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Seit einigen Jahren befinden sich das globale ökonomische System, dessen Märkte und Organisationen in einem dynamischen und komplexen Veränderungsprozess; in diesem Zusammenhang ist der Begriff der Globalisierung eines der meist zitierten Schlagworte. Die Globalisierung der Märkte spiegelt sich in der Ausweitung, Intensivierung und grenzüberschreitenden Integration wirtschaftlicher Transaktionen in einem zuvor nie gekannten Ausmaß wider. Zu den Kennzeichen der ökonomischen Globalisierung gehören die internationalen Finanzmärkte und die Schaffung weltumspannender Wertschöpfungsketten durch eine Zunahme von Kooperationen transnational agierender Konzerne, den so genannten global players. Die Verflechtungen innerhalb der Finanzbranche und die Entstehung weltweiter Wertschöpfungsketten werfen eine Reihe moralisch sensibler Fragen hinsichtlich der Verantwortung von Unternehmen in der globalisierten Wirtschaftswelt auf. Ein Blick in die Schlagzeilen am Anfang des Jahrtausends lässt die Vielzahl der Konfliktfelder erahnen: Kollabierende Finanzkonstrukte von Investmentbanken, Schmiergeldzahlungen zur Sicherung von Aufträgen, nicht rechtmäßige Überprüfung von Mitarbeiterdaten sowie Skandale um Kinder- oder Sklavenarbeit in Ziegeleien und Kohlegruben sind nur ein kleiner Ausschnitt dieser Berichterstattungen. In der öffentlichen Wahrnehmung stehen die Reputation und Glaubwürdigkeit ganzer Branchen auf dem Spiel. Vertrauen, das über viele Jahre aufgebaut wurde, wird so binnen kürzester Zeit zerstört.
Since 2000, Indian special economic zones were established with the intention to attract foreign direct investment. We present a first empirical assessment with new data from 1980 to 2010 and evaluate the outcome after 10 years. In general, our empirical results confirm that special economic zones attract FDI statistical significantly. Another finding of the study is that open economies with stable inflation attract more FDI than small and closed economies.
India’s growth: perspectives for Indo-European business “Skilled labour in India: bridging the gap”
(2011)
The following paper is based on a survey conducted for ESB Business School and will show how German companies perceive India’s labour market. Besides existing geographical and sectoral gaps we will reveal gaps in the required qualification profile. Thinking merely of hard qualification factors like education levels, skills etc., though, would be short-sighted. Often cited intercultural qualifications also play an important role.
What can be done? What should be done to bridge these gaps? These will be the leading questions of this chapter. We will discuss some solutions – not forgetting that the problems German companies face are complex and knowing there is no ideal way. However, we will see that some of the most urgent problems can be solved or reduced by Indo-European or Indo-German co operation models in the field of vocational training and institutions of higher education.
Die Lage der öffentlichen Haushalte ist aufgrund der Finanz- und Wirtschaftskrise seit geraumer Zeit angespannt. Bereits während des Bundestagswahlkampfs sowie nach dem Wahlsieg der christlich-liberalen Koalition im Jahr 2009 gab es eine hitzige Debatte über die Vereinbarkeit von Steuersenkungen und nachhaltigen öffentlichen Finanzen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird die Frage der Finanzierbarkeit von Steuererleichterungen durch zukünftiges Wirtschaftswachstum diskutiert. Auf Basis aktueller Daten und modelltheoretischer Simulationsberechnungen wird ein wirtschaftspolitisch gangbarer Weg zur Umsetzung des Koalitionsvertrages aufgezeigt.
The Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes (DJSI) track the performance of companies that lead in corporate sustainability in their respective sectors or in the geographies they operate. The Sustainable Asset Management (SAM) Indexes GmbH publishes and markets the indexes, the so-called Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes in collaboration with SAM. All indexes of the DJSI family are assessed according to SAM’s Corporate Sustainability AssessmentTM methodology.
Alle DAX30-Unternehmen kommunizieren ihre Kapitalkosten, ausgelöst einerseits aus IFRS-Vorgaben, andererseits, weil sie ihre wertorientierte Performancemessung und -steuerung belegen wollen. Bei der Berechnung der Kapitalkosten verwenden die Unternehmen i. d. R. den WACC-Ansatz. Die Tiefe der Angaben variiert von der bloßen Bekanntgabe eines Prozentsatzes bis hin zur vollständigen Offenlegung aller Inputfaktoren für deren Berechnung. Die Autoren argumentieren, dass die Transparenz der Kapitalkosten jedoch wenig Mehrwert schafft, da die in die Berechnung einfließenden Parameter wie z. B. risikoloser Zins, Marktrendite oder unternehmensindividuelles Beta stark schwanken bzw. nahezu willkürlich ermittelt werden. Die von den DAX30 Konzernen zurzeit praktizierte Form der Transparenz schafft für die Adressaten der Geschäftsberichte daher nur einen geringen Erkenntnisgewinn.
Der eine Eingliederungsvereinbarung ersetzende Verwaltungsakt ist rechtswidrig, wenn die gesetzlich vorgesehene Geltungsdauer ohne Ermessenserwägungen überschritten wird.
Werttreiber Lean Production
(2013)
Steigern Unternehmen, die Lean-Production-Methoden einsetzten, ihren Unternehmenswert, und wenn ja, wie sehr? Das Autorenteam der Hochschule Reutlingen hat das Zusammenspiel der Managementkonzepte Working Capital Management und Wertorientierung untersucht und stellt die ermutigenden Ergebnisse anhand je eines Szenarios für ein Großunternehmen und ein KMU vor.
Unraveling the double-edged sword : effects of cultural diversity on creativity and innovativeness
(2014)
Cultural diversity is considered a “double-edged sword” (Kravitz, 2005) as research on its effects on teams’ performance regularly delivers inconsistent and contradictory results. This paper makes an attempt to unravel the double-edged sword by discerning different forms of cultural diversity: separation and variety (Harrison & Klein, 2007). Based on a review of the literature, a conceptual model is developed hypothesizing that cultural variety yields positive, while cultural separation yields negative effects on team creativity and innovativeness. In addition the effects of national diversity are contrasted to proof whether national diversity can serve as a proxy for cultural diversity as is often practiced. The model is tested on a sample of 113 student teams of Entrepreneurship modules at 4 European universities. Cultural diversity is measured directly on the basis of individual team members’ cultural value orientations by means of the CPQ4 (Maznevski, DiStefano, Gomez, Noorderhaven & Wu, 2002). Data is analyzed using the PLS structural equation modeling technique. The results confirm the hypothesized impacts of cultural variety and separation on creativity but do not deliver evidence for impacts on innovativeness. Same is true for national diversity. Interestingly, national diversity does not show any relation to neither form of cultural diversity.
Fragen, die in diesem Kapitel beantwortet werden:
Welche Bedeutung kommt der Projektplanung für ein erfolgreiches Projektmanagement zu?
Was zeichnet Phasenmodelle bei IT-Projekten aus, welche Varianten werden unterschieden, und inwiefern sind diese für die Projektplanung nützlich?
Wie ist eine Projektstrukturplanung für ein IT-Projekt anzulegen, und welche Konsequenzen ergeben sich dabei für den Projektablauf und die Phasenplanung?
Wie erfolgt eine Ablauf- und Terminplanung für IT-Projekte, und welche Instrumente und Methoden stehen zur Verfügung?
Aus welchen Elementen besteht eine gute Ressourcenplanung, und mit welchen Verfahren lässt sich eine Planoptimierung im Projektmanagement erreichen?
Gibt es wesentliche Teilschritte, die bei der Kostenplanung von IT-Projekten eingehalten werden müssen?
Inwiefern kommt einer ausgewogenen Risikoplanung für das Projektmanagement eine immer größere Bedeutung zu, und in welcher Weise kann diese Planungsaufgabe gelöst werden?
Die Wahl einer Klinik ist typischerweise dem stellvertretenden Kaufverhalten zuzuordnen – Kunden suchen vertrauenswürdige, persönliche Quellen zur Unterstützung der Entscheidung. Weiterempfehlungsverhalten kann durch Anreize unterstützt werden – grundlegende Voraussetzung für ehrliche Weiterempfehlung ist jedoch Kundenzufriedenheit. Kundenzufriedenheit entsteht durch den Abgleich zwischen erwarteter und empfundener Leistung – das erwartete Leistungsniveau wird häufig durch Unternehmen anderer Branchen determiniert. Individuen sind nicht in der Lage, die Bestandteile einer Erfahrung isoliert zu bewerten, sondern vermengen sie (Halo-Effekt) - Inkonsistenzen führen zu einer Abwertung der Gesamterfahrung. Darum ist im ersten Schritt die Identifikation der Gesamterfahrung (Kundenreise) erforderlich – diese beginnt vor und endet nach der unmittelbaren Interaktion des Kunden mit dem Unternehmen / der Klinik. Im zweiten Schritt sind die Zufriedenheitstreiber und die Interdependenzen zwischen den Einzelerfahrungen zu ermitteln um dann die Optimierung der Kundenreise zu planen und umzusetzen.
Today 40 Gbps is in development at IEEE 802.3bq over four pair balanced cabling. In this paper, we describe a transmission experiment of 25 Gbps enabling either a single pair transmission of 25 Gbps over a 30 meter balanced cabling channel, or a 100 Gbps transmission via a four-pair balanced channel. A scalable matrix modeling tool is introduced which allows the prediction of transmission characteristics of a channel taking mode conversion into account . We applied this tool to characterize PCB-channels including the magnetics and PCB for a four-pair 100 Gbps transmission. We evaluated prototype cables and connecting hardware for frequencies up to 2 GHz and beyond. Finally we investigated possible line encoding schemes and provide measurement results of a transmission over 30 m with a data rate of 25 Gbps per twisted pair.
In this paper, research projects with 30 meter balanced cabling and data rates up to 25 Gbps over one single pair are described. The project aim is to achieve 100 Gbps via a four pair balanced cabling channel. In the following, spectral characteristics of the used prototype twisted pair are presented. Therefore, the insertion loss of the single cable in comparison to the insertion loss of the cable in combination with an equalizing amplifier, as well as the group delay of the cable and the cable connected to the equalizing amplifier is shown. Furthermore, a carrierless Pulse Amplitude Modulation with 32 different levels (PAM-32) as an approach for a possible line encoding is presented. Finally, research measurements of the data transmission with a data rate up to 25 Gbps via shielded twisted pair is shown.
Ambush Marketing im Sport : wie Nicht-Sponsoren Sportveranstaltungen zur Markenkommunikation nutzen
(2014)
Insbesondere internationale sportliche Großereignisse wie Fußball-Welt- und Europameisterschaften oder Olympische Spiele bilden für zahlreiche Unternehmen die ideale Plattform, um ihr Markenmanagement und ihre kommunikative Zielgruppenansprache in ein attraktives sportliches Umfeld einzubetten. Sport-Event-Veranstalter verkaufen deshalb privilegierte Vermarktungsrechte ihres Events an offizielle Sponsoren, die im Gegenzug exklusive Möglichkeiten erwerben, das Event werblich für sich zu nutzen. Ambush Marketing dagegen kennzeichnet die Vorgehensweise von Unternehmen, die keine Vermarktungsrechte an einer Veranstaltung besitzen, aber dennoch durch ihre Marketingmaßnahmen in unterschiedlicher Art und Weise eine Verbindung zu diesem Event aufbauen. Der Grat zwischen der Verletzung von Sponsorenrechten und kreativ-innovativer Kommunikationspolitik ist dabei oft sehr schmal, weswegen Ambush Marketing kontrovers diskutiert…diskutiert wird.
Im März dieses Jahres fand der Steuerprozess gegen Uli Hoeneß statt, der mit einer Verurteilung des damaligen Präsidenten und Aufsichtsratsvorsitzenden des FC Bayern München endete. Vor, während und nach dem mit Spannung erwarteten Prozess stellte das Deutsche Institut für Sportmarketing (DISM) in Kooperation mit dem Felddienstleister Norstat Germany über 7.000 Probanden in Deutschland im Rahmen einer Online-Befragung verschiedene Fragen zum Sportmarketing in Verbindung mit der Steueraffäre. Auf die zentralen Ergebnisse dieser Befragung wird im vorliegenden Forschungsreport eingegangen.
Global acting rating agencies were held responsible for the latest financial market crisis. False estimations in rating, non-transparent methods, processes and systems as well as a lack of qualification of rating analysts have been points of criticism. The level of the tightened regulation of the agencies in the USA and in Europe is pointed out in this article. All relevant institutions and norms as well as the international and national standards from the German point of view are presented and exhaustively analyzed. In doing so it is illustrated, that in this olio-political market one can definitely speak about protection with regard to the admission and accreditation of the agencies.
Prior studies ascribed people’s poor performance in dealing with basic systems concepts to different causes. While results indicate that, among other things, domain specific experience and familiarity with the problem context play a role in this stock-flow-(SF-)performance, this has not yet been fully clarified. In this article, we present an experiment that examines the role of educational background in SF-performance. We hypothesize that SF-performance increases when the problem context is embedded in the problem solver’s knowledge domain, indicated by educational background. Using the square wave pattern and the sawtooth pattern tasks from the initial study by Booth Sweeney and Sterman (2000), we design two additional cover stories for the former, the Vehicle story from the engineering domain and the Application story from the business domain, next to the original Bathtub story. We then test the three sets of questions on business students. Results mainly support our hypothesis. Interestingly, participants even do better on a more complex behavioral pattern from their knowledge domain than on a simpler pattern from more distant domains. Although these findings have to be confirmed by further studies, they contribute both to the methodology of future surveys and the context familiarity discussion.
Whither the german council of economic experts? The past and future of public economic advice
(2014)
The article discusses the development and impact of the German Council of Economic Experts (GCEE). Firstly, the author studies the historical origins and the institutional setup of the GCEE. In the second step, an analyse of the impact of the annual reports of the German Council is given, along with the international comparison with other advisory boards. Finally, the paper discusses the current economic challenges and the need of modernization of the GCEE in special and political advisory boards in general.
This paper is a brief review on the book ‘Capital in the Twenty-First Century’ by the French scholar Thomas Piketty. The book has started a new debate about inequality and capital taxation in Europe. It provides interesting empirical facts and develops a theory of the functioning of capitalist economies. However, I personally think the book is less convincing than recognized in the public debate. The demonstrated theory of economic growth in the book is elusive and lacks a psychological and behavioral underpinning. In fact, I do think that the increasing inequality and economic divergence are caused by capitalism but the psychological and behavioral aspects of humans are of similar or greater significance. Therefore, Piketty’s argument does not stimulate an open and scientifically founded debate in all aspects.
This article focuses on potential economic implications of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the European Union (EU) and the Indian Federation. The economic implications are evaluated by estimating an Extended gravity model for all existing FTAs with the Indian Federation. Moreover, we control for the trade contribution of EU member countries in our econometric model during the period from 1990 until 2008. The results show a significant increase in trade, if there is a free trade agreement between India and another country. Interestingly, we find that India has the largest positive impact from FTAs with more advanced economies. Thus, we reaffirm the potential benefits of trade relationships between the EU and India.
This paper provides a quantitative approach to measuring the effectiveness of ambush marketing by using Google data. To our knowledge, it is one of the first studies that develop an empirical approach that directly measures the attention effect of ambush marketing in sports. The new data consists of 14 ambushers (treatment group) and 26 official sponsors (control group) and covers the time period of 2004 to 2012. These firms conducted marketing activities during the past football World Cups and European Championships. The innovation in our paper is the measurement method of attention by means of Google. The results are as follows: First ambush marketing increases product attention significantly. Second the product awareness of ambushers is greater or the same to that of official sponsors. Finally, we demonstrate that ambush marketing has positive impacts on the company's performance. Overall, we conclude that Google provide new insights for the analysis of ambush marketing.
Strategy to adjust people’s performance capabilities to new requirements and grantee employability in the world of work. Good examples for this are the current changes in the logistics environment. Regularly, new services and processes close to production were taken into the portfolio of logistics enterprises, so the daily Tasks are changing continuously for the skilled works.
LOPEC aims in developing and offering special-tailored training for Lean Logistics and required basic skills for skilled workers on shopfloor level. Needed know-how for today’s challenges in logistics will be transferred. Another aspect of LOPEC is the development and use of a personal excellence self-assessment that allows a Person to assess and thus improve his/her own level of maturity in employability skills. Thus, LOPEC is aiming at People ehancement as entry ticket to lifelong continuous learning by increasing the maturity level of personal logistic excellence. A common European view for “Logistics personal excellence” for skilled workers will ensure that the final product is an open product, using international, pan European validated standards. As results LOPEC will provide training modules for post-secondary education in the area of Lean Logistics, required basics skills and offers transparency of personal excellence with a personal self-assessment Software solution, regarding the personal maturity Level of hard and soft skills at any time. It can be used as an innovative tool for monitoring personal lifelong learning routes as well as within companies as a strategic tool within Human Resource Development.
This paper studies the impact of governmental transparency on the political business cycle. The literature on electoral cycles finds evidence that cycles depend on the stage of the economy. However, we show a reliance of the cycle on transparency. We use data for G7 countries and compare it with less developed OECD countries. Our theory states that transparency reduces the political cycles due to peer pressure and by voting outs. We confirm the theory with an econometric assessment of 34 countries from 1970 to 2012. We discover smaller cycles in countries with a higher transparency, especially in G7-countries.
The article discusses how drama can support language learning at the university level and how drama can also support learners in acquiring professional competences. In the first part, the article will briefly outline forms of drama in language teaching. It will discuss its benefits, such as putting language in context, making learning holistic and memorable, improving learners’ social and personal competences. The second part describes aspects of drama beneficial for language learning in a professional context and gives a concrete teaching example: theatre projects with a focus on business English.
This paper examines the relationship of asset Price determination via Google data. To capture this relation, I create a model and estimate several time series’ regressions. I use weekly data from 2004 to 2010 from 30 international banks. To my knowledge this is the first study which differentiates between Google’s search volume and Google’s search clicks. I show that asset prices are positively related to the rate of change in Google’s search volume, trading volume and the level of Google search clicks. Secondly, I demonstrate that the absolute level of Google’s search volume and Google’s search clicks
behave differently regarding the asset price dynamics. Google’s search volume, which measures long-run searches, is negatively related while Google’s search clicks have a positive relationship to asset prices. Hence, Google’s data offer new insights on both measuring attention and pricing financial assets.
This paper develops a new governance scheme for a stable and lasting European Monetary Union (EMU). I demonstrate that existing economic governance is based on flawed incentives especially due to insufficient macroeconomic coordination, failures of institutional enforcement and animal spirit in financial markets. All this caused the European sovereign debt crisis in 2010. Consequently, the EMU crisis is not a conundrum at all rather a failure of national and supranational governance. To tackle this problem, I propose a return to flexible but compulsory rules driven by market forces. The new governance principles shall promote the compliance and effective enforcement of rules.
This white paper builds a new financial theory of euro area sovereign bond markets under stress. The theory explains the abnormal bond pricing and increasing spreads during the recent market turmoil. We find that the strong disconnect of bond spreads from the respective bonds’ underlying fundamental values in 2010 was triggered by an increase in asymmetric information and weak reputation of government policies. Both factors cause a normal bond market to switch into a crisis mode. Finally, those markets are prone to self-fulfilling bubbles in which the economic effects are amplified by herding behaviour arising from animal spirits. Altogether, this produces contagious effects and multiple equilibria. Thus, we argue that government bond markets in a monetary union are more fragile and vulnerable to liquidity and solvency crises. Consequently, the systemic mispricing of sovereign debt creates more macroeconomic instability and bubbles in the euro area than in a single country. In other words, financial markets are partly blind to national default risks in a currency union. Therefore, the current European institutional framework puts the wrong incentives in place and needs structural changes soon. To tackle the root causes we suggest more market incentives via consistent rules, pre-emptive austerity measures in good economic times, and a resolution scheme for heavily indebted countries. In summary, our paper enhances the bond market theory and provides new insights into the recent bond market turmoil in Europe.
Applied mathematical theory for monetary-fiscal interaction in a supranational monetary union
(2014)
I utilize a differentiable dynamical system á la Lotka-Voletrra and explain monetary and fiscal interaction in a supranational monetary union. The paper demonstrates an applied mathematical approach that provides useful insights about the interaction mechanisms in theoretical economics in general and a monetary union in particular. I find that a common central bank is necessary but not sufficient to tackle the new interaction problems in a supranational monetary union, such as the free-riding behaviour of fiscal policies. Moreover, I show that upranational institutions, rules or laws are essential to mitigate violations of decentralized fiscal policies.
Die Finanzkrise lies Europa und die Welt erzittern - die Staatsverschuldungskriese wurde zur Zerreißprobe für die Eurozone. Inzwischen hat sich die Situation wieder stabilisiert, doch nun steht die Eurozone vor der Herausforderung, einen Reform-Prozess anzustoßen, der das Überleben des Euros auf lange Sicht sichern soll.
Fundamentale Veränderungen der heutigen Arbeitswelt stellen Menschen, Systeme, Prozesse und ganze Organisationen vor erhebliche Herausforderungen. Der Faktor Mensch leistet in allen Bereichen dieses Wirkgefüges einen essentiellen Beitrag zum Wettbewerbsvorteil vieler produzierender Unternehmen am Standort Deutschland. Der Wandel von Automatisierung zu selbststeuernden Unternehmen geht dabei nicht spurlos an dem wandlungsfähigsten Glied dieses Gefüges, dem Menschen, vorüber. Belastungsarten verändern sich, singuläre Bewältigungsstrategien genügen nicht mehr, um einen optimalen Beanspruchungszustand jedes einzelnen Individuums zu erreichen und gleichzeitig das höchstmögliche Potenzial zu schöpfen. Das Belastungs- und Beanspruchungscockpit bildet einen Lösungsansatz zur systematischen und durchgängigen Bewertung von Belastungszuständen und der individuellen Beanspruchung von Beschäftigten an Montagearbeitsplätzen. Es liefert in Echtzeit Informationen zum Belastungs- und Beanspruchungszustand des Mitarbeiters und kann mit Ergonomiebewertungsverfahren verknüpft werden. Der Aspekt der Multidimensionalität umfasst die Bewertung verschiedener Indikatoren unter Betrachtung ihrer Wirkzusammenhänge.
Industry 4.0 predicts that industrial processes, technological infrastructure and all corresponding Business processes, with the help of information and communication technology (ICT), will advance to integrated, ad-hoc interconnected and decentralized Cyber-Physical Production Systems (CPPS) with real-time capabilities of selfoptimization and adaptability. Considering this change, the human being will remain in a dominant role, because it is not expected that the human factor with its characteristics and capabilities will be substituted entirely by autonomously acting technology in the foreseeable future. The mechanical intelligence, for instance, is limited to the selection of predefined options, while human creativity, flexibility, the ability to learn and to improve are required to design and configure systems, processes and products. Humans have the expertise and experience to analyze, assess and solve - even in exceptional situations. However, the amount of purely manual tasks for shop floor workers will decrease. Their role will change from a manually executing to a proactive preconceiving worker with increased responsibility. Due to the growing degree of digitalization and interconnectedness, also the tasks and responsibilities for planning and design personnel will continuously expand and become more complex. The work in versatile ad-hoc networks with advanced ICT-Tools and assistance systems will lead to increased requirements regarding the knowledge, capability and capacity of the respective employees. The on-going pervasion of IT and emergence of systems with unprecedented complexity specifically require significantly improved capabilities in analysis, abstraction, problem solving and decision making from future labour. Accordingly, the industry is asking for graduates that are educated interdisciplinary and practice-oriented. Some universities already meet these expectations, using learning factories for realistic, action-oriented classes and trainings. Lecturers are confronted with the challenge to identify future job profiles and correlated qualification requirements, especially regarding the conceptualization and implementation of CPPS, and to adapt and enhance their education concepts and methods adequately and consequently. For the new, virtual world of manufacturing a proper understanding of engineering as well as Computer sciences is essential. Industry 4.0 implies this interdisciplinary split. Integrated competencies for product and process planning and design, methodological competencies for systematical idea and innovation management as well as a holistic system and Interface competence will be crucial to achieve interconnection of physical and digital processes and machines. The Vienna University of Technology and the ESB Reutlingen committed to integrate key aspects of Industry 4.0 into their respective learning factories successively. Thus, the students will act as the coordinators of the CPPS and thereby remain in the center of all learning and implementation activities.
System- und Schnittstellenbeherrschung, Ideen- und Innovationsmanagement sowie die virtuell integrierte Produkt- und Prozessplanung sind zu entwickelnde Kompetenzen, die der veränderten Rolle des Menschen in der Industrie 4.0 Rechnung tragen. Dezidiert adressiert werden können diese in zukunftsweisend ausgerüsteten Lernfabriken.
Lean Management ist eine weit verbreitete Methode zur Optimierung der gesamten Wertschöpfungskette industrieller Güter. Die hier untersuchte Methode ergänzt die bestehenden Kennzahlen um einen ökologischen Aspekt und hebt bislang verborgene Potenziale in ungeahnter Höhe. Kunden profitieren von reduzierten Energiekosten und können bereits für anstehende ökologische Richtlinien, zum Beispiel einen PCF (Product Carbon Footprint), entscheidende Vorleistungen treffen.
At Reutlingen University in Germany students from different countries and disciplines can learn business English within the framework of a theatre production. In the "Business English Theatre" they work in an international project team staging a play with a business focus and thus improve both their language, social and professional skills.
Gelebte Internationalität ist das führende Markenzeichen der Hochschule Reutlingen. Die als Deutschlands "Internationale Hochschule 2010" ausgezeichnete Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften bildet nach dem Grundsatz "global denken, lokal handeln" junge Menschen zu hochqualifizierten und verantwortungsbewussten Persönlichkeiten aus, die aufgrund ihrer interkulturellen Kompetenz souverän und sensibel im globalen Netzwerk agieren können. Alle fünf Fakultäten sind in den Internationalisierungsprozess eingebunden, am weitesten ist man in der größten Fakultät der Hochschule Reutlingen, der ESB Business School.
Die Bereitstellung der für einen Zerspanungsvorgang relevanten Werkzeugdaten ist heute selbstverständlicher Bestandteil integrierter Fertigungssysteme. Die für die Herstellung und das Nachschärfen der eingesetzten Zerspanungswerkzeuge notwendigen Informationen bleiben dabei allerdings bisher unberücksichtigt. Diese Lücke will eine VDI-Arbeitsgruppe schließen. Das Ergebnis wird in Form einer offenen Datenschnittstelle auf der bevorstehenden Grindtec 2014 präsentiert.
Seit Ende des 18. Jahrhunderts haben industrielle Revolutionen immer wieder für fundamentale Veränderungen in Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft gesorgt. Herbeigeführt wurden sie stets durch neue Technologien oder innovative Organisations-strukturen: Wasser- und Dampfkraft ermöglichten die Mechanisierung, eine umfas-sende Arbeitsteilung war die Basis für Massenproduktion und mithilfe der Mikroelektronik konnten Maschinen und Anlagen automatisiert werden.
Heute stehen wir am Anfang der vierten industriellen Revolution. Gekennzeichnet ist sie durch die umfassende Vernetzung von Menschen, Maschinen, Ressourcen und Produkten. Dies lässt einen Grad an Autonomie der industriellen Prozesse Wirklichkeit werden, der bislang kaum vorstellbar war. Getrieben wird diese Entwicklung zum einem von Technologien, die eine Kommunikation der unterschiedlichen realen und virtuellen Objekte untereinander erlauben – und zwar über Kontinente hinweg. Zum anderen erzeugen aktuelle Dynamiken an den Märkten einen Druck, der Unternehmen zum Handeln zwingt. Sie müssen mit sich ständig wandelnden Anforderungen zurechtkommen – von den Rohstoffpreisen bis zu den Erwartungen der Kunden.
Flexibilität wird damit für sie in vielerlei Hinsicht zur entscheidenden Fähigkeit. Industrie 4.0 – so das gängige Schlagwort für die vierte industrielle Revolution – kann diese Fähigkeit erheblich fördern und damit spürbare Wettbewerbsvorteile realisieren.
So vermutet auch der High-Tech-Verband BITKOM ein immenses Potenzial und prognostiziert für das Jahr 2025 eine zusätzliche Wertschöpfung von insgesamt 78 Milliarden Euro. Doch wie beurteilen Unternehmen in Deutschland das Thema und wie bereiten sie sich auf die anstehende Revolution vor? Antworten darauf liefert die vorliegende Studie, für die wir 227 Entscheider aus Automobil- und Fertigungsindustrie befragt haben.
Das erstaunlichste Ergebnis: Der Begriff Industrie 4.0 war nicht durchgängig bekannt – insgesamt konnten 24% der Befragten mit der Bezeichnung nichts anfangen, bei den OEM waren es sogar 34%. Ob sich ihr eigenes Unternehmen mit dem Thema beschäftigt, konnten 35% aller Befragten nicht beurteilen. Gleichzeitig zeigt die Studie, dass viele der Technologien und Konzepte, die sich unter Industrie 4.0 subsumieren lassen, als wichtig und nützlich erachtet werden. Und dennoch: Mit vollem Engagement will sich kaum ein Unternehmen auf den Weg machen. Dazu erscheint vielen der wirtschaftlichen Nutzen noch zu wage und muten die Risiken – Stichwort Sicherheit – zu hoch an.
This booklet will give you an overview of the development of CSR from a (brief) historic point of view and will examine the underlying concepts and research. Furthermore, examples of contemporary CSR management will be explored to show how companies Interpret the issue and how they face the challenges of managing the new demands placed upon them. Business, in the end, comes down to figures and numbers which give management, shareholders and stakeholders a chance to measure a company’s success. Therefore, modern methods and approaches for measuring, rating and ranking a company’s CSR management will be presented. Finally, an attempt will be made to evaluate CSR as a tool for increasing global welfare and as a business and management strategy for companies and entrepreneurs.
Quest 3C : an integrative simulation game used to encourage cross-disciplinary thinking and action
(2014)
Interdisciplinary, complex problem-solving and the necessity to communicate effectively in global Teams characterise today’s rapidly changing Business environment. Employers consistently stress the need for business engineering graduates to demonstrate technical expertise, methodological competences and diverse soft skills. The "silo effect" in higher education has partially created a gap between what industry wants and what academia provides. Here we examine how interdisciplinary team teaching and shared ICT might be more effective in bringing higher education teaching in sync with industry and its demands.
Die Erwartungen an Management Reporting sind hoch. Es soll immer effizienter und effektiver werden, dabei zugleich stark wachsende Datenmengen und neue komplexe Strukturen berücksichtigen. Unternehmen können auf diese Veränderungen mit unterschiedlichen Strategien reagieren. Drei Szenarien zeigen, wie das Management Reporting der Zukunft aussehen kann.
This article briefly describes reasons for dramatising poetry in the language classroom and then gives practical descriptions of how poetry can be taken ‘from page to stage’. It focusses on the aspects content, form and context of poems and how they can be dramatised. A special focus is on working with Shakespearean sonnets but the ideas can be transferred to other types of poetry as well.
Started as a mono-line focused purely on savings, in late 2012 ING Direct Spain was becoming a full-service bank. To this end, the bank had substantially increased its product- and channel-portfolio. ING Direct Spain originally provided "simple", "good value for money" products in an "easy to deal with" way at low cost supported by a direct model. But with the growth in its product portfolio during the previous decade and the ambitious goal of becoming a full-service bank, an increase in complexity seemed inevitable. Like many businesses in the global, digital economy, ING Direct Spain found it needed to decide which complexity created value for its customers and which one not. It also learned that IT can contribute to complexity and/or help manage complexity.
This case offers a close look at challenges of growing a company by increasing product complexity to provide comprehensive yet simple services.
As "the most international company on earth", DHL Express promised to deliver packages between almost any pair of countries within a defined time-frame. To fulfill this promise, the company had introduced a set of global business and technology standards. While standardization had many advantages (improving service for multinational customers, faster response to changes in import/export regulations, sharing of best practices etc.), it created impediments to local innovation and responsiveness in DHL Express' network of 220 countries/territories. Reconciling standardization-innovation tradeoffs is a critical management issue for global companies in the digital economy.
This case describes one large, successful company's approach to the tradeoff of standardization versus innovation.
Executive education in IS is under the scrutiny of many institution for the potential to bring in financial revenues. However teaching executives can be a very challenging task because of the previous experiences, variation in their previous education, and multiplicity of motivations for pursuing a continuous education. The panel aims at sharing successful experiences and highlighting challenges of dealing with executive audiences. The panel will present the results of a large survey among executive students and identify the three most significant elements emerged from the survey: the importance of theory that is actionable, the importance of varied pedagogical tools and practices, and the importance of relevance beyond practical tools. Based on a survey that will be distributed to the audience at the beginning of the panel, the audience will be actively engaged in sharing their experiences on the three topics aiming at capitalize and sum up the collective knowledge of the room.
Im Rahmen der wissenschaftlichen Vertiefung an der Hochschule Reutlingen befasst sich diese Arbeit mit der Untersuchung der Anforderungen und der Machbarkeit zur computergestützten Erkennung der Deutschen Gebärdensprache (DGS) und des deutschen Fingeralphabets. Die Erkenntnisse aus dieser Arbeit dienen als Grundlage zur Entwicklung eines Systems zur Übersetzung von Gebärden der DGS oder des Fingeralphabets in die deutsche Schriftsprache. Zunächst werden grundlegende Informationen zu Geschichte, Aufbau und Grammatik der DGS und des Fingeralphabets aufgeführt. Die Erkennung der Gebärden soll durch optische Bewegungssensoren erfolgen. Hierfür werden unterschieliche Sensortypen betrachtet und verglichen. Im weiteren Verlauf erfolgt die Analyse der benutzerspezifischen und technischen Anforderungen. Erstere basieren auf der Befragung einer Fokusgruppe aus gehörlosen und hörenden Menschen aus dem Bereich der Gehörlosen-, Schwerhörigen- und Sprachbehindertenpädagogik. Abgeleitet aus den Informationen der Anforderungsanalyse ergibt sich, bis zu einem gewissen Grad, die Machbarkeit aus technischer und benutzerspezifischer Sicht. Abschließend erfolgen die Zusammenfassung der Anforderungen, welche an das zu entwickelnde System gestllt werden, sowie eine Handlungsempfehlung für die Entwicklung eines Prototyps.
The automotive industry faces three major challenges – shortage of fossil fuels, politics of global warming and rising competition from new markets. In order to remain competitive companies have to develop more efficient and alternative fuel vehicles that meet the individual requirements of the customers. Functional Integration combined with new Technologies and materials are the key to stable success in this industry. The sustaining upward trend to system innovations within the last ten years confirms this. The development of complex products like automobiles claim skills of various disciplines e.g. engineering, chemistry. Furthermore, these skills are spread all over the supply chain. Hence the only way to stay successful in the automotive industry is cooperation and collaborative innovation. Interdisciplinary and interorganizational development has high demands on cooperation models especially in the automotive industry. In this case study cooperation models are analyzed and evaluated according to their applicability to interdisciplinary, interorganizational development projects in the automotive industry. Following, the research campus ARENA2036 is analyzed. ARENA2036 is an interdisciplinary, interorganizational development project housing automobile manufacturers, suppliers, research establishments and university institutes. Finally, based on interviews with the partners and the precede analyses of cooperation models, suggestions for implementation are given to ARENA2036.
In this paper it is first identified the trade-off among costs, flexibility and performances of autonomous robotic solutions for material handling processes, where adding value with automation is not as trivial as in production processes: hence the requirement for automated solutions to be simple, lean and efficient becomes even stricter. Then a method for modelling and comparing differential performances and costs of manual and autonomous solutions is developed. As a result of the method, a smart man-machine collaborative interface is designed and its impact evaluated on a specific case of study. Results are then generalized and prove the strong conclusions that in unconstrained environments, where full standardization cannot be achieved, the risk of investing in autonomous solutions can only be mitigated by creating a fast and smart man-machine collaborative interface.
According to a recent survey the great majority of players in logistics are planning to adopt one or more robotic solutions until 2019. Technical solutions for automation of processes in logistics are often available as a market-ready product, but the lack of standardization and skepticism towards long term investments are often the reasons why these solutions are not implemented on a large scale. This paper is set to bridge the gap between the world of technologies and the one of applications in order to help investors, robot producers and system integrators to decide on which branch of logistics to set their focus. The three main branches Courier Express Parcel (CEP), contract logistics and production logistics are briefly defined and distinguished through their characteristic factors and parameters. Then a method based on the analysis of three parameters (operative costs, required performance and flexibility) in the three branches is set to identify the most convenient branch of logistics for investing in new technologies, namely the one in which the risk of investment is lower, the return is higher and faster. The conclusion of the method shows that higher labor costs, strict regulations and higher standardization make the production logistics the most suitable branch for investments in emerging automation solutions.
The EU funded project RobLog recently developed a system able to autonomously unload coffee sacks from a standard container. Being the first of its kind, a further development is needed in order for the system to be competitive against manual labor. Financing this development entails a risk, hence a justified skepticism, which can be overcome by the longsighted view of the existing market potential. This paper presents a method to estimate the market potential of autonomous unloading systems for heavy deformable goods. Starting from the analysis of the coffee trade, first the current coffee traffic is investigated in order to calculate the number of autonomous systems needed to handle the imported sacks; Results are validated and the method is extended for the calculation of the potential of other market segments, where the same unloading technology can be applied.
Success in human resource management (HRM) depends on the question of whether applied practices of HRM meet specific contingency factors and are appropriately configured. Using this argument, the present article examines HRM in professional service firms (PSFs) in pursuit of three objectives. First, we introduce a conceptual framework that illustrates how the constitutive characteristics of PSFs, as contingency factors, influence HRM practices and research. Second, based on this framework, we summarize key findings of research on HRM in PSFs and open up potential avenues for further research. Third, we reflect on the argument that HRM in PSFs can contribute to an understanding of HRM practices in other organizational settings, leading to the question of the mutual transferability of HRM practices. Aside from these three primary objectives, we also introduce the contents of the special issue.
By integrating its previously separate insurance, banking and investment products around customer life events (e.g., buying a car, getting married or buying a house), USAA is able to deliver a superior customer experience. To achieve the integration, USAA had to re-architect its business by redesigning structures, roles, incentives, processes and IT systems. The USAA case provides four principles for architecting a business to provide superior customer experience, which will become increasingly important in the digital economy.
Zwar war die Dramapädagogik nicht Konferenzschwerpunkt und eine eigene Sektion zum Thema wurde nicht – wie etwa 2009 – angeboten, dennoch gab es auf dem 26. DGFF Kongress meiner Ansicht nach für am Thema interessierte Lehrende und Forschende gute Impulse und Einblicke in einige derzeit im deutschsprachigen Raum laufende dramapädagogische Forschungsprojekte. Als mögliche Themen für weitere Forschung und/oder dramapädagogische 'Lobbyarbeit' schienen sich jedoch zwei Bereiche besonders herauszukristallieren: Wie können dramapädagogischer Elemente sinnvoll in den regulären Unterrichtsablauf eingebettet werden, so, dass diese Elemente von Lehrkräften und Schülern nicht nur als dekoratives 'nice to have' (etwa für die letzten 10 Minuten der Stunde) empfunden werden? Und sind dramapädagogische Elemente tatsächlich nur etwas für Lehrkräfte und Lernende mit besonderem 'Talent' und/oder 'Neigung', wie es offenbar diverse KongressteilnehmerInnen empfanden, oder können sie von allen Lehrkräften für alle Lernenden angewendet werden? In diesem Zusammenhang wäre eine weitere Etablierung der Vermittlung von dramapädagogischen Methoden als regulärem Bestandteil einer Lehramtsausbildung sicherlich wünschenswert.
This paper provides new evidence on the formation and anchoring of inflation expectations. I conduct a game experiment and analyze the adjustment as well as the impact of credible targets on expectations. In addition, I evaluate the idiosyncratic determinants on the formation of expectations. The analysis reveals six results: First, I find evidence that long-term inflation expectations are firmly anchored to a credible target. Second, a temporary deviation due to unexpected monetary policy might trigger a decline in credibility, and third a de-anchoring of expectations due to uncertainty. Fourth, I find that people change their expectations little if a credible target exists. Fifth, expectations exhibit a large degree of time-variance only in environments without a target. Sixth, the dynamic adjustment to an ‘incomplete’ equilibrium, which is theoretically unstable, is nevertheless rapid and persistent in case of credible targets. All in all, I demonstrate a unique game setup with contributions to both experimental and monetary economics.
A major lesson of the recent financial crisis is that money market freezes have major macroeconomic implications. This paper develops a tractable model in which we analyze the microeconomic and macroeconomic implications of a systemic banking crisis. In particular, we consider how the systemic crisis affects the optimal allocation of funding for businesses. We show that a central bank should reduce the interest rate to manage a systemic shock and hence smooth the macroeconomic consequences. Moreover, the analysis offers insight on the rational of bank behavior and the role of markets in a systemic crisis. We find that the failure to adopt the optimal policy can lead to economic fragility.
Creating an image transfer through event marketing : principles, requirements and consequences
(2015)
Event marketing is primarily implemented to emotionalize the target group. So, the most important objective of marketing events is to improve the image of a brand or a company. In this paper an image transfer model for event marketing is introduced. As a basis, the principles of event marketing are presented. After that, the state of the art in attitude and image research is discussed. Based on current research, an image transfer model for event marketing is developed and the conditions required for an image transfer to take place from an event to a brand or a company are explained. Depending on which conditions are met, there are different consequences with regard to the image transfer from the event to the brand or company that are structured and characterized in detail.
Die steigende Personalisierbarkeit von Produkten fuhrt zu einem wachsenden Variantenspektrum in der Fertigung. Nicht zuletzt aufgrund der damit einhergehenden Produktionskomplexität und den hohen Wandlungsanforderungen an die Montage werden viele komplexe Stückgüter weiterhin überwiegend manuell montiert. Visuelle Assistenzsysteme geben den Mitarbeitern die nötige Handlungsunterstützung, wenn kein Produkt dem anderen gleicht und damit das Fehlerpotenzial steigt.
Few unfocused factories outperform competitors, but Focus is elusive because the environment is constantly evolving and this requires changes to a factory’s key tasks. So how can focus be achieved and sustained? We present insights derived from an historical analysis of the German Hewlett-Packard server plant which went through a series of Focus changes over the years. Using this example, we provide clues for the right timing of Focus changes and discuss critical structural and infrastructural changes required during the Focus transitions, as well as cross-functional coordination and leadership challenges. Our assertion is that production operations constitute a system that can adapt to disruptive Change by using the levers of manufacturing policies to stay focused on a limited but absolutely essential task which creates a strategic advantage.
Marketing channels are among the most important elements of any value chain. This is because the bulk of a nation´s manufacturing output flows through them. The intermediaries (e.g., distributors, wholesalers, retailers) constituting marketing channels perform specific distribution functions,such as transportation, storage, sales, financing, and relationship building, better than most manufacturers. Over his distinguished career, Louis P. Bucklin investigated many questions about the structuring and functioning of marketing channels using conceptual, empirical, and microeconomics model-based methodologies. Today, the academic marketing literature contains hundreds of articles that have employed these three broad classes of methodologies to investigate issues of channel intermediaries´ interorganizational relationships, for example, power-dependence, relational outcomes, conflict and negotiations, and manufacturing firms´ channel strategy, for example, channel structure, selection, coordination and control. So far, however, there has been no review of how the three different methodologies have contributed to advancing knowledge across this set of channels research domains.
Usually financial crises go along with bubbles in asset prices, such as the housing bubble in the US in 2007. This paper attempts to build a mathematical model of financial bubbles from an econophysics, and thus a new perspective. I find that agents identify bubbles only with a time delay. Furthermore, I demonstrate that the detection of bubbles is different on either the individual or collective point of view. Second, I utilize the findings for a new definition of asset bubbles in finance. Finally, I extend the model to the study of asset price dynamics with news. In conclusion, the model provides unique insights into the properties and developments of financial bubbles.
The paper designs a quantum model of decision-making (QMDM) that utilizes neuroscientific evidence. The new model provides both normative and positive implications to economics. First, it enhances the study of decision-making which is an extension of the expected utility theory (EUT) in mathematical economics. Second, we demonstrate how the quantum model mitigates drawbacks of the expected utility theory of today.
This paper analyzes governance mechanisms for different group sizes. The European sovereign debt crisis has demonstrated the need of efficient governance for different group sizes. I find that self-governance only works for sufficiently homogenous and small neighbourhoods. Second, as long as the union expands, the effect of credible self-governance decreases. Third, spill-over effects amplify the size effect. Fourth, I show that sufficiently large monetary unions, are better off with costly but external governance or a free market mechanism. Finally, intermediate-size unions are most difficult to govern efficiently.
This paper develops a linear and tractable model of financial bubbles. I demonstrate the application of the linear model and study the root causes of financial bubbles. Moreover, I derive leading properties of bubbles. This model enables investors and regulators to react to market dynamics in a timely manner. In conclusion, the linear model is helpful for the empirical verification and detection of financial bubbles.
This paper examines the determinants of Google search in the banking area. The weekly Google data from 2004 to 2013 used for this study consists of the 30 largest banks, the Federal Reserve, and the European Central Bank. To my knowledge, this is the first study on the determinants of Google data. Firstly the paper shows that Google searches are correlated with several performance variables and market data, such as asset prices and trading volume. Secondly it demonstrates that banks´ internal performance data has a major influence whereas market data is rather insignificant. Moreover it is shown that Google search for central banks is largely determined by the level of interest rates as well as the inflation and output gap. This is evidence that central bank attention is primarily driven by the policy targets. Accordingly Google data can be applied to analyze the timely impact of monetary policy.
This paper is a review about the book "Stress Test: Reflections on Financial Crises" by Timothy Geithner. The book mainly discusses the policy decisions and implications of T. Geithner during his job as New York FED president and US-Treasury secretary under president Obama. The book reveals some hidden information about the decision-making process in both institutions. But it lacks a scientific foundation in order to explain the financial crisis in more detail. Hence, I think the book is less convincing than recognized in public. No doubt, Geithner crisis response deserves appreciation especially the "Stress Test". However, the overall book does not demonstrate that the response is sustainable in the long run and scientifically sound. Consequently, it is more a book on public policy and governance than economics.
Venture capital and the innovative power of a state : econometric study including Google data
(2015)
This article focuses on venture capital investments and the innovative power of a state defined by its public infrastructure. The economic implications are evaluated by estimating several panel regression models. The novelty is twofold: on the one hand the research approach and on the other hand the new data set. The data ranges from 1995 to 2014 and consists of 10 European countries plus the US and Canada. For the first time we include Google search data on Venture Capital. The results show a significant increase in Venture Capital is mainly determined by economic conditions such as real GDP growth. The impact of the innovative power of a state is not significant. We find that Google data is positively related and significant in respect to Venture Capital investments too. Consequently, we confirm that private business investments cannot be created by government policy alone rather via solid macroeconomic conditions.
We investigate public debt sustainability in Europe and leading industrialised countries. The recent debate about the debt ceiling in the US and the sovereign debt crisis in Europe demonstrate the urgency of the topic. We measure debt sustainability of public finance with a standard and alternative methodology and compare both results. We use panel data of 205 OECD countries from 1970 to 2014. The paper finds unsustainable public debt levels for almost all countries in the past decades. Furthermore, given the low economic growth and demographic challenge ahead, debt levels may upsurge even more. There is a huge looming ‘debt meltdown’ on the horizon if countries do not change public policy soon.
In the last decade, numerous learning factories for education, training, and research have been built up in industry and academia. In recent years learning factory initiatives were elevated from a local to a European and then to a worldwide level. In 2014 the CIRP Collaborative Working Group (CWG) on Learning Factories enables a lively exchange on the topic "Learning Factories for future oriented research and education in manufacturing". In this paper results of discussions inside the CWG are presented. First, what is meant by the term Learning Factory is outlined. Second, based on the definition a description model (morphology) for learning factories is presented. The morphology covers the most relevant characteristics and features of learning factories in seven dimensions. Third, following the morphology the actual variance of learning factory manifestations is shown in six learning factory application scenarios from industrial training over education to research. Finally, future prospects of the learning factory concept are presented.
Shorter product life cycles and emerging technologies in the field of industrial equipment are changing the prerequisites and circumstances under which the design of assembly and logistics systems take place. Planners have to adapt the production in accordance with the underlying product at a higher pace, oversee a more complex system and - most importantly - find the ideal solution for functional as well as social interaction between humans and machines in a cyber-physical system. Such collaborative work systems consider the individual capabilities and potentials of humans and machines to combine them in a manner that assists the operator during his daily work routine towards more productive, less burdening work. To be able to design work systems which act on that maxim, specific competences such as the ability of integrated process and product planning as well as systems and interface competence are required. The ESB Logistics Learning Factory trains students as well as professionals to gain such qualification by providing a close-to-reality learning environment based on a didactical concept which covers all relevant methods for ergonomic work system design and a state-of-the-art infrastructure composed of a manual assembly system, service robots, visual assistance systems, sensor-based work load monitoring and logistical resources. Group-based, activity oriented scenarios enable the participants to put the learnings into practice within their professional environments. By this, learning factories have an indirect impact on the transfer of proven best practices to the industry and thereby on the diffusion of the idea of human-centric working environment.
In academia and industry learning factories are established as close-to-reality learning environments for education and training in the manufacturing domain. Although the approach and concept of existing learning factories is often similar, orientation and design of individual facilities are diverse. So far, there is no structured framework to describe learning factory approaches. In the paper a multidimensional description model is presented in form of a morphology which can be used as a starting point for the structuring and classification of existing learning factory application scenarios as well as a support for the development and improvement of learning factory approaches.
This paper establishes a unique linkage between economic and sociological theories. I study the root causes of the euro crisis from both perspectives. I find that resolving the euro crisis requires economic and sociological insights, particularly in respect to the design of European institutions, rules, and regulations. I develop a new paradigm in attempt to tackle the euro crisis. This paper demonstrates the importance of an interdisciplinary dialogue and how this may safeguard the future of the Economic and Monetary Union.
SF-failure, the inability of people to correctly determine the behavior of simple stock and flow structures is subject of a long research stream. Reasons for SF-failure can be attributed to different reasons, one of them being lacking domain specific experience, thus familiarity with the problem context. In this article we present a continuation of an experiment to examine the role of educational background in SF-performance. We base the question set on the Bathtub Dynamics tasks introduced by Booth Sweeney and Sterman (2000) and vary the cover stories. In this paper we describe how we developed and tested a new cover story for the engineering domain and implemented the recommendations from a prior study. We test three sets of questions with engineering students which enables us to compare the results to a previous study in which we tested the questions with business students. Results mainly support our hypothesis that context familiarity increases SF-performance. With our findings we further develop the methodology of the research on SF-failure.
This paper describes the design and outcomes of an experimental study that addresses stock-and-flow-failure from a cognitive perspective. It is based on the assumption that holistic (global) and analytic (local) processing are important cognitive mechanisms underlying the ability to infer the behavior of dynamic systems. In a stock-and-flow task that is structurally equivalent to the department store task, we varied the format in which participants are primed to think about an environmental system, in particular whether they are primed to concentrate on lower-level (local) or higher-level (global) system elements. 148 psychology, geography and business students participated in our study. Students’ answers support our hypothesis that global processing increases participants’ ability to infer the overall system behavior. The beneficial influence of global presentation is even stronger when data are presented numerically rather than in the form of a graph. Our results suggest presenting complex dynamic systems in a way that facilitates global processing. This is particularly important as policy-designers and decision makers deal with complex issues in their everyday and professional life.
Throughout the past decade the rapid proliferation and widespread adoption of social media for marketing purposes can be observed across all technological and digital touch points. This paper focuses on the implementation of social media marketing during mega sports events. We examine impacts by analyzing Adidas’ and Nike’s social media campaigns in the frame of the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil. What impact did the social media activities of Nike and Adidas have on their Twitter and Facebook presence? Which additional value did the social media activities contribute to their respective targets of the entire marketing campaign? In order to answer these questions an empirical study was conducted. Several hypotheses were formulated and tested.
Competing logics in evaluating employee performance : building compromises through conventions
(2015)
Current research argues that competing institutional logistics1 can co-exist enduringly and investigates how organizations cope with such institutional complexity (Greenwood et al. 2011). Thereby, the role of practices for handling competing logics has been overlooked and it is currently only to limited extent understood how organizations establish compromises between competing logics. Therefore, we investigated the recent performance appraisal reform of a German public sector organization that occurred in 2008 (see also Kozica, Brandl 2015). BAND (the pseudonym for our organization) has been using performance appraisals for several decades, and performance appraisals have already become entrenched instruments (Zeitz, Mittal, McAulay 1999) for handling staff promotion decisions. While BAND accepted the accountability logic of the performance appraisal, the professional logic (which is based on trust and comradeship as a high value of being professional in our organization) is accepted too and BAND has established a fine-grained compromise between the different logics. During the recent reform of the performance appraisal system, however, this compromise has broken up and challenged organizational members to (re-)arrange a compromise. By using French convention school of thinking (Boltanski, Thévenot 2006) we address how BAND copes with conflicting logics by forming compromises in organizational practices. Thereby, we show that the concept of convention is particularly promising for understanding of how organizations deal with institutional complexity. More broadly, our argument contributes to the elaboration of an organizational theory for the institutional logics discussion that explains how organizational and individual actions are interlinked.
Die Automobilindustrie sieht sich seit Jahren rasant verändernden Markt-, Umwelt- und Wettbewerbsbedingungen ausgesetzt. Der Entwicklungsprozess in der Automobilindustrie wird dadurch zunehmend komplexer. Die Einbeziehung neuer Partner aus anderen Industriebereichen und der Wissenschaft stellt hierbei ein großes Innovationspotential dar, insbesondere Systeminnovationen können hierdurch gefördert werden. Die Herausforderungen solch interdisziplinärer, interorganisationaler Entwicklungsprojekte können nur im geeigneten Umfeld gemeistert werden. In der Literatur als auch in der Industrie lassen sich zahlreiche Kooperationsmodelle identifizieren. Die Eignung dieser Modelle für die interdisziplinäre, interorganisationale Entwicklung in der Automobilindustrie wird anhand geeigneter Kriterien bewertet. Abschließend werden die Ergebnisse der Analyse empirisch überprüft und für den praktischen Fall der ARENA2036 angewendet.
Die Entwicklung neuer Produkte findet nicht nur abteilungs-, sondern zunehmend organisationsübergreifend statt. Kooperationen in der Produktentstehung gewinnen folglich vermehrt an Bedeutung, was neue Anforderungen an den Produktentstehungsprozess (PEP) und die Zusammenarbeit in diesem schafft. Mit diesen Herausforderungen sieht sich auch der Forschungscampus ARENA2036 konfrontiert. Die vorliegende Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit der Entwicklung eines für die interdisziplinäre, interorganisationale Zusammenarbeit geeigneten PEP-Modells. Dieses wird auf Basis von theoretischen Grundlagen, Experteninterviews und unter Berücksichtigung der praktischen Gegebenheiten in ARENA2036 modelliert. Der finale PEP untergliedert sich in einen übergeordneten Prozess, in den die individuellen PEPs der ARENA2036-Partner untergeordnet sind. Durch diese Struktur können die heterogenen PEPs der Partner vereint und die notwendige forscherische Freiheit und Flexibilität gewährleistet werden. Weiterhin wird der PEP durch geeignete Konzepte und Methoden der kooperativen Zusammenarbeit flankiert.
The German automotive industry succeeds by technological leadership. Several circumstances like politics of global warming or increased global competition force the whole industry to break new ground for new kinds of collaborative research and development. ARENA2036 represents such a new cooperation form that hosts diverse scientific and industrial partners in one campus in order to research innovative production and light-weight construction topics. The diversity of the partners in ARENA2036 challenges the new product development process (NPDP). In this case study the individual processes of the partners are analysed and a NPDP system is developed. The analysis bases on interviews covering all partners. The NPDP system supports the needs of the interdisciplinary and cross-company partners. It is characterized by a layered structure in order to preserve flexibility for research topics combined with institutionalized parts to manage interfaces. The final NPDP system is evaluated by the partners.
IOS 2.0 : new aspects on inter-organizational integration through enterprise 2.0 technologies
(2015)
This special theme of „Electronic Markets“ focuses on research concerned with the use of social technologies and "2.0" principles in the interaction between organization (i.e., with "inter-organizational systems (IOS) 2.0"). This theme falls within the larger space of Enterprise 2.0 research, but focuses in particular on inter-organizational use (between enterprises), not intra-organizational use (in a single enterprise). While there is great interest in practice regarding the use of 2.0 technologies to support intra-organizational communication, collaboration and interaction, information systems (IS) research has largely been oblivious to this important use of social technologies.
Internet of things innovations and the industrial internet these days become more and more decisive factors of future success for companies. Especially manufacturing oriented SME will face the challenge to develop innovative technology driven business models alongside technology innovations in this field which will be essential for future competitiveness. Failing in developing these technology driven business models in an internationally highly competitive environment will have a serious impact both on companies and on the society. Hence, securing economic stability and success of these technology driven business models is an indispensable task. To identify challenges for innovative industrial internet business models first it is necessary to understand what the industrial internet means to the leading parties and applying companies and start-ups in the field. Second, challenges from general business model development will be outlined. In a third step risks and challenges in business model development will be discussed with regard to the special characteristics of technology driven business models in the context of the industrial internet and the important role of the technological key component of the business model. Especially the capability to deal with an integrated consideration of the indivisible linked dimensions of economic and technological aspects of these business models is questioned. In the fourth place the specific challenges for industrial internet business models are derived. On the basis of these results it is also discussed what might be done to handle these challenges successfully with the goal to turn them into chances. The need for future research on the integration of the risk management perspective into the development of these technology driven business models is derived. This will help established companies and start-ups to realize great technological innovations for the industrial internet in sound and successful innovative business models.
Intuition ist im Management schon längst kein Randthema mehr. Die fruchtbare Wirkung der Intuition ist jedoch vielfach nachgewiesen worden. Trotzdem schwebt stellenweise der Schleier der Esoterik über diesem Thema. Zu Unrecht. Seinen "guten Riecher" hat der erfolgreiche Spitzenverkäufer doch schon immer benutzt. Eine Studie zur Rolle der Intuition im Verkaufsprozess beleuchtet dieses faszinierende Thema.
Eine für den wirtschaftlichen Erfolg im B2B-Geschäft zentrale Teilaufgabe des Account Managements ist zweifelsfrei auch beim Value Based Selling© die Preisdurchsetzung. Diesbezüglich setzen professionelle Vertriebsorganisationen eine Vielzahl an Instrumenten ein, die sowohl die Motivation als auch die Befähigung der einzelnen Vertriebsmitarbeiter zur Durchsetzung hoher Preise verbessern. Allerdings gerät beim Einsatz des etablierten Instrumentariums mitunter zu stark aus dem Blick, dass in jeder Preisverhandlung letztlich ein idiosynkratischer menschlicher Faktor existiert, der allein durch Analytik, Systematik und Disziplin nicht hinreichend erfasst werden kann. Auch hier kommen Soft Skills maßgeblich zum Tragen und sind entsprechend zu fördern und nutzbar zu machen.
Die zunehmende Informationsgewinnung der Kunden in B2B-Kaufprozesse wird maßgeblich in der Zukunft durch soziale Medien und Branded Communities geprägt. Moderne Unternehmen sind hier gefordert, den Account Manager mittels interner Kollaborationsprozesse, Corporate Communities und Projekt Management-Technologien zu unterstützen. Zudem muss sich die Rolle des Account Managers dahin gehend wandeln, den Kunden als externen Business Development Partner und Datenlieferanten zu verstehen und zu nutzen. Die Herausforderung für die Wirtschaft ist jedoch die Erforschung der Erkenntnis, inwieweit sich der Kunde zu einem Social Influencer oder Markenadvokaten hoch stilisieren oder aufwerten lässt.
Die Kundenprozesse im Blick
(2015)
Die Vorgehensweise im Vertriebsprozess hat sich in den letzten Jahren gewandelt. Zunehmend lässt sich eine Abkehr vom bloßen, preisorientierten Verkaufen hin zu einer Orientierung an Werten beobachten. Dieses Umdenken bringt weitläufige Veränderungen mit sich. Denn auch im Vertriebstraining muss zukünftig anders geschult werden. Diese faszinierende Entwicklung war Gegenstand der nachfolgenden Studie.
Vertrieb geht heute anders
(2015)
Welche Kompetenzen befähigen der Vertrieb an sich und den einzelnen Vertriebsmitarbeiter, den internetaffinen, hochinformierten, kritischen und anspruchsvollen "Kunden 3.0" zu erreichen und zu überzeugen? Die Antworten auf diese Frage fußen auf den Ergebnissen einer Studie, die wir an der ESB Business School Reutlingen durchgeführt haben.
Ungeachtet der dargestellten Fülle und ggf. daraus ableitbaren Überregulierung des Finanzmarktes, insbesondere der Banken und Ratingagenturen, sollten am Ende die Nutzen regulierter Bonitäts- und Solvenzbewertung nicht außer Acht gelassen bleiben. Neben dem volkswirtschaftlichen Schutz der Gläubiger sind auch interne Nutzenpotentiale für die Schuldner selbst zu nennen. Als interner Nutzen für ein Unternehmen kann die Gewinnung von Informationen für das Finanzmanagement genannt werden. Risiken können identifiziert und abgestellt werden. Eine Optimierung des Ratings durch Verbesserung von Kennzahlen oder aufgedeckten Schwachstellen kann zu einer Verringerung der Kreditkonditionen führen. Bei einer Unternehmensbewertung ist bei einem guten Rating der Unternehmenswert höher anzusetzen. Dies wird bereits beim IDW-S1-Standard der Wirtschaftsprüfer zur Ermittlung eines Discounted Cash Flow als Basis eines Unternehmenswertes nach dem WACC-CAPM-Modell deutlich. Ratings können als Frühwarnsystem rechtzeitig vor einer finanziellen Schieflage warnen und das Management oder die Eigentürmer für finanzielle Risiken sensibilisieren. Veröffentlichte Bonitäts- und Solvenzurteile können für Kunden, Lieferanten und alle beteiligten Stakeholder eines Unternehmens Vertrauen schaffen bzw. evtl. eine bessere Verhandlungsposition erzeugen. Mit einem Rating kann ein Unternehmen alternative Finanzierungsinstrumente wie z. B. eigene Anleihen nutzen und ist nicht unbedingt auf die Kreditvergabe der Bank angewiesen.
Letztlich ist also die Überregulierung zu kritisieren, die Notwendigkeit einer Regulierung für die komplexe Bonitäts- und Solvenzbeurteilung von Schuldnern im Interesse der Gläubiger aber nicht zu verleugnen.
Energy efficiency is an important issue, especially following the introduction of new energy services legislation in Germany. One thing that is often overlooked is the biggest cost driver in the processing industry: material expenditures. To make full use of any potential cost savings and raise competitiveness, companies have to look very carefully at all material flows. This raises the important question of how to organize resource efficiency projects strategically and in terms of operational implementation. The Steinbeis Transfer Center for Energy and Environmental Process Technology, Eco-Management is demonstrating the different options open to manufacturing companies when it comes to resource efficiency – showing that it really is worth subjecting the issue to closer scrutiny.
In 2013, Royal Philips was two years into a daunting transformation. Following declining financial performance, CEO Frans van Houten aimed to turn the Dutch icon into a "high-performing Company" by 2017. This case study examines the challenges of the business-driven IT transformation at Royal Philips, a diversified technology company. The case discusses three crucial issues. First, the case reflects on Philips’ aim at creating value from combining locally relevant products and services while also leveraging its global scale and scope. Rewarded and unrewarded business complexity is analyzed. Second, the case identifies the need to design and align multiple elements of an enterprise (organizational, cultural, technical) to balance local responsiveness with global scale. Third, the case explains the role of IT (as an asset instead of a liability) in Philips’ transformation and discusses the new IT landscape with its digital platforms, and the new practices to create effective business-IT partnerships.
Management Reporting – also das an die Führungskräfte des eigenen Unternehmens gerichtete Berichtswesen – zählt zu den Kernaufgaben des Controllings. Management Reporting befasst sich mit der Sammlung, Aufbereitung und nutzeradäquaten Darstellung von führungsrelevanter Information. Dabei sieht sich der Controller einer stetig
wachsenden Komplexität gegenüber.
Das Thema Energieeffizienz ist speziell durch das neue Energiedienstleistungsgesetz in den Vordergrund gerückt. Dabei wird oft übersehen, dass der größte Kostenblock im verarbeitenden Gewerbe Ausgaben für Materialien darstellen. Um Kostensenkungspotenziale zu nutzen und die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit zu erhöhen, müssen Unternehmen daher konsequent auch alle Materialströme betrachten. Dabei stellt sich die Frage, wie ein Ressourceneffizienzprojekt strategisch und operativ angegangen werden kann. Das Steinbeis-Transferzentrum Energie und Umweltverfahrenstechnik, Eco-Management zeigt, welche Möglichkeiten im Bereich Ressourceneffizienz im produzierenden Gewerbe bestehen und dass es sich lohnt, hier genauer hinzusehen.
Quality-oriented selection of university partnerships : ESB Business School’s selection matrix
(2015)
Zielsetzung dieses Beitrags ist es darzustellen, wie die Soziologie der Konventionen dazu beitragen kann, das Phänomen organisationaler Routinen zu verstehen. Nach einer kurzen Einführung in die aktuelle Routineforschung sowie in die EC werden zwei potentielle Antworten auf die Frage vorgestellt: Erstens, kann die EC dazu beitragen, die vorhandenen Modelle und Konzeptualisierungen von organisationalen Routinen anzureichern. So können über die EC insbesondere Rechtfertigungsprozesse im Routinehandeln erfasst werden, die bislang nicht berücksichtigt wurden. Zweitens kann die EC einen eigenständigen, d. h. genuinen Ansatz für die Beobachtung organisationaler Routinen bilden. Dabei wird der Feststellung von Brandl et al. (2014, S. 314) gefolgt, dass die partielle Übernahme einzelner Gedanken der EC und deren Integration in andere Theoriekonzepte (wie hier der organisationalen Routine) kaum dazu in der Lage ist, das volle Potential der EC zur Erklärung organisationaler Phänomene auszuschöpfen. In diesem Beitrag werden daher die wesentlichen Elemente dargelegt, aus denen ein genuin konventionenbasiertes Verständnis von organisationalen Routinen ausgearbeitet werden könnte. Der Beitrag schließt mit einer Diskussion und einem Fazit ab.
Die zukünftige Arbeitswelt ist durch unterschiedliche Grenzverschiebungen gekennzeichnet, so dass wir von fluiden Grenzen sprechen können. Faktoren, die diese Entwicklung befördern, sind Technologie, Gesellschaft und Organisation. Ein Beispiel: Die digitalen Technologien, wie unter anderen mobile Arbeitsgeräte, Clouds und soziale Netzwerke ermöglichen eine zeitliche und räumliche Flexibilisierung von Arbeit, die von den Mitarbeitern und den Organisationen begrüßt und aktiv vorangetrieben wird. Allerdings führt diese Entwicklung auch dazu, dass die neue Arbeitswelt, vor allem durch die Entgrenzung von privatem und beruflichem Lebensbereich, für viele Mitarbeiter belastender wird. Die Implikationen für die Führungspraxis werden diskutiert.
In this paper, we investigate how conventions enable organisational actors to cope with paradoxical tensions in performance appraisal systems. Building on a case study of a performance appraisal system reform in a public sector organisation, we analyse how this organisation enabled superiors to take into account both accountability and professional logic. When new appraisal rules required superiors to rank their employees according to their qualifications but also to show collegiate solidarity, superiors negotiated an organisation-wide understanding of the rules that enabled them to address both logics simultaneously. The study underlines the importance of collective understandings for individual responses to paradoxical tensions and reveals how performance appraisal systems can be operated according to different logics.
Previous studies have reported changes in organizational identities as a result of external or internal triggers. In contrast, we highlight how the paradoxical nature of an organizational identity can influence stability and change that identity. Using the example of Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, we show how a "stable state of instability" of the organization´s collective identity is constantly being reproduced. We contribute to the literature on organizational identity by first analyzing a case in which identity change is not triggered by a disruptive event. Second, we show how the paradoxical nature of identity triggers attempts to reconcile contradictions of the paradox, culminating in permanent state of gradual changes of organizational identity. Finally, we exemplify how, as a form of partial organization where volunteers take part in the identity formation process, Wikipedia copes with the tensions that ensue from its collective identity.
Am 1. November 2010 wurde der Leitfaden zur gesellschaftlichen Verantwortung von Organisationen – „Guidance on Social Responsibility“ (ISO 26000:2010) – veröffentlicht. Dieses Normendokument wurde innerhalb von sechs Jahren in einem auch für die ‚International Organization for Standardization’(ISO) einzigartigen, weltweiten Normierungsprozess mit mehr als 400 Experten aus 99 Ländern erarbeitet.
Da sind wir dabei, das ist prima! Eine Reflexion über die Mitgliedschaft in modernen Organisationen
(2015)
Organisationen verändern sich. Ihre Grenzen werden in Zeiten virtueller Unternehmen, Netzwerkorganisationen, Open Source Projekten und Freelancern immer durchlässiger. Flexibilität und Agilität sind zentrale Ziele. Wie sich die Vorstellungen über die Mitgliedschaft in einer Organisation wandeln und welche Konsequenzen das auch für das Change Management hat, zeigen die Autoren am Beispiel des Umgangs mit Wissen von externen Mitarbeitenden sowie dem Freiwilligen-Modell von Wikipedia.
Maßnahmen der Unternehmen zur Verbesserung der Work-Life-Balance: Managementmode oder Substanz?
(2015)
In zunehmendem Maße fordern Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter, dass sich Beruf und Privatleben vereinbaren lassen. Unternehmen reagieren darauf mit Maßnahmen wie Homeoffices, Sabbaticals und Betriebskindergärten. Sind solche Work-Life-Balance-Maßnahmen lediglich eine aktuelle Managementmode oder handelt es sich um einen anhaltenden, substantiellen Trend? Der Beitrag stellt dar, dass es für beide Positionen Argumente gibt. Für eine substantielle Änderung reichen einzelne Maßnahmen allerdings nicht aus. Vielmehr müssen die Arbeitswelten radikaler verändert werden.