External knowledge search,absorptive capacity and radical innovation in high-technology firms

Open innovation and absorptive capacity are two concepts based on the idea that companies can leverage the knowledge generated externally to improve their innovation performance. The aim of this paper is to analyse the joint effect of open innovation and absorptive capacity on a firm's radical innovation. Open innovation is expressed in terms of external search breadth and depth strategies and absorptive capacity is described by distinguishing between potential and realized absorptive capacity. In order to test our hypotheses, we carried out empirical research in firms operating in high-technology industries. The results indicate that internal routines and processes for absorbing external knowledge help explain radical innovation as they show a significant effect of potential and realized absorptive capacity. Also, there is a moderating effect of absorptive capacity on open innovation. Specifically, potential absorptive capacity exerts a positive effect on the relationship between external search breadth and depth and radical innovation. Realized absorptive capacity moderates the influence of external search breadth. These findings confirm the complementary nature of absorptive capacity and open innovation search strategies on radical innovation.     

Work overload and intimidation: The moderating role of resilience

Work overload is a critical but understudied stressor at work, particularly for boundary-spanning positions. Recent studies have highlighted the need for more research on the identification of different predictors of the use of intimidation, a type of assertive impression management tactic. Relying on Lazarus's transactional theory, this study hypothesized and investigated a mediated moderation model that includes resilience, work overload, and its outcomes.This paper contributes to the organizational literature by examining the use of intimidation by salespeople as a reaction to stressful circumstances and the association between this tactic and salespeople's performance. The information provided by 248 employee–supervisor dyads confirmed the proposed model. Work overload has a positive association with intimidation, and the direct effect of work overload on intimidation depends on the level of an employee's resilience. Finally, the use of intimidation has a negative association with supervisor-rated performance.     

Fibonacci helps to evacuate from a convex region in a grid network

This study considers an evacuation problem where the evacuees try to escape to the boundary of an affected area, which is convex, and a grid network is embedded in the area. The boundary is unknown to the evacuees and we propose an online evacuation strategy based on the Fibonacci sequence. This strategy is proved to have a competitive ratio of 19.5, which is better than the best previously reported result of 21.     

Bounds for the traveling salesman paths of two-dimensional modular lattices

We present tight upper and lower bounds for the traveling salesman path through the points of two-dimensional modular lattices. We use these results to bound the traveling salesman path of two-dimensional Kronecker point sets. Our results rely on earlier work on shortest vectors in lattices as well as on the strong convergence of Jacobi–Perron type algorithms.     

Optimal RSUs deployment with delay bound along highways in VANET

In order to broadcast an alert message from the accident site to the control center as soon as possible, the roadside units (RSUs) act as the critical component in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). It is not possible to make a pervasive RSU deployment due to the huge cost and market requirement. Hence, how to deploy a minimum number of RSUs in a given region becomes a challenge problem. In this paper, we present an analysis for the total delay of broadcasting alert messages in VANETs along highways. Based on the analysis, the relationship between optimal number of RSUs with the highway distance is given. Moreover, the experiment results verifies the delay analysis and the optimization of RSUs deployment.     

Handling precedence constraints in scheduling problems by the sequence pair representation

In this paper, we show that sequence pair (SP) representation, primarily applied to the rectangle packing problems appearing in the VLSI industry, can be a solution representation of precedence constrained scheduling. We present three interpretations of sequence pair, which differ in complexity of schedule evaluation and size of a corresponding solution space. For each interpretation we construct an incremental precedence constrained SP neighborhood evaluation algorithm, computing feasibility of each solution in the insert neighborhood in an amortized constant time per examined solution, and prove the connectivity property of the considered neighborhoods. To compare proposed interpretations of SP, we construct heuristic and metaheuristic algorithms for the multiprocessor job scheduling problem, and verify their efficiency in the numerical experiment.     

Systemisch – was denn sonst!

This essay deals critically with the use of the term “systemic”. Initially three basic system-theoretical concepts used in consulting and counseling are introduced: the problem of complexity, the construction of realities and the paradigm of functionality. Subsequently, the author demonstrates, that these principles have always been integral components of the most early pedagogical/psychological consulting practices. The addition of the term “systemic” is thus often superfluous and misleading.     

4-Evening-Questions: Eine einfache Technik mit tiefgreifender Wirkung

The effect of a positive day reflection as a technique of positive psychology has been found repeatedly. The qualitative study is based on a sample of 74 participants and shows which kind of experiences people make during and after this exercise. For this purpose, participants were instructed to reflect their day based on four specific questions (4-Evening-Questions) every evening over a period of two weeks. Subsequently, individual experiences were collected and analyzed qualitatively. The results show that the exercise leads to a sensitization of perception, a change in the interpretation of situations as well as in one’s own actions.     

Organisationskultur im Spielfilm

By analyzing cinema films, specific organizational cultures can be illustrated. The culture of prison as a “total institution” is explained on the basis of the movie “The Shawshank Redemption” (1994). With regard to the developing friendship between the former banker Andy Dufresne who is innocently convicted and the homicide delinquent Ellis Boyd Redding typical characteristics of a total institution are pointed out. Furthermore, the psychological function those characteristics serve for employees, inmates and even for the society as a whole is analyzed. Central to this interpretation is thinking of the prison as a father substitute. Many interactions become comprehensible viewed in this context. Additionally, the prison represents a huge object of projection which facilitates the collective release of aggression.