Successful Transformation Research Articles

Bridging ideas and market success: A framework for managing proof-of-concept projects

While the world is full of potential moonshot projects, there is an ever-growing disconnect between new ideas and their successful transformation into commercialized new products. Companies often struggle with inefficient resource allocation and the challenge of quickly assessing an idea’s feasibility. The burgeoning number of proof-of-concept (PoC) projects reflects the need to mitigate the risk of investing resources in potential failures. This study introduces the PoC Framework, a strategic tool that guides managers through the PoC journey, transforming initial ideas into real-world applications. Importantly, it promotes a mindset shift that equally values the proving and disproving of concepts. This approach saves resources by preventing the further development of non-viable ideas. The PoC Framework has been gaining traction among Silicon Valley firms, underscoring its practical relevance and effectiveness in fostering strategic thinking and overcoming hidden challenges within the PoC process.

Zur Zukunft des Wirtschaftsstandorts Deutschland: sortierende Bemerkungen

Abstract This article served as the keynote speech at the opening of the conference ‘On the Future of Germany as a Business Location’, hosted by Wirtschaftsdienst and the German Economic Institute. The standards and indices used to assess the competitiveness of industrial locations evolve over time, leading to potential variations in results and policy implications. Current policies face the dual challenge of navigating both change and competition among locations. Therefore, industrial policy should increasingly prioritise the capacity for transformation and the availability of necessary input factors to establish a foundation for successful transformation and maintain competitiveness.

FROM DEMOCRATIC OPENING TO DEMOCRATIC BREAKTHROUGH: A STUDY OF DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION IN POST-COMMUNIST KAZAKHSTAN

As the Soviet Union's collapse loomed, many predicted chaos and ethnic strife in Central Asia. However, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, the five republics, defied these expectations by swiftly establishing democratic institutions and market-driven economies. This successful transformation was largely due to the adept leadership in each republic, which skillfully navigated the challenges of the post-Soviet era and metamorphosed into advocates of democracy, fervently committing themselves to democratic values within their respective territories. Taking these factors into consideration, the paper aims to investigate the roots of democratic wave in Central Asia and to explore the democratic transition in Kazakhstan. To analyze any democratic transition in the post-Soviet era, it is essential to consider the historical context shaped by the rise of Mikhail Gorbachev in 1988. “Institutions do matter” and restructuring or formulating institutions shapes the country’s political development. Institutions such as, legislature, executive, political parties etc. are cornerstone for shaping and institutionalizing democratic political culture. While restructuring Political infrastructure in Kazakhstan, the study will focus on the role played by these institutions in facilitating democratic opening in Kazakhstan while emphasizing the transformative power of institutional dynamics.

Synthesis of Polysubstituted Naphthalenes by a Hydride Shift Mediated C-H Bond Functionalization/Aromatization Sequence.

A synthetic strategy for forming multisubstituted naphthalenes based on hydride shift mediated C(sp3)-H bond functionalization was developed. This strategy consists of three successive transformations: (1) an intramolecular hydride shift mediated C(sp3)-H bond functionalization; (2) a decarboxylative fragmentation; and (3) an oxidation reaction. When benzylidene malonates having a 2-alkoxyethyl group at the ortho position were treated with a catalytic amount of Al(OTf)3, the hydride shift/cyclization reaction proceeded smoothly to afford tetralin derivatives in good chemical yields. The resulting tetralins were easily converted into naphthalenes by exposing them to modified Krapcho decarboxylation reaction conditions (LiCl, DMSO, and heating under an O2 atmosphere). The one-pot operation of these two reactions was also realized.

Digital technology adoption for village public administration—Evidence from Indonesia

Village administration in Indonesia has changed its scope and operation with the integration of digital technology into public services at various levels. These conditions prompt questions about the successful digital transformation of public administration services. Digital transformation encompasses not only technological aspects but also socio-cultural factors. This paper reports the study related to implementing ICT-based applications in village administration policy in Indonesia. The study involved 315 village officials from 167 villages in 16 sub-districts within Toba district, North Sumatera province. A village administration software prototype was developed and introduced to the villages’ officials during the study. This study aims to gain insights from the officials’ response regarding digital technology-supported village administration. The research revealed that many village officials must gain the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct administrative tasks digitally, as they still rely on traditional, non-digitized methods. Recommendations include increased support and assistance from the Regency Government to help villages understand and implement digital administration and capacity-building activities to familiarize village officials with ICT advancements. The study also found that digital transformation in village administration remains challenging, with digitization and digitalization processes often overlooked. Addressing these challenges requires additional training and improved infrastructure availability. Finally, we propose a conceptual model of digital transformation for public administration at village level as generic components for digital implementation of village administration.

Evaluation of Parameters Affecting Agrobacterium-Mediated Transient Gene Expression in Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.).

Industrial hemp Cannabis sativa L. is an economically important crop mostly grown for its fiber, oil, and seeds. Due to its increasing applications in the pharmaceutical industry and a lack of knowledge of gene functions in cannabinoid biosynthesis pathways, developing an efficient transformation platform for the genetic engineering of industrial hemp has become necessary to enable functional genomic and industrial application studies. A critical step in the development of Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation in the hemp genus is the establishment of optimal conditions for T-DNA gene delivery into different explants from which whole plantlets can be regenerated. As a first step in the development of a successful Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation method for hemp gene editing, the factors influencing the successful T-DNA integration and expression (as measured by transient β-glucuronidase (GUS) and Green Florescent Protein (GFP) expression) were investigated. In this study, the parameters for an agroinfiltration system in hemp, which applies to the stable transformation method, were optimized. In the present study, we tested different explants, such as 1- to 3-week-old leaves, cotyledons, hypocotyls, root segments, nodal parts, and 2- to 3-week-old leaf-derived calli. We observed that the 3-week-old leaves were the best explant for transient gene expression. Fully expanded 2- to 3-week-old leaf explants, in combination with 30 min of immersion time, 60 µM silver nitrate, 0.5 µM calcium chloride, 150 µM natural phenolic compound acetosyringone, and a bacterial density of OD600nm = 0.4 resulted in the highest GUS and GFP expression. The improved method of genetic transformation established in the present study will be useful for the introduction of foreign genes of interest, using the latest technologies such as genome editing, and studying gene functions that regulate secondary metabolites in hemp.

Analytical method of determining conditions for full compensation of reactive power in the power supply system

Goal. The purpose of the article is the development of an analytical method for determining the conditions for achieving full compensation in the generalized power supply system based on the use of substitute circuits, which are obtained using equivalent transformations of the topology of the original circuit. Methodology. The article proposes a methodology for replacing series reactive power compensation in high-voltage paths of the power supply system with parallel reactive power compensation in a low-voltage load node. Results. An algorithm for successive transformations of the power supply circuit has been developed, which makes it possible to estimate the values of the capacitances of compensating capacitors, at which full compensation of reactive power in the system is achieved. Originality. The proposed analytical method for calculating the parameters of the compensation unit makes it possible to dispense with complex optimization computer methods and makes it possible to estimate the compensation capacities that fall on the share of the load and the network. Practical value. The proposed technique allows, using a simple algorithm, to determine with high accuracy the necessary parameters of the compensating device, which provide the optimal mode in the power supply system. The proposed algorithm can easily be implemented in a microcontroller system for automatic control of the modes of the power supply system.

Prescribed‐time sensor fault estimation for linear systems with unknown inputs by periodic delayed observers

SummaryThis paper studies the problem of sensor fault estimation for linear systems in the presence of unknown inputs in both input and output channels. Relying on matrix equation theory, the unknown inputs are first removed from the output channel. Second, an augmented descriptor system is constructed by treating both system state and sensor fault as (pseudo)‐state variables. Third, the augmented descriptor system is transformed into a regular one, followed by the elimination of the unknown input from the state equation. Finally, a reduced‐order prescribed‐time sensor fault estimator is obtained by using periodic delayed observers. This matrix equation based approach is then complemented by an alternative one, which relies on successive transformations of state, input and outputs. This approach sheds light on the adopted solvability conditions throughout the paper and on the role of different directions in the output space in handling unknown inputs, sensor faults and the core state estimation problem. Finally, two numerical examples are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies.

Software implementation of the algorithm for automatic detection of lineaments and their properties on open-pit dumps

The paper presents an algorithm and a description of its software implementation for detecting lineaments (ground erosions or cracks) in aerial photography images of open-pits. The proposed approach is based on the apparatus of convolutional neural networks based on the semantic classification of binarized images of objects (lineaments), as well as graph theory for determining the geometric location of linearized objects, followed by determining their lengths and areas. Three-channel RGB images of high-resolution aerial photography (pixel 10x10 cm) were used as initial data. The software unit of the model is logically divided into three layers: pre-processing, detection and post-processing. The first level includes preprocessing of input data to form a training sample based on successive transformations of an RGB image into a binary one using the OpenCV library. A neural network of the U-Net type, which includes blocks of the convolutional (Encoder) and scanning parts (Decoder), represents the second level of the information model. At this level, automatic lineament detection (washouts) is implemented. The third level of the model is responsible for calculating the areas and lengths of lineaments. The result of the work of the convolutional neural network is transferred to the input. Lineament area is calculated by summing the total number of points multiplied by the pixel size. The length of the lineaments is computed by linearizing a plane object into a line segmental object with nodal points and then calculating the lengths between them, also relying on the resolution of the original image. The software module can work with input images, with their subsequent resulting merging to the size of the original image.

Rhodium-Catalyzed One-Carbon Ring Expansion of Aziridines with Vinyl-N-triftosylhydrazones for the Synthesis of 2-Vinyl Azetidines.

Azetidines, being four-membered N-heterocycles, possess significant potential in contemporary medicinal chemistry owing to their favorable pharmacokinetic properties. Regrettably, the incorporation of functionalized azetidines into pharmaceutical lead structures has been impeded by the absence of efficient synthetic methods for their synthesis. In this study, a Rh-catalyzed one-carbon ring expansion of aziridines with vinyl-N-triftosylhydrazones is presented, which facilitates the synthesis of high value-added 2-alkenyl azetidine products. This research represents the first example of ring expansion of aziridines enabled by vinyl carbenes. Additionally, a one-pot two-step protocol, initiated from cinnamaldehyde, was successfully achieved, offering a step-economical and facile approach for the synthesis of these compounds. The pivotal aspect of this successful transformation lies in the in situ formation of an alkenyl aziridinium ylide intermediate. Experimental investigations, coupled with computational studies, suggest that a diradical pathway is involved in the reaction mechanism.

Rhodium‐Catalyzed One‐Carbon Ring Expansion of Aziridines with Vinyl‐N‐triftosylhydrazones for the Synthesis of 2‐Vinyl Azetidines

AbstractAzetidines, being four‐membered N‐heterocycles, possess significant potential in contemporary medicinal chemistry owing to their favorable pharmacokinetic properties. Regrettably, the incorporation of functionalized azetidines into pharmaceutical lead structures has been impeded by the absence of efficient synthetic methods for their synthesis. In this study, a Rh‐catalyzed one‐carbon ring expansion of aziridines with vinyl‐N‐triftosylhydrazones is presented, which facilitates the synthesis of high value‐added 2‐alkenyl azetidine products. This research represents the first example of ring expansion of aziridines enabled by vinyl carbenes. Additionally, a one‐pot two‐step protocol, initiated from cinnamaldehyde, was successfully achieved, offering a step‐economical and facile approach for the synthesis of these compounds. The pivotal aspect of this successful transformation lies in the in situ formation of an alkenyl aziridinium ylide intermediate. Experimental investigations, coupled with computational studies, suggest that a diradical pathway is involved in the reaction mechanism.

Methodological Approach to Assessing the Current State of Organizations for AI-Based Digital Transformation

In an era defined by technological disruption, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into business processes is both strategic and challenging. As AI continues to disrupt and reshape industries and revolutionize business processes, organizations must take proactive steps to assess their readiness and capabilities to effectively leverage AI technologies. This research focuses on the assessment elements required to evaluate an organization’s current state in preparation for AI-based digital transformation. This research is based on a literature review and practical insights derived from extensive experience in industrial system engineering. This paper outlines the key assessment elements that organizations should consider to ensure successful and sustainable AI-based digital transformation. This emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to assess the organization’s data infrastructure, governance practices, and existing AI capabilities. Furthermore, the research work focuses on the evaluation of AI talent and skills within the organization, considering the significance of fostering an innovative culture and addressing change management challenges. The results of this study provide organizations with elements to assess their current state for AI-based digital transformation. By adopting and implementing the proposed guidelines, organizations can gain a holistic perspective of their current standing, identify strategic opportunities for AI integration, mitigate potential risks, and strategize a successful path forwards in the evolving landscape of AI-driven digital transformation.

Navigating the change: a case study of the textile industry on digital leadership, digital transformation and innovative business models

PurposeWe explore the skills required for digital leadership for reshaping existing business models toward digital models. Digital leadership is pivotal in gaining a competitive advantage and achieving successful digital transformation. However, little is known with regard to the underlying mechanisms related to digital leadership and transformation.Design/methodology/approachData are collected through semi-structured interviews involving 20 participants from five Pakistani textile companies. Thematic analysis was employed as a data analysis tool.FindingsFindings show that certain skills such as technological know-how, innovativeness, adaptability, ability to lead and steer, honesty, integrity, transformative vision, communication and collaboration are conducive to successful digital transformation in textile manufacturing firms. Similarly, digital leaders can significantly enhance business model innovation, create value for the firm, help develop new products (value proposition) and create Ecosystem partnerships (value network).Originality/valueThis article bridges gaps between existing literature on digital transformation and leadership. Digital leadership skills for digital transformation and the role of digital leaders in business model innovation have not been explored before. The conceptual framework is put forth, propositions are proposed and the findings offer some future research directions.

Open innovation, digital transformation, the mediating effect of technological maturity and diversity

ABSTRACT In the backdrop of the sharing economy era, enterprises are increasingly recognising the strategic value of collaborative partnerships with external stakeholders to foster successful digital transformation. This study employs panel data from Chinese-listed companies to meticulously examine the impact of open innovation on digital transformation, offering empirical insights into the intricate relationship between open innovation and technological development by dissecting technological capabilities into maturity and diversity. The findings underscore the mediating role of technological maturity and diversity, highlighting their significance as conduits through which open innovation influences digital transformation. Conclusion advocates for open innovation's application in the digital economy and advances understanding of digital transformation's antecedents. The study's exploration of technology's role in enterprise transformation across maturity and diversity levels enriches this discourse, providing strategic implications for resource allocation and decision-making in the digital transformation journey.

Towards an Approach to Co‐Execute System Models at the Enterprise Level

ABSTRACTIndustry 4.0, the Internet of Things, and large‐scale system‐to‐system interactions are driving digital transformation in the industry. Model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) is one of the core paradigms behind this transformation. MBSE practices are widely applied to enterprise (including system of systems and mission) architectures, which become a crucial part of successful digital transformation. The core challenge today is not only how digital continuity can be maintained by connecting different layers of models (such as system models to system‐of‐systems models), but also how to perform detailed analysis and simulation at the enterprise level model. This paper studies Systems Modeling Language (SysML®) as the standard language to model systems, Unified Architecture Framework (UAF) as the framework, Unified Architecture Framework Modeling Language (UAFML) as the language to model enterprise architectures and proposes an approach for end‐to‐end co‐execution of the integrated enterprise model.

Interpreting the Multiple Narrative Perspectives in Three of Us from the Stream of Consciousness

Three of 'us is Yang Jiang' s review of the happy life about her two family members and herself in the past, so as to express her love to them. The narration of the book is plain and simple, the tone is moderate, and the narrative angle is diverse. The author mainly promotes the development of narrative plot through her free association and the transformation of dream, so as to make the narrative structure more compact. The adoption of the stream of consciousness technique contributes to the transformation of multiple narrative perspectives, and the two complement each other. The successful transformation of the narrative perspective also shows the effect of the stream of consciousness technique in the article.

Дослідження стану та перспектив організаційних трансформацій як основи розвитку підприємств.

The modern business world is constantly changing, which necessitates adaptation and transformation for businesses of all sizes. Organizational transformations cover a wide range of changes in the internal structure of an enterprise, its strategy, technology, and culture. Successful transformations are the key to increasing efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainable development. The lack of investment in transformations, the outflow of qualified personnel due to the war or changes in professional requirements, and problems with logistics and supply, i.e., changes in global supply chains due to martial law, which affect the stability of enterprises, make the issue under study relevant. The article is devoted to studying the state of organizational transformations at enterprises and assessing their prospects for further development. It is proved that organizational transformations are a prerequisite for the successful development of enterprises in the modern world. Implementing changes increases the efficiency of business processes, improves corporate culture, and ensures competitiveness in the global market. Companies that actively implement innovative changes can adapt to external changes faster and achieve success. The prospects for such transformations open new business opportunities due to the development of technology and digitalization. It is established that an in-depth analysis of the status and prospects of organizational transformations is essential not only for understanding the current state of enterprises but also for determining their capabilities in the face of constant change. The main reasons for organizational transformations appropriate for developing enterprises under martial law in Ukraine are considered. The directions for the analysis of organizational transformations of enterprises are substantiated. The types of expected results of organizational transformations are determined. Attention is focused on the current conditions for the implementation of organizational transformations, in particular during the relocation of business due to military operations. Keywords: competitiveness, investments, organizational transformations, enterprise development, sustainable development.

The Public Value of E-government: A Qualitative Study from the Perspective of Private-Sector Professionals in Morocco

This paper focuses on assessing the public value of e-government in Morocco, using Delone and Mclean's (2016) Information Systems (IS) success model as a reference framework. The methodology is based on a qualitative exploratory study involving 13 companies, including law firms, architecture firms, and real estate developers firms. An interview guide was designed to collect data, which were analyzed using Nvivo Qsr 12 software. The analysis identified six variables, namely: "Human Capital, Telecommunication Infrastructure, Willingness to Use, State Strategy, Continuous Education, and Culture," which were added to the seven predetermined variables of the Delone and Mclean (2016) IS Success Model. This research outlines practical implications that are essential for the long-term success of e-government initiatives in Morocco. These include investing in skills development, effectively communicating the benefits of e-government, promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors, recognizing organizational culture, putting mechanisms in place to measure performance and user satisfaction, as well as making adjustments to organizational processes and rigorously managing data security. On a political level, these adjustments underline the importance of a coherent government strategy, which focuses on strengthening human capital and telecommunications infrastructures, in order to promote a successful digital transformation and achieve the objectives of trust, transparency, and efficiency in public services.

Pyrene-Based Nanoporous Covalent Organic Framework for Carboxylation of C-H Bonds with CO2 and Value-Added 2-Oxazolidinones Synthesis under Ambient Conditions.

The selective carbon capture and utilization (CCU) as a one-carbon (C1) feedstock offers dual advantages for mitigating the rising atmospheric CO2 content and producing fine chemicals/fuels. In this context, herein, we report the application of a porous bipyridine-functionalized, pyrene-based covalent organic framework (Pybpy-COF) for the stable anchoring of catalytic Ag(0) nanoparticles (NPs) and its catalytic investigation for fixation of CO2 to commodity chemicals at ambient conditions. Notably, Ag@Pybpy-COF showed excellent catalytic activity for the carboxylation of various terminal alkynes to corresponding alkynyl carboxylic acids/phenylpropiolic acids via C-H bond activation under atmospheric pressure conditions. Besides, carboxylative cyclization of various propargylic amines with CO2 to generate 2-oxazolidinones, an important class of antibiotics, has also been achieved under mild conditions. This significant catalytic activity of Ag@Pybpy-COF with wide functional group tolerance is rendered by the presence of highly exposed, alkynophilic Ag(0) catalytic sites decorated on the pore walls of high surface area (787 m2 g-1) Pybpy-COF. Further, density functional theory calculations unveiled the detailed mechanistic path of the Ag@Pybpy-COF-catalyzed transformation of CO2 to alkynyl carboxylic acids and 2-oxazolidinones. Moreover, the catalyst showed high recyclability for several cycles of reuse without significant loss in its catalytic activity and structural rigidity. This work demonstrates the promising application of Pybpy-COF for stable anchoring of Ag NPs for successful transformation of CO2 to valuable commodity chemicals at ambient conditions.

Continuous Hydrothermal Carbonization of Olive Pomace and Orange Peels for the Production of Pellets as an Intermediate Energy Carrier

The ever-increasing volumes of food waste generated and the associated environmental issues require the development of new processing methods for these difficult waste streams. One of the technologies that can treat these waste streams directly is hydrothermal carbonization. In this work, olive pomace and orange peels were treated via a mild hydrothermal carbonization process (TORWASH®) in a continuous-flow pilot plant. For olive pomace, a solid yield of 46 wt% and a dry matter content of 58% for the solid press cakes were obtained during continuous operation for 18 days. For orange peels, the values were lower with 31 wt% solid yield and a 42% dry matter content during 28 days of continuous operation. These values corresponded fully with initial laboratory-scale batch experiments, showing the successful transformation from batch to continuous processing. The obtained hydrochar from both feedstocks showed an increase in higher heating value (HHV) and a significant reduction in ash content. Pellets produced from the solids met the requirements for industrial use, demonstrating a large increase in the deformation temperature and a significant reduction in the potassium and chlorine content compared to the original feedstock. These results indicate the excellent potential of these pellets for combustion applications.