Future of Business and Finance – serie

This open access book investigates how digitalization and service infusion are changing service provision and the customer experience. It highlights the central role of service management and service innovation in making these changes not only appear in theory but also implementing them in business practice. At the beginning of the 21st century, many manufacturing firms struggled to exploit the financial potential of service businesses, a phenomenon described as the service paradox. While many manufacturing firms are still struggling with this paradox, several firms (both service and manufacturing firms) are simultaneously struggling with digitalization. This phenomenon can be viewed as the digitalization paradox, i.e., as a situation in which companies invest in digitalization but struggle to reach the expected revenue growth. By applying the lens of service innovation to digitalization and service infusion, the book showcases how firms can overcome the service and digitalization paradoxes, transform service provision, and improve the customer experience. It offers comprehensive coverage, blending literature reviews, conceptualizations, empirical illustrations, and case studies to offer a multifaceted perspective on corporate strategies, illuminating pathways to address the challenges posed by the service and digitalization paradoxes. Built on the latest research from the CTF – Service Research Center at Karlstad University, Sweden, this book offers a valuable resource for managers seeking practical strategies and approaches to enhance their understanding and implementation of service management and marketing principles. It will also appeal to academics with an interest in service management and marketing.

Collaborating in virtual teams is a new reality in modern project management and work environments. Its emergence calls for an extensive analysis and re-alignment on the part of organizations, so as to help virtual teams maintain 'strategic momentum' – a concept that this book introduces. Strategic momentum represents perseverance with regard to pursuing a virtual team’s strategy; a 'flywheel'  concept that drives the team members to concentrate on the project tasks until they have reached their shared goal.   The authors present a design science based model, together with an in-depth qualitative study involving eight virtual R&D project teams. In this model, strategic momentum is assessed in terms of empowerment, team task insight, and collective commitment. These three determinants can be promoted and sustained by various contextual factors and interventions on the part of the management. The authors also provide a wealth of practical tips to helppractitioners and consultants generate and sustain strategic momentum in their own contexts when working with virtual teams.

Collaborating in virtual teams is a new reality in modern project management and work environments. Its emergence calls for an extensive analysis and re-alignment on the part of organizations, so as to help virtual teams maintain 'strategic momentum' – a concept that this book introduces. Strategic momentum represents perseverance with regard to pursuing a virtual team’s strategy; a 'flywheel'  concept that drives the team members to concentrate on the project tasks until they have reached their shared goal.   The authors present a design science based model, together with an in-depth qualitative study involving eight virtual R&D project teams. In this model, strategic momentum is assessed in terms of empowerment, team task insight, and collective commitment. These three determinants can be promoted and sustained by various contextual factors and interventions on the part of the management. The authors also provide a wealth of practical tips to helppractitioners and consultants generate and sustain strategic momentum in their own contexts when working with virtual teams.

This book, written by an interdisciplinary team of authors, explores the transformation of organizations in today’s volatile, uncertain, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. It demonstrates the need to manage organizations in a dynamic way, and to revisit and in some cases reinvent working and leadership styles that seemed appropriate during past decades and centuries. In turn, the book puts forward a model based on three distinct pillars of organization and leadership to suit disruptive times: the concepts of 'Sustainable Purpose', 'Travelling Organization', and 'Connecting Resources'. These pillars challenge many of our traditional organizational patterns and meet the need for effective transformative approaches.

This book, written by an interdisciplinary team of authors, explores the transformation of organizations in today’s volatile, uncertain, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. It demonstrates the need to manage organizations in a dynamic way, and to revisit and in some cases reinvent working and leadership styles that seemed appropriate during past decades and centuries. In turn, the book puts forward a model based on three distinct pillars of organization and leadership to suit disruptive times: the concepts of 'Sustainable Purpose', 'Travelling Organization', and 'Connecting Resources'. These pillars challenge many of our traditional organizational patterns and meet the need for effective transformative approaches.

Blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to transform how the accounting and financial services industries engage with the business, stakeholder and consumer communities. Presenting a blend of technical analysis with current and future applications, this book provides professionals with an action plan to embrace and move forward with these new technologies in financial and accounting organizations. It is written in a conversational style that is unbiased and objective, replacing jargon and technical details with real world case examples.

The digitalization of businesses calls for new forms of leadership and collaboration, as traditional human resources strategies are reaching their limits. Personal responsibility, networking and diversity are increasingly recognized as key prerequisites for agility, adaptability and innovativeness. This book encourages HR managers who want to be pioneers of, or support, digital transformation to rethink their HR strategies. It begins with a clear illustration of the difference between stability and agility in leadership and organization. Building on this, it then guides the reader through a broad range of relevant HR topics and how they compare to the new strategic orientation. All major aspects of HR management are addressed, including recruitment, learning, talent management, remuneration, performance management, corporate training, executive development and change management. Providing a comprehensive, practical, differentiated and non-dogmatic alternative to traditional approaches, the book is a must-read for all those who are concerned with sustainable HR management in the era of digitalization.

The digitalization of businesses calls for new forms of leadership and collaboration, as traditional human resources strategies are reaching their limits. Personal responsibility, networking and diversity are increasingly recognized as key prerequisites for agility, adaptability and innovativeness. This book encourages HR managers who want to be pioneers of, or support, digital transformation to rethink their HR strategies. It begins with a clear illustration of the difference between stability and agility in leadership and organization. Building on this, it then guides the reader through a broad range of relevant HR topics and how they compare to the new strategic orientation. All major aspects of HR management are addressed, including recruitment, learning, talent management, remuneration, performance management, corporate training, executive development and change management. Providing a comprehensive, practical, differentiated and non-dogmatic alternative to traditional approaches, the book is a must-read for all those who are concerned with sustainable HR management in the era of digitalization.

Digitalization is the greatest change project that we have ever known, and data is circulating in unimaginable quantities and at unimaginable speed. In this book, the author urges managers and business leaders to embrace this constant state of change in cooperation with their team. He addresses how corporate culture and hierarchies have to change to adapt to new digital workspaces and value chains. These changes also include questions about the use and storage of data, customer relations and international teamwork. The book is especially geared towards managers in manufacturing industries and companies.

Digitalization is the greatest change project that we have ever known, and data is circulating in unimaginable quantities and at unimaginable speed. In this book, the author urges managers and business leaders to embrace this constant state of change in cooperation with their team. He addresses how corporate culture and hierarchies have to change to adapt to new digital workspaces and value chains. These changes also include questions about the use and storage of data, customer relations and international teamwork. The book is especially geared towards managers in manufacturing industries and companies.

The digital revolution is changing virtually every aspect of the business world. However, most attempts at the digital transformation of enterprises fail – largely because of a lack of comprehensive and coherent strategy. This book takes lessons learned from the rise of the digital platform giants and explores how they can be adapted and effectively applied to established businesses, allowing them to compete within the new digital business paradigm. Offering a holistic perspective on the business and technology landscape, the book describes the megatrends, evolution and impact of digital technologies and business models. It brings together what for many is a disjointed set of business transformation imperatives, to provide a practical guide to digital success.Drawing on the authors’ decades of experience in supporting transformation and innovation, the book lays out a path to a progressive iteration of business change and value realization, balancing the perspectives of revolutionary transformation and change-enabling optimization.

The digital revolution is changing virtually every aspect of the business world. However, most attempts at the digital transformation of enterprises fail – largely because of a lack of comprehensive and coherent strategy. This book takes lessons learned from the rise of the digital platform giants and explores how they can be adapted and effectively applied to established businesses, allowing them to compete within the new digital business paradigm. Offering a holistic perspective on the business and technology landscape, the book describes the megatrends, evolution and impact of digital technologies and business models. It brings together what for many is a disjointed set of business transformation imperatives, to provide a practical guide to digital success.Drawing on the authors’ decades of experience in supporting transformation and innovation, the book lays out a path to a progressive iteration of business change and value realization, balancing the perspectives of revolutionary transformation and change-enabling optimization.

Based on neuroscience research, this book presents and demonstrates a 'Ten Enablers' model as a framework to help change leaders successfully lead and manage change. It focuses on the execution of change processes within volatile and challenging emerging markets with high growth potential.The book first presents the organizational development and change research on which the model is based, and discusses the basic neuroscience principles. It then introduces a systematic model of the ten enablers, taking readers through the process of change, from considering the ethos prior to embarking on it, including engagement of stakeholders, up to the final phase, where change leaders exit the process or the organization. It highlights this circular process through several step-by-step illustrations, supported by examples from emerging markets. Further, it includes neuroscience research and principles to help leaders understand and manage change in themselves and others. This well-researched and practical book is a valuable resource for students and professionals alike.

Based on neuroscience research, this book presents and demonstrates a 'Ten Enablers' model as a framework to help change leaders successfully lead and manage change. It focuses on the execution of change processes within volatile and challenging emerging markets with high growth potential.The book first presents the organizational development and change research on which the model is based, and discusses the basic neuroscience principles. It then introduces a systematic model of the ten enablers, taking readers through the process of change, from considering the ethos prior to embarking on it, including engagement of stakeholders, up to the final phase, where change leaders exit the process or the organization. It highlights this circular process through several step-by-step illustrations, supported by examples from emerging markets. Further, it includes neuroscience research and principles to help leaders understand and manage change in themselves and others. This well-researched and practical book is a valuable resource for students and professionals alike.

This book offers a clear process for managers, professionals, and future leaders to help discover their personal meaning in life and apply it to their work. The author uses research outcomes and theories to refute the contemporary philosophy that stresses following an individual’s passion alone when choosing a particular job or career. Instead, she recommends employing a personal meaning-oriented approach to life and work, and then becoming passionate about one’s work organically.The book also highlights the positive outcomes to organizations and societies when individuals engage with finding meaning in work, focusing on physical and emotional health and satisfaction. The author provides numerous examples of leaders who have aligned their personal meaning and organizational mission, also known as “meaning-mission fit,” and the relationship of this alignment to their emotional well-being. Together, the research, theory, and evidence in this book equip leaders and managers with an inspiring model to find their own meaning-mission fit, as well as create opportunities for the employees to do the same.

This book offers a clear process for managers, professionals, and future leaders to help discover their personal meaning in life and apply it to their work. The author uses research outcomes and theories to refute the contemporary philosophy that stresses following an individual’s passion alone when choosing a particular job or career. Instead, she recommends employing a personal meaning-oriented approach to life and work, and then becoming passionate about one’s work organically.The book also highlights the positive outcomes to organizations and societies when individuals engage with finding meaning in work, focusing on physical and emotional health and satisfaction. The author provides numerous examples of leaders who have aligned their personal meaning and organizational mission, also known as “meaning-mission fit,” and the relationship of this alignment to their emotional well-being. Together, the research, theory, and evidence in this book equip leaders and managers with an inspiring model to find their own meaning-mission fit, as well as create opportunities for the employees to do the same.

This book introduces the reader to the latest innovations in fields such as artificial intelligence, systems biology or surgery, and gives advice on what new technologies to consider for becoming a market leader of tomorrow. Companies generally acquire information on these fields from various sources such as market reports, scientific literature or conference events, but find it difficult to distinguish between mere hype and truly valuable innovations. This book offers essential guidance in the form of structured and authoritative contributions by experts in innovative technologies spanning from biology and medicine to augmented reality and smart power grids. The authors identify high-potential fields and demonstrate the impact of their technologies to create economic value in real-world applications. They also offer business leaders advice on whether and how to implement these new technologies and innovations in their companies or businesses.Chapter 13 Analytic Philosophy for Biomedical Research: The Imperative of Applying Yesterday’s Timeless Messages to Today’s Impasses by Sepehr Ehsani is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

This book introduces the reader to the latest innovations in fields such as artificial intelligence, systems biology or surgery, and gives advice on what new technologies to consider for becoming a market leader of tomorrow. Companies generally acquire information on these fields from various sources such as market reports, scientific literature or conference events, but find it difficult to distinguish between mere hype and truly valuable innovations. This book offers essential guidance in the form of structured and authoritative contributions by experts in innovative technologies spanning from biology and medicine to augmented reality and smart power grids. The authors identify high-potential fields and demonstrate the impact of their technologies to create economic value in real-world applications. They also offer business leaders advice on whether and how to implement these new technologies and innovations in their companies or businesses.Chapter 13 Analytic Philosophy for Biomedical Research: The Imperative of Applying Yesterday’s Timeless Messages to Today’s Impasses by Sepehr Ehsani is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

A number of dramatic changes are currently reshaping infrastructure, a sector that investors and asset managers have traditionally considered to be a safe harbor in the field of alternative investments. Understanding the future of infrastructure is indispensable to guaranteeing a sustainable future for our planet and the welfare of the world’s population, and enhancing our knowledge of this asset class is one important step we can take toward reaching this crucial goal.  This book collects a series of contributions by a group of Bocconi University researchers under the Antin IP Associate Professorship in Infrastructure Finance, which cover the key megatrends that are expected to reshape the way we think about infrastructure, and the implications for infrastructure investors and asset managers. Its goal is to improve and disseminate the culture of infrastructure among academics, professionals and policymakers. The main focus is on Europe and the European Union, andspecifically on three key sectors: power and energy, transportation infrastructure, and telecoms / ICT.

A number of dramatic changes are currently reshaping infrastructure, a sector that investors and asset managers have traditionally considered to be a safe harbor in the field of alternative investments. Understanding the future of infrastructure is indispensable to guaranteeing a sustainable future for our planet and the welfare of the world’s population, and enhancing our knowledge of this asset class is one important step we can take toward reaching this crucial goal.  This book collects a series of contributions by a group of Bocconi University researchers under the Antin IP Associate Professorship in Infrastructure Finance, which cover the key megatrends that are expected to reshape the way we think about infrastructure, and the implications for infrastructure investors and asset managers. Its goal is to improve and disseminate the culture of infrastructure among academics, professionals and policymakers. The main focus is on Europe and the European Union, andspecifically on three key sectors: power and energy, transportation infrastructure, and telecoms / ICT.

This book highlights lateral management as the answer to the strategic opportunities and challenges posed by digital transformation. Digitalization is now changing the economy and society as dramatically as the dawn of electrification a century ago. Production methods, products, sales structures, marketing, and even markets themselves are set to change in the digital era.In addition to introducing readers to the concept of lateral management, and detailing the structure and functioning of 'lateral companies', the authors show how leadership and cooperation norms carried over from the 20th century need to be adapted for the digital era. They demonstrate the opportunities that digitalization offers companies, employees and managers in terms of enhancing their freedom, individuality, job diversity, and creative and innovative power. The authors also provide a unique management instrument, the 'Lateral Culture Index®', which measures the hierarchies of leadership; provide new benchmarks; and identify seven essential factors for lateral companies. Readers will learn how to implement lateral management in their companies and be familiarized with the instruments that can help them do so.

This book highlights lateral management as the answer to the strategic opportunities and challenges posed by digital transformation. Digitalization is now changing the economy and society as dramatically as the dawn of electrification a century ago. Production methods, products, sales structures, marketing, and even markets themselves are set to change in the digital era.In addition to introducing readers to the concept of lateral management, and detailing the structure and functioning of 'lateral companies', the authors show how leadership and cooperation norms carried over from the 20th century need to be adapted for the digital era. They demonstrate the opportunities that digitalization offers companies, employees and managers in terms of enhancing their freedom, individuality, job diversity, and creative and innovative power. The authors also provide a unique management instrument, the 'Lateral Culture Index®', which measures the hierarchies of leadership; provide new benchmarks; and identify seven essential factors for lateral companies. Readers will learn how to implement lateral management in their companies and be familiarized with the instruments that can help them do so.

This open access book explores the global challenges and experiences related to digital entrepreneurial activities, using carefully selected examples from leading companies and economies that shape world business today and tomorrow. Digital entrepreneurship and the companies steering it have an enormous global impact; they promise to transform the business world and change the way we communicate with each other. These companies use digitalization and artificial intelligence to enhance the quality of decisions and augment their business and customer operations. This book demonstrates how cloud services are continuing to evolve; how cryptocurrencies are traded in the banking industry; how platforms are created to commercialize business, and how, taken together, these developments provide new opportunities in the digitalized era. Further, it discusses a wide range of digital factors changing the way businesses operate, including artificial intelligence, chatbots, voice search, augmented and virtual reality, as well as cyber threats and data privacy management. “Digitalization mirrors the Industrial Revolution’s impact. This book provides a complement of perspectives on the opportunities emanating from such a deep seated change in our economy. It is a comprehensive collection of thought leadership mapped into a very useful framework. Scholars, digital entrepreneurs and practitioners will benefit from this timely work.”Gina O’Connor, Professor of Innovation Management at Babson College, USA“This book defines and delineates the requirements for companies to enable their businesses to succeed in a post-COVID19 world. This book deftly examines how to accomplish and achieve digital entrepreneurship by leveraging cloud computing, AI, IoT and other critical technologies. This is truly a unique “must-read” book because it goes beyond theory and provides practical examples.”Charlie Isaacs, CTO of Customer Connectionat Salesforce.com, USA"This book provides digital entrepreneurs useful guidance identifying, validating and building their venture. The international authors developed new perspectives on digital entrepreneurship that can support to create impact ventures.”  Felix Staeritz, CEO FoundersLane, Member of the World Economic Forum Digital Leaders Board and bestselling author of FightBack, Germany

This open access book explores the global challenges and experiences related to digital entrepreneurial activities, using carefully selected examples from leading companies and economies that shape world business today and tomorrow. Digital entrepreneurship and the companies steering it have an enormous global impact; they promise to transform the business world and change the way we communicate with each other. These companies use digitalization and artificial intelligence to enhance the quality of decisions and augment their business and customer operations. This book demonstrates how cloud services are continuing to evolve; how cryptocurrencies are traded in the banking industry; how platforms are created to commercialize business, and how, taken together, these developments provide new opportunities in the digitalized era. Further, it discusses a wide range of digital factors changing the way businesses operate, including artificial intelligence, chatbots, voice search, augmented and virtual reality, as well as cyber threats and data privacy management. “Digitalization mirrors the Industrial Revolution’s impact. This book provides a complement of perspectives on the opportunities emanating from such a deep seated change in our economy. It is a comprehensive collection of thought leadership mapped into a very useful framework. Scholars, digital entrepreneurs and practitioners will benefit from this timely work.”Gina O’Connor, Professor of Innovation Management at Babson College, USA“This book defines and delineates the requirements for companies to enable their businesses to succeed in a post-COVID19 world. This book deftly examines how to accomplish and achieve digital entrepreneurship by leveraging cloud computing, AI, IoT and other critical technologies. This is truly a unique “must-read” book because it goes beyond theory and provides practical examples.”Charlie Isaacs, CTO of Customer Connectionat Salesforce.com, USA"This book provides digital entrepreneurs useful guidance identifying, validating and building their venture. The international authors developed new perspectives on digital entrepreneurship that can support to create impact ventures.”  Felix Staeritz, CEO FoundersLane, Member of the World Economic Forum Digital Leaders Board and bestselling author of FightBack, Germany

This book goes beyond the hype, delving into real world technologies and applications that are driving our future and examines the possible impact these changes will have on industries, economies and society at large. It details the actions governments and regulators must take in order to ensure these changes bring about positive benefits to the public without stifling innovation that may well be the future source of value creation. It examines how organisations in a world of digital ecosystems, where industry boundaries are blurring, must undertake radical digital transformation to survive and thrive in this new digital world. The reader is taken through a framework that critically examines (i) Digital Connectivity including 5G and IoT; (ii) Data Capture and Distribution which includes smart connected verticals; (iii) Data Integrity, Control and Tokenisation that includes cyber security, digital signatures, blockchain, smart contracts, digital assets and cryptocurrencies; (iv) Data Processing and Artificial Intelligence; and (v) Disruptive Applications which include platforms, virtual and augmented reality, drones, autonomous vehicles, digital twins and digital assistants.

This book goes beyond the hype, delving into real world technologies and applications that are driving our future and examines the possible impact these changes will have on industries, economies and society at large. It details the actions governments and regulators must take in order to ensure these changes bring about positive benefits to the public without stifling innovation that may well be the future source of value creation. It examines how organisations in a world of digital ecosystems, where industry boundaries are blurring, must undertake radical digital transformation to survive and thrive in this new digital world. The reader is taken through a framework that critically examines (i) Digital Connectivity including 5G and IoT; (ii) Data Capture and Distribution which includes smart connected verticals; (iii) Data Integrity, Control and Tokenisation that includes cyber security, digital signatures, blockchain, smart contracts, digital assets and cryptocurrencies; (iv) Data Processing and Artificial Intelligence; and (v) Disruptive Applications which include platforms, virtual and augmented reality, drones, autonomous vehicles, digital twins and digital assistants.

This book presents trends, developments, and examples of how digital disruption is currently reshaping the logistics industry. Logistics is the invisible force behind the global economy, influencing and providing a lens into all economic activities. Chapters written by respected experts in the field describe how new technologies such as autonomous vehicles, blockchain, Internet of things (IoT), and state-of-the-art freight management solutions are fundamentally changing supply chain solutions. Special emphasis is placed on promising start-ups and venture capital firms around the world that are now investing in the future of logistics."Supply chains hold significant room for optimization to the benefit of customers, industry participants, authorities and the environment. This book provides a unique set of perspectives from industry leaders covering a wide range of topics. It is a ‘must read’ for anyone seeking to understand and contribute to a better tomorrow in supply chains logistics." — Thomas Bagge, Chief Executive Officer and Statutory Director DCSA“The need for standardisation and digitalisation in logistics is no longer an option. This book gives insights from industry experts, shows trends and innovations in platforms, underlines the need for transparency and how big data and analytics can make a world of difference. It’s an incredible resource if you wish to better understand the new normal of logistics.” — Global Chief Digital & Information Officer, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company"This book presents readers with a straightforward and comprehensive assessment of supply chain innovation and trends and their impact on the industry. With contributions from several industry leaders, it provides critical knowledge and insight that supply chain and logistics managers need to implement disruptive technologies strategically.” — Rene Jacquat, Founder / Advisor, LogiChain Solutions

This book presents trends, developments, and examples of how digital disruption is currently reshaping the logistics industry. Logistics is the invisible force behind the global economy, influencing and providing a lens into all economic activities. Chapters written by respected experts in the field describe how new technologies such as autonomous vehicles, blockchain, Internet of things (IoT), and state-of-the-art freight management solutions are fundamentally changing supply chain solutions. Special emphasis is placed on promising start-ups and venture capital firms around the world that are now investing in the future of logistics."Supply chains hold significant room for optimization to the benefit of customers, industry participants, authorities and the environment. This book provides a unique set of perspectives from industry leaders covering a wide range of topics. It is a ‘must read’ for anyone seeking to understand and contribute to a better tomorrow in supply chains logistics." — Thomas Bagge, Chief Executive Officer and Statutory Director DCSA“The need for standardisation and digitalisation in logistics is no longer an option. This book gives insights from industry experts, shows trends and innovations in platforms, underlines the need for transparency and how big data and analytics can make a world of difference. It’s an incredible resource if you wish to better understand the new normal of logistics.” — Global Chief Digital & Information Officer, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company"This book presents readers with a straightforward and comprehensive assessment of supply chain innovation and trends and their impact on the industry. With contributions from several industry leaders, it provides critical knowledge and insight that supply chain and logistics managers need to implement disruptive technologies strategically.” — Rene Jacquat, Founder / Advisor, LogiChain Solutions

Drawing upon research and practitioner narratives from management, leadership, organizational studies, entrepreneurship and sustainable business domains, this book explores the many pathways that enable emerging countries to transform knowledge into action to achieve economic and sustainable development. The authors take a holistic approach to ‘transforming knowledge’ that goes beyond the mere ‘application of knowledge’ to include the assimilation, adaptation, and contextualization of knowledge to suit the unique contexts, needs and conditions existing in emerging countries. They then presents success stories and case studies comprising innovative solutions for emerging economies that practitioners can utilize. Current research in management is  highlighted by bringing together academics, practitioners, policy-makers and interest groups from diverse regions and perspectives.