Why is it that so many aspects of organizations are now spoken of as practices? How can organizations be studied within a practice-based approach? How can workable knowledge about them be produced? The authors answer these questions theoretically and through empirical examples. They provide an overview on practice-based studies illustrating their main topics, research methods, and the theoretical reflections that support a non-rationalist and non-cognitivist view of organizations. The book addresses the principal features of practice-based theorizing and its key concepts, then concludes with methodological reflections on the practice-based approach. Written for a university public already in possession of basic notions in organizational studies and intending to conduct analysis of organizing as a social practice, it will also prove essential for master and PhD students as well as organizational scholars designing research within Practice-Based Studies. Including a lively and wide-ranging debate conducted at international level, the book will be of interest to practitioners curious about a view of work as a practical activity that develops within ecology of social, economic and material relationships. Contents: Introduction Part I: Practice-based Theorizing 1. Practice-Based Theorizing on Learning and Knowing in Organizations: An Introduction' 2. Knowing in Practice: Aesthetic Understanding and Tacit Knowledge 3. Knowing as Desiring. Mythic Knowledge and the Knowledge Journey in Communities of Practitioners 4. Situated Knowledge and Situated Action: What do Practice-Based Studies Promise? 5. Through the Practice Lens: Where Is the Bandwagon of Practice-Based Studies Heading? Part II: Key Concepts 6. Sensible Knowledge and Practice-Based Learning 7. Knowing in a System of Fragmented Knowledge 8. Learning in a Constellation of Interconnected Practices: Canon or Dissonance? 9. Aesthetics in the Study of Organizational Life 10. The Passion for Knowing 11. Practice? It's a Matter of Taste! Part III: Methodological Insights for a Practice-based Approach 12. When Will He Say: 'Today the Plates are Soft'?: Management of Ambiguity and Situated Decision-Making 13. Do You Do Beautiful Things?: Aesthetics and Art in Qualitative Methods of Organization Studies 14. Organizational Artifacts and the Aesthetic Approach 15. The Critical Power of the Practice Lens

This Companion provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art overview and critical evaluation of existing conceptualizations and new developments in innovation research. Arguing that innovation research requires inter- and trans-disciplinary explanations and methodological pluralism at various levels, it draws on multiple perspectives of innovation, knowledge and creativity from economics, geography, history, management, political science and sociology. The Companion provides the definitive guide to the field and introduces new approaches, perspectives and developments. The Companion systematically analyzes the challenges, problems and gaps in innovation research. Leading scholars reflect upon and critically assess the fundamental topics of the field, including: innovation as a concept innovation and institutions innovation and creativity innovation, networking and communities innovation in permanent spatial settings innovation in temporary and virtual settings innovation, entrepreneurship and market making innovation governance and management. Innovation researchers and students in economics, economic geography, industrial sociology, innovation studies, international business, management and political science will find the Companion to be an essential resource. It will also appeal to practitioners in innovation and policy makers in economic development, public policy and innovation policy. Contributors include: H. Bathelt, N. Bradford, T. Burger-Helmchen, M. Callon, U. Cantner, P. Cohendet, D.H. Cropley, L. D'Adderio, P. Desrochers, U. Dewald, G. Dosi, D. Dougherty, J.Y. Douglas, J.R. Faulconbridge, M.P. Feldman, M. Ferrary, D. Foray, N. Geilinger, E. Giuliani, J. Gluckler, B. Godin, F. Golfetto, G. Grabher, M. Granovetter, S. Haefliger, I. Hamdan-Livramento, A.B. Hargadon, A. Hatchuel, S. Henn, J.-A. Heraud, A.J. Herod, C. Hussler, O. Ibert, A. Lagendijk, P. Le Masson, S. Leppala, D. Leslie, S. Lhuillery, P. Li, N. Lowe, B.-A. Lundvall, E.J. Maelecki, L. Marengo, S. McGrath-Champ, J. Merkel, S. Ogawa, F. Pachidou, G. Parmentier, J. Penin, G. Pickren, A.C. Pratt, J. Raffo, A. Rainnie, A. Rallet, N.M. Rantisi, D. Rinallo, J. Roberts, R.G. Shearmur, L. Simon, B. Sinclair-Desgagne, B. Spigel, J. Szurmak, A. Torre, B. Truffer, A. Van Assche, W. Vanhaverbeke, S. Vannuccini, C. Vellera, E. Vernette, G. von Krogh, B. Weil, D.A. Wolfe

Manju Pathak is presently a Professor of Biotechnology at Amity University, Noida. Earlier to this, she was a Professor of Biotechnology at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) University, Vellore, Tamilnadu.

In the digital age, numerous technological tools are available to enhance business processes. When used effectively, knowledge sharing and organizational success are significantly increased. Social Media for Knowledge Management Applications in Modern Organizations is a pivotal reference source for the latest research findings on the role of social media, information technology, and knowledge management in business today. Featuring extensive coverage on relevant areas such as digital business, resource management, and consumer behavior, this publication is an ideal resource for managers, corporate trainers, researchers, academics, and students interested in emerging perspectives on social media for knowledge management applications.

For any organization, analysis of performance and effectiveness through available data allows for informed decision making. Data envelopment analysis, or DEA, is a popular, effective method that can be used to measure productive efficiency in operations management assessment. Data Envelopment Analysis and Effective Performance Assessment addresses the myriad of practical uses and innovative developments of DEA. Emphasizing the importance of analyzing productivity by measuring inputs, goals, economic growth, and performance, this book covers a wide breadth of innovative knowledge. This book is essential reading for managers, business professionals, students of business and ICT, and computer engineers.

Knowledge is a valuable resource that must be managed well for any organization to thrive. Proper knowledge management can improve business processes by creating value, yet the available tools meant to aid in the creation, collection, and storage of information have drastically changed since the emergence of social media. By using this collaborative online application for engaging with information, organizations are able to precisely decimate knowledge to the correct audience. Harnessing Social Media as a Knowledge Management Tool addresses the challenges and rewards of the proper use of social media, as well as the key enablers and barriers of its application. This publication endeavors to provide thorough insight into the role of social media in knowledge management from both an organizational and individual perspective. This book elucidates emerging strategies perfect for policy makers, managers, advertisers, academics, students, and organizations who wish to optimize performance.

The effective application of knowledge management principles has proven to be beneficial for modern organizations. When utilized in the academic community, these frameworks can enhance the value and quality of research initiatives. Enhancing Academic Research With Knowledge Management Principles is a pivotal reference source for the latest research on implementing theoretical frameworks of information management in the context of academia and universities. Featuring extensive coverage on relevant areas such as data mining, organizational and academic culture, this publication is an ideal resource for researchers, academics, practitioners, professionals, and students.

We are living in interesting times characterized by increasing digitalization of business enterprises in a global interconnected knowledge economy. With waning euphoria about the first wave of digital e-business enterprises and a sobering dot-com stock market, business model innovation is being recognized as the key enabler that can unleash value creation for new digital enterprises. In contrast to traditional factors of production, knowledge assets and intellectual capital are expected to play a dominant role in determining both valuation and value-creation capabilities of most new age enterprises. Not surprisingly, Knowledge Management for Business Model Innovation is anticipated to be the mantra for survival, competence and success of Net enterprises as well as traditional brick-and-mortar enterprises faced with the challenge of transforming their business models into and beyond click-and-mortar companies.

Economics of Knowledge explores the theory and empirical facts needed for rational decisions on knowledge investments, creative processes and management of knowledge based industries and institutions. The accumulation of knowledge through higher education, scientific research and industrial R&D is a key factor in economic and social development. This timely and valuable book focuses on the micro- and macroeconomics of knowledge production, and on the analysis of technical constraints, possibilities of collaboration and incentives for scientists, academic teachers and students. The authors move on to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of centrally controlled and competitive university systems, before concluding with a set of decision-making rules for government, university administrations and industry. This book on a hotly contested subject will be widely sought after by those with an interest in economics, management, operations research, regional science and planning as well as consultants to knowledge based industries. R&D managers of industrial firms will learn a great deal from this book as will managers of universities and research institutes.

Operations management is a tool by which companies can effectively meet customers' needs using the least amount of resources necessary. With the emergence of sensors and smart metering, big data is becoming an intrinsic part of modern operations management. Applied Big Data Analytics in Operations Management enumerates the challenges and creative solutions and tools to apply when using big data in operations management. Outlining revolutionary concepts and applications that help businesses predict customer behavior along with applications of artificial neural networks, predictive analytics, and opinion mining on business management, this comprehensive publication is ideal for IT professionals, software engineers, business professionals, managers, and students of management.

States and markets are integrated segments of government that rely on one another for efficient operation. Research on the workings and happenings among these two entities is essential to ensure optimal functioning of public management and the political economy. Positioning Markets and Governments in Public Management is an advanced reference publication featuring the latest scholarly research on modern-day issues within political economy. Including coverage on a range of topics such as public policy, healthcare, and immigration, this book is ideally designed for professionals, researchers, and students interested in research and frameworks concerning governments and markets.

'The digital age provide tremendous opportunities for organizations who adapt new technologies, implement disruptive business models, introduce new ways of working and who drive on innovation. There is no doubt that one of the most important capabilities for 21st century organizations is ''mastering creativity''. Andres Hatum has done a fabulous job in taking readers of his latest book on a journey where they learn how to build and include creativity in the DNA of their organizations. A must-read for every business and talent profession.' -Nick van Dam, Global Chief Learning Officer, McKinsey & Company, Nyenrode Business University, the Netherlands and the University of Pennsylvania, US 'This book is a welcome addition to the steadily growing literature on creativity and organization. The author achieves the twin hurdles of rigorous analysis for the academics and practice-based relevance for practitioners. The book provides ample frameworks and case examples to identify key factors which influence and enhance creativity in organizations. These factors range from individual characteristics through organizational factors such as structure and culture to more contextual and environmental conditions. The author then shows how developing creativity, as a key organizational competence, can positively influence strategic decision making to enhance exploration rather than exploitation, to increase agility and to facilitate proactive change.' - David Wilson, Open University, UK 'Mastering Creativity in Organizations offers a comprehensive and pedagogical treatise of the forces and factors that facilitate creativity in organizations and the numerous challenges that this involves. The book is richly illustrated with a variety of cases from a range of different sectors, including sports, advertising, manufacturing, consulting, primary education, the entertainment industry, and the culinary industry. Thanks to his fantastic access, Professor Hatum takes us behind the scenes and gives us an inside look into a number of iconic organizations such as Cirque de Soleil, FC Barcelona and Tetra Pak - exploring their leadership practices, HR strategies, office design and several other key issues. However, as the authors attests, creativity is not just for the exceptionally talented genius or for the people working in these extraordinary organizations. Everybody, and every organization, can learn to work in more creative ways from the unique cases in this book.' - Torkild Thanem, Stockholm University, Sweden This book identifies best practices, leadership styles, and organizational structures for the stimulation of organizational creativity. Andres Hatum first explains what creativity means in an organizational context. He then explores the ways in which an organization can foster it, with an aim to help any company - not just companies in creative fields or industries - become an organization in which new ideas flow, new processes are developed, and new products are brought to market. In doing so, he provides scholars with a solid framework for studying and understanding the deeper meaning of creativity. Andres Hatum's new framework for understanding organizational creativity offers examples from a rich variety of companies and situations. The book balances theory and practice for a multifaceted approach that brings its analysis into the real world. In-depth case studies include FC Barcelona, elBulli, Almodovar, and Cirque du Soleil. Managers will find case studies describing exceptional organizational creativity and practical takeaways that can be applied in their own firms. Students will find concrete analytical frameworks for thinking about creativity in organizations, and academics will find a different approach to the study of creativity, one that is grounded in practice.

Advancements in the digital world are bringing about rapid waves of change in organizational management. As such, it is increasingly imperative to discover ways for businesses to adapt to changes in the markets and seize various digital market opportunities. Driving Innovation and Business Success in the Digital Economy is an essential reference source for the latest research on the impact of digital computing and emerging technological innovations in the realm of business success. Featuring extensive coverage across a range of relevant perspectives and topics, such as IT outsourcing, sustainable development and online advertising, this publication is ideally designed for researchers, professionals and students seeking current research on the complex scope of the new economy.

Risk science is becoming increasingly important as businesses, policymakers and public sector leaders are tasked with decision-making and investment using varying levels of knowledge and information. Risk Science: An Introduction explores the theory and practice of risk science, providing concepts and tools for understanding and acting under conditions of uncertainty. The chapters in this work cover the fundamental concepts, principles, approaches, methods and models for how to understand, assess, communicate, manage and govern risk. These topics are presented and examined in a way which details how they relate, for example, how to characterize and communicate risk with particular emphasis on reflecting uncertainties; how to distinguish risk perception and professional risk judgments; how to assess risk and guide decision-makers, especially for cases involving large uncertainties and value differences; and how to integrate risk assessment with resilience-based strategies. The text provides a variety of examples and case studies that relate to highly visible and relevant issues facing risk academics, practitioners and non-risk leaders who must make risk-related decisions. Presenting both the foundational and most recent advancements in the subject matter, this work particularly suits students of risk science courses at college and university level. The book also provides broader key reading for students and scholars in other domains, including business, engineering and public health.

Multidisciplinary Studies in Knowledge and Systems Science brings together valuable research on the adoption of a systems approach to the theory and practice of managing information and people in knowledge intensive activities and processes. By emphasising the understanding of technical, social, and philosophical frameworks, this book is essential for academics, practitioners, and students interested in the developments of human knowledge processes.

In today's world of business, gaining an advantage of competitors is a focal point for organizations and a driving force in the economy. New practices are being studied and implemented constantly by rivaling companies. Many industries have begun putting emphasis on intensive knowledge practices, with the belief that implementing cutting-edge learning practices will fuel research and innovation within the company. Understanding this dynamic method of management is critical for managers and executives who wish to propel the success of their organizations. Knowledge Management, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship in a Changing World is a collection of pioneering research on the methods of gaining organizational advantages based on knowledge innovation and management. While highlighting topics including human-robot teaming, organizational learning, and e-collaboration, this book will explore the sustainable links between knowledge management influences and organizational capability. This book is ideally designed for managers, strategists, economists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, business professionals, researchers, students, and academics seeking research on recent trends in innovative economics and business technologies.

This book provides an overview of the various methods for creating and implementing efficient work processes. The author presents the most important tools for working on improvement projects such as process mapping, Ishikawa diagram, burn-down chart, or Pareto chart. Using successfully realized improvement projects from practice, the concrete implementation of process optimization is illustrated. In addition, it is shown how these methods, which originate from the production sector, can be successfully used in the office sector.

The book addresses the gap that exists in sustainable value chain development in the context of developing and emerging economies in meeting the sustainable development goals. The book adopts a holistic approach and discusses significant aspects of the topic such as challenges, opportunities, best practices, technology and innovation, business models, and policy formulation. The chapters focus on all the existing and potential actors in the value chain. Comprising invited chapters from leading researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and academicians working on this topic, this edited book is useful for scientists, researchers, students, research scholars, and practitioners as it builds the latest interdisciplinary knowledge in the area. An important aspect of the book is the case studies of already ongoing projects from various emerging economies around the world. Contributions are divided into four sections-sustainable food systems and circular economy: tackling resource use, efficiency, food loss, and waste problems; technology and innovation for food value chain development; toward responsible food consumption; linking small farmers to markets: markets, institutions, and trade. Significantly, the book is organized in the context of Sustainable Development Goals and has direct relevance and linkages with SDG 1 (poverty alleviation), SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate action), and SDG 17 (partnerships).

Risk is the main source of uncertainty for investors, debtholders, corporate managers and other stakeholders. For all these actors, it is vital to focus on identifying and managing risk before making decisions. The success of their businesses depends on the relevance of their decisions and consequently, on their ability to manage and deal with the different types of risk. Accordingly, the main objective of this book is to promote scientific research in the different areas of risk management, aiming at being transversal and dealing with different aspects of risk management related to corporate finance as well as market finance. Thus, this book should provide useful insights for academics as well as professionals to better understand and assess the different types of risk.