Browsing by Subject "Kooperation"

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Collaborative water governance in Thailand : much ado about nothing?
(2015) Kanjina, Sukit; Hoffmann, Volker
The river basin committee (RBC) framework was first introduced in Thailand in 2002, and the current one adopted in 2007 has been implemented in all 25 river basins located in the country ever since. By all accounts, the RBC framework is innovative as far as Thailand’s administrative system and water resource sector are concerned. It was only recently that the former started to promote non-public sector participation, and the underlying legal framework expressly requires that representatives of the non-public sector, such as water user organizations and local experts, be included in the RBC together with those representing the public agencies concerned. The latter envisions the RBC as a new mechanism for managing water resources by using a river basin as a managerial unit. Based on the RBC framework’s prescription, it can be seen that Thailand is moving toward collaborative water governance, where both public and non-public sector representatives take part in decision making on water resource-related issues in their respective river basin. This study empirically examines the implementation process and outcomes of the RBC framework by using the Ping RBC arrangement as an illustrative case. It aims specifically to explore the formation and management of the RBC, its collaborative processes and participation, and the outcomes it generates. To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants such as the officials responsible from Water Resources Regional Office 1 (WRO 1), and Ping RBC members; and an informal interview was applied as well with some DWR officials. In addition, relevant activities were observed through non-participant observation, while related documentary data, e.g. documents on the RBC framework, also were collected. The data gathered were analyzed by means of qualitative content analysis. It was found overall that the Ping RBC framework was established by following relevant directives. Ping RBC members include representatives from the public sector such as the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) and Department of Water Resources (DWR), as well as the provincial governors concerned and representatives from the non-public sector, including water user organizations (agricultural, industrial, commercial, service, and tourism sectors), local government organizations (LGOs), and the expert group; while WRO 1 serves as the secretariat. In addition, other governing bodies were established as well, including one river basin sub-committee, five provincial river basin working groups, and 20 sub-river basin working groups who, similar to Ping RBC members, represented both the public and non-public sector at the river basin, provincial, and sub-river basin level. It was discovered that regarding RBC management the Ping RBC and its governing bodies were governed by the lead organization-governed form, where WRO 1 played the leading role and left no room for involvement from other members. For example, it called the meetings and prepared their agenda. Indeed, meetings were the only activity organized for these river basin governing bodies and they were infrequent (e.g. twice per year for the Ping RBC). Furthermore, they were organized with a formal format, where the officer responsible normally provided information to the meeting, with virtually no deliberation or discussion. With these meetings being the only activity where members of the river basin governing bodies could get together, it was apparent that face-to-face dialogue, which is a crucial element in leading to others elements in a collaborative process, such as trust and shared understanding, was simply non-existent. Interaction between the secretariat and members of the river basin governing bodies, as well as among the members also failed to occur. Participation in the Ping RBC setup involved just information sharing, as members of the Ping RBC and its governing bodies were provided with only data on, for example, drought and flood situations. The governing bodies of the Ping River Basin, especially the Ping RBC, took part in approving river basin management and development frameworks as well as annual river basin management and development plans. However, their approval was unnecessary because the frameworks and annual plans in question were a collection of project plans gathered from the public agencies concerned and LGOs located in the river basin. They were prepared based on relevant policies and directives, with no need for approval from the Ping RBC setup before submission for national budget allocation. Since the frameworks and annual plans were the only outputs produced, it was therefore apparent that the Ping RBC framework performed virtually no functions to fulfill its mandates such as a water resource management plan, water user priority or water allocation. Evidently, the Ping RBC framework is an ineffective mechanism that is characterized by lack of collaboration, participation and outcomes, which have impacts on water resource management in the river basin. A similar result can be expected from the other 24 RBCs operating under the same administrative system and legal framework. Therefore, Thailand is still far from achieving collaborative governance in its water resource sector. Clearly, this unsuccessful RBC framework was influenced by the Thai administrative system; for instance, the public agencies involved have to follow their own policies and directives, thereby failing to make the RBC framework their top priority and only passively participating in the setup. However, the underlying cause is due largely to the RBC framework’s lack of authority. This is because the legal framework regulating the RBC framework has limited legal authority; consequently, virtually no authority is delegated to this arrangement. Accordingly, the RBC framework has no full authority regarding water resource management as its decisions, if any, can be enforced upon only public agencies and state-owned enterprises. Furthermore, it also has less authority when compared to other public bodies governed by superior legal frameworks; as such, it cannot force active participation in the RBC arrangement, and is not officially recognized (e.g. by the budget allocation system). It can be seen as important that with no authority delegated, non-public sector representatives do not share any decision making power despite their inclusion into the framework concerned. Therefore, to avert the same result generated by the RBC framework in moving toward collaborative water governance, policy changes are needed regarding its authority and implementation process at the national level, or at the DWR. Ideally, a change is required at the national level by passing a comprehensive legal framework, i.e. a Water Act. By this law, the RBC framework’s authority in managing water resources is secured and the framework itself is officially recognized. Arrangements for implementation of the RBC framework also can be prescribed, e.g. a budget allocation system recognizing the RBC framework and creating the RBC’s own office. However, this option is rather difficult to achieve, if not impossible, due to the lack of political support. A more probable change at the national level would be to issue a new regulation that revises the RBC framework, which can be done more easily than passing a law. Essentially, under this new regulation, the new RBC framework would be based at the provincial level. As such, the RBC would be abolished, while the provincial RBC and its governing bodies would be transformed to ‘collaborative watershed partnerships’ focused on a provincial river basin master/action plan. By this new regulation, the public bodies concerned would be obliged to follow the plan mentioned when preparing their water resource-related projects/programs, which would be applicable within authority of the regulation. In addition, diverse activities (e.g. meetings and capacity building) should be organized in order to support both the river basin governing bodies and implementing units of the DWR. The DWR should change its policies regarding implementation of the RBC framework, if there is no change at the national level, and the RBC framework continues to be carried out under the current regulation. It is essential in this circumstance for the DWR to encourage a revision of the RBC structure in order to make it less complex and more manageable, and shift the focus from the RBC itself to the river basin governing bodies at the provincial and sub-river basin level. Besides capacity building activities, and frequent and less formal meetings, the DWR should also direct its implementing units to facilitate the river basin governing bodies in order to develop a river basin management plan for respective provinces. This should be based on the problems and needs of the sub-river basins located in those particular provinces; and presented through the public agencies and LGOs concerned for consideration and inclusion in their own plans. This might be the only way to increase the likelihood of some elements of the river basin management plan being realized, given that the RBC framework has no authority or official recognition.
Collective action in crop-livestock farming systems : a case study from Burkina Faso
(2022) Yameogo, Guesbeogo Viviane; Birner, Regina
To end hunger and increase food security, substantial investments will be required. In sub-Saharan Africa, smallholder agricultural households have a major role to play. However, finding the right instruments to stimulate agricultural growth at the household level requires an accurate understanding of agrarian households’ behaviour. This thesis aimed to contribute to a better understanding of agrarian households, focusing on the institutional conditions shaping cooperation within polygynous households. Indeed, polygynous households are widespread in African societies, but their specific features are relatively neglected in the agricultural development literature. Moreover, the theory of collective action has, so far, been applied at the community-level, but rarely at the intra-household level. To address this knowledge gap, case studies of two ethnic communities, the Fulani and the Mossi, were conducted. The research explored the institutional arrangements shaping the allocation of resources within polygynous households and examined the structural conditions under which cooperation occurs. The second chapter of this thesis reviews the discourse on agricultural households’ behaviour. Reviewing the empirical evidence, the chapter examines the adequacy of existing economic conceptualisations of agricultural households and their generalisability to West-African settings. Drawing on insights from anthropology and feminist perspectives, the chapter highlights the shortcomings of conventional household models, and the failure to consider gender and intergenerational relations of production. The third chapter analyses the challenges underlying cooperation in agricultural households. The chapter uncovers the contractual arrangements shaping the allocation of resources for food production. Drawing on the natural resource management literature, the chapter examines how households’ member’s characteristics, including their socially accepted roles and responsibilities, shape their incentive structures and determine resource pooling. Chapter 4 examines an essential determinant of collective action: trust. The chapter investigates the correlation between trust and productive and reproductive activities. The chapter makes an innovative methodological contribution to the study of cooperation, applying an experimental trust game to co-wives in polygynous households. The critical review of the economic literature challenges the existing representations of agrarian households in sub-Saharan Africa. The review calls for a redefinition of the units of production and for cautious assessment of conventional economic theories. The review recommends a framework that encompasses the complexities and diversity of behaviour in agrarian households. Integrating theories from feminist and anthropological literature can support this endeavour. Chapter 3 reveals that the contractual arrangements embedded in the rules and norms defining socially-accepted behaviour, influence the patterns of intrahousehold resource mobilisation and the likelihood of cooperation among household members. Agricultural household members were found to pool, exchange or split resources based on their roles and positions within the household arena. Implicit monitoring and sanction systems were identified, which shape the incentive structures of agrarian household member and determine whether cooperation will occur. The final chapter revealed that trust can mediate cooperation between co-wives, depending on the nature of the activity. No correlation was found between trust and co-wives’ likelihood to pool labour on individual plots. However, a strong correlation was identified between trust among co-wives and income pooling for food purchase, highlighting the importance of uncertainty and of existing norms on the outcomes of cooperation in agricultural households. The thesis concludes that collective action in polygynous agrarian households does not occur in a vacuum. Rather, collective action is the outcome of several processes and mechanisms. Policymakers should be aware of these internal arrangements, and their implications for intra-household resource allocation. The success of agricultural policies depends on these considerations.
Corporate innovation systems and the effect of continuity, competence, and cooperation on innovation performance
(2021) Kötting, Michael; Kuckertz, Andreas
Innovations have always been an essential factor for the long-term success of corporations. This is all the more true at times like the present, which is becoming increasingly dynamic and fast due to such effects as digitalization and globalization. However, as important as innovations are for the success of corporations, their systematic development is just as challenging. This fact can be demonstrated not least by numerous practical examples in which formerly successful corporations were unable to react appropriately to changing market and competitive conditions and consequently had to give up their market position. The challenges in the development of innovations can be traced back to different organizational conditions, which are necessary for the efficient exploitation of existing products on the one hand and the exploration of new innovations on the other. The scientific literature recommends, among other things, the separation of exploration and exploitation into different organizational units to meet the challenges mentioned above. In addition to the operational business units, which are usually responsible for the exploitation of existing products, it is advisable to establish innovation units, such as corporate incubators or corporate venture capital units, and to entrust them with the exploration of innovations. For a detailed examination of the current state of research on corporate incubators and corporate venture capital, two systematic literature analyses were carried out within the scope of this thesis. As a result, it was discovered that further research is needed, particularly concerning the organizational integration of such innovation units into the overall organization and the associated conflicts of objectives. To make an initial contribution to closing the research gap mentioned above, a further study of this work is devoted to the organizational integration of different innovation programs in an established corporation. This study differs from previous studies in that it takes an overarching perspective and considers the entire organization, including the innovation units, as a holistic innovation system. Such a corporate innovation system consists of at least three different types of innovation units in addition to the operational business units: exploration-oriented innovation units for the generation of disruptive innovations, exploitation-oriented innovation units for the further development of existing products and transformation-oriented innovation units for the transformation of the corporate culture. Such a system can ensure the systematic and sustainable generation of innovations, especially in the interaction of the various innovation units. In addition to the basic establishment of the innovation units mentioned above, however, appropriate organizational framework conditions are required to ensure that innovations can be developed successfully. The fourth study in this thesis is dedicated to the question of how continuity, competence and cooperation affect the innovation performance of corporations. It could be analyzed that the continuous implementation of innovation activities has the greatest positive effect on the innovation performance of enterprises. While cooperation, in combination with continuity, has a short- to medium-term impact on innovation performance, competence and continuity have a long-term effect on innovation performance. Cooperation and competence are complementary concepts in that cooperation should be used for short-term innovation activities, while competence should be used for the long-term sustainable development of innovations within the enterprise. As a result, this work addresses existing research gaps with regard to the integration of innovation units and the organizational structures of corporations and provides valuable insights and approaches for further research. For this purpose, it was necessary to link findings from the field of innovation management and corporate venturing with concepts of organizational theory. Through this connection, we have succeeded in gaining new scientific insights that previously could not be gained independently within the individual research streams. We are convinced that our findings on Corporate Innovation Systems and the effects of continuity, competence and cooperation on innovation performance have made an important scientific contribution. That is all the more true at a time when successful innovation is becoming increasingly important for corporations and a growing number of newly emerging innovation units can be observed in practice.
Entscheidungsorientierte Bewertung von Forschungskooperationspartnern
(2012) Vaclavicek, Peter; Troßmann, Ernst
This thesis focuses on developing a method which can be used to evaluate potential partners to cooperate with in an intercompany research cooperation. Research is understood as systematically applying scientific methods in order to gain new knowledge. An intercompany cooperation is understood as a goal-directed, contractually settled long-term collaboration that is established on a voluntary basis between legally independent, yet consequently commercially mutually dependent companies. Decision-theory based evaluation of research cooperation partners requires processing a great deal of relevant information and the design of a suitable methodology. Research cooperation goals are seen as the essential benchmark on the basis of which alternative research cooperation partners are to be evaluated. Consequently, they are essential for the methodology to be chosen. Through the studying of literature, goals that are to be achieved through engaging in a research cooperation are thoroughly analyzed. Essential goals are content goals, timeframe goals and financial goals. Additional goals of more special character are risk reduction and feasibility. All characteristics of a company to be evaluated as a potential research cooperation partner are to be benchmarked in order to evaluate their value for achieving research cooperation goals. Conveniently, these characteristics can be distinguished between two types: first, the objectively observable potentials of a potential research cooperation partner. These characterize his capabilities, to enrich the planned research project in a purposeful way, when compared to one?s own capabilities. Capabilities of importance for research projects can typically be seen in material operating resources (e.g. experimental plants or specialized IT-facilities), human resources (e.g. laboratory staff), immaterial resources (particularly knowledge) and finally financial resources. Second, the will (or: motivation) is the second set of relevant cooperation partner characteristics. The best alternative to engaging in a research cooperation with any partner is to realize the intended research project by oneself, i.e. without a cooperation partner. This alternative is referred to as the null alternative. Consequently, all potential research cooperation partners are to be compared with the extent to which research goals can be achieved through one?s null alternative. The key aspect of the methodology to be developed thus is the evaluation of positive and negative consequences of choosing a particular company as a partner to cooperate with. Positive consequences (or: advantages) can be identified as a better achievement of goals than would be possible when realizing the null alternative. Since different goals are to be measured with different scales, standardization through a scoring model becomes necessary. Negative consequences (or: disadvantages) of cooperating with a particular partner result from his lack of cooperation will. In particular means and instruments of intercompany coordination are to be evaluated. Having determined advantages and disadvantages of a particular research cooperation partner, both findings can be added in order to generate an overall partner value. The higher this partner value, the more suitable is the company as a research cooperation partner. As long as the partner value is above zero, i.e. positive, cooperation leads to a better goal-achievement than realizing the null alternative (i.e. realizing the research project by oneself). A negative partner value however indicates that realizing the null alternative would mean a better goal achievement than engaging in a research cooperation with this particular partner. The wide usability of the methodology developed is demonstrated by a concluding discussion of three particularly relevant constellations in intercompany research cooperations: research coopera-tions with more than just two research partners (i.e. research networks), international research cooperations, and research cooperations in public-private-partnerships. Specific requirements of using the developed set of methodology in these three constellations are highlighted conclusively.
Erfolgsfaktoren von Kooperationen innerhalb der Internationalisierungsstrategien von Familienunternehmen
(2012) Ostertag, Martina M.; Müller, Christoph
Considering the global economy, one can observe for some years now the growing importance of internationalization. Increasingly companies are faced with growing competitive pressure. New, foreign competitors are entering the market and more and more companies are taking advantage of the opportunities that arise in the context to globalization. Often the first step for opening new markets is to develop sales partnerships with businesses in the target country. Based on the development of international distribution partnerships, family run businesses are considering co operations. The goal is to identify specific success factors for co-operations, based on the concept of the determinants of success and the special characteristics of family run businesses and based thereon, under the aspect of the effectuation model, to develop an ideal co-operation process. The focus is on the highest possible practical use for family run businesses that want to be active internationally by setting up sales co-operations. Taking into consideration uncertainty, the result is an optimized process, which primarily meets the special needs of family run businesses and allows a structured implementation of the defined international strategy.
Kooperation als Strategie technologischen Paradigmenwechsels : eine nachhaltigkeitsbasierte Untersuchung der Elektrifizierung des Automobils
(2014) Knappe, Mathias; Pyka, Andreas
Beschleunigung und Reorientierung des technischen Fortschritts überfordern selbst große Unternehmen im Spannungsfeld zwischen Spezialisierung und interdisziplinärer Konvergenz. So wird die Kombination interner Forschung und Entwicklung mit externem Wissen, vor allem in Hochtechnologien, zur zentralen Voraussetzung langfristigen Unternehmenserfolgs. In diesem Kontext untersucht die vorliegende Dissertation das Potenzial kooperativen Verhaltens zwischen Unternehmen zur Bewältigung technologischer Diskontinuitäten am Beispiel des bevorstehenden Paradigmenwechsels im automobilen Antrieb. Dabei wird Kooperation als superiore Strategie zur Stimulation des explorativen Innovationsmodus identifiziert und in eine übergreifende Dynamik der Koordinationseignung im Verlauf technologischen Fortschritts integriert. Bezogen auf den automobilen Antrieb ist eine nachhaltigkeitsinduzierte Destabilisierung des technologischen Paradigmas des Verbrennungsmotors festzustellen, während sich seine intensiven Möglichkeiten erschöpfen. Konsequenz dessen ist zunehmender Innovationsdruck, der konsistenzorientiert eine systemische Transformation von Kraftwerkstechnik und Energienetz sowie einen Paradigmenwechsel zu elektrischen Antrieben erzwingt. Aufgrund der bisher geringen technologischen Reife und hohen Kosten elektrischer Antriebssysteme zeichnet sich allerdings ein Übergang in Form einer graduellen Rekonfiguration über eine Hybridphase ab, deren Dynamik maßgeblich von der Entwicklung der techno-ökonomischen Schlüsselmodule Batterie und Brennstoffzelle abhängt. Die dazu erforderliche technologische Transformation birgt existenzielle Gefährdungen für die etablierten Unter-nehmen der Automobilindustrie, die sich gegenüber ihren Herausforderern explorationsbezogen in einer inferioren Ausgangssituation befinden. Eben hier bieten sich umfangreiche Potenziale kooperativer Exploration elektrischer Antriebe auf Verhaltens-, Innovationsprozess- und Wissensebene. In Relation zu diesen erscheint das reale Kooperationsniveau jedoch als gering, volatil und, vor allem in Deutschland, übermäßig intrasektoral fokussiert. Aus diesen Erkenntnissen ergeben sich Implikationen für Unternehmensführung, Innovati-onspolitik und Forschung. Managementseitig besteht die zentrale Herausforderung in der Befähigung der Organisation zur Dynamisierung von Wissen und Fähigkeiten durch simultan-heterogene Koordination explorativer und exploitativer Innovationsströme. Insbesondere die Erschließung kooperativer Potenziale setzt allerdings die Bereitschaft zur Einschränkung der eigenen Unabhängigkeit sowie zur Abweichung von bewährten Verhaltensmustern voraus. Innovationspolitisch steht die Überwindung von Beharrungskräften durch Anpassung des sozio-institutionellen Rahmens sowie die Förderung langfristiger Kooperation bei potenzialgeleiteter Intersektoralität im Vordergrund. Forschungsbezogen eröffnet speziell die Kombination von Innovations-, Nachhaltigkeits- und Koordinationstheorie ein besseres Verständnis von Triebfedern und Dynamik technischen Fortschritts, das weiter vertieft werden sollte.
Nachhaltigkeitsexzellenz in der Landwirtschaft: Mehr Sichtbarkeit für die versteckten Leuchttürme der Alltagspraxis
(2024-09) Gebhardt, Beate; Hellstern, Laura
Im Projekt NEAL wurde die Bedeutung von exzellenter Mikro-Nachhaltigkeit und die Rolle von Nachhaltigkeitsawards sowie weiterer unterstützender Instrumente einer nachhaltigen Transformation in der Landwirtschaft untersucht. Die Erkenntnisse des Projektes sollen landwirtschaftlichen Unternehmen, Verbänden sowie weiteren relevanten Akteuren der land¬wirtschaftlichen Wertschöpfungsketten eine Orientierung geben in den Fragen: • Welche Nachhaltigkeitsthemen benötigen in Zukunft ein größeres Augenmerk? • Wie können Landwirt*innen in ihrer Nachhaltigkeitstransformation gefördert werden? • Welche Rolle spielen Nachhaltigkeitsawards in der Nachhaltigkeitstransformation? Für das Forschungsprojekt NEAL wurden dazu (a) 310 Landwirt*innen und 59 landwirtschaftsnahe Verbände in einem bundesweiten Nachhaltigkeits-Crowd-Screening im Frühjahr 2022 online befragt und hierbei insgesamt 236 herausragende, awardwürdige Nachhaltigkeitsaktivitäten identifiziert, die in der Landwirtschaft bereits umgesetzt oder geplant werden. Mittels Awards-Matching und Clustering wurde (b) der webbasierte, interaktive CSR-Award Finder mit über 150 Wettbewerben erstellt und Ende 2022 online gestellt. Der CSR-Award Finder macht die Welt der Awards für Unternehmen übersichtlicher und einfacher zugänglich, insbesondere erleichtert dies den Zugang kleiner Unternehmen und landwirtschaftliche Betriebe. Zentrale Aussagen der Studie lauten: 1. Nachhaltigkeit ist für Landwirt*innen ein relevantes Thema und viele „versteckte“ nachhaltige Tätigkeiten werden auf den befragten Betrieben bereits umgesetzt. 2. Bio-Betriebe zeigen sich als Vorreiter von Nachhaltigkeitsexzellenz in der Landwirtschaft. 3. Bodennutzung, Biodiversität, regionale Wertschöpfung und Tierwohl sind wichtige Bereiche, in denen viele nachhaltigkeitsbezogene Maßnahmen von Landwirt*innen umgesetzt und als besonders hervorgehoben werden. 4. „Blinde Flecken“ in Nachhaltigkeitsansätzen korrespondieren mit Bewertungen der Landwirtschaft.. 5. Leuchttürme der Mikro-Ebene kommen auf der Makro-Ebene kaum an. 6. Eine heterogene und multifunktionale Landwirtschaft benötigt vielfältige, multiple Instrumente zur Förderung von Nachhaltigkeit auf Betriebsebene. 7. Nachhaltigkeitstransformation in der Landwirtschaft benötigt mehr gemeinsame An-strengungen. 8. Nachhaltigkeitsexzellenz in der Landwirtschaft benötigt mehr Mut und Sichtbarkeit. Die Ergebnisse im Projekt NEAL unterstreichen: Ein Ansatz alleine ist nicht ausreichend. Aufgrund der Heterogenität der landwirtschaftlichen Betriebe gilt dies gerade auch für die Landwirtschaft. Sustainable Finance und Awards sind dabei zwei verschiedene Ansätze bzw. Instrumente, die beide als wichtig und unterstützend gelten, um die Nachhaltigkeitstransformation landwirtschaftlicher Systeme und Betriebe voranzubringen. Beiden Ansätzen wird bescheinigt, ein wichtiges Instrument unter vielen zu sein, aber singulär einen eher geringen Hebel zu haben, da nicht alle landwirtschaftlichen Betriebe damit eingebunden werden können oder sich dadurch angesprochen fühlen. Die Ergebnisse im Projekt NEAL zeigen außerdem, Awards sind in die Toolbox der bekannten Instrumente und Anreize zur Stärkung der Nachhaltigkeitstransformation einzubinden. Sie stehen damit neben ökonomischen Anreizen im Markt oder regulativen Anreize, die vom Staat gesetzt werden. Awards setzen am Positiven und an der Sichtbarmachung des Vorbildhaften und Innovativen in der Landwirtschaft an. Sie können damit das verborgene Besondere, die nachhaltigen Aktivitäten und die versteckten Leuchttürme in der Landwirtschaft, nach außen tragen und zum Leuchten bringen, und damit die Nachhaltigkeits-Motivation der Landwirt*innen erheblich steigern.
Professionelle unterrichtsbezogene Kommunikation zwischen berufsschulischen Lehrkräften
(2022) Schadt, Christian; Warwas, Julia
Despite their relevance for the facilitation of professionalization processes in teacher education as well as for the successful implementation of curricular reforms into the classroom, relevant micro processes of teacher collaboration seem to be little (systematically) investigated so far. This applies especially for the vocational school sector, where teacher collaboration is seen as necessary to cope with the tasks of teaching development that takes collective responsibility. One of the most relevant process variables of successful vs. less successful collaboration among teachers is communication about teaching. However, it has not yet been clarified which characteristics constitute an effective (=professional) communication about teaching for a successful mastering of cooperation processes. The present study addressed this desideratum and examined professional communication about teaching (pct) among (prospective) teachers at vocational schools in two consecutive research studies. A first step in this process was a systematic literature review carried out according to the PRISMA Statement focusing on international research literature to uncover generic characteristics of pct. The systematic literature review was guided by the following questions: a) Which definitions and theoretical underpinnings concerning pct can be identified in studies? b) Which observational measures characterize a pct? c) Is pct among teachers related to job-related growth (and to which facets of job-related growth in detail) A category-based content analysis of k=88 studies identified as relevant throughout the review process showed that pct is very heterogeneously defined and theoretically embedded. In addition, the observable measures of pct could be classified according to two different dimensions. Pct is characterized by the occurrence of characteristics on a level concerning the regulation of the process of communicating (quantitative aspects of communicating, structuring of communicating and atmosphere of communicating) as well as on a level concerning the content of communicating (focus on content and quality of communicating). Pct that follows the characteristics of both of these levels can bring about a large variety of gains in professionalization in the subject-specific, didactical, and pedagogical knowledge and skills of teachers and, above all, promote the successful mastering of collaboration processes. The findings on the observable measures of pct were then applied to develop a category system for the analysis of teaching-related communication between teachers. Subsequently, the second study was designed to determine the extent to which teaching-related communication between (prospective) teachers of vocational schools, that follows the previously identified measures, can actually promote the process of collaborative task accomplishment. For this purpose, a total of N=14 dyads (N=7 dyads of prospective teachers and N=7 dyads of experienced teachers each) were assigned to a simulated teaching situation in which they had to make a joint decision within the framework of lesson planning through communicative exchange. Specifically, a suitable learning task had to be selected from a set of learning tasks presented by means of a vignette for a teachingrelated lesson planning scenario through discussion. The communicative exchanges between the dyads of (prospective) vocational teachers have been recorded, transcribed and evaluated by means of a content analysis using the category system. For this purpose, the category system was first pre-tested, a coding manual was developed, and the simulated teaching situation was evaluated by means of a questionnaire. The research questions of this second sub-study were as follows: d) To what extent do the exchanges between the dyads reflect the characteristics of pct identified by the review? e) To what extent do the participants assess the research design as representative of and realistic for their profession? f) How can we recognize qualitative pct and how can we distinguish between qualitatively different exchanges based on the specific categories? g) In light of the categories of pct derived, to what extent do qualitatively distinguishable exchanges have an effect on the collaboration process/process of collaborative decision-making by dyads? It turned out that the initial category system for pct had to be revised in (a few) parts only and that a suitable coding manual could be developed for analyzing the exchanges of the dyads about learning tasks. The simulated teaching situation was assessed by the participants as being broadly authentic for the area of vocational teaching. In addition, it could be shown that the tools for analyzing pct are suitable for distinguishing exchanges of different qualities among tandems. Finally, it could be demonstrated that a qualitatively distinguishable exchange according to the criteria of analyzing pct can also influence the process of joint task accomplishment of the teacher dyads with varying degrees of success. The findings on this research topic, which has been hitherto largely marginalized within the discipline of vocational teaching, were used to eventually draw up implications for further research and the training of vocational school teachers.
Status-Quo und Perspektiven von Zweinutzungshühnern in Baden-Württemberg : Ergebnisse eines World-Cafés im Rahmen des 1. Dialogforums des Projektes „ZweiWert“ am 2.3.2023.
(2023) Bermejo, Gabriela; Imort-Just, Annik; Gebhardt, Beate; Hess, Sebastian; Kiefer, Lukas; Zikeli, Sabine
The motivation behind the growing interest in dual-purpose chicken is diverse. Among other things, it is driven by the prohibition of killing male chicks from laying lines, by the desire to improve animal welfare in general, and by the preservation of genetic biodiversity and a more sustainable poultry production system. The project "ZweiWert" aims to create a regional network of actors in order to build up a value chain for dual-purpose chickens in Baden-Württemberg. Following a status quo and potential analysis of the agricultural production of dual-purpose chicken, a network will be established along the entire value chain, so that a sustainable production as well as a regular supply of the resulting products can be ensured. In order to promote the exchange between actors and to be able to develop policy options and recommendations, dialogue forums will be organized during the course of the project. The first forum took place in March 2023 and brought together representatives from different sectors. After various expert contributions, participants were able to exchange views on different areas of the value chain in the format of a World Café. In particular, the topics of networking and economic efficiency, cooperation, aspects of the legal/political framework and the need for more transparency and communication were mentioned during these discussions.
Studies on informal research collaborations and knowledge transfer : empirical evidence from the micro-level
(2013) Fier, Heide; Pyka, Andreas
Large scale surveys among innovating organizations have shown that especially in science based industries informal R&D agreements are regarded to play a crucial role for the knowledge acquisition and knowledge generation processes of innovating organizations (e.g. firms). While there are various studies that examine the consequences of formal R&D agreements for the knowledge generation and transfer activities of innovating organizations, the micro level empirical evidence on informal R&D agreements and the resulting consequences for the knowledge dynamics of innovating organizations is rare. This is mostly due to the fact that informal R&D agreements are difficult to define and measure. This thesis consists of four empirical parts that all touch upon the issue of informal R&D partnerships and provides more micro level evidence on both, the formation motives and consequences of informal R&D collaborations.
The evolution of innovation networks : an automotive case study
(2014) Buchmann, Tobias; Pyka, Andreas
Competitive pressure forces firms to continuously develop new ideas, invent new technologies and bring new products to the market in order to survive the destructive part of Schumpeterian innovation competition. This holds particularly for the automotive industry in Germany, challenged by firms from emerging markets which are able to offer their products for lower prices. In the competition for new technological solutions, competences and cutting-edge knowledge are success factors. New knowledge stimulates the emergence of new ideas that can be transformed into innovation. Such knowledge can partly be generated internally in the companies’ R&D laboratories. However, relying on internal knowledge generation is no longer sufficient. Participation in innovation networks which allow for access to external knowledge, and applying innovation cooperation as a strategic tool to acquire necessary knowledge which cannot be developed in-house opens up rich opportunities to complement and recombine the own knowledge-base. Thus, knowledge becomes the most important source of competitive advantage. In this dissertation, I analyze the drivers of innovation networks evolution among a sample of German automotive firms.
United we stand, divided we fall : essays on knowledge and its diffusion in innovation networks
(2019) Bogner, Kristina; Pyka, Andreas
Knowledge is a key resource, allowing firms to innovate and keep pace with national and international competitors. Therefore, the management of this resource within firms and innovation networks is of utmost importance. As the collection and generation of (new) knowledge gives such competitive advantage, there is a strong interest of firms and policy makers on how to foster the creation and diffusion of new knowledge. Within four studies, this doctoral thesis aims at extending the literature on knowledge diffusion performance by focussing on the effect of different network structures on diffusion performance as well as on knowledge types besides mere techno-economic knowledge. Study 1 analyses the effect of different structural disparities on knowledge diffusion by using an agent-based simulation model. It focuses on how different network structures influence knowledge diffusion performance. This study especially emphasizes the effect of an asymmetric degree distribution on knowledge diffusion performance. Study 1 complements previous research on knowledge diffusion by showing that (i) besides or even instead of the average path length and the average clustering coefficient, the (symmetry of) degree distribution influences knowledge diffusion. In addition, (ii) especially small, inadequately embedded agents seem to be a bottleneck for knowledge diffusion in this setting, and iii) the identified rather negative network structures on the macro level seem to result from the myopic linking strategies of the actors at the micro level, indicating a trade-off between ‘optimal’ structures at the network and at the actor level. Study 2 uses an agent-based simulation model to analyse the effect of different network properties on knowledge diffusion performance. In contrast to study 1, this study analyses this relationship in a setting in which knowledge is diffusing freely throughout an empirical formal R&D network as well as through four benchmark networks. In addition, the concept of cognitive distance and differences in learning between agents in the network are taken into account. Study 2 complements study 1 and further previous research on knowledge diffusion by showing that (i) the (asymmetry of) degree distribution and the distribution of links between actors in the network indeed influence knowledge diffusion performance to a large extend. In addition, (ii) the extent to which a skewed degree distribution dominates other network characteristics varies depending on the respective cognitive distance between agents. Study 3 analyses how so called dedicated knowledge can contribute to the transformation towards a sustainable, knowledge-based Bioeconomy. In this study, the concept of dedicated knowledge, i.e. besides mere-techno economic knowledge also systems knowledge, normative knowledge and transformative knowledge, is first introduced. Moreover, the characteristics of dedicated knowledge which are influencing knowledge diffusion performance are analysed and evaluated according to their importance and potential role for knowledge diffusion. In addition, it is analysed if and how current Bioeconomy innovation policies actually account for dedicated knowledge. This study complements previous research by taking a strong focus on different types of knowledge besides techno-economic knowledge (often overemphasized in policy approaches). It shows, that i) different types of knowledge necessarily need to be taken into account when creating policies for knowledge creation and diffusion, and ii) that especially systems knowledge so far has been insufficiently considered by current Bioeconomy policy approaches. Study 4 analyses the effect of different structural disparities on knowledge diffusion by deducing from theoretical considerations on network structures and diffusion performance. The study tries to answer whether the artificially generated network structures seem favourable for the diffusion of both mere techno-economic knowledge as well as dedicated knowledge. Study 4 especially complements previous research on knowledge diffusion by (i) analysing an empirical network over a long period of time, and (ii) by indicating a potential trade-off between structures favourable for the diffusion of mere techno-economic knowledge and those for the diffusion of other types of dedicated knowledge. Summing up, it is impossible to make general statements that allow for valid policy recommendations on network structures ‘optimal’ for knowledge diffusion. Without knowing the exact structures and context, politicians will hardly be able to influence network structures. Especially if we call for knowledge enabling transformations as the transformation towards a sustainable knowledge-based Bioeconomy, creating structures for the creation and diffusion of this knowledge is quite challenging and needs for the inclusion and close cooperation of many different actors on multiple levels.