Technical Change Research Articles

Characteristics of foundries and alloy composition of modern and contemporary Korean artistic bronze

AbstractThis study investigated the changes in foundries and production techniques of modern and contemporary Korean artistic bronze constructions from the 1910s to the 2000s. To determine the characteristics of foundries and changes in alloy composition based on era, interviews with key sculptors and foundry technicians, analysis of archival materials related to casting, and nondestructive X-ray fluorescence analysis of 92 bronze sculptures by Manlin Choi, were conducted. This study found that foundries for artistic bronze underwent technical and organizational changes from the 1910s to the 2000s. Modern casting techniques and foreign technologies have been introduced since the late 1960s that have resulted in various production methods. The portable X-ray fluorescence analysis of Manlin Choi’s 92 bronze sculptures revealed distinct differences in alloy composition depending on the foundry, findings that have also been supported by records (contracts, receipts, payment confirmations). This study systematically organizes the changes in foundries and production techniques of modern and contemporary Korean artistic bronze, identifying correlations between alloy composition and foundries, and is expected to provide important data for the future conservation and scientific authentication of artistic bronze.

Technological development and eco-efficiency: Drivers of total factor productivity in OECD countries

This study delves into the total factor productivity growth in OECD countries, focusing on the crucial role of technological advancement and environmental management. By utilizing the Malmquist-Luenberger index, the paper encompasses both positive and negative outputs, such as pollution, providing a comprehensive productivity analysis by breaking it down into efficiency and technical change. Data from 36 OECD countries from 2000 to 2021 were examined to uncover trends and patterns in productivity growth and its unintended environmental consequences. The results emphasize the dominant influence of technological progress, particularly after 2006, as the primary driver of productivity growth, surpassing improvements in technical efficiency. A significant increase in technical change (1.56 in 2021) compared to technical efficiency (1.05) underscores the importance of sustained investment in research and development (R&D), which correlates positively with patent generation and technological advancement. The study also illustrates that OECD countries have effectively integrated eco-efficient practices, aligning with global trends in environmentally conscious productivity analyses. By integrating environmental outputs such as PM2.5 pollution, the analysis demonstrates that countries mitigating these adverse effects achieve higher productivity growth. These findings challenge conventional productivity models, where productivity diminishes when environmental aspects are considered. The analysis emphasizes the necessity for tailored policy approaches to address disparities in R&D investments, technological adoption, and eco-efficiency among countries. Countries with more significant R&D investments consistently demonstrate superior technological advancement in patents (0.745). Policymakers are urged to prioritize long-term strategies that foster technological innovation and environmental sustainability to ensure sustained productivity growth and economic resilience.

SUBSTITUTION BETWEEN CLEAN AND DIRTY ENERGY WITH BIASED TECHNICAL CHANGE

AbstractThe elasticity of substitution between clean and dirty energy lies at the center of leading economic analyses of climate policy. Despite the importance, empirical assessments of this key parameter remain scarce. This article estimates the clean‐dirty elasticity of substitution using data on French manufacturing firms. Using the elasticity estimates, I then measure the bias in technical change at the firm level and find that technical change was largely biased toward dirty energy, despite a recent shift toward clean technologies. Finally, I recover the aggregate elasticity that combines substitution within firms and reallocation across firms from the micro elasticity estimates.

Who Should Be Promoted to Management? Developing Promotion Criteria to Ensure Organizational Success

This article explores effective criteria and processes for promoting the right employees into management roles. Through a review of academic literature and insights from professional experience, key competencies for management success are identified, including technical skills, strategic thinking, interpersonal abilities, coaching talent, and change leadership. A multidimensional framework for defining and assessing these competencies is proposed. Best practices for cultivating a pipeline of future leaders through challenging assignments, training, sponsorship and accountability are also discussed. Case studies of Google and GE's systematic talent evaluation methodologies demonstrate research-based concepts in action. The article argues a multifaceted, evidence-driven approach anchored in competency modeling and integrated talent development optimize the alignment of personnel with organizational needs to ensure sustained excellence through strong leadership over time.

A Kaleckian growth model of secular stagnation with induced innovation

AbstractThis paper works out a demand‐led growth model that draws on the Kaleckian‐Steindlian tradition to examine the relationships between income distribution, capacity utilization, and capital accumulation; on Goodwin‐type growth cycle models to investigate the dynamic interaction between labour market and distributive conflict; and on the induced innovation literature to link labour productivity growth to income distribution. We find that: (i) an increase in the labour share driven by stronger workers' bargaining power leads to faster capital accumulation and labour productivity growth in the long run, irrespective of the short‐run growth regime of the economy; (ii) a positive institutional shock to the labour share can either increase or decrease the long‐run employment rate, depending on the short‐run growth regime; and (iii) an increase in the labour share driven by negative technology shocks leads to faster capital accumulation and labour productivity growth in the long run only if the economy exhibits a short‐run wage‐led regime. This model then unifies classical/neo‐Goodwinian and Kaleckian views on the long‐run relationships between the labour share, employment, and growth within a more general Kaleckian framework of a labour‐constrained economy with induced technical change.

Integrated Business Planning with Real Time Integration

This paper explores the significance of real-time integration within IBP, highlighting how it enhances operational visibility, improves decision-making, and fosters collaboration across the supply chain. By leveraging advanced integration technologies, such as Cloud and APIs, businesses can harness real-time data to drive agility and responsiveness in their planning processes. Furthermore, this paper addresses the challenges of implementation, including technical complexities and change management, while providing best practices for successful integration. IBP as a vital tool for organizations seeking to thrive in an increasingly dynamic marketplace.

A Review of the Status and Necessity of Digital Textbooks in Cosmetology Education: Focusing on Sentiment Analysis of News Articles

This study aims to define the concept of digital textbooks and assess the perceptions and needs of educational stakeholders regarding their use. Focusing on the field of cosmetology education, the research explores the status and necessity of digital textbooks through sentiment analysis of news articles, using both content and big data analysis methods. The results indicate that while positive sentiments toward digital textbook adoption are predominant, there are significant concerns about technical issues and changes in the educational environment. Although the study provides valuable insights into the impact of digital textbooks on education, it is limited by a lack of in-depth research specifically on cosmetology education. Future research should therefore propose strategies tailored to the unique needs of cosmetology education.

Heterogeneous influences of specialization and diversification on regional R&D performance: a China, Europe, and US comparison

Abstract We study the impact of industrial specialization and diversification on regional R&D performance. We respond to a need to consider specialization and diversification as being complementary and to cover a broad geographical scope. Based on Malmquist-based data envelopment analysis, we disclose disparity in R&D productivity and underlying efficiency and technical change in regions in China, Europe, and in the USA in the period 2015–19. For provinces in China, industrial diversification affects regional R&D productivity growth and efficiency enhancement in a U-shape mode. For European countries, specialization has a U-shaped influence on R&D productivity change, and diversification has an inverted U-shaped influence on productivity and efficiency change. We find no significant influence of specialization and diversification on the improvement of R&D performance at the level of states in the USA. Our findings point to place-based specificities and complementarity between specialization and diversification and come with policy recommendations for enhancing regional R&D performance.

Marx-Biased Technical Change and International Profit-Rate Convergence: The Case of Mexican Manufacturing

The article studies the fall in the output/capital (OC) ratio in Mexican manufacturing, contrasting the hypotheses of high labor costs versus convergence toward the United States as drivers of Marx-biased technical change. While econometric estimations reject the labor-cost hypothesis—as do the evidence from wage-profit curves—they support the convergence one, showing in addition that convergence increased with the degree of US-Mexican industrial integration. Downward OC convergence, moreover, led to downward convergence in profit rates. Convergence aside, capital accumulation itself pushed the OC ratio down, confirming a tendency of accumulation to depress the profit rate. The estimations—for the change in the profit rate and the OC ratio—rely on a comprehensive annual panel of 17 Mexican manufacturing industries over the period 1992–2019. JEL Classification: C23, F15, F63, O14, O33

Designing a Human-centred Learning Analytics Dashboard In-use

Despite growing interest in applying human-centred design methods to create learning analytics (LA) systems, most efforts have concentrated on initial design phases, with limited exploration of how LA tools and practices can co-evolve during the actual learning and teaching activities. This paper examines how a human-centred LA dashboard can be further refined and adapted by teachers while actively using it in a real-world scenario (i.e., design-in-use), beyond its intended design (i.e., design-for-use). We use instrumental genesis as a theoretical lens to analyze the temporary and permanent instrumentalization of design features and individual and collective instrumentation of the LA dashboard. The analysis of semi-structured individual interviews with five nursing teachers who used an LA dashboard to guide team reflections with 224 students (56 teams) revealed technical and pedagogical changes that occurred in both the system’s features (instrumentalization) and teaching practices (instrumentation). We found that teachers adopted the LA dashboard beyond initially intended ways by (i) providing emotional support with the analytics, (ii) reducing details in AI-powered data visualizations for easier comprehension, (iii) creating data narratives to address data limitations, and (iv) collectively developing new practices to use the LA dashboard for co-teaching. Therefore, teachers’ design-in-use of the LA dashboard highlights the ongoing need for design improvements to address challenges posed by dynamic data and complex algorithms underlying AI and analytics interfaces.

Management accounting change in merger and acquisitions: a multiple-case study

PurposeDespite the literature highlighting the relevance of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) as strategic options for organizations’ evolution, such events maintain a high failure rate. All stages of M&As generate considerable stress on management accounting systems (MASs) and related actors. This study aims to investigate management accounting change (MAC) throughout M&As to expand knowledge on the technical side of these changes. A deeper understanding of these changes and their relationship to the implementing agents could illuminate the causes of M&A success and failure.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses an in-depth, qualitative case study analysis of two companies that completed an M&A. The MAC process was investigated based on Sulaiman and Mitchell’s (2005) typology. The authors collected information from internal documents, interviews, external reports and public information.FindingsThe findings indicate that MAC in M&As represents a comprehensive change that goes beyond the modifications outlined in Sulaiman and Mitchell’s (2005) original framework; the post-deal integration period can be broken down into early and full sub-phases; and the success of the MAC process rests on the different roles played by various change agents.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to apply and deepen a MAC framework focused on technical changes to MASs in the context of M&As. To date, the literature on M&A has mainly focused on behavioral or organizational changes while neglecting the technical dimension. In addition, by considering all the stakeholders of MASs, this study’s analyses expose the role of change agents who are not generally considered in the accounting literature.

Assessing the Opportunities and Risks of DUS and VCU Variety Testing for Sustainable Production through SWOT Analysis Results

Within the European Union (EU), new plant varieties to be included in the Common catalog of a member state have to be registered on the national list after plant variety testing processes to establish whether the candidate variety is distinguishable, uniform, and stable (DUS) and meets the cultivation or use value requirement (VCU). Technical development, climate change, and changing consumer needs, including the detection of GMOs, necessitate the innovation of plant variety testing methods. In our study, we assessed new characters, testing methods, and inclusion of additional data for the potential to benefit the DUS and VCU protocols. To achieve our goal, we asked experts to fill in questionnaires for the DUS and VCU methods currently used for a selection of common crops, including potato, maize, lentil, oilseed rape, and perennial grass. Within the EU-funded “InnoVar” project, partners sent out questionnaires to 19 European Countries and to 3 countries outside Europe. Surveys were aimed at analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the current methods. With their help, it is possible to look for a new direction, opportunity, and strategy to incorporate, together with the innovative new techniques, into the development of the new methods. Our study demonstrated that the SWOT analysis could be used to achieve the set goals. Results obtained after evaluation of surveys confirmed that introduction of new characters such as cold tolerance, nitrogen and water efficiency, etc. has become necessary, as has the inclusion of new test methods (molecular markers, precision techniques, organic farming). The development of high-yielding, disease and/or pest-resistant plant varieties with good adaptability and the accurate evaluation of genotypes play a crucial role in ensuring that farmers can access high-performing plant varieties and contribute to sustainable food production.

Evolution and development tendencies of material handling machines

The tools used during mobilities are very diverse, but their operation and structure can be traced back to the same basic principles that created the material handling machines during the previous centuries. Today, knowledge of material handling machines has become a basic necessity not only for industrial and service processes, but also for people's everyday lives, since our lives are almost unimaginably filled with different means of transportation, or without using the vehicles that transport and load our daily consumer goods. As in all areas, material handling is becoming more and more modern, and equipment that serves social and economic needs at a high level is used. One of the most defining characteristics of today's consumer society is extremely rapid change, which also affects our devices, so the design of material handling machines is also constantly changing. An important question of competitive service is how to meet rapidly changing needs. In my article, I review the development of material handling equipment, or the most important handling machines used in modern systems. Based on the outlined processes and technical changes, I will try to show where material handling is headed, what trends prevail today or are expected in server systems of the near future.

Indonesian SMES and Global Market Penetration: The Effects of Human Capital Investment, Government Role, and Technological Progress

MSMEs play a significant role in supporting the country's economy as they account for 60.5% of GDP. MSMEs confront a number of difficulties related to financing, supply, and market demand that need to be given more consideration in order to support their entry into the global market. The purpose of this study is to examine how government involvement, technology advancement, human capital investment, and entrepreneurial orientation affect MSMEs (micro, small, and medium-sized firms) in Indonesia and their internationalization strategies. This study uses a quantitative approach with data collection techniques using a Likert scale questionnaire. Then descriptive analysis and Partial Least Squares (PLS) are used to analyze the data. The study's findings show that technical change significantly affects MSMEs' internationalization strategies; in contrast, entrepreneurial orientation, investments in human capital, and the role of the government are not as significant in this regard. However, this research offers stakeholders improved guidance for bolstering MSMEs' success and expansion in global markets, as well as for widening the gap in the global MSME market to promote Indonesia's sustainable economic growth.

Oil Price and Energy Intensity Dynamics in Nigeria: Does Technical Change Matter?

It is critical to understand the mechanism needed to control energy intensity especially in an oilexporting country like Nigeria, because of its consequential effect on carbon dioxide emissions and environmental pollution. Increases in energy prices can lead to promotion of better technology and consequently, a reduction in energy intensity through a reduction in energy demand (consumption). This paper explores the dynamics between energy price and energy intensity to reveal the role of technical change in the equation. The study utilizes an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and Toda-Yamamoto approaches. The study sample covers the period 1980 through 2021. The key contribution of this study to the literature is rooted in an understanding of the dynamics of energy intensity and its interplay with technical change in a country study as a critical piece of information for policymakers. The results indicate a change in oil price significantly affects technical innovation. However, there is no link between technical innovation and energy intensity. The plausible justification for the results is the enormity of oil subsidy policy of the Nigerian government.

The Importance of Offline Options for Online Learners

The popularity of MOOCs and MOOC platforms prompted some universities to develop their first online courses, while others experimented with the format of existing online offerings. Despite the body of research identifying cognitive, metacognitive, and practical benefits of printed materials, there has been a shift towards an approach that privileges online resources, reducing opportunities to access resources offline or in printed form. Online courses can be produced more quickly and cheaply than those providing both printed and digital options. They can also benefit learners in a society that values digital skills and literacies. This paper, informed by the principles of universal design for learning (CAST 2018), asks ‘What are the benefits to students of offering downloadable/printable versions of online study materials and supporting offline study?’. It takes a phenomenological approach, exploring the experience of 100 postgraduate learners on an online course delivered on the FutureLearn platform. Data was extracted from a large dataset that included all the students’ course discussion postings (N = 17,158). Data analysis identified the importance of the online/offline divide and showed that, as students’ contexts change, the benefits and accessibility of online, offline and print versions shifts. Printed and digital materials support different ways of learning and can have an affective impact. These findings point to ways in which learning design, skills training, and technical changes might be used to increase the affordances of digital materials for learners.

The evolution of benchmaking the carbon efficiency drinking water companies in England and Wales

Water utilities face the challenge of transitioning to a low-carbon urban water cycle while reducing operational costs. This study evaluates the static and dynamic carbon efficiency of a sample of water companies from 2013 to 2018 operating in England and Wales. Each company was evaluated relative to itself and its peers using cross-efficiency Data Envelopment Analysis techniques. The results showed that the carbon performance of the water industry improved by 2.1% per year, mainly due to efficiency change. In contrast, the contribution of factors driving technical and scale change was almost negligible.

The photography of José Gómez de la Carrera and the construction of the territorial image of the early Republic of Cuba

This article studies the group of photographs by José Gómez de la Carrera, active in Cuba between 1885 and 1909, which entered the University of Navarra Museum Collection in 2018. With a multidisciplinary approach (heritage studies, art history, visual studies, and history of education), the article addresses the photographs as a visual testimony of important technical, political and cultural changes. After presenting the biography of the photographer – a pioneer of photojournalism and an outstanding war journalist – we study the material, technical and visual characteristics of the subgroup of photographs taken when he accompanied Carlos de la Torre on his scientific expeditions in Cuba. The essay describes the historical and cultural role of these images, which became part of the visual repertoire of the time through educational projects. Taken in a context of struggle for independence, and visually reliant on parameters forged in Romanticism, eventually these photos were featured widely in the first geography textbook of the island for use in primary schools, which, through multiple editions, contributed to the formation of the territorial image of the new Republic.

Internal rates of return for public R&D from VECM estimates for 17 OECD Countries

Public R&D stimulates domestic private and foreign private and public R&D, together enhancing technical change and thereby GDP. In this paper, we evaluate vector-error-correction model (VECM) estimations and simulations of a companion paper in regard to internal rates of return (and related aspects) to additional public R&D of OECD countries and compare them to the macroeconomic literature. We show (i) internal rates of return to public R&D shocks, and (ii) the related payback periods, gain/GDP ratios, and sums of discounted (at 4%) gains. Fourteen of 17 countries show high internal rates of return, short payback periods, and high gains/GDP ratios from positive public R&D shocks if projects are stopped when gains get negative. Three countries show crowding-out effects and require (initial) reductions of public R&D before showing positive results.

Development of integrated assessment tool for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in non-household settings under climate change context

Access to improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services is crucial in recognizing human rights to water and sanitation and due to their impacts on education, livelihoods, and human health. However, these services are often inadequate in non-household settings such as prisons, refugee camps, schools, and healthcare facilities. Progress in monitoring to ensure sustainable services in these settings has been limited. Although several tools are available to assess WASH services in both household and non-household settings, they have limitations, and none has taken a holistic approach to evaluate WASH performance in all non-household settings. Furthermore, the impacts of climate change on WASH services are rarely considered in these evaluations, making the inadequacies of WASH services worse. To address these gaps, an integrated tool was developed to assess WASH performance in non-household settings, incorporating financial, institutional, environmental impact, technical, social, and climate change factors. The tool provides scores for indicators to solve the problem of a lack of final aggregated data to enable decision-makers to determine the level of WASH performance in a setting. Moreover, it provides qualitative explanations for each score, allowing decision-makers to identify areas for improvement. This tool offers valuable and insightful data for improving WASH facilities and ensuring sustainable services in non-household settings, particularly for WASH service providers and local governments.