Digital Transformation Process Research Articles

Traditional agencies on bridges: How is digital transformation changing business models?

AbstractDigital technologies produce new strategic and organizational challenges for incumbent firms that require major digital transformation (DT) processes, leading to the evolution of business models (BMs). Contributing to the research stream on DT and BM evolution, this study explores which technologies have the most relevant effect on core BM dimensions, i.e., value proposition, value creation, and value capture, by investigating both the consequent themes and intensities of change in these dimensions. A valuable context for analysis was chosen: the advertising industry and traditional communication agencies, namely, creative and media agencies. Based on 38 in-depth interviews with senior communication professionals and qualitative content analysis, we propose a comprehensive reading of (1) the impact of specific technologies on different BM dimensions and components and (2) the themes and intensities of change in creative and media agencies’ BM dimensions. Finally, we outline an interpretative framework, identifying two different paths for incumbents: outside-in BM adaptation and inside-out BM innovation. This study therefore offers two academic contributions. First, it overcomes the vagueness of previous investigations that considered the effects of digital technologies in general terms, and it also resolves the narrow scope of research that focused only on the impact of one specific technology. Second, by deepening the understanding of the joint evolutions and intensities of change across all three BM dimensions, this study has widened the limited scope of previous contributions on one BM dimension. By doing so, it offers a comprehensive reading of BM dynamics due to DT.

Digital Transformation in Science Education: Teachers' Self-Efficacy of Distance Learning and Blended Learning Experiences

Blended learning emerges as an indispensable tool for pioneering science education practices in the 21st century. Studies underscore the efficacy of blended learning applications in science education, particularly in enhancing learners' computer proficiency, fostering positive attitudes and motivation towards science courses, and surmounting learning hurdles. This study aims to assess the levels of self-efficacy among science teachers for blended education within the context of the digital transformation process. It also seeks to investigate the predictive capacity of various factors and analyze teachers' experiences with blended learning. The research adopts a mixed-method approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Quantitatively, the study utilizes the "Self‐Efficacy Perception of Distance Education Scale" to gauge science teachers' self-efficacy perceptions about distance education. The quantitative segment encompasses a sample of 175 science teachers. On the other hand, for the qualitative aspect, 26 teachers' experiences were examined through an “Open-Ended Question Form” to gain nuanced insights. The results of the quantitative analysis demonstrated that science educators displayed a heightened level of perceived self-efficacy in the domain of distance education. The influencing factors identified included gender, seniority, school type, class size, and usage of laboratory facilities. The qualitative findings indicated that science teachers' engagement with blended learning was characterized by both positive and negative sentiments. These experiences were further categorized into subgroups of positive and negative encounters.

IRAQ: OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC STABILITY IN THE CONTEXT OF DIGITALIZATION

The article presents an analysis of the digital transformation process in Iraq. The relevance of the article is reduced to the current need to understand the directions and features of the digitalization of the Iraqi economy in order to comply with global trends and the possibility of increasing financial and economic stability. The global digitalization requires from each country certain efforts to introduce digital technologies into the national economy for the possibility of sustainable development in the long term. Iraq is no exception in this matter and, as shown in the article, based on strategies for digital development, technology transfer and other forms of digitalization stimulation, it is actively moving forward within the framework of this global trend. To analyze the situation with digitalization in Iraq and determine trends in its development, the author uses descriptive and comparative research methods using analytical and statistical tools (graphical method). The data for the study were obtained from national and international sources, as well as from secondary sources. The study period includes 2000–2022. As a result of the research, the author concludes that Iraq could improve the conditions for digitalization in cooperation with foreign countries, both regional and non-regional

A data-driven distributionally robust optimization approach for the core acquisition problem

Reusing electric vehicles (EV) batteries that reach the end of their useful first life is an environmental and cost-competitive option; however, the process of recycling EV batteries is not yet mature. Due to complex electrochemical reactions and physical conditions, the quality of used EV batteries (cores) is highly uncertain. The remanufacturer needs to make the acquisition decision under quality distributional ambiguity. Perfect quality distribution of cores cannot be known to the remanufacturer in practice. We develop distributionally robust optimization models based on phi-divergence measures and the imprecise Dirichlet model (DRO-IDM) to derive robust decisions. First, we find that the bounds of quality probability intervals are identified solely based on the collected data by introducing the imprecise Dirichlet model. The derived finite-sample boundary can reduce the scope of the uncertainty set and avoid the no-direction search issue. Second, our models can hedge against distributional uncertainty, reduce the probability of a robust solution that deviates from the optimal solution, and correct bias in decision making. Third, we extend the DRO-IDM to develop data-driven models, that can reassess the value of multisource quality information to improve the estimation accuracy of core quality and maximize the remanufacturer’s profit. Our study provides new insights for remanufacturers: the new remanufacturing process proposed in our work can assist remanufacturers in utilizing the values of cores without disassembly; the information-aware algorithm can offer the remanufacturing sector a valuable tool for efficiently filtering out invalid information in optimizing acquisition decisions; this capability empowers decision-makers to leverage multiple sources of information and expedite the process of digital transformation in remanufacturing; our approach can also provide a manner of integrating information fusion and distribution learning into remanufacturing.

Impact of digital transformation on supply chain efficiency: a parallel mediation model

PurposeIt becomes a strategic option for enterprises to upgrade and improve supply chain efficiency (SCE) by promoting the digital transformation (DT). This study formulated a parallel mediation model to analyze the relationships among DT, supply chain transparency (SCT), supply chain agility (SCA) and SCE to reveal how DT affects SCE through the mediation of SCT and SCA.Design/methodology/approachThree paradigms, i.e. resource-based view (RBV), dynamic capability view (DCV) and structure-conduct-performance (SCP) were employed to address the parallel mediation effects. A total of 392 questionnaires (samples) from the port-hinterland supply chain in the DT pilot project of New Land-Sea Corridor in western China were collected, which was then applied to formulate a structural equation model (SEM) to verify the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe results confirmed the existences of parallel mediating effects of SCT and SCA between DT and SCE. On one hand, the direct effect of DT on SCE is not significant when SCT and SCE plays jointly impacts on DT and SCE. On the other hand, SCT and SCA play a positive parallel full mediating effect of DT on SCE.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributed to the literature on changing activities of SCE in DT processes. Specifically, it highlighted how DT leads to SCE via SCT and SCA activities. In addition, this study specified the conditions that the insignificant direct effect of DT has reflects on SCE, it is the time when SCT and SCE are jointly acting on DT and SCE.Originality/valueBy integrating insights from the RBV, DCV and SCP paradigms, this study clarified the mechanisms of DT on SCE, and provided insight on the role of SCT and SCA in the relationship between DT and SCE. The novelty of this study and the results extend the existing literature and provide implications for future research.

Does digital transformation benefit innovation in manufacturing firms? Empirical evidence based on data mining and textual analysis methods

With the increasing spread of the digital economy and the application of digital technologies, more and more manufacturing enterprises have begun to improve the efficiency of digital transformation with the help of big data and other digital technologies to promote the high-quality development of enterprises. Through the open big data platform, manufacturing enterprises can collect data and information reflecting the needs of users in a timely manner to achieve real-time optimization of the production process and timely detection of problems to a certain extent, thereby improving the ability to research and innovation. Through the establishment of econometric models and empirical tests, we also find that the education level of managers affects the process of digital transformation and influences the impact of digital transformation on innovation.

Personnel development under digital economy conditions

Personnel development under digital economy conditions

Empowering employees for digital transformation in manufacturing enterprises: A case study

Purpose: This study explores how manufacturing enterprises can effectively promote digital transformation through employee empowerment with ability, motivation, and opportunity empowerment at different stages.Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on ability, motivation, and opportunity (AMO) theory, this qualitative research takes the Jiangsu Shangshang Cable Group as a typical case to discuss manufacturing enterprises’ evolving employee empowerment model. Gioia structured data analysis method was adopted to analyse the data.Findings/results: In the stage of information technology (IT) application, the main task of employee empowerment is strengthening the employees’ abilities (‘can do’) and motivation (‘want to do’) by training their IT knowledge and skills, changing their mindset towards IT application, and letting them experience the efficiency of the latter. In the intelligence manufacturing stage, training employees to do better is the core content of employee empowerment. Enterprises can strengthen employees’ intelligent manufacturing skills, practice data-based performance appraisal and salary management, and let employees participate in intelligent manufacturing. In the stage of digital transformation of the whole process, employees are required to ‘do their best in the long run’. Enterprises could improve employee collaboration capabilities, build growth mechanisms, and involve every employee in innovation.Practical implications: In the digital transformation process, manufacturing enterprises could empower employees according to the different goals and requirements in the three stages of IT application, intelligence manufacturing, and digital transformation of the whole process. It has reference value for manufacturing enterprises to achieve digital transformation.Originality/value: This study explores a three-dimensional evolving employee empowerment model to promote manufacturing enterprises’ digital transformation.

Open innovation at the digital frontier: unraveling the paradoxes and roadmaps for SMEs' successful digital transformation

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to fill a gap in the literature regarding the open innovation management approaches that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can use to access digital technologies and incorporate them into their organizational processes. The research question is: What organizational and process-level managerial actions do SMEs take to successfully access and implement digital technologies within their organizational processes?Design/methodology/approachUsing Guertler et al.'s (2020) Action Innovation Management Research (AIM-R) framework, this study examines the digital transformation experiences of 10 European SMEs to gain insights into the managerial actions that foster successful digital transformation.FindingsThe findings of the paper reveal two major contributions. First, a digital transformation roadmap for SMEs is proposed, with a focus on accessing external resources and reconfiguring internal ones to ease their digital transformation journey. Second, three distinct paradoxes that influence the digital transformation process in SMEs are highlighted, providing useful insights into the challenges and tensions SMEs face during this journey.Originality/valueThis paper provides a unique perspective on the digital transformation of SMEs by examining the managerial actions required for successful technology adoption and revealing the paradoxes that may emerge during this transformative process. The findings form the basis for future research, deepening our understanding of digital transformation in SMEs and providing actionable advice to managers and practitioners navigating this journey.

The Successful Factors for Digital Transformation in Project Management

In the era of Industry 4.0, the advent of the digital revolution is reshaping project management processes, and digital transformation is advancing with a heightened focus on its influence on project success. Research on the success factors for digital transformation in project management is limited, particularly in drawing industry-specific conclusions, owing to varying levels of digitization across projects. The exploration of success factors' impact on the digital transformation process and the distinctive characteristics of different industries remains largely uncharted territory. This research aimed to explore key aspects of digital transformation projects, focusing on success factors that significantly influence their outcomes. A Thematic analysis approach was used to draw insights. The analysis delves into four crucial success factors. These key themes included organizational change management, organizational efficiency enhancement, organizational process management, sustainability, and societal management. Each factor is examined for its role in shaping successful digital transformations. The conclusion succinctly summarizes the key findings and emphasizes the importance of these success factors in the context of digital transformation initiatives. These findings go beyond the scope of prior research, delving into the intricacies of industry perspectives, which can drive the digital transformation of project management practices.

Research on the Impact of Trade Policy Uncertainty on the Digital Transformation of Chinese Export Firms

Abstract This paper uses data from listed companies in China from 2007 to 2022 to prove that the increase in trade policy uncertainty has promoted the digital transformation process of Chinese export firms. Through theoretical analysis and empirical testing, we found that the promotion effect of trade policy uncertainty on the digital transformation of Chinese export firms is related to trade costs. Rising trade policy uncertainty has increased trade costs, which in turn has forced Chinese exporters to accelerate their digital transformation. Digital capabilities are used to resolve cost challenges brought about by trade policy uncertainty. In addition, this paper also finds that when trade policy uncertainty promotes the digital transformation of Chinese exporters, foreign investment will significantly strengthen this role, while financing constraints will weaken this role, reflecting the importance of foreign investment. Finally, we found that the increase in trade policy uncertainty reduces the imbalance of digital development levels in industries and regions, promotes the digital transformation of industries and regions with lower digitalization levels, and is conducive to promoting the balanced development of digitalization in industries and regions in a country. Keywords: trade policy uncertainty, digital transformation, Chinese export firms.

Support Vector Machine (SVM) to Predict Risk Factors in the 6G Cyber Digital Transformation Process of Enterprises

Support Vector Machine (SVM) to Predict Risk Factors in the 6G Cyber Digital Transformation Process of Enterprises

Modelo para la Evaluación de Competencias Digitales, Informacionales y Mediáticas para la Transformación Digital

The results of the investigation are presented, which consisted of proposing a model for the evaluation of digital, informational and media competencies that contribute to the digital transformation process. A bibliometric review was carried out, for the identification of relevant dimensions and variables, which, focused on human resources, make it possible to evaluate the state of the competency gaps, to actively participate in the digital transformation process of an organization, considering its state. of digital maturity, from the perspective of the employee and the technologies available. The result of a structured model, its premises and evaluation instruments, which integrates a set of validated elements, will allow the development of actions to achieve the desired state in the digital transformation based on people's competencies.

Assessing digital capabilities for digital transformation—The MIND framework

AbstractWith the rise in the advances and adoption of digital technologies and evolving business dynamics, we live in an era where many organisations are embarking on digital transformation. To stay relevant, however, organisations struggle to comprehensively outline the digital capabilities they have or need in relation to the digital transformation objectives they aim for. This struggle stems from the paucity of knowledge and practical guidance on how to assess the digital capabilities of organisations relative to their desired digital transformation goals. This paper presents a framework (MIND Framework) for assessing digital capabilities in four critical areas – Management (M), Infrastructure (I), Networking/Sourcing (N), and Development (D) – abstracted from prior literature. The framework assesses digital capability status in each area in relation to the organisation's stated digital transformation goals. MIND, which is an outcome of a multi‐year design science research project, helps organisations assess their current capability status and create a pathway for navigating from their current status to the desired transformation state. In this article, we describe an in‐depth application of the MIND framework in assessing the digital capabilities of an incumbent company in the digital transformation process. Based on this, we illustrate how the framework can provide valuable insights and attitudinal shifts in an organisation's digital transformation efforts. We further abstract from the case to demonstrate how the assessment of an organisation's digital capabilities can provide valuable insights and critical input for any organisation embarking on a digital transformation journey. We conclude with a detailed guideline on how organisations can apply the MIND framework in their transformation journey.

Applications of artificial intelligence in the AEC industry: a review and future outlook

ABSTRACT In the context of “Industry 4.0,” the construction industry is undergoing a continuous process of digital transformation. In recent years, with the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, AI has been successfully applied across various domains within the construction sector. This paper conducts a comprehensive review based on scientific bibliometric analysis and systematic evaluation to provide an overview of AI applications and developments in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, as well as to discuss future research trends. Firstly, a bibliometric analysis was carried out on 3,410 journal articles published between 2003 and 2022. This analysis examined characteristics such as annual publication trends, key researchers and their affiliations, countries of origin, collaborative relationships, prominent journals, and keyword clustering. Subsequently, through systematic review, three critical themes in the field were identified and analyzed: performance prediction, intelligent optimization, and engineering safety and risk. To gain a deeper understanding of cutting-edge AI technologies and their potential applications in the AEC sector, potential future research directions were discussed, including digital twins, blockchain, augmented reality, and virtual reality, all aimed at driving the intelligent and digital transformation of the AEC industry.

Learning about Sustainability in a Global Context of Digital Transformation in Teacher Education: Exemplary Vignettes of Experience in Webinars

Webinars are a powerful digital tool for learning about sustainability in a global context. The implementation of different technologies in teacher education, such as webinars, is becoming indispensable due to digital transformation and internationalisation processes. In this context, digital competences are described as key to quality education and a sustainable future. In teacher education, there is little evidence on how digital tools can be used for learning about sustainability. Based on the Teach4Reach project, a two-year international study on the Sustainable Development Goals in teacher education describes learning experiences in webinars by presenting selected vignettes. The question is how digitisation can support learning on sustainability in a global context of quality education. We conclude that webinars are a digital tool that supports knowledge building and collaborative learning in an international context but that their specific properties need to be recognised. The vignettes exemplify various challenges and opportunities presented by webinars, such as the fundamental role of facilitators, ease of access to the online environment, different behaviours of participants and unknowns about the learning outcomes. 

Problems and Challenges of Digitalization for University Staff. The Case of the University of Tirana

During this dynamic period, digital technology is being rapidly applied in education, enabling innovative methods for the development of the university institution, teaching, knowledge assessment, institutional communication, and communication between educators, administrative staff, and students, as well as serving as an international ranking standard. In this regard, the University of Tirana has initiated the digital transformation process, which was deeply understood and significantly accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is going on in conformity with the growth and increase of investments closely connected with continuous technological developments side by side with the investments for the qualification of human resources, which serve and benefit this professional community as well as the improvement in the fields of Law and Administration based on the standards of digital ethics. Being the biggest university community in Albania, it has become a necessity to build a survival, friendly welcoming, just safe, and life-sustaining digital community. This is the key to solving the educational and administrative problems facing students, and academic and administrative staff. Besides being a vision for the University's development, it is an ethical vision as well. Moreover, it stands as an ethical challenge. This work based on the data from the study “Digital Ethics, Humane and Institutional Agora and the University of Tirana” aims at exploring the impact of age on digital ethics, both for the academic and support staff at the University of Tirana, with a special focus on staff aged 45 and above. Data from a survey conducted in the November-December 2022 period have been used, involving 315 educators out of a total of 746 and 214 support staff out of 334 to achieve at least 95% reliability. The data was based on half-structured interviews focusing on groups composed of university academic and administrative staff. Descriptive and inferential analyses using the chi-square test for independence have been used to determine whether age influences the following, for academic and administrative staff: 1. accurate knowledge of digital ethics, 2. responsible use of digital tools, 3. trust in UT in using and preserving information for students and academic staff, 4. security issues, and 5. efforts to enhance awareness of keeping pace with the time in the university environment. This work aims to address the issues that have arisen to take specific measures by the responsible authorities to increase knowledge about digital ethics at all levels, actors, and factors, within UT.

Building And Perfecting Digital Government in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: The Necessity and Motivation in Today's Businesses

In the context where digital transformation ranks as one of the foremost priorities for technology businesses in Vietnam, the Vietnamese government also places a special emphasis on digital conversion within the framework of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the synchronized implementation of the National Digital Transformation Program. As a large, modern, and dynamic city, Ho Chi Minh City has swiftly shifted from e-government to digital government, significantly impacting the digital transformation processes of businesses within the city. This presents both a requirement and an opportunity to assert the city's position as a leading center for economics, culture, education, science, and technology in the country. This article endeavors to clarify the necessity, some groundbreaking results, experiences, and requirements imposed on the digital government in driving digital transformation within businesses operating in Ho Chi Minh City today. 

TRENDS IN THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF UKRAINE'S ECONOMY IN THE CONTEXT OF WAR

Influenced by the processes of global digital transformation and the requirements set by the European Union in the context of European integration, the Ukrainian economy, even before the full-scale invasion, was focused on the development of digital technologies that allow increasing the level of production automation and labour productivity, reducing costs, increasing revenues, improving competitiveness and realising other benefits of digitalisation. At the same time, during the war, the role of digital technologies is growing, turning into a flexible tool that ensures the economic sustainability of Ukraine. Despite the considerable attention of researchers to the problems of building Ukraine's digital economy in wartime, the key features and trends of its development require a more detailed study, taking into account the challenges and tasks that arise in martial law and can be quickly and effectively addressed with the help of digital technologies. In this regard, the study of the specifics of the development of digital transformation of the economy in order to achieve Ukraine's strategic goals in wartime deserves special attention. The subject of the study is the process of digital transformation of Ukraine's economy in wartime. The purpose of the study is to analyse the features and trends in the development of Ukraine's digital economy, taking into account the challenges and needs of wartime, and to propose ways of post-war recovery. The study of the problem was carried out with the use of a combination of general scientific and modern research methods, among which the main ones are the method of system analysis (when studying the approaches and points of view of domestic and Western scientists), economic and statistical (to determine the trends in the development of the digital economy in Ukraine), analysis and synthesis (when studying the types of digital economy), graphic (to visualize a number of theoretical and practical provisions of the article). The purpose of the article is to study the peculiarities of development of Ukraine's digital economy in the context of current challenges caused by the war. The authors emphasises that digitalisation processes are important for the restoration and development of the national economy and for increasing the country's competitiveness. The importance of further development of the digital economy is determined not only in the context of war, but also to overcome its consequences in the period of post-war recovery. Conclusions. Digital technologies have a significant potential to restore the national economy and accelerate economic development, as they can facilitate the transition from the use of material to information resources, reduce production costs, create new technological products and bring them to the global market, increase the country's competitiveness, etc. In addition, digital technologies can accelerate Ukraine's economic development both during the war and in the period of post-war reconstruction. This contribution is supported by the research work of the Department of Accounting and Taxation of the National University Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic 05711 "Modern concepts and practice of development of accounting, auditing and taxation in the context of economic globalization".

Digitalization as a determinant of transformation of the real sector of the economy of the macroregion (using the example of the North Caucasus Federal District)

   Purpose: is to study of the processes of digitalization and digital transformation of the real sector of the economy of the regions of the North Caucasus Federal District.   Methods: the methodological basis of the study was the concept of the digital economy, the theoretical principles of supply-side economics, the systems approach, trend analysis and predictive analytics. The study is based on the use of the methods of economic and statistical analysis, scientifi c abstraction, analogies and scientifi c generalizations. The methods used are characterized by validity and show a high degree of eff ectiveness.   Results: digitalization and digital transformation processes are underway in the North Caucasus Federal District, but the pace remains low. To accelerate these processes, it is necessary to solve two interrelated problems: fi rstly, to materialize the processes of digitalization and digital transformation in the real sector of the economy of the regions of the federal district, and secondly, to train personnel in certain specialties who can eff ectively operate digital technologies. In the fi rst case, it is possible to use the model of catch-up development at the regional level, which will make it possible to implement the principle of “advantage of backwardness” and use the accumulated global and regional experience in the transition to the modern trends in the operation of digital technologies. In the second case, it is proposed to organize special centers in the subjects of the district for retraining digital technologies specialists with the necessary competencies and/or advanced training with the issuance of the confi rming certifi cates. Such centers could train exclusive specialists at the request of enterprises or engage in refresher training and retraining of the necessary specialists. The creation of the centers is possible on the basis of public-private partnership.   Conclusions and Relevance: the main task of the digital transformation of industry is considered to be the modernization of production process management, which will lead to the signifi cant increase in labor productivity. To implement such a scenario, the economic entities in the regions of the North Caucasus Federal District need to move away from the traditionalist approaches that take place in the organization and management of enterprises, and switch to the processes of digitalization and digital transformation of the real sector of the economy of the district.