Evolving Interests and Approaches (Asynchronous Session)
Social Networks, Information Technology, Intellectual Capital and Value Creation in the Public Sector View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Thilini Arachchige
This study examines how human and non-human factors in Social Networks (SN) interact and mobilise Intellectual Capital (IC) for Value Creation (VC) through problem-solving during a digital transformation process. Although the IC literature anticipates a critical shift in organising and using inter-connected communities for VC, few studies have looked at this issue. Drawing on Actor-Network Theory, the current study provides insights on IC mobilisation and problem-solving to create value in the public sector. Additionally, the study contributes to the evolving fifth stage of IC research, where IC is viewed as a supporter for the wider ecosystem and the internal and external stakeholders it comprises. The study adopts a qualitative approach, employing a holistic embedded case study method at a public sector organisation in Sri Lanka. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with different internal and external stakeholders, and the collected data were analysed using thematic analysis. Primary results suggest IC can be mobilised to VC using SN and Information Technology. Implications, including both how IC research is shifting from creating wealth to creating value and how it is evolving beyond the organisation to encompass broader social and environmental issues through increased networking, are discussed.
A Framework to Manage Data Science Initiatives View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Sandeep Mathur
Data is increasingly ubiquitous in organizational life and Data Science Initiatives (DSIs) have emerged as a popular mechanism for extracting value from it. However, the track record of these programs has drawn substantial criticism. For example, the success rate of delivering DSIs is not perceived as high with Walker (2017) quoting Gartner estimates that 85% of projects fail. DSIs have unique characteristics and pose challenges delivering the envisaged value when using traditional processes for managing ICT-enabled programs. Mathur, Sankaran, and MacAulay (2020) found there are occasions when DSIs should be managed as Exploratory Projects. In this paper, we review the related delivery frameworks and propose a framework synthesizing program management, change management, DevSecOps, data management, and data science domains. The framework covers people and processes and specifically excludes products and technologies. The framework may enable consistency in how practitioners plan and execute the initiatives potentially leading to an improvement in the success rate of DSI implementations.
Managing Change in the Platform of Creative Industries: Stages of Change, Features, and Management Models View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Ugne Pavlovaite
The effects of the recent global pandemic not only affects economic performance, political, health or social challenges, but also encourage the rapid adaptation of creative industries (CI) in times of crisis. Organizations, operating in complex environments, often face situations where there is no single answer or best strategic choice. In order to keep the offered products or services in the market and attract new consumers, CI organizations implement modern management models. The platform concept is also interpreted as a new organizational paradigm due to changing stakeholder expectations to increase organizational efficiency. Considering the practical and academical need to study change management in the platform of CI in the context of an uncertain and changing environment, a scientific problem is being formed: How is the change being managed in the platform of creative industries? The main purpose of this work is to analyse the peculiarities of change management in the platform of creative industries. The theoretical part of the work presents the analysis of academic discourse - abstract and systematic theoretical material of change management in the platform of creative industries as well as the importance of the platform of creative industries in the context of value network. A qualitative case study has been chosen as it seeks to explore the links between selected variables. Data is collected by the qualitative research method - interview (structured interview questionnaire). To summarize the results of the research, the conclusions are presented as the main report points.
Going Digital and Making Masks during Disruptive Change: The Home Sewing and Quilting Industry during COVID-19 View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Marie Segares
This study explores how quilting and home sewing businesses adapted to the disruptive changes introduced by the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. COVID-19 altered home life and business operations in the home sewing industry radically in the spring and summer of 2020, introducing supply chain shocks and disruption of in-person events. Using qualitative analysis of a narrative study of entrepreneurial opportunity alertness and multiple surveys of owners and managers by a sewing and quilting industry organization, this paper considers how the industry responded to disruptive change, embracing the mask making movement, innovating in retail operations, and transitioning to digital spaces.
