Digital Strategy as a Key Mediator of New Product Development Managers’ Decision-making Behavior and Innovative Capabilities: an Empirical Analysis

2021 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Kulish, Ireen; Greven, Andrea; Brettel, Malte

Abstract: Effectuation theory has gained prominence in the field of new product developme ... Expand

Abstract: Effectuation theory has gained prominence in the field of new product development (NPD). For instance, research has previously shown that the highly uncertain NPD process may benefit from an effectual behavior. However, literature also notices that decision-making behavior (i.e., causation and effectuation) depends on the context. Despite the dramatical changes digital technologies bring to innovation processes and relationships, the interplay of managerial decision-making behaviors in a digital context has not been examined. Hence, we investigate the influence of causation and effectuation on the NPD departmental digital strategy with the purpose to build dynamic innovative capabilities (i.e., exploitative and explorative capabilities) -a driver of NPD success. To prove our hypotheses, we collected survey responses from NPD managers in 213 firms. Our partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analyses yield several findings. While digital strategy enables causal managers to build exploitative and explorative capabilities, it complements effectual managers in doing so. Collapse

Topics: information systems strategy decision making information system use Slack social media

Methods: partial least squares path modeling survey partial least squares regression PLS tool cross sectional research

Theories: dynamic capabilities theory illusion of control

The role of temporal coordination for the fuzzy front-end of innovation in virtual teams

2020 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Chamakiotis, Petros; Boukis, Achilleas; Panteli, Niki; Papadopoulos, Thanos

Abstract: In this paper, we study the role of temporal coordination in managing the early ... Expand

Abstract: In this paper, we study the role of temporal coordination in managing the early stages of innovation (aka fuzzy front-end) in the context of virtual teams. Following a comparative case study approach, we detail the role of temporal coordination through the study of two contrasting virtual teams—one with a 24-h lifespan, and one with a five-month lifespan—from two Industry-Academia collaboration projects. Our approach was longitudinal capturing virtual team activities from start to end of each project, and involved multiple data collection methods, including observations and interviews. The findings reveal that the virtual team lifespan influences the type of temporal coordination that emerges. In virtual teams with short lifespans, tight coordination with frequent communication can help to reduce the uncertainty characterizing the fuzzy front-end. On the other hand, in virtual teams with longer lifespans, loose coordination allows dispersed members to work simultaneously on different, complementary aspects of the task at hand. These findings extend scholarly understanding around how innovation activities are coordinated in technology-mediated environments, such as virtual teams. Finally, we discuss theoretical and managerial implications. Collapse

Topics: innovation management virtual teamwork idea generation brainstorming information exchange

Methods: qualitative interview case study cross sectional research longitudinal research design artifact

Digital Value-Added Services: Recommendations for Early Development

2020 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Matt, Christian; Dowling, Michael

Abstract: Digital value-added services (DVAS) represent a major opportunity for firms to c ... Expand

Abstract: Digital value-added services (DVAS) represent a major opportunity for firms to create additional value for customers and differentiate themselves from competitors. However, many firms are struggling with how to develop DVAS. They often hire specialized innovation consulting firms to do this job but we know little about their secrets of success. To shed more light on the topic, we collected best practices along the critical first steps of DVAS development and derived six recommendations that can help firms increase their success rates. We provide insights, particularly concerning underlying organizational processes, the conception of ideas and the integration of customers. Collapse

Topics: innovation management fuzzy front end project management user experience IS value

Methods: design artifact personal interview case study qualitative interview business process modeling

The Idea Arc: Designing a Visual Canvas for Fuzzy Ideas

2019 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Aguerrevere, Alejandro Lecuna; Thoring, Katja; Mueller, Roland M

Abstract: At the fuzzy front end of innovation emerging ideas are often fuzzy as well. Thi ... Expand

Abstract: At the fuzzy front end of innovation emerging ideas are often fuzzy as well. This may lead to premature rejection of those early ideas and hence result in missed business opportunities. This paper introduces the Idea Arc—a canvas-based innovation tool that facilitates team-based discussions, elaboration and refinement of an idea, identification of missing parts, detection and correction of inconsistencies, finding fit between elements, and preparation for prototyping. We developed the canvas based on expert interviews and tested it in two workshops. As a result, this paper contributes to the existing research on the fuzzy front end of innovation and also informs the emerging research on visual innovation tools. Collapse

Topics: innovation management fuzzy front end knowledge representation design thinking participatory design

Methods: qualitative interview ontological modelling design methodology action research machine learning

Heading for new Shores: Crowdsourcing for Entrepreneurial Opportunity Creation

2018 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 1

Authors: Dellermann, Dominik; Lipusch, Nikolaus; Ebel, Philipp Alexander

Abstract: In this conceptual paper, we propose crowdsourcing for opportunity creation as a ... Expand

Abstract: In this conceptual paper, we propose crowdsourcing for opportunity creation as a new field of further research in both in the information systems and entrepreneurship domain. Building on previous research on entrepreneurial opportunity creation, we elaborate on the benefits of employing a crowdsourcing approach to reduce uncertainty and iteratively develop an opportunity into a new venture. Based on this assessment we develop a research agenda that highlights the need to adapt previous crowdsourcing mechanisms for the special context of entrepreneurial opportunity creation. In doings so, we expand research of crowdsourcing to the field of entrepreneurship by extending the principles of crowdsourcing for innovation for entrepreneurial opportunity creation. Further, by highlighting the requirements of crowdsourcing for opportunity creation, we point towards potential future research issues. Such research should examine novel participation architectures that enable the iterative cocreation of an opportunity through different maturity stages, thereby overcoming the limitations of previous crowdsourcing efforts that rather focus on the generation of novel ideas than its evolution. Finally, we propose crowdsourcing as a practical way for entrepreneurs to validate their assumptions about their opportunity, thereby achieving fast and early product-market fit. Collapse

Topics: crowdsourcing innovation management entrepreneurship anonymity participatory design

Methods: design methodology theoretical contribution

Disentangling the Fuzzy Front End of Digital Transformation: Activities and Approaches

2017 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 49

Authors: Berghaus, Sabine; Back, Andrea

Abstract: Digital transformation poses critical challenges to organizations. The initial p ... Expand

Abstract: Digital transformation poses critical challenges to organizations. The initial phase – the “fuzzy front-end “– in such a profound innovation process is often perceived as ill-defined and chaotic, yet it may have great impact on the outcome. However, managers struggle with initiating this process and prioritizing between different activities. Prior research has pointed out the importance of a digital transformation strategy, however, less emphasis is put on the activities that enact this strategy. Drawing on qualitative data from eleven organizations with an ongoing digital transformation program and by employing activity theory, we delineate nine patterns of typical activities in the beginning of digital transformation. The prioritization of these activities reveals five approaches –centralized, bottom-up, IT-centered, innovation-centered, and channel-centered. The results contribute to a better understanding of the initial phases of digital transformation for practitioners and complement prior research on digital transformation strategy with deeper insights on typical activities and approaches. Collapse

Topics: digital transformation innovation management fuzzy front end business model digital innovation

Methods: qualitative interview design artifact cross sectional research qualitative coding triangulation

Theories: activity theory

Online Innovation Intermediaries In Healthcare

2013 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Kuenne, Christoph W; Akenroye, Temidayo; Moeslein, Kathrin M

Abstract: Background: In today’s knowledge rich environment even the largest organisations ... Expand

Abstract: Background: In today’s knowledge rich environment even the largest organisations, such as pharmaceutical or medical technology companies, realize a bottleneck of knowledge resources for innovation. Harnessing the innovation potential of patients and other healthcare consumers contends to be part of the solution. Objective: This paper questions if online health platforms can support innovative activities by creating and transferring relevant knowledge from engaged healthcare consumers towards innovating healthcare companies. It aims at identifying online health platforms that can serve as innovation intermediaries. Method: An exploratory, case-study-based approach is chosen. Through desk review a sample of online health platforms is created and case vignettes are developed. Content analysis returns descriptive attributes which are examined throughout the sample. Findings: 30 out of 306 health-related online platforms qualify as innovation intermediary. We observe that online innovation intermediaries look for profound experience from healthcare consumers, in particular patients with a higher degree of affectedness. Further qualitative findings are presented. Conclusion: This paper puts emphasis on the mediating role of selected online health platforms as advocates of innovation. It suggests a classification and description of the variety of “health 2.0” platforms and sketches a preliminary picture of the market for online innovation intermediaries in healthcare today. Collapse

Topics: innovation management electronic health online community web 2.0 health information system

Methods: qualitative content analysis design methodology desk research case study descriptive statistic

MANAGING THE COMPLEXITY OF LARGE-SCALE RFID ROLLOUT PROJECTS IN LOGISTICS

2011 | European Conference On Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Schmidt, Malte; Thoroe, Lars; Doerrheide, Dierk; Schumann, Matthias

Abstract: The adoption and diffusion of RFID in logistics falls short behind the optimisti ... Expand

Abstract: The adoption and diffusion of RFID in logistics falls short behind the optimistic expectations shaped years ago. The complexity of large-scale RFID rollout projects is a barrier for widespread adoption and diffusion of RFID. Current RFID specific project management frameworks address the implementation of isolated RFID projects but provide very limited guidance on how to manage largescale RFID rollouts. This paper provides substantiated insights on fuzzy front-end activities in the early phase of RFID rollout projects at a large automotive manufacturer. Our findings indicate that indivisibility as the underlying source of complexity is one of the principal factors for hesitant adoption and diffusion of RFID in automotive logistics. We propose fuzzy front-end approaches to address identified complexity issues and ramp up RFID implementation in a diverse cross-company and multi-project environment. Collapse

Topics: radio frequency identification business process design project management fuzzy front end logistics management

Methods: qualitative interview literature study case study machine learning

IT Support for Intra-Organizational Innovation Networks – An Exploratory Study

2010 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Reinhardt, Michael

Abstract: The paper examines requirements for IT support in open innovation within compani ... Expand

Abstract: The paper examines requirements for IT support in open innovation within companies. Based on an in-depth single-case study, we derive four major levels of IT requirements: incentive & inspiration, information & knowledge, communication & collaboration, and feedback & feed-forward. The multitude of requirements identified on each level clearly points to the need for IT support during the internal open innovation process. The paper concludes that many findings from prior research on innovation management systems apply to the internal open innovation context as well, but with some interesting differences. An IT system for open innovation within a company should pay particular attention to the incentives and inspiration of employees. The system should motivate all employees to participate in open innovation and stimulate innovative ideas by indicating clear benefits as well as recent needs, challenges and developments in their company’s context. Furthermore, a virtual community seems to be a powerful concept for driving open innovation in the company. It fosters the activity of and the interaction between employees, thereby addressing all of our requirement levels. To build and run such an intraorganizational open innovation community, social software offers useful concepts and applications. Based on the identified requirements, we present initial concepts for their implementation. Collapse

Topics: innovation management open innovation requirements analysis system support fuzzy front end

Methods: qualitative interview single case study triangulation case study field study

Performance-Centered Design of Knowledge-Intensive Processes

2002 | Journal of Management Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Massey, Anne P.; Montoya-Weiss, Mitzi M.; O'Driscoll, Tony M.

Abstract: We develop and illustrate a performance-centered design (PCD) methodology for st ... Expand

Abstract: We develop and illustrate a performance-centered design (PCD) methodology for structuring knowledge-intensive, ill-defined processes. PCD provides a holistic view of a performance environment by considering the complex interdependencies between the organizational context, business processes, and individual performers. The context for our theoretical exposition is the fuzzy front-end of the new product development (NPD) process. Despite the fact that front-end concept definition and selection is central to a firm's innovation capability, these activities are ill-structured and typically the most poorly managed in the entire innovation process. Through a case study, we illustrate the proposed PCD methodology as applied to the fuzzy front-end and additionally illustrate how electronic performance support technology can be utilized to support the fuzzy front-end process. Although specifically applied within the context of one firm, we contend that the PCD methodology is applicable to other knowledge-intensive and relatively unstructured processes. Collapse

Topics: fuzzy front end problem solving armed conflict decision making business process management

Methods: case study qualitative interview longitudinal research longitudinal case study