| 1. |
- Ammirato, Salvatore, et al.
(author)
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A new typology to characterize Italian digital entrepreneurs
- 2019
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In: International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour & Research. - : Emerald Group Publishing Limited. - 1355-2554 .- 1758-6534. ; 26:2, s. 224-245
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: Strong agreement in the extant business literature emphasizes that digital developments are key to economic growth internationally. This is in spite of the recorded high levels (up to 50 percent) of failure among digital companies and entrepreneurs. The purpose of this paper is to identify the digital debates in Italy, explore current policies and develop a typology that characterizes digital entrepreneurs (DEs) and their start-up companies in Italy.Design/methodology/approach: The digital debates and policies are explored through an extensive telephone survey of the self-perceptions and identified supports required by 348 Italian active DEs. Quantitative statistical techniques were used including factor analysis, cluster analysis and ANOVA, to identify motivations, profiles and critical success factors relevant to the sample.Findings: The study identifies three main clusters among the DEs: emerging very young; emerging business focused and experienced. These clusters vary with the entrepreneurs’ background and competence base, motivation and satisfaction factors. The different kinds of profiles require specific kinds of supporting policies identified by the sample that focus on financial, educational and/or networking provision.Originality/value: The paper affirms the central role of digital entities in modern economies expressed in the current literature and increases knowledge of the perceived success factors identified by DEs. The identification and classification of self-reported characteristics of Italian DEs and to what extent these characterizations might be useful for tailored interventions to support their success are the main contributions of this study. Accordingly, an authentic, original and self-reported portrayal has been constructed of the self-perceptions of Italian DEs. Finally, the study explores the implications for actions and new policies considering self-perceived profiles, needs and expectations of DEs.
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| 2. |
- Ammirato, Salvatore, et al.
(author)
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Knowledge Management and Emerging Collaborative Networks in Tourism Business Ecosystems
- 2015
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In: Proceedings of the 16th European Conference on Knowledge Management (ECKM 2015). - : Academic Conferences Limited. - 9781910810477 - 9781910810460 ; , s. 19-26
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- If we critically look at the evolution of the Tourism Industry (TI), we can note that, in the past decade, nothing has changed as much as ICTs and the Internet which caused an extensive transformation of the TI. Both demand and supply of ICT, together with innovation in transportation and international trade agreements, have evolved the tourism sector in operational workflows, management and marketing of new of tourism experiences. The massive use of new technologies has facilitated the rise of new flat organizational models where traditional brokers have disappeared, replaced by direct connections between local providers and tourists, or they have been reconfigured into new forms of dynamic and web-based tourism package providers. The depicted industry evolution shows potential, unthinkable just a few years ago, for local service providers usually marginalized from main tourism flows, due to their small sizes, and who are unable to compete in the globalized market. In many regions characterized by a niche tourism vocation, local tourism operators have started organizing themselves spontaneously in Collaborative Networks in order to create aggregate tourism offers that are able to compete with big tourism operators thus transforming regions with potential and vocation in real tourism destinations. The main socialeffect of instantiating these tourism partnerships, is the stimulus towards Tourism Business Ecosystems (TBEs) giving local tourism service providers a means for economic growth. The aim of this paper is to describe how the organizational paradigm of CNs, applied to the TBEs knowledge management and supported by ICTs, can be the key means for the growth of emerging TBEs. Such models are able to reengineer the tourism destination management model in order to gain much more flexibility in service provision and provide tourists the possibility to live an augmented tourism experience. In this paper we point out that tourism destinations, in an effort to give services able to actively support each phase of the 2.0 tourist lifecycle, can benefit from collaborative network models.
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| 3. |
- Ammirato, Salvatore, et al.
(author)
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The use of social media for knowledge acquisition and dissemination in B2B companies : an empirical study of Finnish technology industries
- 2019
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In: Knowledge Management Research & Practice. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 1477-8238 .- 1477-8246. ; 17:1, s. 52-69
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Scholars and practitioners of knowledge management have paid increasing attention to the adoption of social media in business-to-business (B2B) setting for knowledge sharing; however, both the theoretical and empirical research in this domain are quite fragmented. The aim of this research is to deepen the understanding about the B2B companies’ awareness of the potentials of social media in improving their absorptive capacity and, consequently, if and how such companies deploy knowledge strategies based on social media adoption. We carried out an empirical survey of Finnish technology companies operating purely in B2B markets. Results highlight that social media adoption is still in a preliminary stage of development. Companies show a lack of awareness of the potentials of social media as a means for external knowledge acquisition and internal dissemination. Results suggest a strong need of a structured approach to the adoption of social media to overcome cultural and organisational barriers.
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| 4. |
- Ammirato, Salvatore, et al.
(author)
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Thinking about Geography : the Effect of Socio-Economic and Cultural Differences on Styles of Thinking
- 2011
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In: Proceedings of 6th IFKAD 2011 International Forum on Knowledge Asset Dynamics, 15-17 June 2011, Tampere, Finland. - Matera, Italy : Institute of Knowledge Asset Management. - 9788896687055 ; , s. 1036-1045
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: This study follows a previous one based on a comparison of styles of thinking among university students from two Italian regions with substantial socio-economical and cultural differences (Sofo, Berzins, Colapinto & Ammirato, 2009). This paper explores whether university students at some European universities report markedly different thinking style preferences from each other. A sample of students from two universities of Western Finland were surveyed using the Thinking Style Inventory (TSI) (Sofo, 2008); statistical results have been analysed and compared with the data from the two Italian samples in the 2009 study.Design/methodology/approach: The TSI approach is useful to identifying differences in thinking styles. The paper explores possible connections between thinking style and established different economic and socio-cultural variables. The TSI measures preferences for stylistic aspects of intellectual functioning and is based on the theory of reality construction (Sofo, 2008) whereby people create their own realities through their ways of thinking. A sample of total 624 European university students from Italy and Finland was tested and compared. The fifty items on the TSI require respondents to assess their ways of thinking using a likert-scale. To verify reliability and consistency of the TSI instrument, reported data have been studied calculating the Cronbach alpha coefficient.Originality/value: This paper presents new results of a study which is the first of a kind in comparing thinking styles of students coming from three different EU regions. Over the past few decades, researchers have hypothesized that difference in socio-economic status impacts on thinking style. However our previous study (Sofo et al., 2009) affirms that other factors such as greater ease, freedom of mobility and the massive use of ICT can have a positive effect in mitigating difference in thinking style. This study offers a confirmation in the earlier study on a larger scale.Practical implications: A practical significance of this study is that if economic and socio-cultural differences impact on preferred ways of thinking and learning of university students, the impacts may very well be mediated through various methods such as pedagogy or ICT. Student learning capability is a factor of thinking style. Differences do exist among three EU regions located in northern Italy, southern Italy and in western Finland. It is suggested that supporting a range of student thinking styles through a greater diversity and sensitivity of teaching styles can mitigate any deleterious effects emanating from the differences. This result unveils the rising significance of additional possible mediating variables that may have emerged as increasingly significant within the new global order.
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| 5. |
- Aramo-Immonen, Heli, 1964-, et al.
(author)
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A supply network study in the shipbuilding industry : Mixed methods research in practice
- 2011
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In: Proceedings of the 20th Annual IPSERA Conference Vision 20/20 - Preparing Today for Tomorrow's Challenges 10-13 April 2011 Maastricht, the Netherlands. - Maastricht : IPSERA. - 9789461780010 ; , s. 650-661
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The objective of this study is to explore value creation in the shipbuilding supply network in Europe. The mixed methods research utilized combines or associates both qualitative and quantitative forms. Firstly, an analysis was conducted of financial statements spanning 3 years among supply chain companies in the network; secondly, a survey questionnaire was carried out (n >300 suppliers); and thirdly, a focused interview was conducted with managers from one shipyard in order to answer the research question. This exploratory paper discusses mixed method research, theory triangulation, and trust building processes in a supply network. Finally, the empirical results of the marine industry network research study are introduced.
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| 6. |
- Aramo-Immonen, Heli, 1964-
(author)
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Artefacts produced via design methods as boundary objects and mediating processes among non-designer engineers in idea generation
- 2012
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In: International Forum on Knowledge Asset Dynamics (IFKAD) and Knowledge Cities World Summit (KCWS) 2012<em> </em>. - : Institute of Knowledge Asset Management (IKAM). - 9788896687086 ; , s. 726-736
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose of the paper - This paper introduces design methods as a mediating process and the produced artefact as a boundary object between different stakeholders in the management of idea generation among non-designers. This paper is multi-disciplinary, based on studies in innovation management, knowledge management and utilization of design processes in industrial management. The concepts of the boundary object and the mediating process as understood in activity theory are introduced in the conceptual part of the paper (Vygotsky, 1978). This paper seeks the answer to the explorative qualitative research question: What kinds of advantages were found when using design methods (in art-based interventions) in idea generation among non-designer engineers? At the end of the paper, some results are revealed along with an analysis of the results.The research design and method is a qualitative approach in order to explore the usability of collaboratively made artefacts as boundary objects in idea generation situations. Furthermore, it was recognized during our study that the design methods used functioned as mediating processes between the stakeholders involved in the workshops. The data has been collected from workshop observations and survey questionnaires among the attendees. The research was conducted between 2009-2012 among non-designer engineers from industry (Aramo-Immonen and Toikka, 2009; 2010).Originality and value of research - This methodology provides evidence that design workshops, which can be categorized as art-based interventions on a continuum of art-based initiatives (ABIs by Schiuma, 2011, p. 48), function as mediating processes and the artefacts created act as boundary objects in idea generation in the scope of innovation management. Practical implications - The outcomes of this research can be utilized as guidelines in designing idea generation sessions in industrial management among non-designer engineers.
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| 7. |
- Aramo-Immonen, Heli, 1964-, et al.
(author)
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Blogging as a virtual co-learning environment in the international course context
- 2016
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In: EduLearn 16. - Valencia, Spain : The International Academy of Technology, Education and Development. - 9788460888604 ; , s. 1383-1391
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Co-learning, also known as collaborative learning, is a method of learning and teaching in which a team of learners together explore a significant question or create a meaningful project. A group of learners working together over the Internet on a shared assignment of creating a blog is an example of a virtual co-learning environment [1]. According to Jarvenpaa et al. [2], a virtual team member's trust in his/her team operates as a moderator, indirectly affecting the relationships between team communication and perceptual learning outcomes. Therefore, we first executed team-building exercises in virtual teams. Secondly, we instructed students to use blogging tools and create their own blog pages. Thirdly, we carried out a survey among students to assess the learning experiences in such a virtual co-learning environment. We have experimented with blogging as a co-learning environment among university students in the international course context. These experiments were conducted among a group of 39 students enrolled on an international knowledge management graduate course. We observed team building in virtual teams via team-building exercises [2]. We assessed the content of the blog pages and conducted a survey at the end of the course. In the paper, we discuss co-learning in virtual teams, introduce the results from the survey questionnaire and introduce live links to some sample blog pages.
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| 8. |
- Aramo-Immonen, Heli, 1964-, et al.
(author)
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Charting the reach and contribution of IMP literature in other disciplines : A bibliometric analysis
- 2020
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In: Industrial Marketing Management. - : Elsevier. - 0019-8501 .- 1873-2062. ; 87, s. 47-62
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The acknowledgement of a research tradition by other disciplines shows its contribution to the development of the broader body of scientific knowledge. This paper investigates the contribution of IMP (Industrial Marketing and Purchasing) research to broader research disciplines by analyzing how researchers within and beyond IMP have cited core IMP articles. First, through quantitative bibliometric analysis, the paper identifies the diffusion to other research disciplines. Thereafter, through qualitative analysis, the impact of the IMP perspective is captured to understand how strong these imprints are. The analyses show that IMP research has been noticed among a range of adjacent research disciplines. However, the use of IMP references has generally been rudimentary, and without a deeper understanding of the IMP ontology, meaning that IMP still has some “weak ties” to the other disciplines. Establishing IMP's contribution through enduring imprints would need further engagement with researchers from other research disciplines and publications in top journals. The paper contributes empirically with how the IMP perspective has spread beyond the IMP Group and theoretically by adding insight into how research ideas travel and transform to other disciplines.
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| 9. |
- Aramo-Immonen, Heli, 1964-, et al.
(author)
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Cluster analysis of Finnish car retail and service business operations strategy and innovation management capabilities
- 2016
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This research explores the strategic management of operations and innovation capability in the Finnish car retail and service business. In order to develop customer satisfaction and competitive edge, companies need innovative capability to plan and manage operational strategy. Novel collaborative thinking with stakeholders is needed to predict and meet customer needs. Therefore, the ability to create process and service innovations is important. A survey was executed among CEOs and top managers of 147 companies. Data analysis results revealed significant clustering and differences in companies’ capabilities. The practical implication from this study is direct performance development proposals for managers
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| 10. |
- Aramo-Immonen, Heli, 1964-, et al.
(author)
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Clustering the IMP thought : Searching roots and diversities in IMP research
- 2018
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In: 34th Annual Industrial Marketing & Purchasing Conference KEDGE Business School, Marseille, France, 4-7 September 2018.
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- IMP research is often treated as an empirical perspective describing complexities of repeated business-to-business exchanges and their embeddedness. While building on some common understandings and concepts, this paper asks: How homogeneous is the IMP research? This paper uses cluster analysis to capture the roots and various sub-groups of IMP research as means to depict the question of homogeneity (i.e. a core focus in the research) or heterogeneity (i.e. using references from other fields or specific to sub-fields) of the IMP thought. In this scientific work in progress paper we introduce how we design to use bibliographical methods in order to harvest data from an extensive amount of IMP-related articles written from the 1970’s onwards. In this first attempt to reveal IMP we used overall 294 articles yielded to 10,615 co-citation relationships. A threshold of minimum number of citations of a cited reference was set to five (5) to capture such references that have been cited in multiple publications. We introduce visual mapping of defined subject area clusters and as an example we describe shortly clusters. Perhaps not surprisingly our findings suggest that IMP research is not so homogenous, with at least four clear clusters of IMP-research each utilizing different key referenfernces.
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