Management Research Research Articles

An integrative review and research agenda on organizational slack: addressing assumptions, conflicted theoretical proposals and conclusions

Abstract Organizational slack (OS) has played a significant role in shaping management perspectives, inviting researchers to consider surplus resources as a strategic asset rather than mere waste. Despite its widespread adoption across management research, the proliferation of OS studies has resulted in a fragmented body of knowledge with conflicting findings, prompting the need for an integrative review. Coherently, we analyzed 193 papers from influential journals to achieve three primary objectives. Firstly, we delve into conceptual and operational inconsistencies, unveiling hidden assumptions, overlooked advancements and proposing solutions to such inconsistencies. Secondly, we craft a multilevel framework integrating disparate insights across subfields, facilitating cross-disciplinary integration and highlighting critical cross-level variables to enhance empirical robustness. Thirdly, we spotlight areas of theoretical consensus and controversy to identify gaps in knowledge, emphasizing the essentiality of a comprehensive theory of OS to synthesize conflicting theoretical perspectives into a more coherent framework.

A Novel Method for Estimating Soil Organic Carbon Density Using Soil Organic Carbon and Gravel Content Data

Soil organic carbon density (SOCD) is crucial for assessing soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, but its estimation remains challenging when bulk density (BD) data are unavailable. Traditional methods for substituting missing BD data, including using the mean, median, and pedotransfer functions (PTFs), introduce varying degrees of uncertainty in SOCD estimation: (1) The mean and median methods ignore the effects of soil type, environmental conditions, and land use changes on BD. They also heavily rely on the representativeness of soil samples, which may lead to systematic bias. (2) The accuracy of PTFs depends on modeling approaches, variable selection, and dataset characteristics, and differences among PTFs may introduce estimation biases in SOCD. To overcome this challenge, we analyzed 443 soil profiles from the Yangtze River Delta region of China and developed an innovative approach that estimates SOCD using only SOC and gravel content data. By formulating linear, polynomial, and power function regression models, we directly estimated SOCD per centimeter of soil horizon i (SOCDicm) under conditions with and without available gravel content data, followed by SOCD calculation. The results indicated a strong correlation between SOC and SOCDicm, with the three function models for direct SOC-based SOCDicm estimation yielding consistently high accuracy. Neglecting gravel content overall resulted in the overestimation of SOCDicm by 7.01–9.45%. After incorporating gravel content as a correction factor, the accuracy of the new method for estimating SOCD was improved, with the prediction set achieving R² values of 0.927–0.945, an RMSE of 0.819–0.949 kg m−2, and an RPIQ of 4.773–5.533. The accuracy of estimating SOCD surpassed that of the BD mean and median methods and was comparable to that of the PTF method, thus enabling reliable SOCD estimation. This study introduces an innovative approach by developing regional models to estimate SOCDicm, enabling rapid SOCD estimation for samples with missing BD information in historical data, and provides a new methodology for calculating regional and global SOC stocks. This study contributes to improving the accuracy of soil carbon stock estimation, supporting land management and carbon cycle research, and providing scientific evidence for sustainable agricultural development and climate change mitigation strategies.

Advancing vegetation classification of grassland ecosystems across Asia: current status and way forward

This editorial introduces the Special Collection “Grasslands of Asia” in Vegetation Classification and Survey, highlighting the urgent need for systematic vegetation classification across Asia’s diverse grassland ecosystems. Despite their vast ecological, climatic, and cultural significance, Asian grasslands remain underrepresented in global vegetation studies. This gap results from uneven research capacities, methodological fragmentation, limited data accessibility, and complex geopolitical barriers. Grasslands across Asia, which include both natural types like steppes, savannas, and alpine meadows and semi-natural ecosystems, face escalating threats including climate change, overgrazing, land-use changes, habitat fragmentation, and socio-political disruptions. Inspired by discussions at the inaugural Asian Grassland Conference in 2022 and the establishment of the Asian Regional Section of the International Association for Vegetation Science (IAVS), this Special Collection aims to promote standardized vegetation classification methods, enhance cross-regional data sharing, and foster international collaboration. Although only seven contributions from West and Middle Asia were ultimately included, they significantly advance the understanding of grassland typologies in these regions. Moving forward, coordinated efforts at local, regional, and continental scales are essential, supported by platforms such as the Asian Regional Section of IAVS. Strengthening vegetation classification frameworks and regional databases will bridge existing methodological gaps and provide critical support for conservation planning, sustainable management, and biodiversity research in Asia’s grassland ecosystems. Abbreviations: China-VCS = China Vegetation Classification System; EDGG = Eurasian Dry Grassland Group; GIVD = Global Index of Vegetation-Plot Databases; IAVS = International Association for Vegetation Science; IVC = International Vegetation Classification; TWINSPAN = Two Way Indicator Species Analysis.

Dilemma and Path Optimization Faced by Grassroots Governments under the Perspective of Multi-center Governance

In recent years, network governance has been a frontier topic in public management research in Western countries. As a new governance model, network governance is an attempt by the government to cooperate with private organizations, non-governmental organizations and citizens in the face of an increasingly complex environment, in order to better provide public services to the public. In particular, with the interdependence, contingency and uncertainty of social, political and economic changes, the governance process is no longer limited to the formal structure of the government. The formulation and implementation of public policies need to be completed through a large number of formal and informal institutions, mechanisms and processes. Therefore, this paper intends to study the difficulties and performance of grassroots government management in my country, as well as the root causes of the difficulties, from the perspective of multi-center governance theory; and in connection with the actual situation, it proposes improvement methods and suggestions from the aspects of positioning the functions of grassroots governments, creating consensus and trust in grassroots government network governance, and cultivating and integrating the network structure of grassroots governance, so as to enhance the practical significance of this model of network governance for my country.

Association Between Pentraxins and Obesity in Prediabetes and Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Systemic inflammation has an important role in the prognosis and progression of many chronic diseases, including diabetes (T2DM). This retrospective study aimed to evaluate inflammatory status by determining the serum inflammatory biomarkers (PTX3, hs-CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6) and new indices, like the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) to lymphocyte ratio (MCVL) and cumulative inflammatory index (IIC), in a cohort of patients with prediabetes (PreDM) and newly diagnosed T2DM. We also wanted to assess the association with clinical parameters and different obesity-related indices, to identify possible correlations and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the biomarkers using ROC curve analysis. In this study, we included 60 patients diagnosed with T2DM and 30 patients with PreDM. The ELISA method was applied. Elevated PTX3, hs-CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were found in T2DM patients compared to preDM patients. An independent relationship was found between PTX3, hs-CRP, and different obesity-related indices in patients with preDM and T2DM. The MCVL index exhibited an inverse trend proportional to the rising levels of HbA1c in the T2DM group. Spearman’s analysis revealed in the T2DM group that the PTX3 values correlated much better with IIC (rho = 0.445, p-value = 0.014) and MCVL (rho = 0.338, p-value = 0.048). Hs-CRP values expressed moderate-to-weak correlations with IIC and MCVL in both groups. Additionally, ROC analysis showed that the PTX3 (AUC was 0.720; p = 0.003; cut-off value 1888.00 pg/mL, with 67.60% sensitivity and 73.30% specificity) and MCVL index (AUC was 0.677; p = 0.047; cut-off value 39.60, with 63.30% sensitivity and 66.70% specificity) have a good, accurate diagnosis compared with IL-6 (AUC was 0.866; p < 0.0001; cut-off value 40.30 pg/mL, with 100.00% sensitivity and 60.00% specificity). IIC showed 61.70% sensitivity and 60.00% specificity, with an AUC of 0.572, p = 0.027 and a cut-off value of 2.35. PTX3 and MCVL can serve as independent predictor factors in the inflammatory status in preDM and T2DM patients, supporting their potential as biomarkers for T2DM management and future research.

Radiologists' tendency to collaborate with referring physicians in managing contrast media-related risk factors.

This study investigates radiologists' tendency to collaborate with referring physicians in managing risk factors associated with contrast media (CM) using a modified control preferences scale (CPS). This study is valuable, as it represents the first effort to capture radiologists' perspectives on this issue. The study was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 50 radiologists working at Kayseri City Hospital between June 2021 and April 2022. During the interviews, a modified CPS was used. Participants were presented with five different preference options, each written on a separate card. These preferences ranged from fully active involvement in managing CM-related risks to a completely passive role. At the end of the interview, the two most preferred roles of each participant were identified, categorized, and analyzed using descriptive statistics. All statistical analyses were conducted using the IBM SPSS statistical package. Of the 50 interviews conducted, 44 were included in the analysis, as they met acceptable permutations. Among these, 6 interviewees (13.6%) preferred a completely active role and 19 (43.2%) preferred a completely passive role. Additionally, 19 radiologists (43.2%) chose one of the collaborative roles. We believe that the preference for a passive role among the majority of radiologists (43.2%) is more closely related to the inadequacies of the existing medical service system and infrastructure rather than a lack of awareness or emotional/motivational inadequacy regarding team formation. These findings should not be interpreted as a negative indicator of teamwork but rather as data for healthcare managers and legal experts to make necessary organizational adjustments. A substantial proportion of radiologists who favor a collaborative role (43.2%) exhibit the emotional-motivational willingness and cognitive understanding needed to engage in team formation and teamwork. The preference for a passive role among radiologists appears to be driven more by the limitations of the current medical service system and infrastructure than by a lack of awareness or motivation for teamwork. Recognizing these systemic barriers is essential for healthcare managers and policymakers to implement necessary organizational improvements. Additionally, radiologists who prefer a collaborative role are likely aware of the benefits of teamwork, highlighting their potential to contribute to future research and improvements in CM-related risk management. Enhancing collaboration opportunities and addressing structural deficiencies may facilitate the greater involvement of radiologists in multidisciplinary teams, ultimately improving patient care and CM-related risk management.

Enhancing Sea Wave Monitoring Through Integrated Pressure Sensors in Smart Marine Cables

The need for real-time and scalable oceanographic monitoring has become crucial for coastal management, marine traffic control and environmental sustainability. This study investigates the integration of sensor technology into marine cables to enable real-time monitoring, focusing on tidal cycles and wave characteristics. A 2000 m cable demonstrator was deployed off the coast of Portugal, featuring three active repeater nodes equipped with pressure sensors at varying depths. The goal was to estimate hourly wave periods using fast Fourier transform and calculate significant wave height via a custom peak detection algorithm. The results showed strong coherence with tidal depth variations, with wave period estimates closely aligning with forecasts. The wave height estimations exhibited a clear relationship with tidal cycles, which demonstrates the system’s sensitivity to coastal hydrodynamics, a factor that numerical models designed for open waters often fail to capture. The study also highlights challenges in deep-water monitoring, such as signal attenuation and the need for high sampling rates. Overall, this research emphasises the scalability of sensor-integrated smart marine cables, offering a transformative opportunity to expand oceanographic monitoring capabilities. The findings open the door for future real-time ocean monitoring systems that can deliver valuable insights for coastal management, environmental monitoring and scientific research.

Artificial intelligence in project management: A bibliometric analysis

This study explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into project management through a bibliometric analysis of scholarly publications and patents from 2001 to 2024. The paper aims to identify key trends, emerging applications, and global contributions to this evolving field. The study analyzes 51,752 patents from Lens, 5.5 million scholarly records from Google Scholar, and 436,380 records from Web of Science, providing a comprehensive overview of AI’s impact on project management. The analysis maps the evolution of AI-driven project management practices, focusing on resource allocation, risk management, and scheduling optimization. The findings reveal a substantial increase in AI-related project management research, with China and the United States leading in research output. A notable surge in publications post-2019 suggests acceleration due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing demand for digital transformation in project execution. Despite the rising adoption of AI in project management, research gaps persist, particularly in interdisciplinary methodologies, practical AI applications, and ethical concerns related to algorithmic decision-making. This study contributes to understanding AI’s transformative role in project management and highlights future research directions to enhance AI adoption for improved efficiency, decision-making, and project performance. The findings underscore the need for continued exploration of interdisciplinary approaches, practical implementations, and ethical considerations to foster innovation and efficiency in AI-driven project management.

What Is the Future of Future Making in Management Research?

AbstractFuture making, the work of enacting the yet‐to‐come by making sense of and giving form to imaginings of the future, has become topical in management studies lately. Triggered by pressing societal challenges like climate change, inequality and threatened democratic institutions vis‐à‐vis a societal ‘crisis mode’, management scholars have started to engage with the future as an open‐ended temporal category, both as an object of analysis happening in and around organizations, as well as a way of scholarly inquiry. This Point‐Counterpoint debate about future making in management research comes right on time, as future‐making research seems to be at a crossroads, potentially heading to a bright – or not so bright – future. The contributions to this debate collectively ask: What is the future of future making in management research, and they could not be more different in the pathways they envisage.

Emotion management in organizations: the transformation of unreachable feelings to modifiable communication in organizations

A fundamental challenge confronting modern organizations is to rationalize the affectivity of their members. In contrast to the 19th century, when communication in private settings was largely devoid of emotional content, the current era is characterized by a notable shift toward the incorporation of emotional elements in public discourse. This transformation is unfolding against the background of the ongoing evolution of modern organizations, with the processes of digitization and structural-automation contributing to this shift. The renewed emphasis on emotional semantics is facilitated by these developments—made possible by the fact that they facilitate the experience of the potential future obsolescence of humans as a source of crises. The concept of emotional semantics is currently being discussed in economic discourse, political debate, and in the context of management and leadership. Modern organizations mandate that their members manage their emotions through an organizational culture that fosters reflective communication through empathy. However, an understanding of this process can only be achieved through an examination of historical evidence. The article posits that organizations serve as pivotal actors in the domain of emotion management. Situated at the nexus of historical educational considerations, this perspective offers a nuanced interpretation of the historical evolution of organizational control ambitions. These ambitions have been catalyzed by contemporary trends, such as digitization and the integration of artificial intelligence and have undergone a progressive transformation over time. By sensitizing to the interplay of personal-psychic, institutional and organizational orders, the conceptual instruments for describing a history of emotions become more nuanced. This is demonstrated in the article through the analysis of specific organizational forms, which exemplify a parallel evolution within modern organizational society. Perspectives and discourses in organizational research provide novel approaches to the history of education by considering the organized nature of emotional phenomena. In this regard, the objective of the article is to provide impetus for the field of emotion-sensitive organization and management research which addresses questions pertaining to the transformation of organizations and their historical lines of continuity.

A Multi-Directional Pyranometer (CUBE-i) for Real-Time Direct and Diffuse Solar Irradiance Decomposition

Conventional decomposition models (empirical and numerical decomposition models) estimate direct normal irradiance (DNI) and diffuse horizontal irradiance (DHI) from global horizontal irradiance (GHI) based on empirical correlations or physical equations. These models are designed for long-term averaged data, typically at an hourly or longer timescale, making them less suitable for real-time estimations with shorter time intervals. To address this limitation, this study applies a data-driven approach utilizing multi-directional irradiance measurements and develops a DNI estimation model based on a Deep Neural Network (DNN). The proposed CUBE-i system estimates DNI using irradiance measurements from five directional pyranometers. The measurement data were obtained from the NREL site in Golden, Colorado, USA. The proposed method demonstrates high estimation accuracy at a 1 min resolution, achieving R2 = 0.997 and RMSE = 20.2 W/m2. Furthermore, in estimating both direct and diffuse irradiance on a horizontal plane, the model outperforms conventional empirical decomposition models (Erbs, Reindl, Watanabe), achieving up to five times lower RMSE and higher R2 values. While further considerations regarding sensor accuracy, applicability to different regions, and installation requirements are necessary, this study validates the feasibility of real-time DNI estimation using a compact and cost-effective pyranometer system. This advancement enhances its potential for widespread applications in solar energy systems, building energy management, meteorology, and environmental research.

A session of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation changes the input-output function of motoneurons and alters the sense of force.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is commonly used in research and clinical settings for pain management and augmenting somatosensory inputs for motor recovery. Besides its functional effect, TENS acutely alters kinesthesia and force steadiness. However, the short-term impact following a session of TENS on proprioception and motor unit behavior is unknown. We evaluated the effect of a session of TENS on the senses of force, joint position, touch, and discharge activity of motor units. Fifteen healthy participants underwent two experiments, each with two visits randomly administering TENS or sham-TENS. The sense of force (Exp. 1) and position (Exp. 2) were evaluated through matching trials by pinching a dial and rotating their wrist (ulnar deviation). Isometric pinch contractions were performed before and after the session of TENS or sham-TENS, in which electromyographic signals were recorded from the first dorsal interosseus (FDI) and abductor pollicis brevis (APB). Results showed that TENS acutely altered the senses of force, position, and touch, but only the sense of force remained altered following TENS. Motor unit discharge rates increased in both FDI and APB muscles for the same force output following TENS. A positive correlation was also observed between changes in motor unit discharge rates and changes in errors in force perception. These findings suggest that a session of TENS may have short-term effects on the input/output function of motoneurons (5 - 10 min in this study), which in turn may alter the sense of force. However, the precise timeline for these short-term aftereffects is unknown.

Financial Planning and Budgeting in International Infrastructure Projects

This article analyzes contemporary approaches to financial planning and budgeting in international infrastructure projects. The relevance of this topic is driven by the need to enhance resource efficiency, minimize risks, and ensure the long-term sustainability of large-scale initiatives, particularly amid the growing interest in green financial instruments and public-private partnerships. The study's scientific novelty lies in synthesizing perspectives from various authors who propose integrating classical risk distribution models, ESG criteria, and digital analytical tools, including large language models. The research outlines key factors determining project effectiveness and examines fundamental planning and budgeting approaches as reflected in academic literature. Special attention is given to attracting external investors, the distribution of roles between the public and private sectors, and the consideration of local community interests. The study aims to summarize existing practices and identify promising directions for future development. To achieve this goal, comparative analysis, source evaluation, and data systematization methods were employed. The conclusions highlight the effectiveness of the examined approaches. This article will be valuable to professionals in finance, project management, and sustainable development research.

Proposal for an HBIM objects library to assist with the conservation of Algerian built heritage. Case of the palace of the Beys at the Citadel of Algiers

ABSTRACT HBIM software (Heritage Building Information Modelling), capable of providing both geometric and semantic data about a building, greatly interests research in the conservation of built cultural heritage due to their ability to represent and capitalise on the information available about heritage assets. However, a clear method for applying this technology to Algerian built heritage is yet to be established. Therefore, the HBIM model of the Palace of the Beys in the Citadel of Algiers was created with the aim of meeting the objectives of heritage management (identification, protection, conservation, research, and cultural mediation), as well as Algerian regulations on project management in the restoration of built heritage. This article aims to propose an HBIM object library and outline a series of steps to follow for their creation. These objects will serve to assist in the restoration of built heritage and will be showcased through a simulation on the columns of the Palace of the Beys in the Citadel of Algiers.

Validation of Inland Water Surface Elevation from SWOT Satellite Products: A Case Study in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River

The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite mission, jointly developed by NASA and several international collaboration agencies, aims to achieve high-resolution two-dimensional observations of global surface water. Equipped with the advanced Ka-band radar interferometer (KaRIn), it significantly enhances the ability to monitor surface water and provides a new data source for obtaining large-scale water surface elevation (WSE) data at high temporal and spatial resolution. However, the accuracy and applicability of its scientific data products for inland water bodies still require validation. This study obtained three scientific data products from the SWOT satellite between August 2023 and December 2024: the Level 2 KaRIn high-rate river single-pass vector product (L2_HR_RiverSP), the Level 2 KaRIn high-rate lake single-pass vector product (L2_HR_LakeSP), and the Level 2 KaRIn high-rate water mask pixel cloud product (L2_HR_PIXC). These were compared with in situ water level data to validate their accuracy in retrieving inland water levels across eight different regions in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River (MLRYR) and to evaluate the applicability of each product. The experimental results show the following: (1) The inversion accuracy of L2_HR_RiverSP and L2_HR_LakeSP varies significantly across different regions. In some areas, the extracted WSE aligns closely with the in situ water level trend, with a coefficient of determination (R2) exceeding 0.9, while in other areas, the R2 is lower (less than 0.8), and the error compared to in situ water levels is larger (with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) greater than 1.0 m). (2) This study proposes a combined denoising method based on the Interquartile Range (IQR) and Adaptive Statistical Outlier Removal (ASOR). Compared to the L2_HR_RiverSP and L2_HR_LakeSP products, the L2_HR_PIXC product, after denoising, shows significant improvements in all accuracy metrics for water level inversion, with R2 greater than 0.85, Mean Absolute Error (MAE) less than 0.4 m, and RMSE less than 0.5 m. Overall, the SWOT satellite demonstrates the capability to monitor inland water bodies with high precision, especially through the L2_HR_PIXC product, which shows broader application potential and will play an important role in global water dynamics monitoring and refined water resource management research.

The Impact of Business Intelligence on Strategic Ambidexterity: The Mediating Role of Knowledge Sharing

This study investigates the mediating role of knowledge sharing in the relationship between business intelligence and strategic ambidexterity within Jordanian telecommunication companies. Utilizing a descriptive analytical approach, data were collected through an electronic questionnaire distributed to 350 managers, yielding 269 valid responses analysed via Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with Smart PLS 4.1. The methodological rigor of employing SEM allows for a nuanced examination of the complex interplay among latent variables, which include business intelligence (with constructs such as Data Mining, Data Warehousing, OLAP, and Reporting) and strategic ambidexterity (focusing on Exploration and Exploitation).Findings reveal that all latent variables exhibit significant importance, with business intelligence positively impacting strategic ambidexterity, mediated by knowledge sharing. These results advocate enhanced knowledge sharing practices within organizations, enabling internal experts to leverage insights into external opportunities through well-structured business intelligence reports. Overall, this research contributes to the advancement of methodology in business and management by establishing a robust framework for analysing the mediating effects of knowledge sharing, while providing actionable insights for enhancing strategic decision-making in the telecommunications sector. Future studies may further explore the dynamics of these relationships across different industries, thereby enriching the field of business management research.

Toward a New Theory of Experimental Strategy: A Response to Clark and Hunt’s “The Challenge and Opportunity of a Quantum Mechanics Metaphor in Organization and Management Research”

Toward a New Theory of Experimental Strategy: A Response to Clark and Hunt’s “The Challenge and Opportunity of a Quantum Mechanics Metaphor in Organization and Management Research”

Trends and Evolution in the Study of China's Natural Disaster Emergency Plans: A Bibliometric Analysis

The "Regulations on Natural Disaster Relief" were established by the Chinese government in 2009, followed by the formulation and subsequent revisions of the "National Emergency Relief Plan for Natural Disasters" in 2011, 2016, and 2024. To elucidate the progress and dynamics of disaster relief emergency planning in China over the past eight years, and to facilitate the interpretation of the formulation and revision processes of emergency plans, an analysis of the literature on China’s natural disaster emergency management research from 2016 to 2024 is presented in this study. A total of 4,180 keywords from academic publications are examined for their frequency, emergence, co-occurrence, and evolutionary trends, revealing a notable shift in research priorities. From 2016 to 2018, focus was placed on foundational concepts, as evidenced by the prevalence of keywords such as "emergency management" (138 occurrences), "emergency plan" (65 occurrences), and "natural disasters" (51 occurrences). Between 2019 and 2021, attention shifted toward "collaborative governance" (10 occurrences) and "flood disasters" (23 occurrences), indicating an increased emphasis on cross-sector coordination and responses to extreme weather events. From 2022 to 2024, the emergence of keywords like "urban communities" (18 occurrences), "community resilience" (11 occurrences), and "big data" (8 occurrences) suggested a growing integration of technology and a focus on localized resilience-building. The widespread adoption of emerging technologies, including big data, the Internet of Things, and social media, in disaster response is underscored by this analysis. Additionally, the pivotal role of communities and grassroots governments in enhancing resilience is highlighted. It is projected that future research will prioritize technological innovation and the reinforcement of social resilience, thereby supporting adaptive emergency management strategies amid climate change and rapid urbanization.

Application of nominal integration of social actors into a network structure for forming objects of social management: the example of gerontoeducation institutions in the Russian Federation

The relevance of this article is substantiated by the widespread use of network forms of interaction in modern society and increasing impact of on various social processes. The tasks connected with management influence over objects of network organizations practices are increasingly encountered in social management practice. As a result, there is a rising scientific interest in research of specifics of social networks as objects of management, alongside an emerging objective need for developing methodology for managing these networks. One promising area of research is the exploration of opportunities for integrating social actors into an abstract network for further research in research and social management. The aim of this article is to establish the methodological foundations for integrating social subjects into a nominal network structure and to justify the applicability of this object for solving social management tasks. The main methods employed in this empirical research included surveys of participants in specialized educational projects for older adults and interviews with Russian experts in gerontoeducation institutions. The study of the mechanisms underlying the organization and functioning of domestic gerontoeducation institutions suggests that these communities can be interpreted as social networks for scientific and management tasks. The concepts presented in this article contribute to the theoretical foundations of the sociology of management by offering insights into the mechanisms that influence the functioning and development of social networks.

Management as a design practice: a multi-case study on designing value co-creation mechanisms

Management and organisation researchers argue that the development of management as a design science could address the long-standing debate regarding the relevance of management research to practice. Advocates of this view emphasise the necessity of prescription-driven research within the field. Drawing inspiration from design and design thinking research, this paper argues that most management and organisation design challenges are wicked problems, necessitating the involvement of multiple stakeholders in the problem-solving process, while recognising the limitations of prescriptive knowledge. To solve these problems, it is essential for managers to adopt the role of pragmatic designers or problem-solvers. Consequently, this paper proposes that management should be examined as a design practice to bridge the gap between research and practice. Through a multi-case study of the managerial task of designing value co-creation mechanisms, this paper explores three dimensions of managers’ design activities: managers as designers, managing as designing and organisation design. The objectives are to explore the roles of managers in designing value co-creation mechanisms and to develop a framework that supports relevant design practices. The findings highlight the importance of studying management as a design practice, thereby extending current discussions on the development of management as a design science and the application of design thinking within management practice.