This paper explores and maps the strategizing process of family businesses in the state of chaos. The aim is to establish a model that can help all stakeholders to better understand and manage issues arising during change. The model is built around the patterns of five attributes that were identified as ‘most informative’ for strategizing of family businesses in state of chaos. Studies from all over the world suggest that family firms account for the majority of businesses and contribute strongly to the growth of national economies. In every small and medium sized family firm succession is a common phenomenon and it is considered to be one of the most critical issues commonly faced by these firms. In this paper we developed a conceptual model for family business strategizing in the state of chaos. The study was conducted with a Knowledge Based Expert System, the Doctus KBS. We have identified five informative attributes by using the KBS algorithms to map strategy elements in chaotic domains. Patterns can then be built using ‘if, then’ rules, which become a model for Family Business strategy in Chaotic Ecosystems. The most informative attributes describe the new knowledge and experience that has been identified as relevant from strategic perspectives. Family businesses can be thought of as complex systems. Chaos theory ‘proposes a broad set of loosely related theoretical and meta-theoretical orientations to the behaviour of complex (non-linear) systems’. Rejecting the view that systems can be understood in terms of, or reduced to, their constituent elements and the predictable, linear relationships between those elements, chaos theory recognises the complex, unpredictable and dynamic nature of systems. Many researchers come to the conclusion that succession planning can result in significantly improved chances for a business’s continuation. However, based on complexity theory and emergent strategizing, we question this conclusion, and whether planning is really the only option for a successful family business succession. The outcomes of the tentative model demonstrate that identified attributes, in this case (1) Content of succession, (2) Successor is capable of handling assets in the future, (3) Preparation of successor, (4) Preparation of succession strategy and (5) Adequate successor, are to be recognized as patterns for strategy making in the state of chaos. The paper provides a tentative model of strategizing applicable to one specific family business, but based on our experience, we believe that this model could be built for other family businesses as well, as we have noticed similar characteristics in our observation of many family businesses.

The purpose of this literature review (2018) is to provide an overview of the current state of business model evaluation, especially of existing evaluation tools, methodologies and approaches. Identification of the commonalities and disparities within the existing models could contribute towards more sustainable implementations of business models in practice as well as advancements in scientific research. This systematic literature review utilizes replicable and transparent literature selection and content coding methods and builds on 35 sources. The study combines evidence on tools, methodologies and approaches for the evaluation of business models by means of a systematic literature review. As the importance of business model evaluation is acknowledged as a decisive factor for the successful innovation and adaption of business models, the consideration of existing tools, methodologies and approaches appears to be a promising avenue of research. By recapping the existing findings and identifying intersections as well as gaps in this stream of research, a state-of-the-art basis for management practice and future research is established. The analysis and description of the tools, methodologies and approaches enables the identification of potential pathways for using business model evaluation in the frame of business model innovation and adoption in practice. Furthermore, the close examination of literature on this topic provides the theoretical basis for future research directions.

Developing Multi Business Model Innovation (MBMI) Competences becomes more and more important to businesses to survive and compete in the global business model ecosystems. Continuous joint action and knowledge sharing with high speed are fundamental aspects of MBMI for businesses to meet the very complex MBMI agenda of today. Universities and Vocational Schools have a special task here to teach and train students to adapt and develop MBMI competences that can meet these challenges and evolving MBMI conditions, as these young students will be the “Business Modellist” of tomorrow. Further we have to acknowledge that these young students bring in potentially new ideas and “new eyes” to how AS IS Business Models can be changes and How TO BE Business Models can be created, as the students are “born” with the new technologies, media´s and use of these. However the knowledge about How to do BMI? and How to build BMI Competences? are still important but very fragmented researched, tested, analysed and reported. The paper reports on 2 experiments in CGC/MBIT research center carried out with 8 businesses (6 Danish, 1 Norwegian and 1 Swedish Business), 32 vocational, master and PhD students and 6 MBMI coaches. The actors worked close together with business management on different Business Model Innovation Challenges with the aim of creating and capturing “TO BE” BM´s. The research was carried out within the project Strategy Reborn and EU Interreg. Project Biogas 2020 and was carried out on behalf of a common accepted BM Language enabling the actors to talk MBMI in the same language with each other.

The purpose of this paper to investigate the process and role(s) of coaches and coaching Business Model Innovation (BMI) according to the definition of BMI by (Lindgren & Rasmussen, 2013) – to facilitate students learning, collaboration and innovation process – in order to find BM and BMI competence, language or framework about coaching university students in developing Business Model Innovation competences. From the 6-9 November 2017, CGC at Aarhus University did a practical anthropological ‘fieldwork in own culture’ understood as fieldwork in Business Model Innovation Challenge at the Biogas 2020 conference in Skive in the North of Jutland, Denmark. The three-day Business Model Innovation challenge in Skive were based on 3 Nordic Businesses challenge-cases represented by Thise Dairy (Denmark), VEAS Biogas Norway and Smögenlax (Sweden). For three days students from the three university’ worked in student teams to solve a Business challenge-case in a Business Model Cube and were measured by 360 degrees fixed cameras combined with participated observation and facilitation by two BMI coaches. BM and BMI coaching seem to take place in a kind of three-dimensional guidance continuum between teaching, guidance, consulting and inter-vision – in a process between ‘direction the answers and seeking the answers by questions’. This includes that the coach must master several roles and processes (layers): BM Tools, BMI process along with the Coaching process. It means that the BMI Coach must be very flexible and manage to change his/her position and perspective several times according to the student’ position. According to the pre-findings about perspectives, positions with different roles this study invites to closer investigation in the transitions of each shift in the coaching phases combined with shift in levels in three-dimensional model. What are the characteristics of these shifts and how are they visible and understandable for the team and the coach? This – together with the purpose how to investigate the process and role(s) of coaches.

Today Big Data becomes useful when it enriches decision-making that is enhanced by application of analytical techniques and some element of human interaction. With the merging of data and information vs. knowledge and intelligence, we see and investigate an opportunity for cross-fertilization between Big Data, business analytics and the field of Intellectual Capital (IC) with related disciplines. This article contributes to research in the strategic management domain by presenting a set of frameworks that identify how big data improves IC management within organizations. Strategy has to guide IC and Big Data governance trajectories and stimulate Big Data governance on IC complements. First we develop Big Data Governance framework by analyzing different dimensions and layers of Big Data, IC concepts and interconnections. The proposed framework provides an appropriate basis for internal corporate IC strategy discussions that surround Big Data by explaining new BD enabled dimensions of how firms create value through various BD enabled approaches. Second we introduce our multi-tier framework of Big Data and IC relationship that includes Big Data ecosystem, Big Data enabled IC Strategy and Business Models, and IC Big Data Dimensions. We propose a new approach for analysis of the relationship and effects of measurement in the area of intellectual capital and Big Data. Big Data is a subset of different features and could be presented by developed taxonomy that includes data, compute and storage infrastructures, analytics, visualization, security/privacy and industry domains. Based on theoretical conceptualization, combined with empirical evidence, we propose a framework for Big Data governance related with multi-level taxonomy with more than 100 entities. This framework provides new Big Data dimensions of IC research. This methodology puts in evidence a broad overview of Big Data concept modelling in IC using taxonomies and data management tasks. We have investigated the eleven knowledge areas of Big Data governance and created a Big Data Governance framework. We have applied Big Data Business Models, Big Data BI and Analytics areas of this framework to IC research. Based on theoretical conceptualization, combined with empirical evidence the Big Data Governance framework was created. This framework was used to find answers on the basic Why-What-Who-How Big Data and IC relationship questions. Taken together, we introduce a number of meaningful BD-IC frameworks dealing with Why-What-Who-How IC agenda. A Big Data decision intelligence pipeline of the operational steps sequence that has the goal of supporting context-aware BD business decision making was associated with full cycle of IC maturity model improvement. For that the Micro-Meso-Macro levels of Big Data ecosystem were developed. Big Data Micro Level Value Chain was combined with main levels of IC maturity. Finally four parts of Why-What-Who-How framework were clarified for IC and Big Data relationships. The outcomes of the application could be used for planning, oversight, and control over IC management and the use of Big Data and Big Data knowledge-related resources for IC research purposes. Big Data Business Model Pattern (BDBMP) dimensions framework could be applied for evaluation of intangible assets and intellectual capital for IC identification/creation/assessment/disclosure. This work can support CEOs and their management teams to more effectively measure and manage their intellectual capital assets.

Design a complete risk control system for film assets securitization which involves financing, revenue and legislation. This study mainly employs the methods of case study and theoretical research. Based on the theoretical analysis, this paper focuses more on practice. Starting with the real case of asset securitization in the United States. Combining with the fraud events of “Ip Man 3” film asset securitization in China to analyze the financing risks, legal risks and benefits risk. Not only put forward a complete risk control system, but also further enrich the risk control theory. The outcomes can help to promote the stable operation of China’s film securitization and further promote the development of China’s cultural and creative industries.

This research aims to identify a strategic map using balanced scorecard model and to establish the execution strategy to develop the tourism village based community in Brajan Village This study applies qualitative method. Case study as one of the qualitative approaches is applied to determine the real conditions that occur in the tourism village. The researchers used both primary and secondary data. The primary data were obtained through preliminary and fieldsurvey. Whereas the secondary data were obtained through collecting documents. The researchers also conducted field observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation to obtain information that were processed as a basis data for preparing a strategic map using balanced scorecard model for Brajan Village tourism area. After the data being collected, then the balanced scorecard was designed by analyzing the vision, mission, institutional objectives, and strategy of the business unit, setting up a balanced scorecard framework, creating a strategy map and discussing the right strategy and designing the execution strategy referring to Thompson & Strickland (2012). A research that identifes and develops a creative tourist village execution strategy has never been done in Yogyakarta. Besides, Yogyakarta is one of the cities which has been being developed as a creative city in Indonesia. The balanced scorecard model is an appropriate model because it can capture the strategy development in a comprehensive and measurable way. Balanced scorecard is one of the important alternatives for creating the grand design that is visionary as well as down to earth, whose meaning has a far-sighted perspective but can also be presented systemically by business units.Case studies help in a contextual study and in-depth study on the scope of creative tourism villages in Brajan Village. The outcomes of the application is strategic map using balanced scorecard model and execution strategy based on the balanced scorecard that can be used as an effort to develop creative tourism village as tourism business unit particularly in Brajan Village and other tourism villages which have a spirit of progress in order to support the growth of the tourism sector in Indonesia.

With the rapid economic growth in China and the deepening of cultural system reform, the development of China’s cultural industry is in the crucial process, which promoting high-level capital operation with investment and financing from the establishment of primary management entities and the cultivation of market capabilities, play the leading role of the government and establish a long-acting cultural industry investment and financing system that is diversified and Market-oriented, to innovate and enrich the mode of investment and financing in the cultural industry ,to promote and perfect the mechanism of investment. Based on test analysis, taking the investment and financing of cultural industries, I used some methods, such as the inductive logic and normative analysis, in order to sort out the stage characteristics of China’s cultural industry investment and financing as well as the future development trend. This report is to reveal the direction and goals of the financing of culture industries which meet the conditions of China, to promote and create conditions for the healthy development of Chinese culture industries. The investment and financing of cultural industry discussed in this article refers to the sum of various types of investment and financing activities carried out by the government, enterprises, other social organizations and individuals in the cultural industry under the Chinese context. This paper consists of four parts: The first part gives the background and significance about the selected topic and reviews the correlation theory on culture industry and investment and financing. The second part states the current situation of investment and financing of Chinese culture industry and point out the stage features of investment and financing in cultural industry. The third part shows that the main trends in the development of investment and financing in China’s cultural industry. Part four, put forward to explore and improve China’s cultural industry investment and financing policy recommendations. Thus how to innovate and establish the model of our culture industry’s investment and financing in terms of the related prevailing models will be the man approach to stimulate the prosperity of the culture industry.

The purpose of this research is to use Historical Destination Image (HDI) as a new concept in knowledge management and a practical tool among Heritage/Cultural tourists in order to motivate them to visit historical/cultural sites and contribute knowledge in the tourism industry. In spite the usage of Destination Image (DI) as a motivation tool among tourists in the tourism industry and its impact in tourism development (Hunt, 1975), the role of the intangible aspects such as the ‘sense of place’, ‘sense of era’ and ‘place identity’ for cultural/ historical destinations have not been well implied. This research will try to fulfil the mind gap of the intangible aspects and establish HDI as a new knowledge management tool for long term tourism planning and development. The approach taken in this article is related to the nature of reality (Redhead, 1989) and to find out if HDI can portray the ‘sense of reality’ as a new component among cultural/heritage tourists. A review on the literature of DI leads us towards the deficiency of its definitions regarding the intangible aspects (sense of era, place identity) of historical and cultural sites. Therefore, the first step was to identify and develop the new concept of HDI based on the literature of DI and with regard to the three hierarchically interrelated components of DI (Gartner, 1993, 1996) and the intangible aspects of a site. This guided us towards the formation of the HDI model and its implication for historical and cultural sites. This methodology puts in evidence on the important role of HDI as an effective knowledge management tool for the intangible aspects of a destination among Heritage/Cultural tourists who decide to visit historical sites. This article tried to portray the relationship between HDI and heritage/cultural tourist motivation for site visitation and the need of HDI for planning long term tourism development projects in historical sites. It is believed that HDI gives in-depth tangible and intangible knowledge and information about historical or cultural destinations helping gain the ideas and beliefs and attitude, perception and behaviour of an individual towards a site. The outcomes of the application of HDI is use it as an effective knowledge management tool to portray the ‘nature of reality’ among heritage tourists and fulfill their perception and mind gap towards the historical era of the historical site. The implementation of this framework in real case studies can help tourism planners and managers use this influential tool for their long term development plans in historical sites based on cultural/heritage tourist’s behavior with their needs and desires in these valuable destinations.

The aim of this paper is to identify and analyze the main dimensions of innovation in the bakery industry, with a specific focus on the Italian context. After a short overview about the industry, its characteristics and actors, the main dimensions of innovation in the sector have been identified and declined. Finally, a case-study methodology has been adopted. Specifically, the analysis of an emerging leading Italian company producing high-quality biscuits has let to draw some relevant information and insights about the innovation strategies and the managerial actions recently planned and implemented aimed to activate and support a sustainable and different growth of the business. In particular it emerges how organizations often considered too small to compete in the national and international business competition can be able to find new sources of competitiveness and to elaborate and successfully implement new strategies and actions of differentiation to guarantee performance and value creation dynamics.

In the current political-economic scenario, creativity and innovation are even more considered as the key to the survival of organizations (Magadeley, W. & Birdy, K., 2009). Innovation is a high-risk process that hides various uncertainty factors and several barriers. Therefore, the point is that there is the need to innovate successfully, rather than decide if it is worth innovating or not (Prajogo, D.I., & Ahmed, P.K., 2006). This research aims to investigate the recent and not yet well defined approach of creation and use of Innovation Labs to support innovation. Innovation Labs are real or virtual spaces where people stimulate their creative thinking in order to trigger innovation processes. The paper through a review of recent literature on the topic, provides a working definition and a taxonomy of Innovation Labs. This article is based on a literature review on Innovation Labs. It compares the most relevant studies that describe Innovation Labs and adopt different perspectives of analysis. The research is synthesised in a taxonomy framework that helps to clarify the fuzzy concept of Innovation Lab and to formulate a working definition. The interest on Innovation Lab is growing in economic markets (Burger, T., & Hermann, S., 2010). However, to date there is a lack of exhaustive studies on the topic (Meyer, L.P., 2014) and the term Innovation Lab does not have an agreed definition (Memon, A.B., et al., 2018). The paper, through a literature review, provides a clear definition and classification of Innovation Labs and provides insights on how Innovation Labs impact on innovation capacity development. The paper provides a taxonomy of Innovation Labs that contributes to shed more light on a relevant phenomenon that is affecting the current innovation dynamics. Especially, the working definition and characterisation of Innovation Lab offers valuable insights to all stakeholders involved in any way in building, deployment and exploitation of these peculiar innovation catalysers.

In recent years, several routes have been entered to face scarcity of energy resources with the aim of supporting the smart, sustainable and inclusive growth of the Countries. In this framework, the management of solid waste (MSW) to produce biofuel has assumed relevant dimensions in both environmental and economic terms. The paper aims to investigate the impact that plants could have to re-launch local economies and to contribute to energy self-reliance of particular realities, such as small islands. Differently from other works, authors apply non-conventional Islamic Finance instruments to demonstrate consistent profitability of the investment, suggesting policies contributing the feasibility and advancement of the research in terms of industrial and territorial political and legislative backing. The applied methodology is organized in different steps: first, a proper analysis of market condition is in-depth; then, the assessment of project financing as ideal contractual public–private partnership (PPPs) typology is shown; moreover, the technical-economic-financial feasibility analysis are tackled; finally, the application of non-conventional Islamic Financial models is analysed and the case study sets in Malta is mentioned. The approach undertaken appears to be totally innovative for the original application of new financial instruments to project financing for the fulfilment of worldwide needs and objectives. The potential of the research seems evident in consideration of the high feasibility in similar contextual realities and consequent profitability of the plants, since the research project represents a full package service in order to follow the integrated investment cycle and to transcend conventional indicators for the achievement of a long‐term economic, social, environmental, political value creation. The attractiveness of the investment is going to be crucial for European and International investors and decision makers in order to contribute to the re-launch of different economies and industrial policies and to contribute to the transparent competitiveness of capital-intensive market. From this point of view, the lobbying strategic plan will eventually draw Government and responsible actors to undertake more environmentally sustainable actions for the improvement of economic and occupational records in compliance with both European and International standards.

“Third mission”, namely the direct interaction with society and economy, next to the tasks of education and research is by now a requirement for any Higher Educational Institution (HEI) and Public Research Organization (PRO). But how to evaluate success remains an open question. Innovation literature has distanced itself form a linear concept of technology transfer in the last decades, even though it may still be prevalent in the management of public research organisations (PRO), higher education institutions (HEI) and political communities. In the last decades innovation literature strongly supported the addition of the public value criteria beyond a pure economic approach, which often concentrated on patents and licensing. We hereby introduce a spectrum of input, output, outcome, activity and key impact figures (KIF). PTB serves as an example of a PRO. Patents and licenses are the easiest definable KIFs, but quantitatively the least important ones. Emphasis is given to recommendations of proposals of the Scientific Advisory Board to the German government (Wissenschaftsrat) in the field of technology transfer and KIF development. The paper proposes a variety of transfer paths, where PTB serves as a sample institution. While some KIF may be special to this PRO, the concept of looking at a broad variety of activities of interaction with the economy and society as a whole may be viewed as a universal approach.

This practical paper addresses the lack of studies on international innovation ecosystems by investigating the ‘European Network of Research and Innovation Centres and Hubs’ (ENRICH). It is currently being established in Brazil, China and the United States, as an initiative of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. Focus within this paper is on ENRICH in Brazil, which aims to become the main hub and contact point for European and Brazilian Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) actors. Among the many aspects to be determined in this context, this research aims to address the question on ‘how to design a tool that supports STI actors to become involved in ENRICH in Brazil?’ A member-decision-support tool (MEDESU) is designed for STI actors in Europe and Brazil. From the various decision support systems (DSS), we find that a knowledge-driven DSS is the most suitable type of DSS for our MEDESU which is built based on a decision-tree that we created. Its structure consists of different question-paths which result in the proposition of the most suitable ENRICH membership type, respective of the users’ responses. The paper presents the design of a MEDESU to attract and support European and Brazilian STI actors to become part in the ENRICH community and to simply membership selection. ENRICH in Brazil is a unique international innovation ecosystem which is currently being built and requires suitable tools for the creation of its ENRICH Community. The MEDESU developed and presented in this paper is to attract, retain and engage with European and Brazilian STI actors. The next step in the DSS development is its testing and refinement before implementation in the ENRICH in Brazil community website. Apart from the implications for innovation practitioners who might use the tool, the insights from its development can be of relevance for policy makers that are looking to establish international innovation ecosystems, as well as for scholars who are interested in the international dimension of innovation ecosystems and the design of roles and strategic partnerships across continents.

This paper explores how ICT-based knowledge governance mechanisms are influencing knowledge absorptive capacity (ACAP), innovation performance and organizational performance in southern Brazilian firms. We followed a positivist approach and we used quantitative methods. Our sample includes 109 firms from Southern Brazil. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling (SEM) supported by the software SmartPLS 3.2.7. Our paper contributes to the knowledge-based view literature by contributing to understand ‘why’ and ‘how’ ICT-based knowledge governance mechanisms are fostering both firm capabilities and firm outcomes. More specifically, our results improve the understanding about the use and efficiency of knowledge governance mechanisms in different contexts, about the role of antecedents of ACAP and their impact on firm’ performance, and about the specific role of ICT mechanisms for improving ACAP, innovation performance and organisational performance. By doing so, this study opens several avenues for further research. By showing the most important ICT-based knowledge governance mechanisms for enhancing both ACAP and firm’ outcomes, this study helps to improve the efficiency of managerial decisions oriented to allocate resources for deploying those mechanisms in Brazilian organisations.

Design is a multifaceted concept widely used to describe functional, aesthetic, and in some cases engineering, or economic dimensions of an object or a process. It is often related to various aspects of everyday work and life, expressing different cultural, social, environmental and aesthetic values and views. Despite the substantial role design plays in our everyday life, research on the impact of this phenomenon on companies’ performance is limited. The aim of the paper is to explore the role of design in a value creation process from the perspective of intellectual capital (IC). The study investigates the potential for improving organisational performance and increasing value as a result of acknowledging the strategic impact of design. Irrespective of the form, the context and the field, applied design is an example of externalisation of knowledge, and often carries intangible value. This exploratory research is theoretical and empirical. The first stage of the study is based on literature review and analysis, which aim to characterise design from the perspective of intellectual capital, and propose a framework of the impact design has on value creation. The second part of the study presents a The second part of the study presents a model of the application of this framework and develops further the understanding of the relationship between the concepts under study. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the crossing points and interdependencies between three broad concepts – knowledge, design and value. Based on theoretical and secondary data analysis a framework model describing the impact and interdependencies among the three of them is presented. The model is to be pilot tested. The outcomes of the present study make a contribution to the fields of knowledge management and intellectual capital and provide straightforward recommendations for future research. Further, it can contribute to the improvement of day-to-day managerial practices in companies. On many occasions, managers of organisations underestimate the importance of design for company performance and value creation process. The relationships and interdependencies between design, knowledge and value studied and analysed from the perspective of IC make it possible to focus attention on some aspects of design and intellectual capital that were formerly often neglected in working practice. The paper highlights the impact and the intangible value of design from a strategic point of view. Finally, the outcomes of the present study focus on the ability of the design to convey more meaning than we can possibly express in words.

The aim of this work to look the factors determined capital structure of the Southeast Asian non financial corporate sectos, and this studiy also have perpose to test the capital structure mediate characteristics’ of the firm to firms value.. In other words, we discuss whether the leverage of firms in Southeast Asia follows more closely the predictions of the trade-off model and/or the pecking order model. This research is a verification research that aims to explain the causal relationship between the variables through hypothesis testing. The samples are taken by specifying multiple criteria. The criteria required in this research are: First, these companies are included in the non-financial industries. Second, the companies have been listed on the Capital Market in the selected countries in Southeast Asian Capital Market between 2000-2015. Third, in the period 2000 through 2015 the companies used debt to finance the operation of the firms. The study used panel data of companies listed in capital market on selected countries in Southeast Asia. Previews researcher only do study capital structure decision on one country. This study attempted to examine capital structure decision of non-financial companies on selected countries in Southeast Asia. This study to analyse the determinant of capital structure and this study also try to prove that capital structure mediate characteristic’s of the firms on the companies value. This study observed that the trade-off theory and the pecking order theory are not mutually exclusive. The firms choose the optimal level debt in Southeast Asia but still consider a hierarchy of financing sources. This study sae that there are variation of capital structure decision of the firms in Southeast Asia countires. The capital structure of the firms changes from time to time due to changes of internal factors and macroeconomic factors. This study also shows the capital structure dicision give impact on the value of the firms and capital structure decision mediating the firm’s characteristics and macroeconomics factors to the value of the firms. This research give information as a basis to make capital structure dcision making that will give maximise the value of the firms based on experience of the companies in the Southeast Asia.

A challenge in knowledge intensive firms is to inspire the employees to acquire and use knowledge to achieve strategic intentions without performing top down management. At an empirical level, it has been argued that semantics can be a liberating intellectual force promoting creativity and innovation. The purpose of this paper is to generate knowledge about alternative approaches for bringing strategic intentions into continuous and dynamic value creating actions. The study is an explorative single-case study. It has an ethnographical flavour in that we were ‘part of the organization’ in formal and informal settings in several periods. We started with interviews with the top management and the study of secondary material, interpretations of the empirical material were constantly ‘confronted’ with abstract concepts and frameworks that in turn influenced our interpretations of the company, contexts, events and processes. The generation of knowledge followed a trajectory we could call ‘hermeneutic spiralling’ from context to text. At the theoretical level it has been argued that verbs describe the dynamics of processes and will reflect how to perceive and manage them. However, our study indicates that the important words for bringing strategic intentions into value creating actions are adjectives. In business publications, we are familiar with the use of adjectives in superlative form like: best/largest/safest used in formal long-term goals. In contrast adjectives in comparative form express continuous improvements which makes them suitable to emphasize dynamic progress. This case study represents an original piece of empirical work on a topic that is under-researched. In turning intentions into value creating actions the use of adjectives in comparative form has a number of practical qualities. They function as a liberating intellectual force that contribute to a decentralizing principle where competent employees get autonomy in their work, and they establish direction for development processes. The construction of a systematic scheme that ties together strategic intentions with focused development processes in a uniform language may have great practical importance on how to guide, direct and inspire knowledge work in organizations.

This article contributes to the understanding about the means how development projects’ value creation dynamics can be unveiled already at earlier stages. This paper proposes an approach to broaden the focus of mock-up, as it covers most product features while still built using cheap materials, to enable user experimentation in a real environment at the early stages of the development process. The functionality approaching a real solution enables customers experience the key functionality and, therefore, also the perceived customer value of the new product idea. The study is based on an interventionist case study in a company manufacturing safety accessories for hydraulic hose assemblies. One research team member has been involved in (1) development of two new products that assist the use of these accessories in customers’ assembly process and (2) and analysing the potential process and cost implications, enabling deep access in the product development process. The originality of the paper lays in broadening the focus of mock-ups to enable user experimentation in a real environment at the early stages of the development process. Thus, the business case at the early stage of the development process can be argued with ‘user-experienced’ cost information and, therefore, also ‘perceived’ customer value. The use of mock-ups to gain customer feedback is well-aligned with the fail-fast mentality emphasized in the contemporary start-up scene. However, the use of mock-ups could be connected more explicitly to the assessment of customer perceived value at the early stages of the product development process. Especially in more mature industries the use of mock-ups for testing perceived customer value might offer significant potential.

The academic discourse on ideas seems highly fragmented, imprecise and incomplete. Certainly, there’s quite some literature about creativity and ideageneration in psychology and there are numerous publications on innovation in management sciences and business administration. The more remarkable it is there has been relatively few discourse about ideas as such. There’s no shared definition of the phenomenon ‘idea’. Interdisciplinary research on the working mechanisms and patterns of ideas in the various realms (science, economics, society) is almost absent. There is no over-arching theory on ideas. There have been some attempts in the history to develop a ‘science of ideas’; three of them will be shortly described. In post revolutionary France Antoine Destutt de Tracy tried to develop a science of ideas which he named ‘ideology’ (1796). In the 1950’s the Russian expert Genrich Altshuller developed his TRIZ-system, based upon the analysis of 100.000 patents. And in the 1980’s the American future researcher Patrick Gunkel worked on a grand project on ideas which he coined ‘Ideonomy’. Though brave and in part stimulating and provoking, these attempts have gained until now small attention and little success in the mainstream scientific discourse. This article will conclude with a tentative research agenda to develop a science of ideas: 1) Definition and meaning, 2) Origin and genesis, 3) Taxonomy and classification, 4) Problemconfigurations, 5) Patterns and working mechanisms, 6) Acceptance and legitimacy, 7) Realisation and valorisation. It certainly is an ambitious project to compare and investigate the nature, origin, growth and realisation of ideas in various domains and to draw cross-sectional conclusions about it. To develop a science of ideas would require considerable time and substantial funding; it might be a coproduction of universities, governments, companies and international organisations.