Barbara Scozzi

A fuzzy echelon approach for inventory management in supply chains

Abstract This paper presents a methodology to define a supply chain (SC) inventory management policy, which is based on the concept of echelon stock and fuzzy set theory. In particular, the echelon stock concept is adopted to manage the SC inventory in an integrated manner, whereas fuzzy set theory is used to properly model the uncertainty associated with both market demand and inventory costs (e.g. holding and backorder costs). The methodology is applied on a three stage SC so as to show the ease of implementation. Finally, by adopting simulation, the performance of the three stage SC is assessed and shown to be superior to that, which the adoption of a local inventory management policy would guarantee.

Methods for Modeling and Supporting Innovation Processes in Smes

Purpose – Sets out to investigate business modeling techniques (BMTs) which can be used to support and improve innovation processes within small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approach – Based on a literature review, different analysis perspectives on innovation processes are identified and discussed, and some firm needs and problems are pointed out. The importance of BMTs to firms is further tested by an empirical study whose initial results are reported. Finally, by matching problems and techniques characterized by the same ontology, the BMTs most suitable to address SME needs are identified and their role within the innovation process discussed.Findings – The main result of the paper is the identification of the problems facing SMEs in innovation processes and the possible support offered by BMTs. Though methods and models alone do not assure the success in the innovation development process (IDP), they are enabling factors and can support the creation of strategies, reasoning, ...

Managing knowledge transfer by knowledge technologies

This paper is aimed at investigating the properties which should characterize a knowledge technology (KT), that is, a technology suitable to effectively support knowledge management. After an outline of the scientific background and of the main current research tracks on knowledge management, the paper focuses on knowledge transfer, which is analyzed by two main cognitive processes: codification and interpretation. The paper argues that, to define the properties of a KT, it is necessary to analyze the cognitive context in which knowledge transfer takes place. A cognitive approach for knowledge transfer analysis is then proposed to guide the definition of the KT properties, and some examples are discussed focusing on some basic technologies of the Internet.

Bug Fixing Practices within Free/Libre Open Source Software Development Teams

Free/Libre open source software (FLOSS, e.g., Linux or Apache) is primarily developed by distributed teams. Developers contribute from around the world and coordinate their activity almost exclusively by means of email and bulletin boards, yet some how profit from the advantages and evade the challenges of distributed software development. In this article we investigate the structure and the coordination practices adopted by development teams during the bug-fixing process, which is considered one of main areas of FLOSS project success. In particular, based on a codification of the messages recorded in the bug tracking system of four projects, we identify the accomplished tasks, the adopted coordination mechanisms, and the role undertaken by both the FLOSS development team and the FLOSS community. We conclude with suggestions for further research.

Analysis of information flows to enhance the coordination of production processes

Abstract This paper proposes a methodology to describe the information flows involved in the coordination of production processes. To this end, a process is represented as a set of interdependent tasks accomplished by resources. To manage task interdependencies, resources make decisions and exchange messages according to their decision-making responsibilities. By the assessment of a process coordination load , namely the effort required for resources to address coordination problems, the methodology can help managers enhance the adopted coordination form or improve the performed process as well as support the selection of the coordination technologies that better satisfy the information requirements.

Low‐tech, small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises and the practice of new product development

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the new product management practices adopted by low‐tech small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the context of design‐intensive products.Design/methodology/approach – The results are based on a multi‐case comparative setting covering SMEs in furniture industry in three countries, Italy, Spain and Finland.Findings – The study shows considerable differences in performance that occur in terms of the degree of design and innovation, goal orientation and the systematics by which a single furniture business is managed. Proactiveness and freedom in design and innovation together with systematic new product development (NPD) and goal orientation enhances NPD performance. As to the new product uniqueness, innovative design is applicable in furniture industry much as in a similar way as new technological knowledge is in technology industries. The management education and/or interests which are closely related to furniture design and decoration have a clear imp...

Shared Mental Models among Open Source Software Developers

Shared understandings are important for software development as they guide effective individual contributions and coordination of the software development process. However, it is not clear if such understandings can be developed in highly distributed groups that do not regularly meet face-to-face. In this paper, we present the results of a preliminary analysis of shared mental models within a Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS) development team. We analyzed mental models using cognitive mapping and process analysis and compared the models of four developers from the Apache Lucene Java project. Our analysis suggests that there is a high level of sharing among core developers but the sharing is not complete, with some differences related to tenure and role in the project. Finally, we suggest directions for further research on shared mental models in FLOSS teams.

The value space: how firms facilitate value creation

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the firm’s role in the value creation process. In particular, after categorizing the activities that firms carry out to facilitate the creation of value, the “value space,” an actionable framework within which different dimensions of value creation are integrated, is developed and discussed. , – The framework is built up on process theory, an in-depth review of the literature and a multiple case study carried out on 65 European firms in the furniture industry. , – The value space is both a practical and theoretically based framework which contributes to the development of a more holistic and “actionable” view on the role of firm in the value creation process; also it provides managers with a tool to support the analysis, management and innovation of the value creation process. , – The systematic categorization of firms’ activities and their subsequent integration into a value creation framework are a missing piece in terms of understanding the value creation process carried out by firms. Also, by facilitating the analysis and innovation of the value creation process, the framework can be used to support both exploitative and explorative business process management.

Mapping the Knowledge Supply Chain to Foster Innovation

Knowledge Supply Chains (KSCs) are the networks that provide knowledge supplies so nourishing one or more business processes carried out by a firm. KSCs are particularly crucial for innovation development processes. The need to recur to open KSCs during the accomplishment of such processes is indeed emphasized by the recent literature on open innovation (Kirschbaum, 2005; Chesbrought, 2006; Gassman, 2006; Van de Vrande et al., 2009). However, as scholars adopt different definitions of openness and stress different practices, it is not clear what open really means (Dahlander and Gann, 2010). Research is called for to further classify the different practices and, above all, to measure the impact of open vs. closed innovation so as to support companies in the identification of the right balance (Enkel et al., 2009). In the paper a methodology to map and analyze KSCs arising during an innovation development process is proposed. The methodology is described with specific reference to New Product Development (NPD) which is widely common as well as strategic in many firms. The methodology supports the characterization of the knowledge supplies (also in terms of the adopted collaboration approach) and the assessment of their criticality within the NPD process. Hence, it (1) contributes to make the concept of openness clearer and (2) provide companies with a clear picture of the process and its criticalities.

The role of mental models in FLOSS development work practices

Shared understandings are important for software development as they guide to effective individual contributions to, and coordination of, the software development process. In this paper, we present the theoretical background and research design for a proposed study on shared mental models within Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS) development teams. In particular, we plan to perform case studies on several projects and to use cognitive maps analysis to represent and compare the mental models of the involved members so as to gauge the degree of common knowledge and the development of a collective mind as well as to better understand the reasons that underlie team members actions and the way common mental models, if any, arise.