Firms strive hard to achieve a high degree of efficiency on the production frontier, and it is where they compete to excel with their competitors. It is observed from previous studies that standardizing some policies and developing strategies could bring efficiency in production of manufacturing firms. New approaches to the measurement of productive efficiencies are being developed, and analysis of the subject is growing exponentially, since firms are now more concerned about the productivity frontier, besides others. This paper analyzes the (...) necessary factors that contribute to the productive efficiency of an organization. A simple model of production function is constructed to understand its essence and thus contributes to the development of a new ratio that defines productive efficiency in terms of maximization of the efficiency factor that is a common issue in industrial and manufacturing organizations. (shrink)

In this paper, we discuss about what and how of data science and data analysis: i.e., the approach and the mechanism that analysts employ while working with data. A Philosophical approach to analysis of data and data science has been undertaken those peeks into the conceptual world of aspects of the epistemology of data science. The paper also highlights the role played by analysts, tools, and specialized techniques that analysts employ in data science to derive insights from data. The discussion (...) demonstrates the complexities associated with data science, and by what mechanism and how organizations and businesses draw insights that constitute the real value of data, and that which lay hidden deep within datasets constituting as a form of resource and asset for the organizations. (shrink)

This paper is an attempt to understand how social knowledge affects human economic decision making. The paper discusses the nature of social knowledge in today’s context with special reference to how social knowledge influences consumers’ sentiments and their economic decisions. Social networks are being continuously flooded with various kinds of information and disinformation. Some of the information becomes knowledge for social network users who browse various kinds of content that are either entertaining or related to products and marketing. Although reliability (...) remains a critical issue regarding online information from social networks, it, however, provides some knowledge about diverse things, goods, and products being in use in different societies around the world. Some products advertised on social networks like Facebook may affect consumer decisions or provide information about new products. This paper presents a formal discussion on what social knowledge is and how it is originated, and what use it might have for such consumers. The paper designs a simplistic mathematical model for a theoretical understanding of the assumption that has practical implications regarding its utility in society. It is found that social networks generate enough social information that can influence user choice and preferences. The study has implications for both the users and the developers of social networking sites. (shrink)

For this study, we have considered Facebook Marketplace (FBM) to understand how knowledge from the social networking world affects consumer choice and behavior, ie, users' economic decisions.[...] the FBM could be considered as a digital socioeconomic system where availability of digital trace data from user interactions would enable studies of population-level human interactions (Sundararajan et al., 2013).

The paper proposes the design approach as a blueprint for building a sentient artificial agent capable of exhibiting humanlike attributions of consciousness. The paper also considers whether if such an artificial agent is ever built, how it will be indistinguishable from a human being? Well, it is glowingly evident that the evolution of artificial intelligence is guided by us, humans, whose own mental evolution have been shaped by the passing years in the course of the phenomenology of adaptation and survival (...) (Darwinian). Yet, the evolution of synthetic minds powered by artificial cognition seems to be quite fast. Yes, the artificial mind in robots, if we accept the analogy 'mind' in its fullest sense, that day is not very far when the mental embodiment of consciousness in machines would become reality. But prior to such a feat becoming reality, rhetoric debates have been taking shape as of, how to decode and cipher consciousness in machines, a phenomenon considered as often as 'nonentity', then, what would be the true essence of such an artificial consciousness? This paper discusses these aspects and attempts to throw some new light on the design and developmental aspects of artificial consciousness. (shrink)

Public Libraries (PLs) continue to contribute a great deal to user education in local communities. This paper analyzes the importance of PLs in driving community literacy through promotion of user education for the progressive improvement of the society. The paper stresses the relevance and value of PLs by reassessing the benefits they accrue by analyzing the impact of PLs on community and social education. As indigenous knowledge repositories, PLs play a significant role as community information service providers by driving community (...) literacy. The goal of this paper is to analyze the role played by PLs in driving community education and promoting information literacy in the society. PLs, being storehouses of knowledge, support user education by undertaking active part in community information services. The model helps in explaining and analyzing the efficiency of information search and retrieval process in PLs and how it affects user education and community literacy. The paper also discusses the relevance and value of PLs in this age of digital technology. The findings reinforce the claim that PLs are relevant even in this digital age, and they indeed support user education for the progressive improvement of the society. (shrink)

The significance of and the role played by Knowledge Management (KM) is ever increasing in today's business and organizational decision-making environment. This paper attempts to underline the importance of organizing knowledge not for its own sake, but for its efficient use in organizational decision making. The tremendous explosion of knowledge resources, both electronic and conventional, within the last few decades calls for an understanding of how knowledge is organized for management of data and information. This is so for the reason (...) that they can be proficiently employed to create value and utility. This also calls for a search for 'relevance' in KM with regard to its situated nature in different contexts within which knowledge is situated, and that which nevertheless indirectly refers to its ontological scaffolding. We have devised two simple mathematical models of reference with regard to the design of the systems mostly intended for organizing knowledge in knowledge organizations for its most efficient utilization. The model specifies several unique scenarios aided by discovery of arguments related to its ontological framework within which knowledge is situated. Several contexts were drawn to draw inferences from the research study. The results bear relevance to knowledge managers who make important decisions for realization of organizational goals and objectives. (shrink)

Inequality is an effect of much concern for economists and policy makers. Inequality gives rise to poverty, a phenomenon still troubling the world economy, characterized by a gap wherein the standard deviation between the rich and the poor is too high. Various factors are attributed to the growing inequality, but one which is often overlooked is misallocation of knowledge resources. In this paper, we reinforce the concept of knowledge as being a capital resource. Following this, by using a simple model, (...) we attempt to explain inequality borne out of its heterogeneous allocation and its discrete nature of distribution as a capital resource. The effect being that, lack of access to quality education for those who need it most creates a phenomenon which we call Knowledge Resource Inequality (KRI). (shrink)

The primary goal of this research is to search for relevance in social knowledge with respect to the role played by social information in economic modeling. Social information is derived from social processes. We attempt to explore how social concepts and principles find applications in science of economics and how they could be used more efficiently to model the behavior of economic agents. In attempting to do so, we try to elucidate what social knowledge is and what constitutes the body (...) of social information per se. With the growing importance of digital knowledge and information in the society, our analysis sheds light on the role played by social elements in economic theory and modeling that furnishes important data and information about various social processes which can no longer be ignored, despite the preponderance of scientific and technical knowledge in the society. We review, from the point of view of Kenneth Arrow's perception of social knowledge, how knowledge of social processes could be employed more efficiently in economic modeling in dealing with practical economic problems that have much relevance to economic processes. This research takes an aim at that direction by elucidating the concept of social knowledge in its present context--the digital age--with the aim of advancing knowledge in this field. Finally, the study also provides general knowledge about the subject of social knowledge in the context of economic growth. (shrink)

This research is an exploration into the realms of epistemology and philosophy of data science and data analysis. It introduces the conceptual aspects of data analysis in data science research. We describe the philosophical implications of data analysis and the role that epistemology and the expertise of analysts play in analysing data, big or small. The process of data analysis is a complex job as it involves advanced statistical tools that play a crucial role in deciphering what the data tells. (...) It also perceives the value of data analysis as a knowledge resource and wealth for organizations that are in the business of data analytics. (shrink)

The knowledge that organizations possess, produce, and acquire adds to their strategic competency and intelligence. Organizations develop intelligence from practice and learning by doing. There is a definite relationship that exists between organizational learning and productivity that contributes to the development of organizational intelligence. Organizational intelligence is of difference kinds, but almost all of them develop from organizational actions and learning that includes but are not restricted to gaining market information, consumer interactions, business communications, creating new products and services, managing (...) actions, solving emerging problems, etc. Intelligence is the ability to comprehend things or immediate situations and act rationally and according to what the situation demands. In this paper, we examine on what respect organizational intelligence positively relates to organizational competency, and how intelligence help develop strategic competency which adds to their advantage and makes them more robust. We find using a theoretical model that the development of organizational intelligence confers competitive strength to an organization, and contributes to the overall development of higher productivity and organizational competence. (shrink)

Traditionally, learning organizations face certain constraints related to both exogenous and endogenous factors. This paper models three well-established constraints that employees face while being part of their organizations. One is an explicit constraint on their natural behavior, and two implicit constraints on their endeavor to acquire new knowledge and perform new actions. The implicit constraints, which are elaborated, are related to their relative performance in acquiring new knowledge and by their consecutive actions based on the new knowledge gained. Therefore, this (...) paper attempts to underline such limitations which the agents face under organizational culture and suggest possible strategic initiatives that would effectively counteract such binding limitations to stimulate positive performances from their end. (shrink)

Practice of knowledge management is often characterized by obstacles to creation, distribution, and transfer of knowledge from specific groups of settings. Obstacles or constraints to attempts to constitute knowledge as an organizational resource have been previously dealt within the context of organizational learning perspectives; however, there still remain barriers toward making learning available and all-pervasive throughout organizations. This is often as a result of two important factors: (i) bureaucratic and hierarchical forms of organization; and (ii) owing to the situated and (...) tacit character of knowledge. This paper is a result of theoretical exploration aimed at addressing these core issues, and proposes solutions to manage constraints and remove obstacles to knowledge management, as well as means to codify the tacit character of knowledge. The research offers a view that although it is reasonable to value knowledge in financial or economic terms, it is also important to consider the problems which make it difficult to extract and transfer knowledge within specific organizational settings. Addressing the issue of rising competitive pressure for innovation, this paper proposes several solutions to enable lateral flows of knowledge-sharing by overcoming the factors that affect acquisition of, and creation and distribution of knowledge across fluid social boundaries. (shrink)

This paper addresses the foundational aspects of the theory of Gen inertia. We attempt to emphasize the cognitive factors that accounts for learning inertia in organizations, and that which prevents employees from generating and absorbing new knowledge. The novel concept of Gen inertia helps us to understand the causes behind inertia in learning among the knowledge workers under organizational settings. This concept of 'Gen inertia' is distinct from the pre-existing concept of organizational knowledge inertia. In this paper, we attempt to (...) identify and underline the factors that act as impediments to effective organizational learning processes. It deals with the existing causes that are responsible for knowledge (learning) inertia in knowledge organizations. We model several scenarios that presumably act as constraints, and therefore, they help us to uncover the existing barriers and obstacles to effective knowledge acquisition. The model assists us to build a system aimed to aid managers and trainers to recognize the underlying causes, which supposedly interferes with employees' learning curve, both in the short run and in the long run. Finally, the research aims to identify and overcome the nature of constraints that employees face while being part of a learning organization. Because it demands proficient handling of new knowledge, and because knowledge organizations subsist on the expertise of the knowledge workers, it is much relevant for the organizations to understand the existing problems that the knowledge workers face so as to enable them to compete with others in the market for knowledge resources. The present paper addresses all these issues and advocates several solutions to identify and then overcome the constraints and barriers to effective learning under organizational cluster settings. (shrink)

Workforce education forms one of the core aspects of organizational learning which aims for performance as well as efficiency. Learning is goal-oriented in business organizations. Organizations' activities are highly-oriented towards customer satisfaction. Organizations learn from practice and delivery of services to meet consumer needs and necessities. Perfection, efficiency and smart practices define today's multinational organizational culture. But how do the multinational organizations achieve such perfections in their business operations? This paper addresses this issue by linking teleological aspects of learning and (...) practice to performance, adoption of routines, and learning-induced adaptation in order to explain how they achieve "perfection" in practice and operations. Further, the paper attempts to study a particular aspect of organizational (teleological perfectionism) process by modeling scenarios which define goal oriented organizational learning and adaptation, and underpins how such teleological processes effectively benefit organizations in the long run. Conclusions drawn up from an example being modeled in this paper suggest that teleology, or teleological dynamics play significant role in shaping today's organizations and help explain some (or high) degree of perfectionism in their operations. (shrink)

According to the axiomatic foundations of social choice theory, not all decisions benefit everyone. Often, decisions that do not have any implied benefit for the decision maker are made in the (best) interests of others. When a decision is made concerning welfare of others, some individuals—including the decision maker, may be on the receiving end. For, it is impossible to make social decisions by taking into account individual preferences that satisfy all and everyone. This is on account of a great (...) variety in individual choices and preferences ubiquitous among different individuals. Tastes vary among different people—so does individual preferences, and that’s natural. Conflict of interests arises due to subtle variances in individual preferences. In this paper, we discuss about the decision choice that seldom works for every conceivable set of individual preferences. Following Arrovian precepts, it is impossible to satisfy one and all, for there remains a great diversity in individual preferences that result in the problem of choice. Hence, in this research, we develop a taste-based theory of social choice that attempts to address the problem of choice by helping individuals choose the best and the most effective and optimal option among a given set of alternatives that’s assumed to be rational. (shrink)

In this paper, it is about the axiomatic basis of rational choice theory - the theory that is behind making rational choice and decisions. To make rational choices, we would require thinking rationally and understanding the reason and logic behind what makes a choice rational, and how we need to choose rationally. Decisions are made under various circumstances, i.e., under risk, and often under compulsion. In social choice theory, decisions are made by different types of decision making entities, i.e., committees, (...) groups, individuals and collective judgments by various types of organizations, etc. This paper highlights these issues and addresses the fundamental tenets of making rational choices by examining and following the previous workings of experts on this field. As such, it introduces a novel concept and the idea of Social Choice Rationality in choosing what’s rational. (shrink)

Knowledge is a productive resource having successful applications in almost every field and domain of human activities. With unprecedented growth in knowledge resources and explosion in data, such informative resources need effective organization for storage and efficient retrieval for future uses. The entire process involving organization, storage, and dissemination of knowledge falls under the auspices of knowledge management. Thus, Knowledge Management is an organizational practice. In this research paper, we provide a general outline of some of the tools and technologies (...) deployed in managing knowledge across organizations. -/- We believe that the practice of knowledge management - though considered to be a process - it is also a "method" by which organizations are able to management their knowledge and human resources. On this regard, this paper contributes to our further understanding of what organizational knowledge is, and how they should be proficiently managed that would contribute to organizational success. (shrink)

The primary theme of this book is related to library and information science. The book is arranged into several chapters related to specific issues in knowledge organization and information dissemination. Library and Information science is a rapidly growing specialized field which is currently demanding ever more attention due to tremendous growth in data, information, and knowledge across the world. Therefore, to cater the growing need of library science professionals, and increasing demand for knowledge resources, this book has been compiled from (...) the research works undertaken independently and jointly by the authors containing several chapters dedicated to various aspects of LIS. Although most of the chapters have appeared as working papers in pre-print versions available in various public repositories which could be accessed via the internet, the authors have painstakingly undertook the effort to compile their works together in a formidable format for ready reference to current developments in the LIS profession. Some of the chapters have been thoroughly revised and reedited to give a fresh look to the theme and topics under discussion. (shrink)

Although the paradigm of problems and their solutions are vastly diverse in business organizations, yet this paper focuses on two specific but important issues relating employee empowerment to their efficiency that are tied to higher attrition rates in some companies that are of much concern to senior managements. The causes are modelled and explained. The causes often relate to faulty and inadequate employee empowerment and motivation systems in place. This paper attempts to address two unique problems associated with workforce learning (...) and organizational empowerment that could be solved using knowledge management approaches. These are: i. What causes high attrition and reduced performance? ii. What changes in organizational learning structures should be implemented to address these problems? A mathematical model has been designed based on which axiomatic inferences have been derived to explain the problems and seek strategic solutions for the same. Our findings suggest that organizations must do more to support and promote employee empowerment by looking categorically into the problem issues that affect overall organizational efficiency. We hope our model successfully helps to elucidate the problem explained insofar in this research by addressing the core issues that define such problem statements. Organizations should strive to develop strategic tools to handle problems of employee attrition that are often the result of lack of oversight, and implementation of poorly executed strategies. (shrink)