Scientific Director
Business Systems Laboratory (BS-Lab)
http://bslaboratory.net
----
Associate Professor of Marketing
Dep. SEAS, Polythecnic School
University of Palermo, Italy
gandolfo.dominici@unipa.it
http://gandolfodominici.it/
We aim to point out some relevant ways in which organizations can decide and act sustainably acco... more We aim to point out some relevant ways in which organizations can decide and act sustainably according to a cybernetic and viable systems perspective
The social and economic complexity of our times triggers intense transformations in the competiti... more The social and economic complexity of our times triggers intense transformations in the competitive logics of markets and, broadly speaking, of business systems. Business scenarios today are typified by dynamism, connectivity, nonlinearity, and emergent properties—in other words by “complexity”. Asserting that the world, and consequently business systems, are complex means that it is impossible to understand them by considering their individual elements separately, and that there is no option of predicting the future, but only of grasping and proactively influencing future scenarios. Reductionist models are unable to fully depict, or to allow us to deeply understand, new complex and dynamic business scenarios. Today more than ever, it is necessary to recognize the need for a paradigm shift that can carry science beyond the analytical reductionist approach, and towards a more comprehensive systemic perspective. This, of course, does not imply rejecting all the discoveries and benefit...
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the influences of different types of knowledge and... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the influences of different types of knowledge and their inherent dynamics on the effectiveness of the decision-making (DM) process. Knowledge dynamics (KD) is envisioned through the lens of the knowledge fields theory while effective DM process is objectivised via organisational appreciation and reward, higher business performance, sustainable partnerships and managerial satisfaction with previous achievements.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire-based survey was conducted with 275 middle managers from companies operating in the business consulting field. The conceptual and structural model was tested using the partial least squares structural equation modelling technique.FindingsThe study advances novel insights into the significant positive influences of various knowledge fields on KD on the DM process within real-life business environments. Even though rational knowledge exerts a noteworthy effect on DM, its influence is excee...
1. iNtroduciNG tHe B.s.laB 2Nd iNterNatioNal sYMPosiuM The Second Business Systems Laboratory Int... more 1. iNtroduciNG tHe B.s.laB 2Nd iNterNatioNal sYMPosiuM The Second Business Systems Laboratory International Symposium (http://www.bslab-symposium .net/) on " Systems Thinking for a Sustainable Economy Advancements in Economic and Managerial Theory and Practice " was held in Rome (Italy) on January 23–24, 2014. More than 200 participants from 52 countries attended this conference and 109 presented their research in 11 sessions covering a wide range of topics in Business science: Advancements In Systems Thinking.
The aim of this paper is to pave the way towards the inclusion of mainstream sociological approac... more The aim of this paper is to pave the way towards the inclusion of mainstream sociological approaches (based on Luhmann\u2019s approach) for the studies of firms-organizations. In social sciences we can observe that the theoretic consequences of a paradigm shift is signiicantly represented by the evolution of systemic thinking from Parsons to Luhmann. This shift implies the change from the vision of systemic organizations as \u201cstructures\u201d to that of systemic organizations as \u201ccommunication flows\u201d. The milestone of systemic approach in management maybe found in the research and applied works of Anthony Staford Beer with his Viable System Model (VSM) that today faced a relevant reconiguration by Golinelli and the Italian school on Viable Systemic Approach (VSA). The paradigm shift in this ield has been smoother than in sociology, and didn\u2019t imply the discard of the concept of organization as a structure. This because, in management sciences, the perspective and,...
POL: Other Change Management Strategy (Topic), 2012
The social and economic complexity of our times triggers intense transformations in the competiti... more The social and economic complexity of our times triggers intense transformations in the competitive logics of markets and, broadly speaking, of business systems. Business scenarios today are typified by dynamism, connectivity, nonlinearity, and emergent properties — in other words by “complexity.”Asserting that the world, and consequently business systems, are complex means that it is impossible to understand them by considering their individual elements separately, and that there is no option of predicting the future, but only of grasping and proactively influencing future scenarios.Reductionist models are unable to fully depict, or to allow us to deeply understand, new complex and dynamic business scenarios. Today more than ever, it is necessary to recognize the need for a paradigm shift that can carry science beyond the analytical reductionist approach, and towards a more comprehensive systemic perspective. This, of course, does not imply rejecting all the discoveries and benefit...
In this paper, by adopting a systemic framework, we argue that place's adap-tive connotation ... more In this paper, by adopting a systemic framework, we argue that place's adap-tive connotation be considered as a mere result of endogenous processes butas a viable system that will remain viable if it can continue to answer theneeds of its numerous heterogeneous internal and external socio-economicagents. Place can be seen as a complex adaptive system characterized by amore or less planned evolution, driven by both top-down and bottom-upprocesses, and composed of various interconnecting parts that, at the sametime, can be seen as wholes at different levels as an holoarchy. The modelof the holoarchy allows to consider the place as the result of both plannedand spontaneous relationships between social and economic (sub)systemsand components, implemented in order to achieve a common goal. We thanapply this framework to the analysis of a case study in the tourism industryin Naples (Italy)
International Journal of Electronic Marketing and Retailing, 2017
Networks are ubiquitous in our lives in their social, physical, and digital forms. A growing numb... more Networks are ubiquitous in our lives in their social, physical, and digital forms. A growing number of firms today rely entirely on networking and lack a physical location or material infrastructure; they are, so to speak, 'liquid'. Through a theoretical analysis and its application to the case of Doctor Chat mobile app, this paper aims to analyse the fundamental laws of networks and to answer the following questions: 1) are the traditional methods to estimate the network value still valid in the current digital age and in particular for mobile applications?; 2) how do the laws of networks work when networks expand? We conclude with some suggestions for a research agenda in order to inspire further researches on the topic.
Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, 2017
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the survival of university spin-offs (USOs) in Sp... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the survival of university spin-offs (USOs) in Spain. First, the survival rates of USOs are compared with those of a group of similar firms. Second, the firm-specific characteristics of surviving USOs are compared with those of failed USOs. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on two subsamples consisting of 469 USOs and 469 non-USOs. A matching procedure is used for identifying a valid control group that allows for an outcome comparison between USOs and non-USOs. A longitudinal data set (2000-2010) is constructed, combining data regarding firm-specific characteristics and patent activity. The survival rates of both USOs and non-USOs are described first, and then, the firm-specific characteristics of the surviving USOs are discussed and compared with those of the failed USOs. Findings The authors find that the survival rates of the USOs are slightly lower than those of the non-USOs. In addition, the failed USOs have a longer ...
This paper highlights some theoretical and epistemological reflections about the relevance of act... more This paper highlights some theoretical and epistemological reflections about the relevance of action for managerial studies. These reflections show how the cybernetic paradigm of complexity management can be used for better decision making that unites knowledge and action in a comprising, dynamic, and evolving approach. Cybernetics can help to overcome the fear of decision making in the face of uncertainty in complex scenarios, and can be an effective tool for improving the viability and competitiveness of firms in the twenty-first century.
ABSTRACT The purpose of the paper is to show the importance of cognitive and affective process of... more ABSTRACT The purpose of the paper is to show the importance of cognitive and affective process of computer and ICT usage, both in learning and in their daily work tasks. In the paper is used comparative method. It has been concluded that an individual has an active role and the use of ICT enables, through the processes of reflection and exchanges of views, for an individual to resolve problems and consequently is able to achieve excellent result at educational level and in business.
Purpose This study aims to supply indications that may be useful in the process of development of... more Purpose This study aims to supply indications that may be useful in the process of development of new products that fully exploit the value potential of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in the automotive industry. To this aim, we investigate how applications of the IoT to smart vehicles are perceived by consumers and we describe different ways to increase their satisfaction Design/methodology/approach After a literature review focused on IoT and consumer behaviour in the automotive industry, we apply the Kano model to find the drivers for achieving customer satisfaction with new product developments in smartcars Findings Automotive companies need to consider what is attractive to drivers and what consumers consider to be “driver-friendly”. Using an empirical analysis, we highlight the motivations for developing a smartcar to fits the expectation of Italian drivers. Research limitations/implications While the global framework given by this article can be useful in all contexts, ...
In marketing theory, the shift from the paradigm of value creation to value \u2018cocreation\u201... more In marketing theory, the shift from the paradigm of value creation to value \u2018cocreation\u2019 calls for a deeper grasp of the interactions between producers and customers. Marketing studies have widely focused on the value cocreation concept, but so far, the mechanism through which consumers can be involved in the process of value cocreation through product development had found little space in marketing studies. In this theoretical paper, we aim to \ufb01ll this gap and pave the way towards a better understanding of the mechanisms of value cocreation for product development through second-order cybernetics. We conceive the market arena as a physical or virtual place where communications of value propositions produce eigenforms driving the eigenbehaviours of producers and customers towards shared meaningful objects. Based on these assumptions, we offer a framework based ont he viable systems model and the law of requisite variety to shed light on processes of interaction between producers and consumers in the market arena. The proposed framework can be an effective tool for the managers involved in product design and marketing to contribute to a \ufb01rm\u2019s policies by supplying a clearer picture of the systemic relations involved in the value cocreation for product innovation and product development
This theoretical work aims to analyze the choice of strategic management activities, taking into ... more This theoretical work aims to analyze the choice of strategic management activities, taking into account a complex systems perspective. Following this approach, we represent the firm as a complex adaptive system, in which the management must be able to develop and implement different behaviors in order to dynamically ensure the viability of the firm or system. This implies that the management governing the firm or system is capable of choosing, from among a number of heterogeneous entities, the relevant stakeholders within the competitive context and of creating and maintaining significant relationships with them, which are considered to be relevant in a turbulent environment.
We aim to point out some relevant ways in which organizations can decide and act sustainably acco... more We aim to point out some relevant ways in which organizations can decide and act sustainably according to a cybernetic and viable systems perspective
The social and economic complexity of our times triggers intense transformations in the competiti... more The social and economic complexity of our times triggers intense transformations in the competitive logics of markets and, broadly speaking, of business systems. Business scenarios today are typified by dynamism, connectivity, nonlinearity, and emergent properties—in other words by “complexity”. Asserting that the world, and consequently business systems, are complex means that it is impossible to understand them by considering their individual elements separately, and that there is no option of predicting the future, but only of grasping and proactively influencing future scenarios. Reductionist models are unable to fully depict, or to allow us to deeply understand, new complex and dynamic business scenarios. Today more than ever, it is necessary to recognize the need for a paradigm shift that can carry science beyond the analytical reductionist approach, and towards a more comprehensive systemic perspective. This, of course, does not imply rejecting all the discoveries and benefit...
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the influences of different types of knowledge and... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the influences of different types of knowledge and their inherent dynamics on the effectiveness of the decision-making (DM) process. Knowledge dynamics (KD) is envisioned through the lens of the knowledge fields theory while effective DM process is objectivised via organisational appreciation and reward, higher business performance, sustainable partnerships and managerial satisfaction with previous achievements.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire-based survey was conducted with 275 middle managers from companies operating in the business consulting field. The conceptual and structural model was tested using the partial least squares structural equation modelling technique.FindingsThe study advances novel insights into the significant positive influences of various knowledge fields on KD on the DM process within real-life business environments. Even though rational knowledge exerts a noteworthy effect on DM, its influence is excee...
1. iNtroduciNG tHe B.s.laB 2Nd iNterNatioNal sYMPosiuM The Second Business Systems Laboratory Int... more 1. iNtroduciNG tHe B.s.laB 2Nd iNterNatioNal sYMPosiuM The Second Business Systems Laboratory International Symposium (http://www.bslab-symposium .net/) on " Systems Thinking for a Sustainable Economy Advancements in Economic and Managerial Theory and Practice " was held in Rome (Italy) on January 23–24, 2014. More than 200 participants from 52 countries attended this conference and 109 presented their research in 11 sessions covering a wide range of topics in Business science: Advancements In Systems Thinking.
The aim of this paper is to pave the way towards the inclusion of mainstream sociological approac... more The aim of this paper is to pave the way towards the inclusion of mainstream sociological approaches (based on Luhmann\u2019s approach) for the studies of firms-organizations. In social sciences we can observe that the theoretic consequences of a paradigm shift is signiicantly represented by the evolution of systemic thinking from Parsons to Luhmann. This shift implies the change from the vision of systemic organizations as \u201cstructures\u201d to that of systemic organizations as \u201ccommunication flows\u201d. The milestone of systemic approach in management maybe found in the research and applied works of Anthony Staford Beer with his Viable System Model (VSM) that today faced a relevant reconiguration by Golinelli and the Italian school on Viable Systemic Approach (VSA). The paradigm shift in this ield has been smoother than in sociology, and didn\u2019t imply the discard of the concept of organization as a structure. This because, in management sciences, the perspective and,...
POL: Other Change Management Strategy (Topic), 2012
The social and economic complexity of our times triggers intense transformations in the competiti... more The social and economic complexity of our times triggers intense transformations in the competitive logics of markets and, broadly speaking, of business systems. Business scenarios today are typified by dynamism, connectivity, nonlinearity, and emergent properties — in other words by “complexity.”Asserting that the world, and consequently business systems, are complex means that it is impossible to understand them by considering their individual elements separately, and that there is no option of predicting the future, but only of grasping and proactively influencing future scenarios.Reductionist models are unable to fully depict, or to allow us to deeply understand, new complex and dynamic business scenarios. Today more than ever, it is necessary to recognize the need for a paradigm shift that can carry science beyond the analytical reductionist approach, and towards a more comprehensive systemic perspective. This, of course, does not imply rejecting all the discoveries and benefit...
In this paper, by adopting a systemic framework, we argue that place's adap-tive connotation ... more In this paper, by adopting a systemic framework, we argue that place's adap-tive connotation be considered as a mere result of endogenous processes butas a viable system that will remain viable if it can continue to answer theneeds of its numerous heterogeneous internal and external socio-economicagents. Place can be seen as a complex adaptive system characterized by amore or less planned evolution, driven by both top-down and bottom-upprocesses, and composed of various interconnecting parts that, at the sametime, can be seen as wholes at different levels as an holoarchy. The modelof the holoarchy allows to consider the place as the result of both plannedand spontaneous relationships between social and economic (sub)systemsand components, implemented in order to achieve a common goal. We thanapply this framework to the analysis of a case study in the tourism industryin Naples (Italy)
International Journal of Electronic Marketing and Retailing, 2017
Networks are ubiquitous in our lives in their social, physical, and digital forms. A growing numb... more Networks are ubiquitous in our lives in their social, physical, and digital forms. A growing number of firms today rely entirely on networking and lack a physical location or material infrastructure; they are, so to speak, 'liquid'. Through a theoretical analysis and its application to the case of Doctor Chat mobile app, this paper aims to analyse the fundamental laws of networks and to answer the following questions: 1) are the traditional methods to estimate the network value still valid in the current digital age and in particular for mobile applications?; 2) how do the laws of networks work when networks expand? We conclude with some suggestions for a research agenda in order to inspire further researches on the topic.
Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, 2017
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the survival of university spin-offs (USOs) in Sp... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the survival of university spin-offs (USOs) in Spain. First, the survival rates of USOs are compared with those of a group of similar firms. Second, the firm-specific characteristics of surviving USOs are compared with those of failed USOs. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on two subsamples consisting of 469 USOs and 469 non-USOs. A matching procedure is used for identifying a valid control group that allows for an outcome comparison between USOs and non-USOs. A longitudinal data set (2000-2010) is constructed, combining data regarding firm-specific characteristics and patent activity. The survival rates of both USOs and non-USOs are described first, and then, the firm-specific characteristics of the surviving USOs are discussed and compared with those of the failed USOs. Findings The authors find that the survival rates of the USOs are slightly lower than those of the non-USOs. In addition, the failed USOs have a longer ...
This paper highlights some theoretical and epistemological reflections about the relevance of act... more This paper highlights some theoretical and epistemological reflections about the relevance of action for managerial studies. These reflections show how the cybernetic paradigm of complexity management can be used for better decision making that unites knowledge and action in a comprising, dynamic, and evolving approach. Cybernetics can help to overcome the fear of decision making in the face of uncertainty in complex scenarios, and can be an effective tool for improving the viability and competitiveness of firms in the twenty-first century.
ABSTRACT The purpose of the paper is to show the importance of cognitive and affective process of... more ABSTRACT The purpose of the paper is to show the importance of cognitive and affective process of computer and ICT usage, both in learning and in their daily work tasks. In the paper is used comparative method. It has been concluded that an individual has an active role and the use of ICT enables, through the processes of reflection and exchanges of views, for an individual to resolve problems and consequently is able to achieve excellent result at educational level and in business.
Purpose This study aims to supply indications that may be useful in the process of development of... more Purpose This study aims to supply indications that may be useful in the process of development of new products that fully exploit the value potential of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in the automotive industry. To this aim, we investigate how applications of the IoT to smart vehicles are perceived by consumers and we describe different ways to increase their satisfaction Design/methodology/approach After a literature review focused on IoT and consumer behaviour in the automotive industry, we apply the Kano model to find the drivers for achieving customer satisfaction with new product developments in smartcars Findings Automotive companies need to consider what is attractive to drivers and what consumers consider to be “driver-friendly”. Using an empirical analysis, we highlight the motivations for developing a smartcar to fits the expectation of Italian drivers. Research limitations/implications While the global framework given by this article can be useful in all contexts, ...
In marketing theory, the shift from the paradigm of value creation to value \u2018cocreation\u201... more In marketing theory, the shift from the paradigm of value creation to value \u2018cocreation\u2019 calls for a deeper grasp of the interactions between producers and customers. Marketing studies have widely focused on the value cocreation concept, but so far, the mechanism through which consumers can be involved in the process of value cocreation through product development had found little space in marketing studies. In this theoretical paper, we aim to \ufb01ll this gap and pave the way towards a better understanding of the mechanisms of value cocreation for product development through second-order cybernetics. We conceive the market arena as a physical or virtual place where communications of value propositions produce eigenforms driving the eigenbehaviours of producers and customers towards shared meaningful objects. Based on these assumptions, we offer a framework based ont he viable systems model and the law of requisite variety to shed light on processes of interaction between producers and consumers in the market arena. The proposed framework can be an effective tool for the managers involved in product design and marketing to contribute to a \ufb01rm\u2019s policies by supplying a clearer picture of the systemic relations involved in the value cocreation for product innovation and product development
This theoretical work aims to analyze the choice of strategic management activities, taking into ... more This theoretical work aims to analyze the choice of strategic management activities, taking into account a complex systems perspective. Following this approach, we represent the firm as a complex adaptive system, in which the management must be able to develop and implement different behaviors in order to dynamically ensure the viability of the firm or system. This implies that the management governing the firm or system is capable of choosing, from among a number of heterogeneous entities, the relevant stakeholders within the competitive context and of creating and maintaining significant relationships with them, which are considered to be relevant in a turbulent environment.
Research Poster presented at Business Systems Laboratory 2nd International Symposium "Systems Thi... more Research Poster presented at Business Systems Laboratory 2nd International Symposium "Systems Thinking for a Sustainable Economy. Advancements in Economic and Managerial Theory and Practice". Universitas Mercatorum, Rome (IT), January 23-24, 2014.
"According to the Viable Systems Approach (VSA), the process of creation of new firms goes throug... more "According to the Viable Systems Approach (VSA), the process of creation of new firms goes through the transformation of new ideas and knowledge into viable systems.
This is a complex process, in particular when it starts from very innovative and original ideas that may be not easily understood by the external stakeholders of the seed firm (supra-systems). The business incubator plays a key role in order to bridge this gap of understanding between the innovating seed and the main actors in its environmental context, creating inter-relational ties and consonance that are pivotal for the competitiveness of the firm.
In this study we analyze spin-offs incubated and generated by the business incubator managed by the ARCA Consortium, located inside the university campus of the University of Palermo in Sicily. We follow the ways how the ARCA incubator selects and supports the development of business ideas coming from university labs and transforms these ideas into viable firms. The analysis of this process according to a viable systems perspective sheds light on a better understanding of the systemic actions that create the prerequisite conditions for the achievement of viability of spin-off firms. "
The purpose of the paper is to show the importance of cognitive and affective process of computer... more The purpose of the paper is to show the importance of cognitive and affective process of computer and ICT usage, both in learning and in their daily work tasks. In the paper is used comparative method. It has been concluded that an individual has an active role and the use of ICT enables, through the processes of reflection and exchanges of views, for an individual to resolve problems and consequently is able to achieve excellent result at educational level and in business.
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This is a complex process, in particular when it starts from very innovative and original ideas that may be not easily understood by the external stakeholders of the seed firm (supra-systems). The business incubator plays a key role in order to bridge this gap of understanding between the innovating seed and the main actors in its environmental context, creating inter-relational ties and consonance that are pivotal for the competitiveness of the firm.
In this study we analyze spin-offs incubated and generated by the business incubator managed by the ARCA Consortium, located inside the university campus of the University of Palermo in Sicily. We follow the ways how the ARCA incubator selects and supports the development of business ideas coming from university labs and transforms these ideas into viable firms. The analysis of this process according to a viable systems perspective sheds light on a better understanding of the systemic actions that create the prerequisite conditions for the achievement of viability of spin-off firms. "