Technical problem-solving and learning processes during product innovation: some empirical evidence for the development of a theoretical framework of knowledge creation in small firms

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated the influence that some factors describing the context pattern perceived by individuals and some other factors shaping the problem solving style have on the generation of new knowledge during technical problem-solving in small manufacturing firms.

Abstract: Innovation is an important element of strategic management (2003), and most product innovations involve cross-functional teams (Cooper and Kleinschmidt, 1994) who have some difficulty in developing a shared understanding of a particular innovation problem, which can often be characterised as a complex ill-structured problem (described as a task). This study uses an action research approach (Eden and Huxham, 1996) to explore how to develop a shared vocabulary and understanding of a task and then how to direct its growth and development. From a review of relevant literature, five dominant influencing factors emerged that impact on a team's capability to manage the task. These dominant influencing factors are the teams: shared cognition, creative processes, task relevant knowledge development, team role development and task tracking. These were used as the building blocks in an architectural innovation. The researchers experience in innovation projects in industry and with MBA students on smaller project re-enforced this literature review. An iterative action research process involving 160 interviews was then used to develop a new framework that positively impacted on these five dominant influencing factors in seven organisations. The seven companies selected were all at the early stage of exploring an ill-structured innovative opportunity, which formed the basis of the tasks for the various teams. These varied in their nature but all required architectural knowledge development in cross functional teams ranging from four to seven people. The framework uses as its building blocks existing established models and approaches from different disciplines.

TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the influence of cognitive, social and management environment during technical problem-solving on the generation of new knowledge in small manufacturing firms and found that some factors that foster learning within a specific frame can inhibit it within a diverse frame.

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed an evolutionary theory of the capabilities and behavior of business firms operating in a market environment, including both general discussion and the manipulation of specific simulation models consistent with that theory.

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose a paradigm for managing the dynamic aspects of organizational knowledge creating processes, arguing that organizational knowledge is created through a continuous dialogue between tacit and explicit knowledge.

TL;DR: Aguilar et al. as discussed by the authors define intervencion as "entrar en un conjunto de relaciones en desarrollo con el proposito de ser util".

TL;DR: In this paper, a reissue of George Kelly's classic work Personal Construct Psychology (PCP) is presented. And the implications of PCP for clinical practice are discussed. But the authors do not discuss the authorship of the book.