomposition approach is used to test for…
Abstract
In the wake of the Stiglitz Commission, we assess German economic well-being by considering income, wealth and consumption. A decomposition approach is used to test for corresponding inequality differences of these well-being dimensions. Total inequality is decomposed into within- and between-group inequality (via a normalised coefficient of variation). The decompositions are categorised into those that refer to socio-demographic characteristics (place of residence, age, household type) and those belonging to different well-being (sub-)categories (potential and net income, expenditure and wealth categories). The empirical analyses are performed for Germany using the 2008 German Sample Survey of Income and Expenditure. By decomposing German well-being inequality in great detail, we shed light on its dimensions. Our analyses illustrate that it is necessary to consider all well-being dimensions to make statements about the material well-being of private households or individuals.
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Yosdenis Urrutia-Badillo, Alvaro Lopez-Cabrales and Ramon Valle Cabrera
Using a multilevel approach, this theoretical paper aims to build a framework to explore the cognitive and non-cognitive dimensions of human capital, which may in turn explain how…
Abstract
Purpose
Using a multilevel approach, this theoretical paper aims to build a framework to explore the cognitive and non-cognitive dimensions of human capital, which may in turn explain how they become a source of competitive advantage.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents several propositions to be empirically tested in further research using multilevel analysis. Starting at the individual level, four configurations of human capital are determined by considering cognitive and non-cognitive human capital. Based on these settings, interactions of human capital at intermediate or departmental level are discussed, taking into account the complexity of the task environment and psychosocial processes. These interactions constitute microfoundations, which explain why human capital may influence different types of organizational capabilities.
Findings
The theoretical analysis carried out allows proposing four configurations of human capital, combining individual cognitive and non-cognitive dimensions. These configurations form a human capital portfolio classifying different types of employees. In addition, this paper shows how individual human capital aggregates into departmental level and generates human capital emergence processes by contextualizing through the complex task environments and psychosocial processes. The development of these emergence processes enables proposing the association of certain organizational capabilities with cognitive elements of human capital (absorptive capacity, innovativeness and technical capacities), whereas a second group of organizational capabilities is linked to non-cognitive human capital aspects (organizational commitment, leadership and customer intimacy).
Originality/value
This paper combines individual dimensions in the study of the content of human capital from a multilevel and microfoundational approach, explaining the effects of emerging human capital on different organizational capabilities when human capital is contextualized at departmental level. This theoretical paper is a new step towards understanding and measuring the concept of human capital, enriching the resource-based view framework.
Propósito
Utilizando un enfoque multidimensional, este paper teórico tiene como objetivo el diseño de un marco conceptual que explore las dimensiones cognitivas y no cognitivas del capital humano, de cara a explicar cómo puede convertirse en fuente de ventaja competitiva.
Diseño
En este artículo se presentan varias proposiciones teóricas que pueden ser testadas empíricamente en investigaciones futuras a través de análisis multinivel. Comenzando a un nivel individual, se determinan cuatro configuraciones de capital humano, al considerar las dimensiones cognitivas y no cognitivas. En base a esto, a nivel intermedio o departamental se discuten las interacciones de capital humano, teniendo en consideración la complejidad del entorno de tareas y los procesos psicosociales. Dichas interacciones se convierten en microfundamentos que explican cómo el capital humano puede influir en diferentes capacidades organizativas a nivel de empresa.
Hallazgos
El análisis teórico que se realiza nos permite proponer cuatro configuraciones de capital humano al combinar las dimensiones individuales cognitivas y no cognitivas. Estas configuraciones forman un portafolio de capital humano que permiten clasificar cuatro tipos de trabajadores. Además, este artículo muestra cómo se agrega el capital humano individual a nivel departamental, generando procesos de surgimiento del capital humano, los cuales se contextualizan por la complejidad del entorno de tareas y los procesos psicosociales. Dicho proceso de surgimiento nos permite proponer la asociación de capacidades organizativas como la de absorción, innovación y tecnológica, con los elementos cognitivos del capital humano, mientras que un segundo grupo de capacidades organizativas (compromiso, liderazgo, intimidad con el cliente) se asocia a aspectos no cognitivos del capital humano.
Originalidad/valor
Este paper combina las dimensiones individuales del capital humano en el estudio de su contenido, desde una perspectiva multinivel y basada en microfundamentos, explicando los efectos del surgimiento del capital humano en diferentes capacidades organizativas, una vez que dicho capital humano se contextualiza a nivel departamental. Este paper teórico sería un paso más en el conocimiento y medición del capital humano, enriqueciendo el marco de la Teoría Basada en los Recursos.
Propósito
Usando uma abordagem multidimensional, este paper teórico tem como objetivo a construção dum marco conceptual que explore as dimensões cognitivas e não cognitivas do capital humano, de modo a explicar como se pode tornar em fonte de vantagem competitiva.
Concepção
Neste artigo apresentam-se várias proposições teóricas que podem ser testadas empiricamente em futuras pesquisas através da análise multinível. Partindo dum nível individual, determinam-se quatro configurações de capital humano, considerando as dimensões cognitivas e não cognitivas. Baseado nisto, a nível intermédio ou departamental debatem-se as interações do capital humano, tendo em consideração a complexidade do ambiente de tarefas e os processos psicossociais. Ditas interações constituem-se em microfundamentos que explicam como o capital humano pode influir em diferentes capacidades organizacionais a nível de empresa.
Achados
A análise teórica realizada nos permite propor quatro configurações de capital humano ao combinar as dimensões individuais cognitivas e não cognitivas. Essas configurações formam um portfólio de capital humano que permitem classificar quatro tipos de trabalhadores. Aliás, este artigo mostra como se agrega o capital humano a nível departamental, gerando processos de surgimento do capital humano, os quais contextualizam-se pela complexidade dos ambientes de tarefas e dos processos psicossociais. O desenvolvimento destes processos de surgimento nos permite propor a associação de determinadas capacidades organizacionais como a de absorção, a de inovação e a tecnológica, com os elementos cognitivos do capital humano, enquanto que um segundo grupo de capacidades organizacionais (compromisso, liderança, proximidade com o cliente) está ligado a aspectos não cognitivos do capital humano.
Originalidade/valor
Este paper combina as dimensões individuais no estudo do conteúdo do capital humano desde uma perspectiva multinível e micro-fundacional, explicando os efeitos do surgimento do capital humano em diferentes capacidades organizacionais quando o capital humano se contextualiza a nível departamental. Este paper teórico seria mais um passo no conhecimento e medição do conceito do capital humano, enriquecendo o marco da Teoria Baseada nos Recursos.
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Danijela Lalić, Bojana Milić and Jelena Stanković
This chapter presents a research model aimed to investigate internal communication satisfaction (ICS) and employee engagement as prerequisites of employee happiness. Employee…
Abstract
This chapter presents a research model aimed to investigate internal communication satisfaction (ICS) and employee engagement as prerequisites of employee happiness. Employee engagement is seen as a dependent variable to ICS and as an independent variable to happiness. The research is based on quantitative data collected from 174 employees working in 12 international firms who specialize in IT and creative industries and have representative office in Serbia. Partial least squares structural equation modelling is used to identify relationships between constructs. The results demonstrate that ICS increases employee engagement, which in turn increases employee happiness. Employee engagement represents complementary mediation of the relationship between ICS and subjective happiness. The outcomes reveal how organizations can employ an internal communications strategy in order to enhance engagement of their employees and their happiness as the ultimate goal. This chapter addresses an understudied topic in the public relations and strategic communication field and its findings are opening new questions which may inspire research community to search for detailed explanation of the effect that ICS has on employee happiness.
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Dalia Al-Tarazi, Rachel Sara, Paul Redford, Louis Rice and Colin Booth
The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of personalisation in the relationship between the architectural design of homes and inhabitants’ psychological well-being.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of personalisation in the relationship between the architectural design of homes and inhabitants’ psychological well-being.
Design/methodology/approach
This interdisciplinary mixed-method study first investigates the existence of a link between personalisation and users’ association with home through a quantitative study (n = 101) and then explores the nature of this relationship through qualitative interviews (n = 13) in a sequential explanatory approach.
Findings
The main findings of the study highlight the significance of personalisation in relation to the way people perceive home. A direct link was established between participants’ involvement in the transformation of the home and their satisfaction with the residence, as well as satisfaction with life in general. Further thematic analysis of the qualitative study revealed further conceptualisations of personalisation, which together form an umbrella concept called transformability.
Research limitations/implications
The findings underscore the need for embedding flexibility as an architectural concept in the design of residential buildings for improving the well-being of occupants.
Originality/value
The design of homes has a great impact on inhabitants’ psychological well-being. This is becoming of greater importance in light of the global COVID-19 pandemic that has led to an increase in the amount of time spent in homes. This research contributes to this debate by proposing concepts for a deeper understanding of architectural influences on the psychology of the home.
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Florian Philipp Federsel, Rolf Uwe Fülbier and Jan Seitz
A gap between research and practice is commonly perceived throughout accounting academia. However, empirical evidence on the magnitude of this detachment remains scarce. The…
Abstract
Purpose
A gap between research and practice is commonly perceived throughout accounting academia. However, empirical evidence on the magnitude of this detachment remains scarce. The authors provide new evidence to the ongoing debate by introducing a novel topic-based approach to capture the research-practice gap and quantify its extent. They also explore regional differences in the research-practice gap.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors apply the unsupervised machine learning approach Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) to compare the topical composition of 2,251 articles from six premier research, practice and bridging journals from the USA and Europe between 2009 and 2019. The authors extend the existing methods of summarizing literature and develop metrics that allow researchers to evaluate the research-practice gap. The authors conduct a plethora of additional analyses to corroborate the findings.
Findings
The results substantiate a pronounced topic-related research-practice gap in accounting literature and document its statistical significance. Moreover, the authors uncover that this gap is more pronounced in the USA than in Europe, highlighting the importance of institutional differences between academic communities.
Practical implications
The authors objectify the debate about the extent of a research-practice gap and stimulate further discussions about explanations and consequences.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first paper to deploy a rigorous machine learning approach to measure a topic-based research-practice gap in the accounting literature. Additionally, the authors provide theoretical rationales for the extent and regional differences in the research-practice gap.
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Eda Beyazit, Emily Soh and Karel Martens
The massive investment in, and development of, automated and connected transport (ACT) technology development has triggered much debate about this breakthrough technology’s…
Abstract
The massive investment in, and development of, automated and connected transport (ACT) technology development has triggered much debate about this breakthrough technology’s potential positive and negative impacts. Multiple studies have explored the potential direct implications for users in terms of road safety, ‘productive’ travel time, mobility of the elderly and physically less mobile persons, as well as indirect impacts such as reduced emissions and freed road space. Through a critical review of the literature on ACT deployment types and discussions with an expert working group on the wider impacts of ACT implementation, this chapter examines four distinct deployment types of ACT technology and their opportunities and threats in transitioning toward inclusive transport systems. Of the four types, we posit that ACT-based public transport has the greatest potential to contribute to a more inclusive mobility future. Examining the case of Singapore using policy documents, academic literature and interviews with representatives of public and private sectors and academia, the chapter draws policy recommendations for governance toward more inclusive ACT innovation and deployment.