• Refine Query
  • Source
  • Publication year
  • to
  • Language
  • 27
  • 14
  • 13
  • 8
  • 7
  • 7
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • Tagged with
  • 91
  • 91
  • 27
  • 26
  • 17
  • 17
  • 14
  • 14
  • 14
  • 14
  • 10
  • 8
  • 8
  • 7
  • 7
  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
41

Understanding Outgroup Aversion Effects on Innovation Adoption and Polarization in Network Environments

Miller, Bruce G. 01 January 2023 (has links) (PDF)
Individuals' decisions to adopt an innovation can be influenced by the group identity of previous adopters or non-adopters in their social network. Previous research in innovation diffusion considered initial innovators and word-of-mouth imitator effects using analytical models. Simulations and agent-based models have been developed to address the heterogeneity of decision makers and the non-linearity of the process. A further refinement modeled adoption based on networks of social relationships between potential decision makers, analogous to the spread of disease on networks. In addition, adoption or non-adoption of some innovations has been characterized as a means of signaling identification with or aversion to a group. While identity signaling and outgroup aversion effects on adoption have been considered in a geo-spatial environment, this work extends these concepts to social network environments. The results show that adoption levels were significantly different in a network environment with outgroup effects present. Additionally, as outgroup and imitation factors increase, adoption levels decrease, and polarization increases in network environments. With group effects present, adoption was found to be higher when modularity and eigenvector centrality are high in a social network. Next, to test the model, Covid-19 vaccination adoption behavior was examined to find statistical evidence of the outgroup effect with groups defined by political affiliation. Finally, a model was developed to address gaps in the original model and evaluated with vaccine adoption data. In today's polarized social environment, understanding these effects is critical to the adoption of emerging innovations such as mitigating climate change, combating novel viruses, or decentralizing financial transactions. While innovators are often focused on solving technical challenges to advance adoption of an innovation, equal emphasis on understanding and solving social and potential outgroup effects will be needed to accurately project the rate of adoption and to achieve the desired outcome.
42

Development and Analysis of a Model for Assessing Perceived Security Threats and Characteristics of Innovating for Wireless Networks

Schmidt, Mark Bradley 13 May 2006 (has links)
This dissertation employed a two prong approach, whereby the survey and case study methods were used to investigate security issues regarding wireless networks. The survey portion draws together two previously unrelated research streams. Given the recent increased concern for security in the computing milieu, Innovation Diffusion Theory and security factor constructs were merged and synthesized to form a new instrument. This instrument is useful in an effort to understand what role security concerns play in the adoption and diffusion of technology. In development of the new instrument, 481 usable surveys were collected and analyzed. Factor analysis revealed favorable factor loadings in the data. Further analysis was then conducted utilizing multiple regression analysis. This analysis led to the discovery that the constructs of Susceptibility and Severity of Threat, Improvement Potential, and Visibility are significant predictors in regard to level of concern when using wireless networks. Case studies were conducted with a goal to gain a deep knowledge of IT professionals? concerns, attitudes, and best practices toward wireless security. To this end, seven IT professionals were personally interviewed regarding their perceptions and attitudes toward wireless security. In an effort to compare IT professional and end user opinions, 30 IT professionals also completed a paper based survey regarding their perceptions about security. Findings indicate that security professionals are very optimistic for the future of wireless computing. However, that optimism is tempered by a realization that there are a myriad of potential threats that might exploit weakness in wireless security. To determine differences and similarities between users? perspectives and managers? perspectives regarding wireless network security, the results from the survey and case study were synthesized. Most IT professionals (76.19%) reported that, all factors considered, they prefer to use wired networks as opposed to wireless networks; whereas, substantially fewer (44.86%) of the end user respondents reported that they preferred wired over wireless networks. Overall, results suggest that IT professionals are more concerned about security than are end users. However, a challenge remains to make administrators and users aware of the full effect of security threats present in the wireless computing paradigm.
43

Bridging the Chasm: Translating Evidence-based Practice into Daily Practice in Nursing Homes

Rahman, Anna N. 21 April 2011 (has links)
No description available.
44

Eine neue Klasse hybrider Innovationsdiffusionsmodelle

Grishchenko, Yulia 18 September 2007 (has links)
Die vorliegende Arbeit befasst sich mit Innovationsdiffusionsmodellen und deren Anwendung in der Marketingpraxis. Sie hat zwei Ziele: Einen Überblick über existierende Innovationsmodelle zu schaffen und ein neues besseres Modell zu entwickeln. Es wird ein neuer Klassifizierungsansatz vorgeschlagen, mit dessen Hilfe ein strukturierter Überblick über die vorhandenen zahlreichen Innovationsdiffusionsmodelle möglich wird. Die Klassifizierung beruht auf den Annahmen in den Innovationsdiffusionsmodellen. Dies erlaubt im Gegensatz zu den bekannten Klassifizierungen (z.B. von Roberts/Lattin (2000)) die Bildung von disjunkten Modellklassen. Anhand der neuen Klassifizierung werden die prominenten Modelle, wie z.B. Bass-Modell (1969) bzw. Kalish-Modell (1985) eingeordnet und ihre Vor- und Nachteile aufgezeigt. Dieser Ansatz erleichtert eine Entscheidung für das beste zu verwendende Modell, wenn bekannt ist, welche Daten (Absatzdaten, Daten über Konsumenten etc.) zur Verfügung stehen und/oder welches Ziel (Absatzprognose, Preisbestimmung) verfolgt wird. Im zweiten Teil der Arbeit wird ein neues hybrides Innovationsdiffusionsmodell – das Information-Disicion-Evaluation-Modell (IED-Modell) – vorgestellt. Das IED-Modell besitzt zahlreiche Vorteile gegenüber existierenden Innovationsdiffusionsmodellen. Die Struktur des IED-Modells ist sehr allgemein so, dass das IED-Modell als eine Modellklasse bezeichnet werden könnte. Werden die Annahmen des IED-Modells genau definiert (z.B. über die Anzahl der Wettbewerbsprodukte usw.), erhält es eine explizite Form, die prominenten Innovationsdiffusionsmodellen ähnlich oder vollkommen identisch sein kann (für die Erstellung einer expliziten Form des IED-Modells siehe www.ied-modell.de). Ein solcher allgemeiner Modellierungsansatz des IED-Modells ist neu für die Innovationsdiffusionsforschung. Das IED-Modell und dessen Annahmen werden mittels Monte-Carlo-Simulationen analysiert. Beim empirischen Test an realen Daten wird das IED-Modell mit vier renommierten Innovationsdiffusionsmodellen verglichen. Laut diesem Vergleich ist das Anpassungsvermögen des IED-Modells im Durchschnitt besser als das der vier Vergleichsmodelle. Bei drei- und zehnmonatlichen Prognosen zeigte das IED-Modell eine sehr gute Vorhersagefähigkeit. / This work assesses innovation diffusion models and their application in marketing management. Its two principal aims are: (1) to give an overview of existing innovation diffusion models and (2) to develop a new and improved model. A new classification approach is proposed. The classification methodology bases on typical assumptions made in innovation diffusion models. Unlike prior classifications, e.g. Roberts/Lattin (2000), this approach allows for disjunctive classes. By means of this classification renowned models like Bass Model (1969) or Kalish Model (1985) are categorized, and their advantages and disadvantages are analyzed. This helps decide which model should be used depending on data availability (sales data, consumer data etc.) and the overall goal of a model investigation (sales forecast, pricing etc.). In the second part of this work the new hybrid innovation diffusion model – Innovation-Decision-Evaluation model (IED model) – is described. The model has several advantages compared with existing models. The structure of the IED Model is non-specific so that the IED model can be described as a distinct model class. When assumptions of the IED model are specified (e.g. number of competitive products) the model gets an explicit form which can be similar or even identical to other innovation diffusion models (for the design of an explicit model form see also www.ied-modell.de). Such a generalized modeling approach in IED modelling is new in innovation diffusion research. The IED model and its assumptions are analysed with Monte Carlo simulations. Its results are also empirically tested and compared with four renowned innovation diffusion models. The comparison reveals that the IED model has the best average fit and good forecast goodness.
45

Från innovation till branschstandard : En kvalitativ studie på hur arbetsstyrningssystem med socioteknisk utgångspunkt kan utvecklas mot hemtjänsten och hur The Technology Adoption Life Cycle kan nyttjas som marknadsstrategi / From innovation to industry standard : A qualitative study on how workforce management systems from a socio-technical standpoint can be developed towards home care and how the technology adoption life cycle can be applied as a market strategy

Boghammar, Isak, Wilhelmsson, Per Albin January 2020 (has links)
This undergraduate thesis discusses how a new type of workforce management system successfully can be developed from a socio-technical perspective for businesses in the home care service to adopt and benefit from the tool. To answer the question “How can companies that develop high-tech workforce management systems (WFM-systems) towards the home care sector use The technology adoption life cycle for the tool to go from innovation to industry standard?”. A qualitative method is used in the form of a case study. To collect the empirical material, semi-structured interviews were conducted with respondents from three different Swedish home companies services and a company that is developing a high-tech WFM-system for the home care sector. The substrate for the theory is based on how companies that develop high-tech WFM-systems can be inspired by The technology adoption life cycle to increase their competitiveness and avoid collapse due to the gaps that exist between different market segments and their varying needs.  Through analyzes of the collected empirical data, the authors of this thesis have concluded that the home care sector is facing a digital transformation where the implementation of high-tech WFM-systems is considered necessary. The reason behind this is that high-tech tools that use advanced algorithms for scheduling can improve resource management, while reducing costs and travel times. In order for the implementation to achieve the desired effect, these tools need to be developed in accordance with a socio-technical perspective where both home care businesses and technically able developers work together to create tools that have a positive impact on the future of the industry. / I denna uppsats diskuteras hur en ny typ av workforce management system framgångsrikt kan utvecklas utifrån ett sociotekniskt perspektiv för att verksamheter inom hemtjänsten ska anamma och dra nytta av verktyget. För att svara på frågeställningen “Hur kan verksamheter som utvecklar högteknologiska workforce management systems (WFM-system) mot hemtjänsten använda The Technology Adoption Life Cycle för att verktyget ska gå från innovation till branschstandard?” används en kvalitativ metod i form av en fallstudie. För att samla in det empiriska materialet genomfördes semistrukturerade intervjuer med respondenter från tre olika svenska hemtjänstverksamheter och ett företag som utvecklar ett högteknologiskt WFM-system mot hemtjänsten. Underlaget för teorin bygger på hur verksamheter som utvecklar högteknologiska WFM-system kan inspireras av The Technology Adoption Life Cycle för att öka sin konkurrenskraft och undvika att gå under på grund av de klyftor som finns mellan olika marknadssegment och deras varierande behov.  Genom analyser av den insamlade empirin har författarna av denna uppsats dragit slutsatsen att hemtjänsten står inför en digital transformation där implementeringen av nya högteknologiska WFM-system anses nödvändigt. Anledningen är då nya högteknologiska verktyg som använder smarta algoritmer för att schemalägga förbättrar resurshanteringen, samtidigt som kostnader och de sammanlagda restiderna minskar. För att implementationen ska skapa önskad effekt behöver verktyg utvecklas i enlighet med ett sociotekniskt perspektiv där likväl hemtjänstverksamheter och tekniskt kunniga utvecklare samarbetar för att skapa verktyg som har en positiv inverkan på branschens framtid.
46

創新擴散理論之應用─以財政部財政資訊共享服務平台為例 / The Application of Innovation Diffusion Theory: A Case Study of Open Data Platform of Ministry of Finance

霍達 Unknown Date (has links)
開放政府資料能帶來龐大的經濟效益以及達到透明治理的理念,已成為電子治理最重要的議題之一,各國政府如美國、英國、加拿大無不積極推動開放政府資料政策。我國行政院亦將政府資料開放列為第四階段電子化政府計畫的項目之一,中央機關與地方政府將分別建立開放資料平台,並要求將機關所擁有之資料逐步開放予社會大眾使用。在此背景下,財政部財政資訊中心預建置財政資訊共享服務平台,來達到資料開放政策的目標。本研究目的在於該平台的推動在實務上面臨了哪些困難,後續還有哪些地方需要克服,這樣的經驗能帶給其他行政機關哪些啟示。 本研究首先整理國內外開放政府資料的文獻,其次介紹創新擴散理論,作為財政資訊中心推動財政資訊共享服務平台的階段基礎,並以訪談法蒐集相關資料。本研究最後以議題設定與配對階段、再定義/再建構階段、闡述階段及例行化階段為主軸,分別探討各階段的推動工作與困境。 本研究發現,推動財政資訊共享服務平台的主要工作與困境包括溝通策略、法律規範、分工方式、業務單位的抗拒與資料的價值。財資中心在政策規劃面、組織管理面以及法律規範面仍有改進空間,包括改變同仁的觀念態度、提出明確的評估報告、團隊成員的代表性、訂定行政規則以及與相關單位共商修法議題。未來有意推動相關政策的機關,除了前述財資中心應該改進之處,尚須注意組織文化以及公民參與的部分,讓政策推動的阻力降至最低。 / Open government data (OGD) can brings great economic benefit and promotes more openness in government, it has become one of the most important issues in e-Government around the world. An open data policy was enacted by the Executive Yuan at the end of 2013, both central and local governments should gradually release their possessed data to the public. In the context of open data policy, Fiscal Information Agency, MOF tries to establish an open data platform of Ministry of Finance. However, the open data policy in Taiwan is still in a stage of sprouting, it is an innovation policy and brand new notion to many governments, the objective of this research is to analyze what obstacles does Fiscal Information Agency, MOF meet when promoting the open data platform of Ministry of Finance, and how could this experience be learned. First of all, the research introduces the literatures about open data. Secondly, quoting the Innovation Diffusion Theory as the conceptual framework and conducting interviews. The analysis about the works and obstacles is individually based on the phase of agenda setting, matching, redefining/restructuring, clarifying and routinizing. The results show the main work and obstacles including the strategy of communication, legal norms, division of labor, resistance of agency and the value of data. There are still areas of improvement for Fiscal Information Agency, MOF, such as changing the concept of colleagues, providing a tangible report about open data and the representativeness of group. The lessons from this study are expected to provide insights to the Taiwan government when it tries to engage the open data policy.
47

破壞性創新技術的擴散模式- 以E-ink反射式顯示技術為例 / Diffusion model of a disruptive innovation technology-A case study of E-ink reflective display technology

周志豪, Chou, Chinhao Unknown Date (has links)
2007年11月全球網路書局巨擘Amazon正式宣布進軍電子書事業,發表一款名為「Kindle」的電子書以及相關營運服務,旋即造成搶購風潮。 此電子書使用E-ink公司研發的電子墨顯示技術,讓使用者的使用彷彿覺得是閱讀印刷物,而電子墨技術已存在四十餘年,最早發明於Xerox Palo Alto Research Center,此技術以使用黑白的電子墨形成可反射環境光顯示方式,有別於主流使用於筆記型電腦或桌上監視器的彩色顯示器,電子書以採反射式,能在有環境照明時清晰可視,不須要一般顯示器的背光源,所以有較低的耗電,同時也可以有較輕與薄的設計。 此差異化的顯示技術與產品定位讓E-ink創新技術花費將近十年均只有極小衆的需求,直到2008年才見有起飛的成長。 本論文透過分析E-ink個案之創新技術擴散歷程,並佐證先前相關創新技術擴散理論之文獻,闡述擴散模式、影響因素、與創新採用過程來明瞭E-ink創新擴散的驅動力。 E-ink創新技術之應用與其他創新技術的最大差異,它不僅是個破壞式創新技術,它的應用是需要改變採用者使用方式。 此類的創新技術不像其他大多數的創新技術是新增使用方式或察覺不出使用方式須改變。 所以研究其技術擴散歷程可幫助我們明瞭此類較不易擴散的創新技術如何能加速其市場擴散。此研究同時比較應用E-ink電子墨顯示技術的電子書與其他新技術與產品市場擴散之差異,包括應用高密度積體電路記憶體設計與製造技術的數位音訊播放器(MP3 player)、應用薄膜電晶體液晶顯示器技術的大尺寸液晶平面電視與應用投射式電容觸控技術的平板電腦。 本研究我們發現,E-ink創新技術的應用驅動採用者改變其以往的使用方式,而此驅動力的來源就是使用創新技術的新產品價值主張。 在此個案中更進一步發現擴散模式的兩股驅動力可改變產品擴散市場的強度,首先是技術發展達到產品可滿足客戶最低的價值主張期望,第二是此價值主張讓使用者選擇此新技術帶來創新產品的需求滿足。 延伸觀察使用方式改變的擴散主要為兩個因素的函數,一為內部推動力- 包括新技術的技術發展力、供應力。另一為外部拉引力- 包括市場對產品價值主張的吸引力、其他創新技術使用的協同效果、銷售模式與經營模式對產品的推廣能力。 創新技術是一個高科技公司維持營運與成長的重要資產,但如何能將創新技術應用於產品成功的擴散市場,若能掌握重要的驅動因子,方可將此資產較快速地轉變為倍數的財源。 本研究分析改變使用方式的破壞性創新E-ink電子墨顯示技術的擴散模式,發現初期的擴散以內部技術力與供應能力驅動為主,建議企業在此時期應思考如何應用創新技術定位產品,同時定位於最核心的價值位置建立商業模式。 在此能力逐漸增強之後,其擴散則以外部市場吸引力驅動為主,必須在市場推出所謂「殺手級應用」產品,即應用此破壞性創新技術突顯差異的產品價值主張,而能跨越採用者鴻溝。 同時建議企業在此時應著力於產品開發策略,市場推出的產品必須滿足多層次採用者不同的需求,適當的規劃產品直到技術漸趨成熟而衰退。 / It has became one of the most popular consumer electronics since Amazon, the world leading bookstore, announced to enter eBook business and launched a reading device, called “Kindle” in November 2007. This eBook device applies a simple electronic ink display technology from E-ink and let readers to view the display just like to view a printed book. This electronic ink display have been developed more than 40 years and invented in Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. This technology applies dark and white electronic ink which could reflect ambient light to display black and white image on the screen. The display don't need a backlight as conventional LCD screens, and can also be viewed under sunlight as printed paper. In the same time, it has a less power consumption and could have a slim and light design for easy carry. But, it has spent more than 10 years to only gain a small population of customers to use this differentiating display and product which apply this E-ink innovative technology. After Amazon launched “Kindle” in late 2007, we observed this technology fast diffuse to the mass market. This thesis is to study a diffusion model of E-ink disruptive technology. Review prior articles of technology diffusion theory, model of innovation diffusion, factors of innovation diffusion and adoption of innovation to understand driving forces of E-ink technology diffusion. The major difference of E-ink technology from others is to require changing the user usage method when it appy to an electroic paper. It is not only a disruptive change, but requires changing user usage experience. Most of other new technologies are to add new or be easy usage, won’t feel a change of usage method and experience. Research the diffusion model of this disruptive technology help us to understand how we could expedite this type of new technology to the market. In this study, we also compare other similar applications of new technologies, such as MP3 player which apply high density of integrated circuit memory design and manufacturing; Large sized TFT LCD TV which using TFT LCD technology; and Tablet computer which adopt capacitive touch technology. To compare those technologies market diffusion with E-ink display technology. We have found the driving force to adopt E-ink technology and make change of user usage is the value proposition of products which adapt this innovative technology. Furthermore, we conclude two driving forces to enhance diffuse into mass market. First one is to meet the minimum expectations of the value proposition from this new technology. Second is to meet the needs of users who select this new technology. In addition to, it observed two important factors to change usage adoption, one is internal push force, and the other is external pull force. Internal push forces include technology development; and capability of supply chain. External pull forces include market attraction of product value propositions; synergy for using other technologies in the products; sales and business models to promote products. Innovative technology is an important asset to sustain company growth in a high- tech company. But how it could successfully apply the innovative technology to a product and diffuse into the market? It is important to know key driving forces, so this asset is able to turn into cash for continuous funding new innovation. This study analyzes the diffusion model of a disruptive E-ink display technology. We have found early diffusion forces are depended on technology and supply chain capability. It suggests company to focus how to initiate the product position with technology capability for meeting expectation of value proposition. In the mean time, it needs to build the supply chain infrastructure to position core value of new technology. Once company has built the technology capability, diffusion forces move to market pull. It starts to launch a “killer application” product to apply this technology and underline differentiating product value proposition, so it is able to cross the “chasm”. It also suggests company to adjust strategy on product development and requires having a broader product portfolio to meet a variety of customer needs. Finally, plan product development for mainstream applications utill technology is gradually slowdown.
48

Exact solution to the stochastic spread of social contagion - using rumours.

Dickinson, Rowland Ernest January 2008 (has links)
This Thesis expands on the current developments of the theory of stochastic diffusion processes of rumours. This is done by advancing the current mathematical characterisation of the solution to the Daley-Kendall model of the simple S-I-R rumour to a physical solution of the sub-population distribution over time of the generalised simple stochastic spreading process in social situations. After discussing stochastic spreading processes in social situations such as the simple epidemic, the simple rumour, the spread of innovations and ad hoc communications networks, it uses the three sub-population simple rumour to develop the theory for the identification of the exact sub-population distribution over time. This is done by identifying the generalised form of the Laplace Transform Characterisation of the solution to the three sub-population single rumour process and the inverse Laplace Transform of this characterisation. In this discussion the concept of the Inter-Changeability Principle is introduced. The general theory is validated for the three population Daley-Kendall Rumour Model and results for the three, five and seven population Daley-Kendall Rumour Models are pre- sented and discussed. The α - p model results for pseudo-Maki-Thompson Models are presented and discussed. In subsequent discussion it presents for the first time a statement of the Threshold Problem for Stochastic Spreading Processes in Social settings as well as stating the associated Threshold Theorem. It also investigates limiting conditions. Aspects of future research resulting from the extension of the three subpopulation model to more than three subpopulations are discussed at the end of the thesis. The computational demands of applying the theory to more than three subpopulations are restrictive; the size of the total population that can be considered at one time is considerably reduced. To retain the ability to compute a large population size, with an increase in the number of possible subpopulations, a possible method of repeated application of the three population solution is identified. This is done through the medium of two competing mutually exclusive rumours. The final discussion occurs on future investigation into the existence of limit values, zero states, cyclic states and absorbing states for the M subpopulation case. The generalisation and inversion of the Laplace Transform as well as the consequential statement of the threshold theorem, derivation of the transition probabilities and discussion of the limiting conditions are significant advances in the theory of rumours and similar social phenomena. / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Mathematical Sciences, 2008
49

Computational Explorations of Creativity and Innovation in Design

Sosa Medina, Ricardo January 2005 (has links)
This thesis addresses creativity in design as a property of systems rather than an attribute of isolated individuals. It focuses on the dynamics between generative and evaluative or ascriptive processes. This is in distinction to conventional approaches to the study of creativity which tend to concentrate on the isolated characteristics of person, process and product. Whilst previous research has advanced insights on potentially creative behaviour and on the general dynamics of innovation in groups, little is known about their interaction. A systems view of creativity in design is adopted in our work to broaden the focus of inquiry to incorporate the link between individual and collective change. The work presented in this thesis investigates the relation between creativity and innovation in computational models of design as a social construct. The aim is to define and implement in computer simulations the different actors and components of a system and the rules that may determine their behaviour and interaction. This allows the systematic study of their likely characteristics and effects when the system is run over simulated time. By manipulating the experimental variables of the system at initial time the experimenter is able to extract patterns from the observed results over time and build an understanding of the different types of determinants of creative design. The experiments and findings presented in this thesis relate to artificial societies composed by software agents and the social structures that emerge from their interaction. Inasmuch as these systems aim to capture some aspects of design activity, understanding them is likely to contribute to the understanding of the target system. The first part of this thesis formulates a series of initial computational explorations on cellular automata of social influence and change agency. This simple modelling framework illustrates a number of factors that facilitate change. The potential for a designer to trigger cycles of collective change is demonstrated to depend on the combination of individual and external or situational characteristics. A more comprehensive simulation framework is then introduced to explore the link between designers and their societies based on a systems model of creativity that includes social and epistemological components. In this framework a number of independent variables are set for experimentation including characteristics of individuals, fields, and domains. The effects of these individual and situational parameters are observed in experimental settings. Aspects of relevance in the definition of creativity included in these studies comprise the role of opinion leaders as gatekeepers of the domain, the effects of social organisation, the consequences of public and private access to domain knowledge by designers, and the relation between imitative behaviour and innovation. A number of factors in a social system are identified that contribute to the emergence of phenomena that are normally associated to creativity and innovation in design. At the individual level the role of differences of abilities, persistence, opportunities, imitative behaviour, peer influence, and design strategies are discussed. At the field level determinants under inspection include group structure, social mobility and organisation, emergence of opinion leaders, established rules and norms, and distribution of adoption and quality assessments. Lastly, domain aspects that influence the interaction between designers and their social groups include the generation and access to knowledge, activities of gatekeeping, domain size and distribution, and artefact structure and representation. These insights are discussed in view of current findings and relevant modelling approaches in the literature. Whilst a number of assumptions and results are validated, others contribute to ongoing debates and suggest specific mechanisms and parameters for future experimentation. The thesis concludes by characterising this approach to the study of creativity in design as an alternative �in silico� method of inquiry that enables simulation with phenomena not amenable to direct manipulation. Lines of development for future work are advanced which promise to contribute to the experimental study of the social dimensions of design.
50

How Organizational Experiments Influence Organizational Learning

Ng, San W 31 August 2011 (has links)
Organizational learning through experience has been found to be associated with enhanced firm performance. Organizational experiments are a method of experiential learning that enable organizations to learn from experience and gain context-specific knowledge of how and why to implement new knowledge. Pilot projects, a type of organizational experiment, involve making intentional, systematic efforts to gather and analyze feedback in order to accurately assess the action-outcome relationships of adopting new knowledge prior to embarking on full-scale implementation. Despite the popularity of pilot projects used to test products, programs, and services as well as reports on the outcomes of such experiments, there is a dearth of research focusing on how organizational learning occurs during organizational experiments, and on the processes and structural mechanisms of organizational experiments that contribute to organizational learning. A qualitative, multiple-case study of eight pilot projects was carried out within nursing units across five acute health care organizations during Fall 2008. Interviews were conducted with 32 individuals, including pilot project leaders, nursing program managers and direct care nurses. An inductive approach to data analysis was applied and themes identified. Results were compared to 14 propositions that were developed based on the knowledge transfer, innovation diffusion, and organizational learning literature, and which were bracketed before data analysis to allow findings to emerge from the data. The findings advance existing organizational learning, innovation diffusion, and knowledge transfer models by illuminating the complexity of organizational learning processes. Several processes and structural mechanisms of organizational experiments were found to facilitate single-loop organizational learning, leading to incremental changes to meet existing goals and objectives. Although double-loop organizational learning, which may result in fundamental changes in an organization’s assumptions, norms, policies, goals and objectives was not observed, the study revealed a number of processes and structural mechanisms that have the potential to encourage this type of learning. Studies of organizational experiments are rare. Future directions for research and theory development are suggested to build on the findings of this study. Practical implications are offered to organizations in any industry interested in realizing the potential that organizational experiments have for double-loop learning and enhanced organizational performance.

Page generated in 0.5106 seconds