Showing papers by "University of Applied Sciences, Mainz published in 2017"

Dance Becoming Knowledge: Designing a Digital "Body"

Abstract: In this article the authors discuss the possibility of presenting the unique qualities of “the body” in contemporary dance practice through tailored digital choreographic objects. They reflect on some implications of abstraction in cognitive science and on “the body” as a site of exploration and knowledge in the realm of social, moral and relational being.

A processual analysis of the purchasing and supply organization in transition: the impact of offshoring

Abstract: Many companies have resorted to offshoring in order to reduce costs and grow their global market presence. Yet it remains unclear what impact the offshoring strategy has on the purchasing and supply organization (PSO) of these companies. In this paper the nature and type of changes offshoring organizations make within the PSO are examined, i.e. how new purchasing and supply management (PSM) structures and practices emerge, are maintained or are discarded as production operations are relocated. The processual perspective is used to analyze empirical data from a rich, in-depth case study within a global engineering company. Results suggest that in line with the law of requisite variety the PSO changes thoroughly when the company relocates its production activities through the captive offshoring mode, but does so in a more disjointed and non-linear manner than the current stage models would suggest. The offshoring process provides momentum for PSO change and influences where and how the change happens. We present five propositions for further research and conclude that offshoring provides managers with opportunities to: (i) change and influence the strategic direction of PSM in their organizations, and (ii) build viable strategies of retaining and managing knowledge and PSM competencies in global operations.

Mapping Air Population

Abstract: “Air population” is defined as the total number of people flying above the earth at any point in time. It is distinct and separate from the population still physically connected to earth. Real-time air population can be estimated by using an extensive network of ground sensors based on ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) that precisely locate the location of aircraft in real time. An aircraft determines its position via GPS and broadcasts it along with its identification, aircraft type, altitude, and speed. The total number of passengers can then be estimated by multiplying the number of seats for each aircraft by the current seat occupancy rate. Using this method, the estimated air population is determined by state and region for the airspace over the USA. In the interactive, real-time mapping system, maps are provided to show total air population, the density of air population (air population/area of state), and the ratio of air population to ground population. Among other things, the analysis shows that while high ground population states also have a high air population, and “flyover” areas have a higher ratio of air population to ground population.

Strategies and Influencing Factors for Big Data Exploration

Abstract: Many enterprises feel the need to explore the possibilities big data may provide for their business. However, they hesitate to apply big data, as they are unsure how to successfully identify new opportunities. We analyze in a multiple case study how companies start to investigate big data applications. Based on these case studies, we find two generic strategies companies tend to follow. These strategies focus either on the search for potential business opportunities or on the need to develop technology infrastructure. In order to understand the strategy selection, we utilize the TechnologyOrganization-Environment (TOE) framework. Our findings are twofold. First, we identify factors that influence the choice of strategy. Second, we identify the factors that influence the initiation phase of big data adoption within a chosen strategy.

Makers, hackers, DIY-innovation, and the strive for entrepreneurial opportunities

Abstract: Contemporary maker/hacker communities represent an internet-driven extension of the 'do it yourself' subculture. Corresponding projects are typically motivated by fun and self-fulfilment and not primarily by economic stimuli. Nevertheless, many new ventures have emerged as a result of the hacker culture. The purpose of the present multiple case study is to develop insights into the maker culture and its intersections with entrepreneurship and business innovation. The results show that makers typically understand a start-up process as a sequence of creative learning comparable to technical problem solving. Trial and error is seen as precondition for improvement. Makers, hackers, tinkerers, and other creative people who pursue own ideas with the intention to build their own business can unquestionably be qualified as entrepreneurs - even if they occasionally do not like terms such as businessman/businesswoman.

Cluster branding - a case study on regional cluster initiatives, cluster management, and cluster brands

Abstract: Cluster initiatives are believed to be important ways of increasing the competitiveness of companies within a region. The establishment of a strong cluster brand is considered a prerequisite for the success of a cluster initiative. Up to now, however, regional cluster brands have remained relatively unexplored. This study aims to transfer the identity-based understanding of brands to regional cluster brands and to analyse the following topics with a qualitative study using 13 interviews with actors from two different clusters as well as secondary data (e.g., homepages, image brochures, project documentation): functions of regional cluster brands; role of cluster management; importance of brand origin as identity anchor; operationalisation of brand identity.

Case Study about Germans and Thais : Impact of Locus of Control and Organization-Based Self-Esteem on Affective Organizational Commitment & Job Performance

Abstract: Individual self-evaluations like internal locus of control (ILOC) and organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) are discussed as personality traits relevant for positive work behavior of employees. Our case study focuses on the influence of these individual self-evaluations (ILOC & OBSE) on affective commitment and job performance in the contrary cultural settings of Germans and Thais. To test these assumptions, a case study was conducted with 196 German and Thai students with experience in workplaces. As independent variables ILOC and OBSE were assessed, three relevant cultural dimensions were chosen as independent variables: In comparison to Germans, high power distance, femininity and collectivism should be predicted as cultural values of Thais. AOC and self-reported job performance were assessed as dependent variables. Germans and Thais show different levels of three cultural values. Further findings revealed that Germans and Thais have identical levels of OBSE and job performance, but differ in ILOC and AOC. Regression analyses were employed to validate the relationships between the variables. Overall, nationality and masculinity impacted ILOC, whereas OBSE was influenced by masculinity and collectivism. In line with previous research, ILOC and OBSE predict AOC, surprisingly no cultural values impact AOC, but nationality does. Based on our hypothesis, job performance was impacted by ILOC, OBSE, AOC, and, however, also by masculinity. The influence of nationality vs. cultural values is not consistent on both dependent variables. Regardless of their German vs. Thai nationality our participants, i.e. highly qualified people, share masculinity as a common value. Confirming previous studies, self-esteem like ILOC and OBSE are valid predictors for commitment and job performance. Limitations and outlook for further research are discussed.

Augmentierte und Virtuelle Realität

Abstract: Augmented Reality (AR) und Virtual Reality (AR) sind Technologien, die zunehmend ihren experimentellen Charakter verlieren und kommerziell eingesetzt werden. Der Beitrag grenzt beide Begriffe voneinander ab, beschreibt technische Grundlagen und mogliche Anwendungsszenarien. Aktueller Entwicklungsstand und Chancen dieser Technologien werden beschrieben. Wie bei fast jeder neuen Technologie entstehen aber auch Risiken, die in einigen Fallen auch zu einem gesellschaftlichen Diskurs fuhren werden. Dies ist bei AR- und VR-Anwendungen der Fall; daraus ergeben sich Verantwortlichkeiten der entwickelnden Unternehmen, die diskutiert werden.

Towards the Design of Respond Action in Disaster Management Using Knowledge Modeling

Abstract: This position paper highlights current problems linked to the aspects of the multi-agency collaboration during disaster response. The coordination and cooperation depend on the information sharing and use which must face up to interoperability, access rights, and quality problems. The research project aims at providing an assessment of information impact on the disaster response in order to support the decision-making about what information shared or what quality of data used to improve the response efficiency. Our research approach propose to combine an information system able to integrate heterogeneous data and a simulation system to assess different strategies of information sharing, dissemination and use. A knowledge base is used as a bridge between information system and simulation system. This knowledge base allows for designing dynamically a simulation according to open data and for managing the own knowledge and information known by each agent.

Gazelles versus Mice: understanding their characteristics and the specifics of growth as a performance measure for research-based spin-offs

Abstract: Commercialising knowledge and technologies from public research centres, research-based spin-offs (RBSOs) play a pivotal role for technology transfer and thus contribute to regional development, economic wealth and job creation. Growth, however, is a highly debated and controversial performance measure for small businesses. Analysing the special growth patterns of RBSOs, the existing literature has put forward two extreme forms, Gazelles and Mice, with metaphorical characteristics. Drawing on a database of 177 spin-offs from publicly funded non-university research institutes, we investigate the specifics of those firms with an above-average growth rate and contrast them to their stagnating counterparts, trying to characterise Gazelles and Mice and explain the growth patterns with more detail in order to identify the potential for high growth rates as early as possible.

Grundeinkommen und Verteilungsrechnung – eine Betrachtung aus makrostatistischer Perspektive

Abstract: Die Verteilung der individuellen Einkommen uber die privaten Haushalte ist ein wichtiges politisches Thema. Ob gleich oder ungleich ist strittig, und als jungste Idee zu ihrer Anderung wird die Forderung nach einem allgemeinen individuellen Grundeinkommen erhoben, und dies aus entgegengesetzten politischen Lagern. Ungleichheit von Einkommen wird dabei auf das verfugbare Einkommen der privaten Haushalte bezogen. Dieses entsteht okonomisch als Teil des Volkseinkommens, an dem auch die anderen Sektoren einer Volkswirtshaft in vielfaltiger Weise partizipieren. Als fruchtbare Erganzung der Haushaltsrechnungen scheint es deshalb sinnvoll, die aus der Makrookonomik bekannten Rechenwerke einzubeziehen. Sie sind bisher nur fur den Kreislauf der Produkte empirisch und theoretisch ausgebaut worden in Form der Input-Output-Rechnung, konnen aber entsprechend modifiziert auch auf den Verteilungskreislauf, so die These in diesem Aufsatz, angewandt werden. Dadurch wird offen gelegt, wie die ersten direkten Einkommensleistungen aus der Wertschopfung durch anschliesende Verteilung im Kreislauf mit den anderen Sektoren modifiziert werden und aus welchen Quellen der Wertschopfung ein bestimmtes verfugbares Einkommen letztlich stammt, aus denen dann auch ein Grundeinkommen gespeist werden muss.

Automated web-based geoprocessing of rental prices

Abstract: Increasingly, geodata processing is being relocated to web-based services. A pioneering role was played here by the Open Geospatial Consortium(OGC) and the standardized OGC Web Processing Services (WPS). In addition to WPS, a large number of non-standardized online services and libraries, developed in the recent years, allow the web-based processing of spatial data. As geodata processing moved to web-based services, it led to an exponential increase in the availability of data with a spatial component on the World Wide Web.

Change Monitoring – Ziele und Nutzen

Abstract: Dieses Kapitel setzt den Startpunkt fur dieses Buch und erlautert die Ziele und den Nutzen von Change Monitoring Es geht auf dessen Bedeutung ein und setzt den Zweck des Change Monitoring in Bezug zu den unterschiedlichen Phasen eines Veranderungsprozesses Zudem wird der Begriff Change Monitoring definiert und von Change Controlling abgegrenzt Dieses Kapitel bildet zusammen mit Kap 2 die Basis fur die nachfolgenden Kapitel des Grundlagenteils (Teil I), bevor im zweiten Teil des Buches die Praxisbeispiele vorgestellt werden

Change Management und -Monitoring als Befähiger für eine Geschäftsmodelltransformation

Abstract: Die Durchsetzung neuer Paradigmen im Schumpeter’schen Sinne erfordert – insbesondere bei Grosunternehmen – eine Kombination aus transformationalen Fuhrungsansatzen und einem systematischem Veranderungsmanagement Um die Geschaftsziele und ggf auch die hochgesteckten Erwartungen der Organisation zu erreichen, kommt dem Change Management und Change Monitoring grose Bedeutung zu In der hier vorgestellten Fallstudie eines Unternehmens der IT-Industrie, war die Vorstandsentscheidung zur Einfuhrung der sogenannten Service-orientierten Architektur (SOA) der Startschuss fur ein unternehmensweites Transformationsprogramm, das auch eine Veranderung des Geschaftsmodells implizierte In der Studie konnte mittels Regressionsanalysen nachgewiesen werden, dass Change Management uber die Kommunikationsmasnahmen signifikant sowohl auf die Einstellungen als auch das wahrgenommene Kooperationsverhalten der Mitarbeiter wirkt Zudem beeinflusste die Einstellung zu SOA die wahrgenommene Kooperation zwischen den Organisationseinheiten, was fur Change Manager eines der interessantesten Ergebnisse ist: Die Uberzeugung der Involvierten steuerte tatsachlich ihr eigene Wahrnehmung bzgl ihres Kooperationsverhalten im Unternehmen Der Trainingsbedarf wirkt sich hingegen nur auf die Einstellung aus Das vorgestellte Change Monitoring Konzept kann die Wirkungszusammenhange zwischen Change Management Aktivitaten und der Mitarbeitereinstellung transparent aufzeigen

HR Excellence bei der SCHOTT AG – Globales Change Monitoring bei der Implementierung eines innovativen Performance und Talent Managements

Abstract: Im Rahmen der HR Excellence Initiative der SCHOTT AG wurden die bereits existierenden Performance und Talent Management Prozesse durch die Informationstechnologie integriert und weltweit implementiert Die 70 lokalen HR Manager, 2700 Fuhrungskrafte sowie deren Mitarbeiter in den Landesgesellschaften sollen von dem Leistungsbeurteilungssystem und Talent Management uberzeugt werden und nach einer kurzen Kommunikations- und Trainingsphase die HR Prozesse in einem Webportal anwenden konnen Parallel zur Umsetzung dieses Change Managements wurde ein vierstufiges Change Monitoring-Vorgehen mittels Befragungen definiert, um die Akzeptanz sowie die Befahigung bzgl der HR Prozesse bei den Zielgruppen zu messen Die Ergebnisse der drei Befragungen von den HR Managern zeigen eine Steigerung des Akzeptanzgrads uber die Zeit hinweg Interkulturelle Unterschiede der Regionen beeinflussen zudem signifikant deren Urteile Die Antworten der Manager und Mitarbeiter sind positiv, aber fallen in den Regionen signifikant unterschiedlich aus Der Erfolg des globalen Change Managements liegt neben einem einheitlichen Masterplan in der Berucksichtigung regionaler Unterschiede

Change Monitoring in Abhängigkeit von Change Management

Abstract: In diesem Kapitel werden die Ziele des Change Management vorgestellt Danach wird das Change Management definiert, indem das Veranderungsmanagement mit seinen entsprechenden Arbeitspaketen nach Rank und Scheinpflug (2010) vorgestellt wird Anschliesend wird ein Verstandnis dafur geschaffen, wie externe und interne Unternehmenseinflusse auf den Change Prozess und somit auch Change Management einwirken konnen Dies ist auch die Grundlage, um ein spezifisches Change Monitoring Konzept fur den jeweiligen Veranderungsprozess aufzusetzen

How to enrich description logics with fuzziness

Abstract: The paper describes the relation between fuzzy and non-fuzzy description logics. It gives an overview about current research in these areas and describes the difference between tasks for description logics and fuzzy logics. The paper also deals with the transformation properties of description logics to fuzzy logics and backwards. While the process of transformation from a description logic to a fuzzy logic is a trivial inclusion, the other way of reducing information from fuzzy logic to description logic is a difficult task, that will be topic of future work.