Papers by Richard Brunet-Thornton
Baltic Journal of Management, 2017
Purpose Readers from outside the region may not be familiar with the subject matter, therefore, t... more Purpose Readers from outside the region may not be familiar with the subject matter, therefore, the purpose of this paper is to serve as a foundation for the further reading and appreciation of the submitted manuscripts. Design/methodology/approach Based on a pertinent literature review, the foreword addresses the general subject matter of this special edition. The approach used was to introduce the reader to the contents as well as to complement and introduce the contributions. Findings The literature review substantiates the varied positions adopted and exposed by the contributing authors. Originality/value The contents are derived from original research. The value, as mentioned above, positions the reader to better understand the subject matter at hand.
Journal of Eastern European and Central Asian Research (JEECAR), 2019
This manuscript examines the results of a quantitative and qualitative survey on Additive Manufac... more This manuscript examines the results of a quantitative and qualitative survey on Additive Manufacturing in the Czech Republic, specifically the adoption within the aerospace industry. The study conducted in 2016 and 2017 provides a general understanding of the implementation. To better gauge the experience, two intensive interviews provide a candid perspective of the challenges encountered. The discussion depicts the central issues that each enterprise encounters during this transition from traditional to Additive Manufacturing. The findings reveal that, although the transformation is on-going, a solid knowledge base remains a critical element to successful deployment.
Journal of Eastern European and Central Asian Research (JEECAR), 2019
This discussion centres on the growing impact of the transformation to digitalisation in various ... more This discussion centres on the growing impact of the transformation to digitalisation in various industry sectors. Enterprises seek to engage individuals who possess an appropriate profile to fulfil vacancies or new positions to assist in the transformation endeavour. Traditional job descriptions are replaced by the need for agile technical skills, project management competencies, and critical thinking. Challenges increase proportionally to the local employment rate. To evaluate such an impact, a project has been established to determine the reaction of employers once confronted with the lack of same-culture candidates. This manuscript represents the first phase of the project wherein the status quo is documented through an analysis of the extant literature. The findings of this exercise then serve as a benchmark from which survey results will be monitored. Although the literature review does not dispel all Czech stereotypes, it does provide a more realistic image of Czech cultural ...
Central European Business Review, 2016
Research and Development represent a set of activities and processes practiced by both institutio... more Research and Development represent a set of activities and processes practiced by both institutions and enterprises. Often foreign and national governments offer attractive tax credits. Enterprises strive to benefit from these incentives as they endeavour to innovate products and services with the aspiration to become the 'leading edge' within their respective industry. To meet the demands and challenges of a global market, many multinationals have established Research and Development centres throughout their territory. This specific part of the enterprise copes not only with several knowledge-related issues but also the risks that stem from a diversity of cultural dimensions; let alone the impact of virtual teams. In many cases, these issues are unique and depend largely on the nature and context of the business. This manuscript identifies and discusses these issues faced by multinational enterprises that have intensively internationalised their research and development act...
Knowledge Management (KM) is today a relatively well-established managerial discipline. A self-ad... more Knowledge Management (KM) is today a relatively well-established managerial discipline. A self-administered questionnaire is conducted to investigate hypotheses focused on Knowledge Management and managerial perceptions. The main research question becomes “what is the nature of this attitude and whether the perception of KM can be generalised or is specific to certain groups”. Data are processed using descriptive statistics, Pearson chi-square, Likelihood ratio, Cramer’s V, and additional supportive tests. It is apparent from the data analysis that a negative perception of KM prevails among Czech managers. Moreover, the study proves that there is no significant relationship between the replies of various respondent subgroups segregated by age and the non/existence of KM in an organisation. A shift in the responsibilities and the democratisation of knowledge are contrary to the ideologies and practice of doing business today in the Czech Republic.
Journal of Eastern Europe Research in Business & Economics, 2016
Knowledge sharing represents one of the main knowledge processes intensively studied and develope... more Knowledge sharing represents one of the main knowledge processes intensively studied and developed by both academicians and practitioners. This process is apparently influenced by many factors, where organisational culture possesses a leading position. Therefore, this manuscript analyses the mutual interrelationship between corporate culture and knowledge dissemination within organisations. Organisational frameworks and corporate culture classifications are reviewed based on their inherent compatibility with knowledge sharing. This discussion further elaborates a recent study and its findings focused on the knowledge management experience in the Czech Republic and knowledge sharing practices in selected Czech universities. The main objective of the paper is to emphasise selected questions associated with a knowledge sharing culture and open debate on these issues.
E+M Ekonomie a Management, 2016
This text focuses on the cultural relationships between Czech nationals employed at Japanese subs... more This text focuses on the cultural relationships between Czech nationals employed at Japanese subsidiaries located in the Czech Republic. The paper analyses the possibilities of implementation of Toyota Production System within Japanese subsidiaries in Czech Republic. Moreover, it explores both the fi t between the cultural values of Czech and Japanese management and the values incorporated in the Toyota Production System, and the various relationships of employees of both cultures at a managerial and operational level. In order to conduct the study, 79 companies were contacted, and survey responses from a total of 108 Czech and Japanese employees were collected. Using a self-administered questionnaire created in Czech, English and Japanese language, the fi ndings of both common and divergent culturally-induced perspectives are analysed. Due to consistency with other cross-cultural studies Hofstede’s cultural dimensions are used as foundation. The discussion correlates the results to...
Concepts and Applications
Growing concern over the state of Knowledge Management (KM) in the Czech Republic has compelled b... more Growing concern over the state of Knowledge Management (KM) in the Czech Republic has compelled both researchers and practitioners to document current trends. Our study in particular demonstrates that there is a growing awareness to promote KM as the appropriate vehicle to enhance and increase competitiveness and profitability no matter to what specific industry the enterprises may belong. Through KM adoption, the organisation develops a more customer-concentrated approach that sequentially increases internal efficiencies. Research in this area continues. It aspires to provide KM managers with the appropriate tools leading to successful KM implementation especially within the Czech Republic. This chapter analyses existing KM benefits and monitoring methods, and also explores a modified Cost-Benefit Analysis method focused on KM projects. It centres the customer and the general market environment as knowledge sources used to evaluate the appropriateness of a KM project.
Handbook of Research on Managing and Influencing Consumer Behavior
This chapter revisits an earlier published model of the Cost-Benefit Analysis method focused on K... more This chapter revisits an earlier published model of the Cost-Benefit Analysis method focused on KM projects. Although it continues to centre on the customer and the general market environment as knowledge sources used to evaluate the appropriateness of a Knowledge Management (KM) project, it expands the discussion to incorporate the latest research on this topic. In addition, the tangible and intangible benefits of a successful KM deployment continue to be stressed; it highlights the various barriers and sets recommendations that may be pursued. Given the on-going nature of this condition in the Czech Republic, the authors continue to pursue an active research protocol.
Abstract In the Czech Republic, Knowledge Management-related problems occur at all knowledge stag... more Abstract In the Czech Republic, Knowledge Management-related problems occur at all knowledge stages with difficulties more predominant at an organisational level. In principal, they originate from the lack of an utilisable and detailed KM implementation methodology; varying perceptions of KM coupled with the notion, that KM equates and is limited to information technologies and the like. As a reaction to these problems, the Faculty of Informatics and Management at the University of Hradec Králové (FIM UHK) developed a ...
… of the 9th WSEAS international conference …, Nov 3, 2010
Abstract:-Although Knowledge Management remains a very popular concept there exist problems assoc... more Abstract:-Although Knowledge Management remains a very popular concept there exist problems associated with its implementation. These problems are identified at all knowledge strata. One of them is also Management of Knowledge level, to which Ambient Intelligence related technologies belong. In reaction to the problems described herein, the Faculty of Informatics and Management at the University of Hradec Králové developed a KM implementation methodology. It provides a set of phased ground rules. Further ...
This manuscript explores two essential components of successful Knowledge Management: Knowledge S... more This manuscript explores two essential components of successful Knowledge Management: Knowledge Sharing and Knowledge Transfer and their relationship with the practice of Project Management. The research questions, two distinct but overlapping, investigate the use of standardised practice fundamentals and the barriers often associated with effective project deployment. Built on self-administered questionnaires and a series of interviews, the study exposes a project management environment that minimises communication in order to deal with project delays and demanding customers. Communication channels when they do exist are often twodimensional with electronic mail as the preferred tool. Likewise, meetings represent the principle forum for corrective action that is often negative in context. Essentially, survey results reveal the use of internally developed project management guidelines over standardised models, the lack of time and money to initiate scheduled and positive dialogue du...
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Papers by Richard Brunet-Thornton