Conceptualizing organizational innovation: The case of the Brazilian software industry

This paper presents and tests a conceptual model that explains the innovation practices and innovation outcomes in Brazilian software firms. In terms of internal and external innovation capabilities, the ability to manage the relationship between people and their organizational contexts plays an important role in organizational innovation. Based on these results, we propose that the disparities between software firms in building organizational innovation can be attributed, in part, to differences in their internal capabilities. The paper aims at encouraging and supporting managers to develop internal capabilities as a means of effectively leveraging the internally and externally distributed knowledge essential to innovation development.     

Applications of uncertainty-based mental models in organizational learning: A case study in the Indian automobile industry

In this paper, we discuss the applicability of qualitative and quantitative reasoning techniques to study the process of Organizational Learning. We have used cognitive maps of a company (for the past five years) taken from the Indian automobile industry to understand the Organizational Learning process. We have conducted stochastic simulation experiment on an uncertainty-based cognitive map (the latest year). We generated scenarios for the future and analysed each scenario with respect to data obtained from the past five-years cognitive maps, in light of the theory on Organizational Learning.     

Touchscreen usage in plant computer systems: A case study

This paper describes one electric utility's implementation of touch technology on the operator interface of selected plant computer systems. Specifically described is the implementation of scanning infrared touch CRT's on the man/machine interface for the Plant Information Computer System (PICS) and the Performance Monitoring System (PMS). These systems utilize modular software packages developed by Southern Company Services, Inc. (SCSI),¹ Birmingham, Alabama. In addition, SCSI performs hardware integration, system installation, and startup. The systems described herein have been installed at various electric- generating units at Alabama Power Company.¹ The PICS system is a minicomputer-based system performing real-time data acquisition, graphic display, alarming, logging, performance calculations, and data base maintenance in an electric-generating plant environment. The PMS system is a microcomputer-based system performing similar functions as above, but emphasizing plant performance calculations and associated displays. This paper presents an overview of current touch technologies, describes the reasons why scanning infrared beam technology was chosen for use on the PICS and PMS systems, outlines the software methodology used in conjuction with touch input, and lists operator feedback and conclusions draw since system installation.     

Fuzzy product line design model while considering preference uncertainty: A case study of notebook computer industry in Taiwan

Enterprises evaluate customers’ preferences of high-tech products to appropriately adjust product lines when the technologies are ready for commercialization. Conjoint analysis (CA) is usually applied to measure customers’ preferences while the product line design model (PLDM) is used to simulate customers’ purchase decisions based on these preferences. The optimal product line extension scheme (PLES) can then be found. For customers unfamiliar with a new technology, it is difficult to precisely appraise preferences for new products. This paper proposes fuzzy PLDM that combines fuzzy theory with CA to take preference uncertainty into consideration. To precisely apply fuzzy preferences, fuzzy rating is used to simulate customers’ purchase decisions. This paper focuses on the notebook industry in Taiwan. Optimal PLES are obtained under Fuzzy and Crisp scenarios. The results show that customers with high preference uncertainty have different purchase decisions under above scenarios, which leads to a great inconsistency between the optimal PLES obtained from Fuzzy and Crisp scenarios. The Fuzzy scenario takes preference uncertainty into consideration and uses stricter standards to judge whether customers buy products with new technology.     

Planning computer memory allocation: A simulation case study

A simulation of the main memory of the computer system of a large manufacturing organization is described. The impact of adding a new software package (namely CICS) on average memory usage is analyzed. The effect of adding memory capacity on memory utilization is also described.     

Gordon's computer: A hardware verification case study in OBJ3

The use of the algebraic specification language OBJ3 [26] in hardware verification has been demonstrated on a number of small examples [62, 20, 63] and some large but regular structures [12, 11]. In this paper, we show that the approach can also be used for specifying and verifying large, irregular structures. We specify and partially verify Gordon's computer, a simple microprocessor. We believe that this is the largest hardware verification case study undertaken with OBJ3 so far.     

A multi-method for defining the organizational change

The assumption of the work presented in this paper is the situatedness of the change process. The Enterprise Knowledge Development-Change Management Method (EKD-CMM) provides multiple and dynamically constructed ways of working to organize and to guide the change management. The method is built on the notion of labeled graph of intentions and strategies called a road map and the associated guidelines. The EKD-CMM road map is a navigational structure that supports the dynamic selection of the intention to be achieved next and the appropriate strategy to achieve it whereas guidelines help in the operationalization of the selected intention following the selected strategy. This paper presents the EKD-CMM road map and guidelines and exemplifies their use with a real case study.     

Identifying routes and organizational practices for resilient performance: a study in the construction industry

Cognition, Technology & Work - Modern organizations live in a context of political, economic, technological, social and environmental changes for which they need to be prepared to adapt and...     

Information technology and structural change in the paper and pulp industry : Some technological, organizational and managerial implications

The paper and pulp industry has experienced a structural change during the last 15 years. The products have differentiated and completely new paper types have been introduced. The standard and classical products, like news print paper, are often specialized and customized versions from the standard product in order to fulfill the specific needs of different printing processes better. These changes have impacted on the production organization and structures of enterprises. The key companies have acquired more production capacity in different countries and have become really international companies. These trends are likely to continue. One of the technological driving forces has been the applying of information technology. The digital process automation systems as well as the mill wide information systems have been strategic tools and technological corner stones in the structural change. However, it is only technology which matters. Also new organisational forms as well as new implementation methods of systems are needed.     

An empirical study of organizational culture and network-based computer use

This study investigated the influence of organizational culture on computer-mediated communication and information access (CMCIA). A validated instrument to assess CMCIA and organizational culture was used. Organizational culture was treated as a shared set of norms and values. Meaningful CMCIA occurs when computer-network technology is maximally exploited to amplify individual information processing actions to foster organizational excellence.CMCIA was measured by a weighted user-satisfaction importance rating. Both organizational culture and CMCIA were measured empirically by administering questionnaires to respondents in organizations that use computer networks. A non-experimental field study was employed to test the hypothesis that particular types of organizational cultures foster computer-network effectiveness while other types hinder it. The usable response rate was 45%. Eight organizations were used for data analysis.Statistically significant findings showed that organizational culture interacts with the degree of use to affect user satisfaction with CMCIA. In task-oriented organizations, user satisfaction with CMCIA was positively related to degree of use. People-oriented organizations displayed a negative relationship between degree of use and user satisfaction with CMCIA. These results can be used when designing implementation strategies for information systems that have the potential to affect whole departments or organizations.     

Application of quality function deployment in the semiconductor industry: A case study

In quality function deployment (QFD), the voice of the customer (VOC) is the critical factor in developing and producing a product that will meet or exceed customer requirements. This study integrates quality function deployment (QFD), management techniques to optimise product-design investment, process improvement, and phase-into meet customer requirements and company goals. QFD uses systematic multi-level development and evaluation to translate customer requirements into the design of product characteristics and manufacturing processes that will satisfy the customer and minimise potential failure costs. ‘Process management’, which is one of the pivotal Six Sigma implementation criteria, is used to construct an ‘integrated product and process development’ (IPPD) model by product type to enhance the effectiveness of QFD. This model, combined with a company’s customer satisfaction strategy and QFD techniques, provides process management through built-in IPPD and appropriate changes in organisational culture. This paper presents a case study from the semiconductor industry to demonstrate the model’s applicability and suitability.     

IoT-enabled smart appliances under industry 4.0: A case study

Manufacturers expect the extra value of Industry 4.0 as the world is experiencing digital transformation. Studies have proved the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT) for reducing cost, improving efficiency, quality, and achieving data-oriented predictive maintenance services. Collecting a wide range of real-time data from products and the environment requires smart sensors, reliable communications, and seamless integration. IoT, as a critical Industry 4.0 enabler emerges smart home appliances for higher customer satisfaction, energy efficiency, personalisation, and advanced Big data analytics. However, established factories with limited resources are facing challenges to change the longstanding production lines and meet customer’s requirements. This study aims to fulfil the gaps by transforming conventional home appliances to IoT-enabled smart systems with the ability to integrate into a smart home system. An industry-led case study demonstrates how to turn conventional appliances to smart products and systems (SPS) by utilising the state-of-the-art Industry 4.0 technologies.     

Technological innovation and the formation of Japanese technology: the case of the machine tool industry

This paper focuses on how “Japanese technology” was formed in the Japanese machine tool industry, and presents how Japanese machine tool builders competed in R&D and the innovation process in the domestic and international markets. During the competition for the innovation of computerised numerically-controlled (CNC) tools, drastic changes occurred in the ranking of individual firms. Prior to the transformation, the traditional “Big 5” companies occupied the largest market share. After the innovation, however, the “Big 3” firms which had not been big in size at their origins increased their market share. This paper explains how this change stemmed from different attitudes towards R&D and innovation.     

A multiple case study on risk-based testing in industry

In many development projects, testing has to be conducted under severe pressure due to limited resources and a challenging time schedule. Risk-based testing, which utilizes identified risks of the system for testing purposes, has a high potential to improve testing as it helps to optimize the allocation of resources and provides decision support for management. But for many organizations, the integration of a risk-based approach into established testing activities is a challenging task, and there are several options to do so. In this article, we analyze how risk is defined, assessed, and applied to support and improve testing activities in projects, products, and processes. We investigate these questions empirically by a multiple case study of currently applied risk-based testing activities in industry. The case study is based on three cases from different backgrounds, i.e., a test project in context of the extension of a large Web-based information system, product testing of a measurement and diagnostic equipment for the electrical power industry, as well as a test process of a system integrator of telecommunication solutions. By analyzing and comparing these different industrial cases, we draw conclusions on the state of risk-based testing and discuss possible improvements.     

Sideloaders-a case study in the port industry

This report is an evaluation of a vehicle used in the port industry for handling containers. The vehicle is a self-loading lorry which both transports and stacks the containers within the port. Three aspects of the evaluation are discussed in the operating context: internal and external visibility, and the cab layouts. It is concluded that the vehicle has a restricted view to the rear, although with care this can be catered for. The design and position of the cab, however, can demand extreme and uncomfortable postures on the part of the driver. Certain anomalies in the cab control and display layouts are also briefly discussed, with a view to standardisation and a reduction of the driver's work-load. The main problem is seen as one of the integration of the driver/operator with a machine with two discrete functions. The visibility and posture problem areas are considered to stem from the compromises dictated by the nature of this dual-function vehicle. Imperial units are retained since containers are specified by the ISO on the basis of American measures.     

The application of Web ATMs in e-payment industry: A case study

Today’s highly competitive marketplace is forcing the retail banking industry to optimize every possible revenue-generating opportunity. New electronic channels are replacing the more traditional ones. Web ATMs system represents one of the recent developments in financial service distribution.Through a real-life case study, this article explains how much more advantage can be achieved by enhancing Web ATMs with the latest Web-enablement technology, and examines the key benefits that can accrue from the deployment of integrated circuit (IC) card and smart card reader on Web ATMs. Last but not the least, it is expected that this article could provide strategic thinking with some apocalypses of Web 2.0 to steer the banking system for achievable changes in a direction that is consistent with the needs and expectations of a population, especially in C2C business model.     

Layoffs in the computer industry

The worldwide recession in the computer industry has resulted in substantial layoffs among computer professionals. Even more critical than the current slump is the permanent restructuring underway in the industry. Many jobs lost during this global downturn are likely to be gone from corporate organization charts forever. The changes in industry employment in the US are outlined, and the long-term employment outlook in the US is discussed     

Decision-making using computer conferencing: a case study

In January 1991, the members of the Centre for the Study of Management Learning at Lancaster University replaced their monthly departmental meetings with an online conference for a six-month trial. The paper describes the procedures followed and reviews the experience of department members and the effect of using the conference on discussions of departmental business, planning and decision-making. Advantages and disadvantages of using conferencing for this purpose are discussed in relation to a democratic approach to work and working relationships. Of particular interest was the way the change interacted with the ethos of the department.     

Strategic information systems planning: A case study from the financial services industry

Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) is an important topic for managers and researchers alike. However, there is evidence of a gap between SISP research and practice. Taking this situation as a motivation, we conducted an in depth case study on SISP to investigate this gap. The study was carried out in a German financial services company (FSC) over a period of five months in summer 2003. During this time, the enterprise situation and the information system (IS) practices situation of FSC were studied with respect to the SISP approach in place. Our findings confirm the hypothesis that practitioners largely ignore academic literature and do not use it in support of their SISP endeavours. This is all the more striking since FSC extensively used guidance from IS research in other fields such as systems analysis and software development. Our case study examines in detail two possible explanations for the gap: firstly a lacking transfer of academic knowledge to practice, and secondly deficiencies in the academic knowledge base itself. In fact, our observations highlight a disconnect between academic discussion and practical conduct. However, we found that the ignorance of academic literature on SISP is not primarily caused by a constrained knowledge transfer. In order to exclude communication barriers, we filtered the academic discussion according to the specific situation and the needs of FSC and translated it into practical recommendations. Nevertheless, the academic arguments we put forward hardly had any impact, either on IT managers’ thinking or on SISP practice at FSC. Though academic literature was partly perceived as inspiring, it was not regarded as a touchstone for SISP practice. Academia, in the eyes of FSC’s practitioners, ignores the “real problems” and thus is not accredited as a relevant source of advice. Moreover, in a final discussion with FSC’s senior IT executives we got the impression that the professional identity of FSC’s IT management – and more specifically the CIO’s role – was different from interpretations prevalent in academia. The academic discussion assumes the CIO to be an initiator of organisational innovations and driver of business strategy on the board. In contrast, we found that FSC’s CIO basically perceives her role as that of a service provider to business. While the different perceptions might be due to idiosyncrasies of FSC, related research provided additional empirical support for the conjecture of misleading academic assumptions about the role of IT management in practice.     

Enter the dragon: China's computer industry

China transformed its economy by shifting from technological nationalism to a more pragmatic strategy of developing national capabilities in conjunction with multinational corporations. Consistent with this transformation, China has revamped its industrial and technology policies to become a major producer of computer hardware and a major market for computing products. In 2000, mainland Chinese purchased more than seven million PCs, while computer hardware production grew to $23 billion. China's policies clearly drew on the developmental approach of other Asia-Pacific countries that became leaders in the global computer industry through the strong support of government industrial and technology policies. China has likewise become a major force in the global PC industry, as both the most attractive growth market and as a large producer. New challenges loom as China joins the World Trade Organization and faces more pressure to open its market to foreign competition. The paper considers the regional and national environment