Cross-functional Collaboration Research Articles

Global Capability Centres in India: A Futuristic Analysis

Global Capability Centres (GCCs) have evolved from being regarded merely as instruments for cost reduction to being the drivers of innovation and transformation. This article seeks to give a broad-based perspective on the prospects of GCCs in India. The outlook for GCCs in India is optimistic, as a growing number of international firms are seeking to establish their GCCs in the country. This trend is anticipated to create job opportunities and increase socio-economic benefits for India. With a skilled English-speaking workforce, India is on the cusp of becoming the next ‘Silicon Valley of GCCs’, with various innovation and talent hubs developing throughout the country. This progress may lead to enhanced socio-economic conditions in both Tier-I and Tier-II cities. However, despite significant advancements, GCCs have not yet attained widespread recognition in the country. They encounter several challenges, including inadequate collaboration between parent organisations and GCCs, difficulties in transitioning back to on-site work from hybrid or remote arrangements, decline in service quality due to prolonged remote work, hurdles in implementing transformation and automation initiatives at the necessary speed, obstacles in scaling or resuming support services and reduced worker productivity stemming from extended remote work and weakened cross-functional collaboration. To overcome these challenges, proactive measures from industry stakeholders will be essential. These may involve monitoring employee productivity and satisfaction through online proctoring and regular meetings in hybrid or remote work environments and improving collaboration between GCCs and their parent organisations through consistent communication and feedback.

Innovative Integration Strategies for Platform-as-a-Service in Large-Scale Environments

This article presents a comprehensive examination of innovative integration strategies for Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) in large-scale environments, addressing the complex challenges faced by modern enterprises in cloud computing. We explore the evolution of PaaS solutions and delve into the technical intricacies of system integration, focusing on microservices architectures, cloud-native solutions, and distributed systems. The article highlights critical issues such as data synchronization, API management, and maintaining high availability across diverse subsystems. Through in-depth case studies of large enterprise PaaS integration and hybrid cloud implementation, we derive valuable insights and best practices. The article introduces a novel framework for seamless PaaS integration, encompassing infrastructure abstraction, service orchestration, data integration, and API management layers. Furthermore, we discuss emerging approaches to enhance scalability and reliability, including autonomous scaling and multi-cloud load balancing. The article also evaluates innovative tools and technologies aimed at improving interoperability, such as GraphQL for API integration and AI-powered integration assistants. By analyzing future trends like edge computing integration and quantum-resistant security, this article provides architects and developers with crucial insights for navigating the evolving PaaS landscape, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and cross-functional collaboration in achieving successful large-scale PaaS integrations.

Data Organization Patterns in Data Mesh: Optimizing Data Management for the Modern Enterprise

This article explores the implementation of Data Mesh principles through a structured layered approach to data organization, addressing the challenges of managing large-scale, diverse data ecosystems in modern enterprises. As global data creation surges towards 181 zettabytes by 2025, traditional centralized data architectures are proving inadequate. We propose a four-layer methodology—Raw, Work, Gold, and Publish—that aligns with Data Mesh philosophy while providing clear delineation of data processing stages. Through case studies across various industries, we demonstrate how this approach leads to significant improvements in data quality, time-to-insight, and incident resolution. A large financial institution achieved a 40% reduction in time-to-insight, while a global manufacturer reported a 30% improvement in data quality. The article also discusses the challenges of implementation, including cultural shifts and skill gaps. Our findings suggest that combining Data Mesh principles with a layered organizational structure can transform enterprise data landscapes, enhancing agility, cross-functional collaboration, and alignment of data assets with business objectives. This article contributes to the evolving field of decentralized data architectures and provides practical insights for organizations seeking to optimize their data management strategies in the face of exponential data growth.

Enhancing Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Strategies for Navigating Innovative Technologies and Regulatory Approvals in the Cosmetic Industry

: The cosmetic industry, driven by innovation, constantly seeks safer, more effective, and sustainable products. However, regulatory hurdles often impede the introduction of innovative cosmetics. This paper explores the convergence of advanced technologies and regulatory conformity, emphasizing the need for collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches. : Through an extensive review of literature and case studies, we reveal the multifaceted challenges within the industry. These encompass shifting consumer expectations, ingredient safety concerns, and intricate global regulations. Cross-functional collaborations, uniting researchers, regulators, industry experts, and consumers, are pivotal, driving innovation while ensuring product safety and compliance. : Our research stresses the importance of a proactive, all-encompassing approach to product development. This approach should integrate cutting-edge technologies, rigorous safety assessments, and smart regulatory strategies from project inception. Additionally, it emphasizes engaging stakeholders, sharing knowledge, and practicing transparency to earn trust from consumers and regulators. : This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the balance between innovation and regulation in the cosmetic industry, advocating for a paradigm shift characterized by collaboration and interdisciplinary efforts. By aligning innovation with regulatory compliance, the industry can effectively navigate the complex landscape of modern cosmetics, fostering the creation of safer, more sustainable, and consumer-centric products.

Moving into the cloud: a summary from a European Bioanalysis forum workshop on introducing cloud applications in bioanalytical laboratories.

In this manuscript, we summarize the discussions and key messages from developed in the e-environment team of the European Bioanalysis forum, which were the basis of a subsequent workshop on cloud applications in a regulated bioanalysis lab environment, hosted by the European Bioanalysis Forum e-environment team at their 16th Open Symposium in Barcelona, Spain in November 2023. The purpose of our discussions is to provide further insight and understanding on the status of having cloud applications implemented in a regulated bioanalysis laboratory and the challenges experienced. The discussions highlight the importance of cross functional collaboration during the entire process of cloud implementation and some of the uncertainties in the different functions' roles and responsibilities.

Strategic Convergence: How Knowledge Sharing, Cross-Functional Collaboration, and Adaptive Leadership Drive Innovation Success

This study investigates the relationships among knowledge sharing, cross-functional collaboration, adaptive leadership, and innovation success in organizational settings. Employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the research analyzes data collected from employees across various industries. The findings reveal that knowledge sharing significantly influences innovation success both directly and indirectly through cross-functional collaboration, which also serves as a critical mediator between adaptive leadership and innovation outcomes. Furthermore, adaptive leadership is shown to enhance cross-functional collaboration, emphasizing the importance of leadership style in fostering a collaborative culture conducive to innovation. These results underscore the necessity for organizations to cultivate knowledge-sharing practices, promote cross-functional teamwork, and develop adaptive leadership capabilities to drive innovation success. The study contributes to the literature by elucidating the dynamic interplay among these constructs and providing practical implications for managers seeking to enhance their organization's innovative capacities.

Automating Infrastructure Management: Benefits and Challenges of Ansible and Terraform Implementation Across Sectors

This article examines the implementation and impact of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices using Ansible and Terraform across various industries. Through a mixed-methods approach combining case studies, surveys, and quantitative analysis, we investigate how these tools enable more efficient, scalable, and repeatable infrastructure deployments. Our findings reveal significant benefits, including reduced operational costs (average 30% reduction), improved resource utilization (up to 40% increase), and enhanced disaster recovery capabilities (50% faster recovery times). However, challenges such as skills gaps, security concerns, and legacy system integration persist. The article provides insights into industry-specific applications, highlighting how finance, healthcare, and telecommunications sectors leverage these tools to meet unique demands. We present best practices for successful implementation, emphasizing continuous monitoring, data governance, and cross-functional collaboration. This article contributes to the growing body of literature on IaC and offers practical recommendations for organizations seeking to optimize their infrastructure management strategies in an increasingly digital landscape.

Designing cost-effective data solutions: Best practices from multi-million dollar projects involving cross-functional teams and diverse data sources

This paper explores the design and implementation of cost-effective data solutions, focusing on multi-million dollar projects that involve cross-functional teams and diverse data sources. The study aims to identify best practices and technological advancements that enhance data management efficiency, ensuring scalability, security, and compliance. Employing a comprehensive review of existing literature and case studies, the paper examines the challenges and opportunities in integrating technologies such as AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and blockchain. Key findings highlight the importance of cross-functional collaboration in addressing data management complexities and the adoption of agile methodologies to enhance adaptability and efficiency. The study also underscores the significance of advanced data integration techniques and the application of circular economy principles to promote sustainability in data management. The conclusion provides actionable recommendations for organizations seeking to optimize their data solutions, emphasizing the need for strategic investment in emerging technologies and a robust data governance framework. By offering insights into future trends and research directions, this paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on developing cost-effective, secure, and sustainable data solutions in an increasingly digitalized world. Keywords: Cost-Effective Data Solutions, Cross-Functional Teams, Data Integration, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Circular Economy Principles

NAVIGATING BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE TOOLS: STRATEGIES TO DRIVE BUSINESS GROWTH

This study explores the evolution and current state of business intelligence (BI) tools and their strategic role in driving business growth. The research utilizes a combination of market analysis, industry case studies, and theoretical frameworks, including the DIKW hierarchy and Resource-Based View, to examine BI adoption trends. The results highlight the importance of data quality, cross-functional collaboration, and user adoption in maximizing BI effectiveness. Key findings indicate that cloud-based and self-service BI tools significantly improve data-driven decision-making, while challenges remain in data governance and integration. To address these challenges, organizations must implement robust data policies and empower users through training and self-service capabilities. The study concludes that integrating BI tools into digital transformation initiatives provides a competitive edge, enabling strategic planning, operational efficiency, and innovation. This research offers new insights into how organizations can leverage BI tools for sustained growth and enhanced decision-makingl.

Beyond the Hype: A Systems Approach to Productivity

This article provides a practitioner-oriented examination of productivity from a systems perspective, challenging predominant views that blame low outputs solely on individual workers. It argues sustainable gains stem from optimizing processes, workflows and contextual supports—not micromanaging people. Five guiding principles are outlined for cultivating enabling systems through value stream mapping, cross-functional collaboration, participatory problem-solving, modular flexible designs and selective technology use. Four case studies from healthcare, manufacturing, retail and professional services then illustrate real-world applications of these principles resulting in meaningful productivity improvements across key performance indicators. The article concludes by positioning this evidence-based, systems-centric approach as a paradigm shift beyond traditional conceptualizations of productivity. It maintains this enlightened perspective can uplift organizations globally by empowering environments calibrated to both business needs and human potential. Overall, the brief aims to further a more nuanced, solutions-focused discussion of cultivating environments where work truly elevates individuals, organizations and societies.

Market Orientation, Supply Chain Integration, and Marketing-Technical Integration: Antecedents of Competitive Advantage

The study aims to investigate the role of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities in achieving competitive advantage. First, the study considers the firms’ important marketing and supply chain management capabilities and logically identifies market orientation, supply chain integration, and marketing-technical integration as knowledge-based dynamic capabilities, then empirically attempts to examine their role in achieving competitive advantage. A quantitative research design was utilized, and all constructs were directly measured using multi-item scales. Data was collected from 625 pharmaceutical firms working in Pakistan and analyzed by using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results show that market orientation has the strongest effect, followed by supply chain integration, and marketing-technical integration. The study provides strong evidence for the need for a knowledge-based approach in firms. Firms must develop knowledge-based dynamic capabilities for acquiring, generating, and combining knowledge to achieve a competitive position in their respective industries. Managers should focus on customer needs and competitor activities, integrate with supply chain partners, and promote a culture of cross-functional collaboration. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on knowledge-based dynamic capabilities and emphasizes the importance of a knowledge-based approach in achieving competitive advantage.

Kerangka Kerja Inovasi Digital untuk Organisasi Skala Kecil: Integrasi Teori dan Praktik

This research proposes a framework designed to support digital innovation in small-scale organizations often constrained by limited resources and knowledge. This framework is built based on theoretical knowledge, which comes from literature reviews, and practical knowledge, which comes from focus group discussions involving several experts. The framework includes nine key processes: Leadership Commitment and Support; Culture of Innovation and Risk Tolerance; Cross-Functional Collaboration and Diversity; Agile and Flexible Process; Integration and Utilization of Digital Technology; Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Learning; Allocation of Resources for Innovation; External Engagement and Open Innovation; Performance Evaluation and Feedback. These processes were developed to be interrelated and form a comprehensive approach to fostering an innovative environment. In addition, this framework also integrates the ADKAR, a change management model, to facilitate the practical application of this framework in organizations. The existence of limited resources and knowledge in small-scale organizations demands particular strategies in adopting the framework, including more strategic resource allocation, intensive training for skill development, and collaboration with external institutions to support technology and innovation needs.

Customer adoption of Chat GPT for web development and programming assistance in the Zimbabwe tech industry

ChatGPT, an advanced conversational AI model by OpenAI, signifies a significant leap in human-computer interaction. Optimized for dialogue, ChatGPT has the potential to transform web development and programming support. In Zimbabwe, 60% of IT programmers express concerns about UI/UX design, while 70% face challenges in service quality due to software flaws and inadequate testing. This study investigates ChatGPT's application in Zimbabwe's tech industry for web development and programming support, and its impact on organizational performance. Employing an integrated Delone and McLean IS Success Model, the research examines adoption trends, barriers, and benefits of integrating ChatGPT into development workflows.A quantitative approach was utilized, employing survey data and statistical methods. A 5-point Likert Scale survey was distributed to 30 Zimbabwean ICT workers. Data analysis with SmartPLS 3.0 included descriptive and confirmatory factor analyses to assess reliability (Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability) and validity (factor loadings, AVE, HTMT ratio). Results indicate that ChatGPT significantly influences system, information, and service quality, enhancing user satisfaction and organizational benefits, with system quality exerting the strongest impact. Moreover, system quality positively affects organizational performance, though the moderating role of flexible organizational culture was insignificant. Recommendations include enhancing training data tailored to local technological needs, integrating real-time data sources, offering a paid version for updated data, ensuring robust error handling for service quality, providing educational resources, implementing feedback mechanisms, conducting developer training programs, and promoting cross-functional collaboration.

Mobilizing DevOps: exploration of DevOps adoption in mobile software development

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the factors facilitating and influencing the adoption of DevOps practices specifically tailored to mobile software development, with a focus on understanding the influence of mobile-specific requirements on DevOps integration.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a qualitative methodology, including a literature review, exploratory case research and partial quantitative assessments through DORA metrics and survey applications. This approach, guided by the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, prioritizes in-depth insights into the adoption of DevOps practices and explores strategies for integrating DevOps in mobile software development.FindingsThe research identifies several key themes specific to Mobile DevOps adoption, including tool integration issues, testing complexities, deployment challenges and security concerns. These findings underscore the necessity for tailored DevOps solutions that can effectively address the unique demands of mobile software development. The study also proposes actionable strategies to overcome these challenges, thereby enhancing the efficiency, quality and security of mobile applications.Practical implicationsThe insights gained from this study provide valuable guidance for practitioners in the mobile software development sector. By understanding and addressing the specific challenges of Mobile DevOps, organizations can improve their DevOps practices and achieve better outcomes in terms of project delivery speed, quality and security. For example, implementing robust testing strategies, investing in compatible tools and developing well-defined rollback procedures can significantly enhance Mobile DevOps effectiveness. Furthermore, incorporating continuous security measures and improving cross-functional collaboration can lead to more secure and efficient mobile application deployments.Social implicationsThis study offers valuable starting points for researching Mobile DevOps in real-world settings, based on insights from practical DevOps implementations in a single-case organization. Organizations can use this information to compare their own DevOps approaches with those of the studied organization, and can facilitate self-assessment and improvement.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the limited literature on Mobile DevOps adoption and proposing actionable strategies. By incorporating the TOE framework, it provides a comprehensive guide that enhances understanding and management of DevOps practices throughout the mobile application development lifecycle and offers significant value to practitioners and researchers alike.

Scalable Microservices Architecture: Leadership Approaches for High-Performance Retail Systems

The rapid evolution of retail systems in the digital age necessitates the adoption of scalable microservices architectures to meet the demands of high-performance and responsive platforms. As the retail sector increasingly relies on technology to drive customer engagement, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage, the role of leadership in designing and implementing scalable microservices architectures becomes critical. This paper explores leadership approaches that are essential for guiding the successful deployment of microservices in high-performance retail systems. The shift from monolithic to microservices architectures represents a fundamental change in how retail systems are built and maintained. Microservices, characterized by their modularity, independence, and scalability, offer significant advantages over traditional monolithic architectures, particularly in handling the dynamic demands of modern retail environments. However, the successful implementation of microservices requires more than just technical expertise; it demands strategic leadership that understands the complexities of system design, cross-functional collaboration, and long-term maintenance.

Reducing Technical Debt through Strategic Leadership in Retail Technology Systems

In the fast-paced and highly competitive landscape of retail, the management of technical debt has become a critical challenge for organizations striving to maintain robust and scalable technology systems. Technical debt, the accumulated cost of prioritizing quick fixes or suboptimal solutions over more sustainable and efficient options, can significantly hinder an organization's ability to innovate, adapt, and grow. This paper explores the role of strategic leadership in effectively reducing technical debt within retail technology systems. By examining key leadership strategies, such as fostering a culture of continuous improvement, investing in long-term technology planning, and emphasizing cross-functional collaboration, the paper highlights how retail organizations can systematically address and mitigate technical debt. Strategic leadership in the retail sector involves a comprehensive understanding of both business and technological imperatives. Leaders must recognize the implications of technical debt not only in terms of immediate financial costs but also in the broader context of business agility, customer experience, and competitive advantage. The paper emphasizes the need for leaders to adopt a proactive approach, prioritizing technical debt reduction as a strategic objective that aligns with the organization's overall goals. One of the central arguments of the paper is that effective technical debt management requires a shift from reactive to proactive leadership. This involves anticipating potential issues, encouraging innovation, and making informed decisions that balance short-term gains with long-term sustainability. The paper discusses various leadership practices that contribute to this shift, including the implementation of robust governance frameworks, the adoption of agile methodologies, and the promotion of a learning-oriented organizational culture.

Reducing Technical Debt through Strategic Leadership in Retail Technology Systems

In the fast-paced and highly competitive landscape of retail, the management of technical debt has become a critical challenge for organizations striving to maintain robust and scalable technology systems. Technical debt, the accumulated cost of prioritizing quick fixes or suboptimal solutions over more sustainable and efficient options, can significantly hinder an organization's ability to innovate, adapt, and grow. This paper explores the role of strategic leadership in effectively reducing technical debt within retail technology systems. By examining key leadership strategies, such as fostering a culture of continuous improvement, investing in long-term technology planning, and emphasizing cross-functional collaboration, the paper highlights how retail organizations can systematically address and mitigate technical debt.Strategic leadership in the retail sector involves a comprehensive understanding of both business and technological imperatives. Leaders must recognize the implications of technical debt not only in terms of immediate financial costs but also in the broader context of business agility, customer experience, and competitive advantage. The paper emphasizes the need for leaders to adopt a proactive approach, prioritizing technical debt reduction as a strategic objective that aligns with the organization's overall goals.One of the central arguments of the paper is that effective technical debt management requires a shift from reactive to proactive leadership.

Leadership for AI Transformation in Health Care Organization: Scoping Review.

The leaders of health care organizations are grappling with rising expenses and surging demands for health services. In response, they are increasingly embracing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to improve patient care delivery, alleviate operational burdens, and efficiently improve health care safety and quality. In this paper, we map the current literature and synthesize insights on the role of leadership in driving AI transformation within health care organizations. We conducted a comprehensive search across several databases, including MEDLINE (via Ovid), PsycINFO (via Ovid), CINAHL (via EBSCO), Business Source Premier (via EBSCO), and Canadian Business & Current Affairs (via ProQuest), spanning articles published from 2015 to June 2023 discussing AI transformation within the health care sector. Specifically, we focused on empirical studies with a particular emphasis on leadership. We used an inductive, thematic analysis approach to qualitatively map the evidence. The findings were reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. A comprehensive review of 2813 unique abstracts led to the retrieval of 97 full-text articles, with 22 included for detailed assessment. Our literature mapping reveals that successful AI integration within healthcare organizations requires leadership engagement across technological, strategic, operational, and organizational domains. Leaders must demonstrate a blend of technical expertise, adaptive strategies, and strong interpersonal skills to navigate the dynamic healthcare landscape shaped by complex regulatory, technological, and organizational factors. In conclusion, leading AI transformation in healthcare requires a multidimensional approach, with leadership across technological, strategic, operational, and organizational domains. Organizations should implement a comprehensive leadership development strategy, including targeted training and cross-functional collaboration, to equip leaders with the skills needed for AI integration. Additionally, when upskilling or recruiting AI talent, priority should be given to individuals with a strong mix of technical expertise, adaptive capacity, and interpersonal acumen, enabling them to navigate the unique complexities of the healthcare environment.

P.O.L.A.R. Star: A New Framework Developed and Applied by One Mid-Sized Pharmaceutical Company to Drive Digital Transformation in R&D.

Digital transformation has become a cornerstone of innovation in pharmaceutical research and development (R&D). Pharmaceutical companies now have an imperative to embrace transformation, including mid-sized and small-sized companies despite resource limitations that do not allow economies of scale compared with larger organizations. This article describes the journey undertaken by Chiesi to develop an efficient framework to drive digital transformation along its R&D value chain with the objective of building and refreshing a clear roadmap and relevant priorities, together with identifying and enabling new digital capabilities and skills within R&D, defining tools and processes that will guide Chiesi activities in the space up to mid-long term. This work has led so far to five main achievements, which align with the steps in the framework: a strategically aligned roadmap with key focus areas for digital transformation and a dedicated team to lead the effort; a common language for data across the R&D value chain; an internal mindset that's open to innovation and participation in key external networks and consortia; a set of quick-win use cases for the new framework; and a defined set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and monitoring tools for digital transformation. The work presented here demonstrates that R&D digital transformation should represent an ongoing process to enable cross-functional collaboration and integration within complex corporate environments that face an ever-growing volume of diverse data, to efficiently support business needs, and to ensure a positive impact on patient care.

PERFORMANCE-BASED REWARD SYSTEM AND ORGANIZATIONAL AGILITY IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA

As organizations strive to maintain a competitive edge, the need for a more agile workforce has become increasingly apparent. Performance-based reward systems have emerged as a powerful tool to facilitate this transformation, by aligning employee motivation with the organization’s strategic goals. However, the overemphasis on individual performance metrics may inadvertently promote unhealthy competition and undermine collaboration. Hence this study examines the effect of performance-based reward system on organizational agility in the banking industry. Specifically, the study seeks to determine how competence-based reward system will affect organizational agility; to examine the impact of reward and incentives on organizational agility. The study has adopted a survey research design to obtain data from a population of 221 staff members of the Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB), which represent the broader banking industry in Nigeria. A sample of 142 was drawn through Taro Yamane and sampled randomly. The study used primary data and questionnaires. Multiple regression was used to test the hypotheses. The study found that organizational agility was affected by the competence-based reward system; and incentive and reward proxy by continuous improvement incentives, teamwork reward, and balancing reward objectives determines the organizational agility of the GTB and the broader banking industry in the country. In conclusion, the performance-based reward system has a significant effect on organizational agility in the banking industry in Nigeria. Thus, the study recommends that banks and other financial organizations should adopt the following aspects of a competence- based reward system such as continuous learning, cross-functional collaboration, and skill development as a strategy for achieving a high level of organizational agility in the GTB through its employees.