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Wednesday, 29 August 2012

ScienceDirect.com - Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing


Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing
Available online 25 August 2012
In Press, Corrected Proof — Note to users

Knowledge kanban system for virtual research and development

  • a Institute of Manufacturing Information and Systems, National Cheng Kung University, 1, Ta-Sheuh Road, 701 Tainan, Taiwan
  • b Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Lean Systems, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249-0670, USA

Abstract

Virtual research and development (R&D) is inevitable to reduce the product life cycle. Enterprises tend to rely on their foreign partners for supporting technology and knowledge acquisition to conduct and improve firms’ product development with low R&D risk. R&D is a highly creative and knowledge-intensive activity, Therefore, efficient knowledge flow, which transmits the right knowledge to the right people at the right time, is key to improving efficiency of the R&D process.
Kanban supports visual production control using the card of providing information to regulate the flow of inventory and materials. To enhance the knowledge flow efficiency in the virtual R&D process, this study proposes a knowledge kanban system utilizing the philosophy of kanban management and knowledge engineering techniques. Employees can quickly, easily, and exactly determine what knowledge they need to learn, create, share, and maintain by the knowledge kanban system. This system assists employees to do the right thing, to reduce the cycle time of R&D processes, and to enhance the reuse of knowledge, to create new knowledge.
To achieve this objective, this study first proposes a knowledge flow model in virtual R&D based on the analysis result of knowledge in virtual enterprises (VEs), and then designs the knowledge kanban model according to the knowledge flow model in virtual R&D and proposes the knowledge kanban functional framework based on the knowledge kanban model. Finally, this study develops the related technologies to implement the knowledge kanban system. The knowledge kanban system is an effective tool to facilitate knowledge creation, storage, transmission and sharing for R&D engineers to develop knowledge in problem solving and product development, to improve enterprise competitiveness.

Highlights

► This study proposes a knowledge kanban system utilizing the philosophy of kanban management and knowledge engineering techniques. ► This study develops the related technologies to implement the knowledge kanban system, including knowledge abstract map construction, knowledge requirement analysis, knowledge searching, knowledge recommendation, and knowledge sharing. ► The knowledge kanban system is an effective tool to facilitate knowledge creation, storage, transmission and sharing for R&D engineers to develop knowledge in problem solving and product development.

Keywords

  • Virtual R&D;
  • Knowledge Kanban management;
  • Knowledge retrieval;
  • Knowledge recommendation
ScienceDirect.com - Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing - Knowledge kanban system for virtual research and development
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Sunday, 26 August 2012

UM Research Repository


Virtual R&D teams definition

Ale Ebrahim, N. (2012) Virtual R&D teams definition. Nader Ale Ebrahim's White Papers, 1 (1). pp. 1-2.
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Abstract

Introduction: The literature related to virtual R&D teams reveals a lack of depth in the definitions (Ale Ebrahim et al., 2010). Although virtual teamwork is a current topic in the literature concerning global organizations, it is problematic to define the meaning of 'virtual teams' across multiple institutional contexts (Chudoba et al., 2005). The concept of a "team" is described as a small number of people with complementary skills who are equally committed to a common purpose, goal, and working approach for which they hold themselves mutually accountable (Zenun et al., 2007). It is worth mentioning that virtual teams (VTs) are often formed to overcome geographical or temporal separations (Cascio and Shurygailo, 2003). VTs work across boundaries of time and space using modern computer-driven technologies (Ebrahim et al., 2010). The term "VTs" is used to cover a wide range of activities and forms of technology-supported working (Anderson et al., 2007).
Item Type: Article
Creators:
  1. Ale Ebrahim, N.(Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya )
Journal or Publication Title: Nader Ale Ebrahim's White Papers
Additional Information: Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya
Uncontrolled Keywords: Virtual Teams; Virtual R&D Teams
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
L Education > L Education (General)
T Technology > T Technology (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Engineering
Depositing User: Mr. Nader Ale Ebrahim
Date Deposited: 27 Aug 2012 09:03
Last Modified: 27 Aug 2012 09:03
URI: http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/3637

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Autorenprofil | Nader Ale Ebrahim | 6 Texte | GRIN

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Modified Stage-Gate: A Conceptual Model of Virtual Product Development Process

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Leadership Effectiveness in Global Virtual Teams

 
Journal of Management Information Systems
 
Issue: 
Volume 18, Number 3 / Winter 2001 / 02
 
Pages: 
7 - 40
 
URL: 
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Leadership Effectiveness in Global Virtual Teams
Timothy R. Kayworth, Dorothy E. Leidner
Abstract:
The trend toward physically dispersed work groups has necessitated a fresh inquiry into the role and nature of team leadership in virtual settings. To accomplish this, we assembled thirteen culturally diverse global teams from locations in Europe, Mexico, and the United States, assigning each team a project leader and task to complete. The findings suggest that effective team leaders demonstrate the capability to deal with paradox and contradiction by performing multiple leadership roles simultaneously (behavioral complexity). Specifically, we discovered that highly effective virtual team leaders act in a mentoring role and exhibit a high degree of understanding (empathy) toward other team members. At the same time, effective leaders are also able to assert their authority without being perceived as overbearing or inflexible. Finally, effective leaders are found to be extremely effective at providing regular, detailed, and prompt communication with their peers and in articulating role relationships (responsibilities) among the virtual team members. This study provides useful insights for managers interested in developing global virtual teams, as well as for academics interested in pursuing virtual team research.
Keywords:
COLLABORATION TECHNOLOGY COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS COMPUTER-SUPPORTED COOPERATIVE WORK GLOBAL VIRTUAL TEAMS VIRTUAL TEAMS

M.E. Sharpe, Inc - Article
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Friday, 24 August 2012

Virtual Team Research


This Article

  1. doi: 10.1177/1046496406297035 Small Group Research vol. 38 no. 1 12-59
  1. » AbstractFree
  2. Full Text (PDF)
  3. References

Virtual Team Research

An Analysis of Theory Use and a Framework for Theory Appropriation

  1. Shu Z. Schiller
    1. Wright State University
  1. Munir Mandviwalla
    1. Temple University

Abstract

Recent information systems research has studied various aspects of virtual teams. However, the foundations and theoretical development of virtual team research remain unclear. We propose that an important way to move forward is to accelerate the process of theorizing and theory appropriation. This article presents an in-depth analysis of the current state of the art of theory application and development in virtual team research. We identify the frequency, pattern of use, and ontological basis of 25 virtual team-relevant theories. A researcher’s tool kit is presented to promote future theory application and appropriation. The tool kit consists of a descriptive and analytical database of theories relevant for virtual team research. We also present a framework for appropriating virtual team theories based on seven criteria. A detailed example demonstrates the application of the theory appropriation framework. The article contributes to the literature by presenting the state of the art of theory use in virtual team research and by providing a framework for appropriating reference-discipline theories.

Virtual Team Research
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UM Research Repository

SMEs, virtual research and development (R&D) teams and new product development: a literature review

Ale Ebrahim, N.; Ahmed, S.; Taha , Z. (2010) SMEs, virtual research and development (R&D) teams and new product development: a literature review. International Journal of the Physical Sciences, 5 (7). pp. 916-930. ISSN 1992-1950
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Abstract

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are indeed the engines of global economic growth. Their continued growth is a major subject for the economy and employment of any country. Towards that end, virtual research and development (R&D) could be a viable option to sustain and ease the operations of SMEs. However, literature shows there has not been a great deal of research into the diverse characteristic of virtual R&D teams in SMEs. This article provides a comprehensive literature review on different aspects of virtual R&D teams collected from the reputed publications. The purpose of the literature review is to provide an outline on the structure and dynamics of R&D collaboration in SMEs. Specifying the rationale and relevance of virtual teams, the relationship between virtual R&D team for SMEs and new product development (NPD) has been examined. It concludes with identifying the gaps and feebleness in the existing literature and calls for future research in this area. It is argued to form of virtual R&D team deserves consideration at top level management for venturing into the new product development within SMEs.
Item Type: Article
Creators:
  1. Ale Ebrahim, N.(Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya )
  2. Ahmed, S.(Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya )
  3. Taha , Z.(Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya)
Journal or Publication Title: International Journal of the Physical Sciences
Uncontrolled Keywords: Virtual teams, small and medium enterprises, new product development, R&D.
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
T Technology > T Technology (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Engineering
Depositing User: Mr. Nader Ale Ebrahim
Date Deposited: 14 Oct 2011 09:20
Last Modified: 14 Oct 2011 09:21
URI: http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/2174

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