- Netherlands
This study proposes the Lean philosophy, which integrates a firm's "hard" and "soft" processes, as a promising way to enhance firm innovativeness. Five Lean principles that are specific to the innovation management context, namely,... more
This study proposes the Lean philosophy, which integrates a firm's "hard" and "soft" processes, as a promising way to enhance firm innovativeness. Five Lean principles that are specific to the innovation management context, namely, coaching leadership, learning culture, employee appreciation, learning routines, and collaborative networks, are discussed. Based on survey data obtained from 243 Dutch firms, the impact of these five principles on firm innovativeness is investigated. The results indicate that the Lean philosophy can be considered an interrelated socio-technical system, where coaching leadership enables the correct functioning of the hard and soft factors needed to achieve higher innovativeness.
Research Interests:
In many entrepreneurial projects, the concept of the business model (BM) is used to describe a business idea at a high-level and in a holistic way. However, existing literature pays less attention to implementation (or execution) of BM.... more
In many entrepreneurial projects, the concept of the business model (BM) is used to describe a business idea at a high-level and in a holistic way. However, existing literature pays less attention to implementation (or execution) of BM. Implementation becomes more complex when a BM is proposed by or requires a network of collaborating enterprises. The aim of this paper is to provide an approach based on empirical research that supports BM transition from design to implementation. The empirical data used in this paper is based on a case study involving an innovative project in the pharmaceutical sector in Finland. The case analysis demonstrates how a high-level BM needs careful consideration of its operational components from a network perspective to secure both value creation and capture. Drawing on the analysis, six concluding propositions on BM implementation in networked settings are put forward.
Research Interests:
Nowadays, rapidly changing and increasing competitive markets cannot be conquered in isolation. A lot of companies, therefore, operate in a network of collaborating actors. ‘Smart-Living’ is one of these trans-sector projects in which... more
Nowadays, rapidly changing and increasing competitive markets cannot be conquered in isolation. A lot of companies, therefore, operate in a network of collaborating actors. ‘Smart-Living’ is one of these trans-sector projects in which different actors with different backgrounds are involved. A considerable number of Smart-Living projects, however, fail to live up to their stated expectations due to lack of coherence between ‘strategic thinking’ and the ‘operational doing’. Aligning business models and processes of each of the involved actors, therefore, is a necessary condition in order to create a feasible and viable business model for Smart-Living services. The alignment process, however, encounters miscellaneous operational obstacles, which are insufficiently covered by the existing academic literature or the tools applied in practice. By means of multiple case studies about Smart-Living projects and their current alignment approaches, this research aims to contribute to business...
ABSTRACT To become more innovative, increasingly companies in Smart Living domain initiate and participate in trans-sector collaborations. Trans-sector collaboration is marked by involvement of various actors from distinct sectors with... more
ABSTRACT To become more innovative, increasingly companies in Smart Living domain initiate and participate in trans-sector collaborations. Trans-sector collaboration is marked by involvement of various actors from distinct sectors with sometimes, if not often, conflicting strategic interests and incoherent operational business processes and procedures. To gain an in-depth insight into the actors’ relationships and interactions, ‘stakeholder analysis’ is suggested and adopted by many scholars and practitioners. However, the literature on stakeholder analysis is too concerned with abstract strategic analysis, often limited to conceptual and static understanding of stakeholders. This paper argues that a “true” understanding of stakeholders can only be achieved by analyzing the stakeholders’ interactions and interdependencies. This study borrows a conceptual framework from service innovation domain, i.e. the VIP framework, to extend stakeholder analysis by a systematic analysis of stakeholders’ dynamic requirements and interactions. The qualitative evaluation of the frameworks application shows that this extension is needed to gain in-depth understanding of stakeholders, and the potential operational conflicts and critical dependencies between them, that otherwise would be overlooked.
Research Interests: Business Models and Agile
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Nikayin, F., Heikkilä, M., Solaimani, S., DeReuver, M. (2014). Workplace primary prevention programmes enabled by information and communication technology, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Volume 89, November 2014, Pages... more
Nikayin, F., Heikkilä, M., Solaimani, S., DeReuver, M. (2014). Workplace primary prevention programmes enabled by information and communication technology, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Volume 89, November 2014, Pages 326–332
Highlights
• We illustrate the potential of ICT for prevention programmes in the workplace.
• ICT extends possibilities for collecting, storing and analysing health-related data.
• ICT enables constant feedback from doctors to participants in prevention programmes.
Abstract
As the workforce is ageing across the globe, employers are implementing primary prevention programmes to encourage their employees to live healthier lives. Information and communication technology (ICT) can support these programmes by collecting, storing and processing data, and by visualizing health progress. However, there is a lack of knowledge of how ICT is utilized in primary prevention programmes at workplaces and how its utilization affects social issues. This paper fills that gap by presenting an illustrative case of a primary prevention programme in Finland. We find that offering employees the opportunity to use ICT for data collection, storage and sharing, contributes to their acceptance of the programme. Moreover, our findings show that while visualizing the effects of the programme through ICT contributes to lifestyle change, such soft factors as the involvement of doctors are just as important.
Highlights
• We illustrate the potential of ICT for prevention programmes in the workplace.
• ICT extends possibilities for collecting, storing and analysing health-related data.
• ICT enables constant feedback from doctors to participants in prevention programmes.
Abstract
As the workforce is ageing across the globe, employers are implementing primary prevention programmes to encourage their employees to live healthier lives. Information and communication technology (ICT) can support these programmes by collecting, storing and processing data, and by visualizing health progress. However, there is a lack of knowledge of how ICT is utilized in primary prevention programmes at workplaces and how its utilization affects social issues. This paper fills that gap by presenting an illustrative case of a primary prevention programme in Finland. We find that offering employees the opportunity to use ICT for data collection, storage and sharing, contributes to their acceptance of the programme. Moreover, our findings show that while visualizing the effects of the programme through ICT contributes to lifestyle change, such soft factors as the involvement of doctors are just as important.
Research Interests:
Development of successful business models has become a necessity in turbulent business environments, but compared to research on business modeling tools, attention to the role of metrics in designing business models in literature is... more
Development of successful business models has become a necessity in turbulent business environments, but compared to research on business modeling tools, attention to the role of metrics in designing business models in literature is limited. Building on existing approaches to business models and performance measurement literature, we develop a generic open repository of metrics related to core business model concepts. We validate and assess the practical value of the repository based on four e-Business model cases. The repository can be utilized in designing business models, specifically for networked enterprises. It is neither complete nor universally applicable, but needs adjustment with each design. Ultimately, with this paper, we hope measurement will become an integral part of the business model innovation discussion
Research Interests:
Purpose – The creation of a service is enabled by a “strategic-level” business model (BM), while the implementation or execution of the service is described by “operational-level” business processes (BPs). In many innovation projects,... more
Purpose – The creation of a service is enabled by a “strategic-level” business model (BM), while the implementation or execution of the service is described by “operational-level” business processes (BPs). In many innovation projects, especially trans-sector projects, a lack of alignment between the strategic “what to do” and the operational “how to do it” is often a severe obstacle undermining BM viability and feasibility. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework that identifies the generic horizontal and vertical inter-organizational and intra-organizational interaction components to bridge BM with underlying BPs, with the aim of improving the alignment between the two levels.
Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper identifies a theoretical gap between strategic BM and operational BPs. Building on existing literature the authors synthesize various theoretical concepts to create a generic framework to analyze the theoretical gap.
Findings – The proposed conceptual framework is useful in innovation projects, especially in complex scaled-up trans-sector innovation projects, where numerous BPs stemming from multiple actors from diverse industries should support a collective BM. This framework can be used as an analytical basis for further research into BM/BP alignment.
Practical implications – There are many BM theories and concepts, and BP ontologies available. The proposed alignment framework can be used to bridge the gap between the BM theories and concepts such as BMO Canvas and BP tools and ontology’s (e.g. ARIS, ArchiMate or BPMN).
Originality/value – Through a novel integration of a number of relevant theoretical concepts, a generic conceptual BM/BPs alignment framework is
Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper identifies a theoretical gap between strategic BM and operational BPs. Building on existing literature the authors synthesize various theoretical concepts to create a generic framework to analyze the theoretical gap.
Findings – The proposed conceptual framework is useful in innovation projects, especially in complex scaled-up trans-sector innovation projects, where numerous BPs stemming from multiple actors from diverse industries should support a collective BM. This framework can be used as an analytical basis for further research into BM/BP alignment.
Practical implications – There are many BM theories and concepts, and BP ontologies available. The proposed alignment framework can be used to bridge the gap between the BM theories and concepts such as BMO Canvas and BP tools and ontology’s (e.g. ARIS, ArchiMate or BPMN).
Originality/value – Through a novel integration of a number of relevant theoretical concepts, a generic conceptual BM/BPs alignment framework is
Research Interests:
One of the first steps in innovation projects and entrepreneurial initiative involves formulating a Business Model (BM) that describes the value creation, delivery and capturing logic of a business idea. However, when formulating a BM... more
One of the first steps in innovation projects and
entrepreneurial initiative involves formulating a Business
Model (BM) that describes the value creation, delivery
and capturing logic of a business idea. However, when
formulating a BM for networked enterprises, the alignment
of the collective BM, supporting the joint service or
product on offer, and the underlying operational processes
of the networked businesses, need to be taken into
account. This paper analyses the concept of Business
Model Alignment (BMA) based on qualitative case studies
of two Smart Living projects in Finland and China. To
begin with, a Business Model framework (STOF) is applied
to describe the high-level BM. Next, the Value, Information and Process (VIP) framework is applied to analyse BMA. The case studies show that an analytical framework, such as the VIP model, helps reveal the hurdles that may undermine BMA and, as a result, obstruct BM implementation. This paper contributes to existing BM literature by identifying the steps that are necessary to move from an abstract, often strategy-driven BM, of collaborating enterprises towards an aligned BM
that can be implemented. This paper also contributes to theory formation by identifying the issues that play a role in achieving BMA.
entrepreneurial initiative involves formulating a Business
Model (BM) that describes the value creation, delivery
and capturing logic of a business idea. However, when
formulating a BM for networked enterprises, the alignment
of the collective BM, supporting the joint service or
product on offer, and the underlying operational processes
of the networked businesses, need to be taken into
account. This paper analyses the concept of Business
Model Alignment (BMA) based on qualitative case studies
of two Smart Living projects in Finland and China. To
begin with, a Business Model framework (STOF) is applied
to describe the high-level BM. Next, the Value, Information and Process (VIP) framework is applied to analyse BMA. The case studies show that an analytical framework, such as the VIP model, helps reveal the hurdles that may undermine BMA and, as a result, obstruct BM implementation. This paper contributes to existing BM literature by identifying the steps that are necessary to move from an abstract, often strategy-driven BM, of collaborating enterprises towards an aligned BM
that can be implemented. This paper also contributes to theory formation by identifying the issues that play a role in achieving BMA.
Research Interests:
Purpose: The objective of this paper is to propose and demonstrate a framework for estimating performance in a networked business model. Design/methodology/approach: Our approach is design science, utilising action research in... more
Purpose: The objective of this paper is to propose and demonstrate a framework for estimating performance in a
networked business model.
Design/methodology/approach: Our approach is design science, utilising action research in studying a case of four
independent firms in Health & Wellbeing sector aiming to jointly provide a new service for business and private
customers. The duration of the research study is 3 years.
Findings: We propose that a balanced set of performance indicators can be defined by paying attention to all main
components of the business model, enriched with of network collaboration. The results highlight the importance
of measuring all main components of the business model and also the business network partners’ view on trust,
contracts and fairness.
Research implications: This article contributes to the business model literature by combining business modelling
with performance evaluation. The article points out that it is essential to create metrics that can be applied to evaluate
and improve the business model blueprints, but it is also important to measure business collaboration aspects.
Practical implications: Companies have already adopted Business model canvas or similar business model tools
to innovate new business models. We suggest that companies continue their business model innovation work by
agreeing on a set of performance metrics, building on the business model components model enriched with measures
of network collaboration.
Originality/value: This article contributes to the business model literature and praxis by combining business modelling
with performance evaluation.
networked business model.
Design/methodology/approach: Our approach is design science, utilising action research in studying a case of four
independent firms in Health & Wellbeing sector aiming to jointly provide a new service for business and private
customers. The duration of the research study is 3 years.
Findings: We propose that a balanced set of performance indicators can be defined by paying attention to all main
components of the business model, enriched with of network collaboration. The results highlight the importance
of measuring all main components of the business model and also the business network partners’ view on trust,
contracts and fairness.
Research implications: This article contributes to the business model literature by combining business modelling
with performance evaluation. The article points out that it is essential to create metrics that can be applied to evaluate
and improve the business model blueprints, but it is also important to measure business collaboration aspects.
Practical implications: Companies have already adopted Business model canvas or similar business model tools
to innovate new business models. We suggest that companies continue their business model innovation work by
agreeing on a set of performance metrics, building on the business model components model enriched with measures
of network collaboration.
Originality/value: This article contributes to the business model literature and praxis by combining business modelling
with performance evaluation.
Research Interests:
Managers aim to explain how and why IT creates business value, recognize their IT-based capabilities, and select the appropriate IT to enhance and leverage those capabilities. This article synthesizes the Organizational Information... more
Managers aim to explain how and why IT creates business value, recognize their IT-based capabilities, and select the appropriate IT to enhance and leverage those capabilities. This article synthesizes the Organizational Information Processing Theory and Resource-Based View into a descriptive typology of IT roles. On the basis of these roles, the core features and functions of IT resources can be analyzed and linked to business objectives. Implications and areas for future research are discussed.
Research Interests:
Technological innovations, from ubiquitous computing, augmented reality, telecommunication to intelligent appliances and robotics, bring new possibilities to the Smart Home domain, which has led to an increase in the number of academic... more
Technological innovations, from ubiquitous computing, augmented reality, telecommunication to intelligent appliances and robotics, bring new possibilities to the Smart Home domain, which has led to an increase in the number of academic publications in this domain. To date, no comprehensive overview and clustering of the core concepts used in these publications have been produced. Based on an extensive review of existing literature on the Smart Home, this paper visualizes the state of the art in the Smart Home research in a systematic way and outlines future research challenges. To do so, a business model framework is applied that helps researchers place their work within a broader context and identify gaps in the existing body of knowledge in this area. In order to move from the exploration towards the exploitation of Smart Home concepts, it is essential to contribute to a coherent body of knowledge that not only is technology driven, as it is the case now, but also pay attention to the non-technological aspects, i.e. social-organizational, economical, organizational, law/legislation and entrepreneurial topics, from both a strategic and an operational perspective.
Research Interests:
In order to become more innovative, companies that operate in the Smart Living domain increasingly initiate and participate in networked business environments that transcend industry boundaries. Inter-organizational collaboration is... more
In order to become more innovative, companies
that operate in the Smart Living domain increasingly initiate
and participate in networked business environments that transcend industry boundaries. Inter-organizational collaboration
is often characterized by conflicting strategic interests and
incoherent operational business processes and procedures.
Although many scholars and practitioners use stakeholder
analysis to gain insight into the actors’ relationships and
interactions, existing literature on stakeholder analysis focuses
mainly on high-level strategic analysis, often limited to a
conceptual and static understanding of stakeholder interests.
In this paper, it is argued that a ‘true’ understanding of stakeholders
can be achieved by looking at their interactions and
interdependencies at a more detailed level. This study uses a
conceptual framework from the service innovation and business
model domain, the VIP framework, to extend stakeholder
analysis by including an analysis of their dynamic interactions
and processes. The qualitative evaluation of the framework’s
application in illustrative design cases shows that this extension provides additional insights into stakeholders, and
their potential operational conflicts and critical dependencies.
By making these conflicts and interdependencies explicit,
products and services are potentially easier to implement and
commercialize.
that operate in the Smart Living domain increasingly initiate
and participate in networked business environments that transcend industry boundaries. Inter-organizational collaboration
is often characterized by conflicting strategic interests and
incoherent operational business processes and procedures.
Although many scholars and practitioners use stakeholder
analysis to gain insight into the actors’ relationships and
interactions, existing literature on stakeholder analysis focuses
mainly on high-level strategic analysis, often limited to a
conceptual and static understanding of stakeholder interests.
In this paper, it is argued that a ‘true’ understanding of stakeholders
can be achieved by looking at their interactions and
interdependencies at a more detailed level. This study uses a
conceptual framework from the service innovation and business
model domain, the VIP framework, to extend stakeholder
analysis by including an analysis of their dynamic interactions
and processes. The qualitative evaluation of the framework’s
application in illustrative design cases shows that this extension provides additional insights into stakeholders, and
their potential operational conflicts and critical dependencies.
By making these conflicts and interdependencies explicit,
products and services are potentially easier to implement and
commercialize.
Research Interests:
Critical design issues (CDIs) are a prominent topic in the literature on Smart Home service design and engineering. Smart Home technologies (i.e., products and services) have to meet one or more of these CDIs in order to become or be... more
Critical design issues (CDIs) are a prominent topic in the literature
on Smart Home service design and engineering. Smart Home technologies (i.e., products and services) have to meet one or more of these CDIs in order to become or be perceived as being valuable for customers and providers. However, the CDIs mentioned in Smart Home literature are extremely heterogeneous in nature. Moreover, it is not evident why some CDIs are included and others are not. Based on multiple theoretical concepts from various disciplines including system engineering, human-computer interaction, strategic management, and innovation management, three perspectives are proposed, focusing on the customer, provider, and interface of a system or artefact. By using these perspectives, a large number of CDIs are identified and clustered. The CDIs in question help Smart Home designers, engineers and providers: 1) consider a vast range of CDIs that may be critical to the intended technology; and 2) encourage them to apply a multi-perspective approach to meet the needs of customers and providers as well as the technological requirements.
on Smart Home service design and engineering. Smart Home technologies (i.e., products and services) have to meet one or more of these CDIs in order to become or be perceived as being valuable for customers and providers. However, the CDIs mentioned in Smart Home literature are extremely heterogeneous in nature. Moreover, it is not evident why some CDIs are included and others are not. Based on multiple theoretical concepts from various disciplines including system engineering, human-computer interaction, strategic management, and innovation management, three perspectives are proposed, focusing on the customer, provider, and interface of a system or artefact. By using these perspectives, a large number of CDIs are identified and clustered. The CDIs in question help Smart Home designers, engineers and providers: 1) consider a vast range of CDIs that may be critical to the intended technology; and 2) encourage them to apply a multi-perspective approach to meet the needs of customers and providers as well as the technological requirements.