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At Dialogic, two new interns started their graduation research projects in November. Below, Glenn van Rijn and Jaap Veldkamp introduce their research.
Glenn van Rijn
To complete my Master's in 'Business Informatics' at Utrecht University, I am currently working on my graduation project at Dialogic, where I started in November 2008. My research focuses on the extent to which computer-based Point of Sale (POS) systems support chain digitalisation. Besides handling transactions, these POS systems can now also perform various other functions, such as managing articles, inventory, and automatically ordering from suppliers based on sales information. The automatic reordering feature is crucial as it can streamline many administrative tasks for retailers, especially when combined with electronic invoicing and packing slips. This kind of digitalisation between retailers and suppliers is essential for independent retailers to compete with large, often internationally operating, retail chains.
With over 150 software companies catering to the Dutch market, it is understandable that POS systems vary greatly in functionality. Some offer extensive features for chain digitalisation, while others do not. My research focuses on these differences and their underlying causes. Apart from my own research, I am involved in Dialogic's supplier research on POS systems commissioned by the Retail Industry Main Branch. This project aims to map out POS systems suitable for the Dutch retail sector, providing input for an online portal to assist retailers in choosing an appropriate POS solution for their business.
You can contact Glenn van Rijn.
Jaap Veldkamp
Companies are facing increased competition (e.g., from BRIC countries), rising R&D costs, and increasingly complex technologies. In response, organisations are increasingly collaborating to form networks of partnerships involving companies, government bodies, and research centres. But how should an organisation position itself within the network to optimally leverage knowledge from different network entities? This is the relevant and intriguing topic I will be exploring during my graduation project at Dialogic, as part of my studies in Science and Innovation Management at Utrecht University.
The scientific literature has extensively covered network configurations over the last three decades, shedding light on what networks are, how they function, and how they are structured. Knowledge integration from these networks has also been studied by various scholars. Most of these studies focus on two perspectives: organisational structures conducive to knowledge acquisition from networks and collaboration outcomes like co-patenting. My research seeks to determine whether there is a relationship between network structure (organisational location within the network) and knowledge absorption from the network.
My investigation will analyse the network formed by the 6th Framework Programme Aerospace. This will involve
i) network analysis to map the network structure and
ii) a survey to measure knowledge absorption from the network by each organisation. Linking these two results will allow me to explore the relationship between network structure and knowledge integration. The research findings will be available by summer.
For more information, please email Jaap Veldkamp.