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Martin Eppler
Title
Prof. Dr.
Last Name
Eppler
First name
Martin
Email
martin.eppler@unisg.ch
Phone
+41 71 224 2297
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PublicationDoes method matter? : An experiment on collaborative business model idea generation in teamsThe development of new business models presents a critical and demanding task for organizations. Among other things, the task requires effective divergent and convergent group processes. A growing body of theoretical literature and empirical evidence shows that artifacts can support collaboration, creativity, and innovation in groups. Such artifacts include visual templates, physical objects, and sketches. Based on existing theories on idea generation and boundary objects, this proposal explains how artifacts can facilitate the development of new business model ideas in teams. Specifically, this paper hypothesizes that artifacts have an impact on perceived group collaboration, perceived creativity, and the decision to adopt a new business model idea. The model was tested with an initial experimental study with managers who were asked to develop innovative business models for a daily newspaper, working under one of three different conditions. The subjects worked in groups and were assigned to either: (1) an empty PowerPoint slide (control group); (2) physical objects combined with sketching; or (3) a visual business model template in a software environment. The results of this pilot study indicate that using a digital visual business model template significantly increases perceived collaboration and actually decreases perceived creativity and the willingness to adopt the business model idea generated. Physical objects combined with sketching do not yield results distinct from the control condition of filling out an empty slide. These results provide initial empirical evidence that artifacts have the power to shape the group process of developing new business models, and that the proposed model can capture relevant dimensions of how they affect such a process.Type: journal articleJournal: Innovation: Management, Policy & PracticeVolume: 14Issue: 3
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PublicationDoes method matter? An experiment on collaborative business model idea generation in teamsThe development of new business models presents a critical and demanding task for organizations. Among other things, the task requires effective divergent and convergent group processes. A growing body of theoretical literature and empirical evidence shows that artifacts can support collaboration, creativity, and innovation in groups. Such artifacts include visual templates, physical objects, and sketches. Based on existing theories on idea generation and boundary objects, this proposal explains how artifacts can facilitate the development of new business model ideas in teams. Specifically, this paper hypothesizes that artifacts have an impact on perceived group collaboration, perceived creativity, and the decision to adopt a new business model idea. The model was tested with an initial experimental study with managers who were asked to develop innovative business models for a daily newspaper, working under one of three different conditions. The subjects worked in groups and were assigned to either: (1) an empty PowerPoint slide (control group); (2) physical objects combined with sketching; or (3) a visual business model template in a software environment. The results of this pilot study indicate that using a digital visual business model template significantly increases perceived collaboration and actually decreases perceived creativity and the willingness to adopt the business model idea generated. Physical objects combined with sketching do not yield results distinct from the control condition of filling out an empty slide. These results provide initial empirical evidence that artifacts have the power to shape the group process of developing new business models, and that the proposed model can capture relevant dimensions of how they affect such a process.Type: journal articleJournal: Innovation: Management, policy & practiceVolume: 14Issue: 3
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PublicationNew Business Models Through Collaborative Idea GenerationGenerating novel and sustainable business model ideas is a crucial yet challenging innovation task. A growing body of literature shows that artefacts, such as visual templates, objects and sketches, can enhance team collaboration and creativity in innovation activities. Drawing on literature from diverse fields we propose a model that aims to explain how artefacts can affect the team processes in developing new business model ideas, positing that they have an impact on creativity and collaboration. We report the results of an illustrative experimental study comparing the team processes of managers working on a business model innovation task. Teams were supported by different types of artefacts (a business model template; physical objects with sketching; or PowerPoint). The results indicate that using the template significantly increases perceived collaboration and decreases perceived creativity, hence showing that artefacts can have the power to shape team work for innovation tasks.Type: journal articleJournal: International Journal of Innovation ManagementVolume: 15Issue: 6
Scopus© Citations 116 -
PublicationType: journal articleJournal: IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer GraphicsVolume: 15Issue: 6
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PublicationNavicons for collaboration: Navigating and augmenting discussions through visual annotations(IEEE Computer Society, 2015-07-23)
Scopus© Citations 5 -
PublicationSketching at Work : a guide to visual problem solving and communication for managers, consultants, sales professionals, trainers and facilitatorsSketching at Work is a concise guide to useful and flexible sketching (or hand drawing) techniques for different professional contexts. These ad-hoc diagrams or visual metaphors can be drawn individually or in groups on a flipchart, piece of paper, poster, or through Tablet PCs or interactive whiteboards. They help to clarify issues, guide discussions, organize information, facilitate planning and analysis, or simply communicate in a more engaging and memorable way. In this guide, you will learn how to use sketching when: - conducting a meeting - coordinating a project team - selling a product or service - analyzing a problem - negotiating a contract - improving a business process - planning a project, task or event - and many other contexts.Type: book