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One of the key functions of verbal text in modern advertising is to anchor (i.e. constrain) the meaning of the accompanying image, thereby leading the audience toward a preferred interpretation. However, despite the importance of verbal anchoring, there is limited understanding of the various forms it can take and the related effects on audience responses. To address this gap, we propose a new typology that distinguishes verbal anchoring based on the underlying sense-giving strategy and degree of completeness. We then delineate a set of empirically testable predictions on how these verbal anchoring types may influence information processing and subsequent persuasion. The article concludes by discussing the contributions of the typology to communication research and by suggesting new avenues for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PowerPoint is a dominant communication tool in business and education. It allows for creating professional-looking presentations easily, but without understanding its constraining qualities it can be used inappropriately. Therefore we conducted a systematic literature review structuring the literature on PowerPoint in three chronological phases ("Early Criticism," "Heated Debate," and "Scientific Take-Off") and identifying 18 constraining qualities classified into three categories: cognitive, emotional, and social. This article provides implications for educators' and practitioners' use (and nonuse) of PowerPoint through synthesis and description of such constraining qualities. Directions for future research are developed by identifying theoretical gaps in literature on PowerPoint.

A study was conducted to present a discussion on the role of face-to-face conversations for social knowledge processes and sense making in organizations. A management framework is proposed in order to refine and systemize the discussion on the multitude of conversation rules. Future directions for research are also presented.

We introduce a method in which instant data visualization facilitates real-time data integration and involves participants in data interpretation. The results of quantitative research (e.g., electronic card sorting) are represented visually (e.g., in a dendrogram) and fed back to research participants in follow-up focus group conversations. The visualized quantitative results are reviewed and discussed by participants. The visual display of the quantitative results is annotated with qualitative feedback generated by participants that explains, enriches, or challenges the quantitative results. We apply our method in a card sorting study of Fédération Internationale de Football Association's (FIFA) stakeholders. An approach that facilitates real-time data integration that is participant driven and visually supported is the unique contribution of this article to mixed methods research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public communication campaigns aim to create social change by influencing audiences' behaviors and thus help nonprofit organizations fulfill their mission. These campaigns, however, often fail to deliver their anticipated impact. Using public relations research as a theoretical lens, this paper's contribution is twofold: first, we develop a typology that classifies the different communication approaches used in public communication campaigns. Based on one of the most prominent public relations theories, the Four Models of Public Relations, we differentiate communication approaches along the dimensions of communication purpose and communication style. Combining these two dimensions in a typology, we identify the following communication approaches: directing, platforming, mobilizing, and involving. We provide numerous real‐life examples of public campaigns for each one. Second, we formulate propositions about these communication approaches' effectiveness relying on a key concept of public relations research: namely, audience segmentation. Using the transtheoretical model, we show that audiences can be segmented along five "stages of readiness to adopt a promoted behavior." Conceptualizing behavior change as an iterative, dynamic process that entails stage progresses as well as backdrops, we derive how audiences' "stage of readiness" relates to the effectiveness of the identified communication approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we propose an innovative mixed methods research (MMR) technique and discuss its theory and applications. The visual replay methodology (VRM) is a new graphic way to investigate the discourse patterns during software-aided small group discussions. A visually supported conversation is recorded through screen capturing and replayed to reconstruct how the discussion has unfolded. The VRM responds to the "integration challenge" that the MMR community is facing—by employing the power of visualization, data integration is leveraged to a new level, where visual synergy gains enable a "value-added" research outcome. By employing multigenre integration and a moderately pragmatic approach, the VRM reduces the researcher–subject power-relation gap and contributes to some long-standing MMR debates regarding reflexivity and participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the collaborative use of visual argument maps in the context of argument production in organizations. Argument maps are highly multimodal, as their use involves the combination of diagrams, text elements, as well as spoken statements. In this theoretical piece, we apply a Collaborative Dimensions framework to argument maps that can be used to better design, understand, evaluate, and use argument maps in collaborative settings for decision making purposes. Specifically, our conceptual framework - derived from interdisciplinary perspectives - takes into consideration how the visual dimensions of argument maps have a bearing on the social interactions of people involved in a complex argumentation process. We posit that cognitive dimensions of argument maps need to be enriched with additional communicative and collaborative dimensions in order to foster a more widespread adoption of argument mapping in organizational decision making. In our socio-visual approach to argument mapping, we thus distinguish the following seven dimensions: Visual Insight, Outcome Clarity, Directed Focus, Perceived Finishedness, Visual Appeal, Content Modifiability, and Collaboration Support. We illustrate the use of the framework as an evaluation tool and analyze three different approaches to argument mapping with the help of the seven dimensions. In this way, the framework can be used to improve collaborative argument mapping. Our contribution thus lies in proposing an interdisciplinary and theoretically grounded set of factors to augment the quality of argument maps, both from a process and a results perspective. In this manner we hope to contribute to the theory of argumentation through the rich notion of "collaborative dimensions," as well as further the practice of collaborative argument production through a more reflective and systematic use of interactive argument visualization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to study hybrid knowledge visualization in police crime fighting and military operations. Making effective and timely use of all available, relevant knowledge is a major requirement for today’s police officers who strive to fight organized crime or resolve complex criminal acts under time pressure. As they share this knowledge integration challenge with many management contexts, the authors have examined the knowledge visualization practices of a leading regional police force (and of a military unit) to derive insights for corporate knowledge management. Design/methodology/approach – To examine the knowledge visualization practices of a leading regional police force, the authors have conducted on-site observations, focus groups and interviews, as well as site, document, tool and software analyses within the police headquarters. Findings – As one main result of their empirical investigation, the authors find that the police force’s practice of hybrid (i.e. digital and physical) knowledge visualization offers a useful strategy for corporate knowledge management as well. They also show how organizations can apply this dual approach to making knowledge visible, i.e. using sophisticated visualization software in combination with hands-on physical and permanently visible knowledge boards. Originality/value – They discuss how these two modalities can be combined to improve knowledge management and how this hybrid practice can be understood theoretically through the lens of boundary object theory. With this regard, this article also extends the boundary object theory by identifying nine dynamic qualities of collaborative visualizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to argue for the reflective use of visual techniques in qualitative inter-viewing and suggests using visuals not only as projective techniques to elicit answers, but also as facilitation techniques throughout the interview process. Design/methodology/approach – By reflecting on their own research projects in organization and management studies, the authors develop a practical approach to visual interviewing – making use of both projective and facilitation techniques. The paper concludes by discussing the limitations of visualization techniques, and suggesting directions for future research on visually enhanced interviewing. Findings – The integration of projective and facilitation techniques enables the interviewer to build rapport with the respondent(s), and to elicit deeper answers by providing cognitive stimulation. In the course of the interview, such an integrative approach brings along further advantages, most notably focusing attention, maintaining interaction, and fostering the co-construction of knowledge between the interviewer and the interviewee(s). Originality/value – This paper is reflective of what is currently occurring in the field of qualitative interviewing, and presents a practical approach for the integration of visual projection and facilitation in qualitative interviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generating 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper aims to shed light on the specificity of branding approaches for young companies for the reason that branding is a crucial activity for the survival and success of a newly established firm as it facilitates finding and maintain customers. Design/methodology/approach - Adopting a case study methodology, mainly through in-depth interviews with CEOs and communication managers, 15 of the largest and most successful start-up companies of Switzerland were analyzed. Findings - The paper establishes an overview on the current practices and rational of the brand building activities choices, and on the emblematic pitfalls regarding branding of new ventures. It suggests that young companies should not be forced to compare their branding strategies to multinational firms and proposes a framework and key guidelines for start-up branding. Research limitations/implications - Given that this study focuses specifically on Switzerland, the findings might not be fully applicable to different economic situations. Nevertheless analyzing the biggest start-ups of a single country allows salient comparisons of the approaches towards branding within the same environment. Practical implications - The proposed framework and guidelines can be relevant for future entrepreneurs and brand consultants, to orient and better motivate their decisions toward branding creations and development for new and young ventures. Originality/value - This research investigates branding issues that are specific for newly created companies, in order to support them in making informed decisions on branding activities, a crucial activity for the survival of start-ups, given their lack of resources and fundamental need to find and maintain clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A great corpus of studies reports empirical evidence of how information visualization supports comprehension and analysis of data. The benefits of visualization for synchronous group knowledge work, however, have not been addressed extensively. Anecdotal evidence and use cases illustrate the benefits of synchronous collaborative information visualization, but very few empirical studies have rigorously examined the impact of visualization on group knowledge work. We have consequently designed and conducted an experiment in which we have analyzed the impact of visualization on knowledge sharing in situated work groups. Our experimental study consists of evaluating the performance of 131 subjects (all experienced managers) in groups of 5 (for a total of 26 groups), working together on a real-life knowledge sharing task. We compare (1) the control condition (no visualization provided), with two visualization supports: (2) optimal and (3) suboptimal visualization (based on a previous survey). The facilitator of each group was asked to populate the provided interactive visual template with insights from the group, and to organize the contributions according to the group consensus. We have evaluated the results through both objective and subjective measures. Our statistical analysis clearly shows that interactive visualization has a statistically significant, objective and positive impact on the outcomes of knowledge sharing, but that the subjects seem not to be aware of this. In particular, groups supported by visualization achieved higher productivity, higher quality of outcome and greater knowledge gains. No statistically significant results could be found between an optimal and a suboptimal visualization though (as classified by the pre-experiment survey). Subjects also did not seem to be aware of the benefits that the visualizations provided as no difference between the visualization and the control conditions was found for the self-reported measures of satisfaction and participation. An implication of our study for information visualization applications is to extend them by using real-time group annotation functionalities that aid in the group sense making process of the represented data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A table is presented that lists the courses in managerial communication offered by universities around the world to their undergraduate and graduate students, compiled in November 2008.

This paper discusses pragmatic ways of classifying knowledge maps to give an overview of their application contexts and formats. In the paper, we show where and how the term knowledge map has been previously used and what criteria must be met in a sound and useful knowledge map classification that can support knowledge management processes. Various classification principles are presented and discussed. A table then matches map formats to knowledge management purposes and knowledge-related contents in order to serve as a selection and organizing framework. Examples of some of the main types of knowledge maps are presented to illustrate the varieties of knowledge mapping present in the classification. The paper concludes by discussing its limitations and future research questions in the area of knowledge mapping. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on the visual-literacy.org e-learning program funded by the Swiss Virtual Campus. The sections of the program include general learning resources, basic modules, application modules and exploration modules. A key feature of the program is its peer-based learning approach. The VizHall collaborative sharing and rating application was developed to facilitate lateral learning process.

In this article we examine the difficulties of knowledge communication among experts and decision makers. We begin by outlining where and how the communication of expertise from specialists to managers is crucial. We then review theoretical constructs that highlight knowledge transfer problems among experts and decision makers. On the basis of this review and using the results from six focus groups and thirty interviews with engineers and managers, we categorise these transfer challenges into five major groups. We distinguish among expert- and manager-caused problems, reciprocal problems, problems due to the interaction situation and problems caused by the organisational context. These categories can be used to guide research on the micro-aspects of knowledge transfer. Managers can use these problem categories to identify and reduce knowledge transfer barriers in their interaction with specialists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to explore the potential of visualization for corporate knowledge management.Design/methodology/approach – The employed methodology consists of a taxonomy of visualization formats that are embedded in a conceptual framework to guide the application of visualization in knowledge management according to the type of knowledge that is visualized, the knowledge management objective, the target group, and the application situation. This conceptual framework is illustrated through real-life examples.Findings – The findings show that there is much room for knowledge management applications based on visualization beyond the mere referencing of experts or documents through knowledge maps.Research limitations/implications – The research implications thus consist of experimenting actively with new forms of visual knowledge representation and evaluating their benefits or potential drawbacks rigorously.Practical implications – The authors encourage managers to look beyond simple diagrammatic representations of knowledge and explore alternative visual languages, such as visual metaphors or graphic narratives.Originality/value – This paper consists of two elements: first, the systematic, descriptive and prescriptive approach towards visualization in knowledge management, and second the innovative examples of how to harness the power of visualization in knowledge management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes two areas of research in the field of communication within the context of organizations: corporate communication and knowledge communication. In the first part of the article it is argued that there is a clear distinction between strategic and tactical communication and it is shown that very often these two domains are confused. Then the theoretical backgrounds of each domain are discussed. The second part of the article introduces knowledge communication as an instrumental activity for effective organizational action in today's business environment. Several examples of business constellations in which knowledge communication is crucial are offered. A definition is proposed as well as a description of the different modes of knowledge communication. In order to understand what happens in the 'black-box' of knowledge communication, the problems characterizing communication between experts and decision makers are presented. In discussing the conceptual and theoretical background of the two fields, links to other disciplines are made -- e.g. sociology, organizational sciences, cognitive and behavioral psychology and engineering sciences --, highlighting the multidisciplinary approach that characterizes corporate communication and knowledge communication. In the conclusion it is claimed that both fields contribute to the strategy development processes and that concepts in knowledge communication provide useful insights to the field of corporate communication, both on the strategic and tactical levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reviews some of the reasons that make information quality a highly relevant research topic for communication sciences and related disciplines. Distinction of information quality from data quality; Impact of the advances in information technology on information quality; Regulations and law related to information quality.

Argues that product, service and corporate brands are about to be extended by one other type of brand which is the knowledge brand. Characteristics of knowledge in the branding context; Relationship between knowledge brands and corporate brands; Functions of a knowledge brand; Description of the four Ts framework of branding concept.

The internationalization of specialized healthcare emphasizes multiculturalism, requiring adaptable hospital spaces. Sant Joan de Déu (SJD), a leading pediatric hospital managed by a Christian order, has created a multifaith room for prayer and meditation in the main lobby of the Pediatric Cancer Center Barcelona (PCCB). This manuscript presents an unpublished case study, showing the research conducted for the design of the multireligious room and the process of its construction. The methodology includes a bibliographic review, architectural analysis of three meditation spaces, and in-depth interviews with stakeholders. This project highlights SJD's commitment to blending care and design, emphasizing the humanization of hospital spaces. The triad of religion, public space, and society makes more sense here than ever before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies the impact of business modernization on the sales performance of traditional retailers in an emerging market. The authors define modernization as the adoption of physical structures and tangible practices of organized retail chains (e.g., exterior signage with store name and logo, a database to record product-level information). To address this research question, they implement a randomized field experiment in Mexico City with 1,148 retailers. The sample is randomized as follows: 385 firms are externally modernized in ways that are visible to customers, 383 firms are internally modernized in ways that are not visible to customers, and 380 firms form a control group. The authors find a significant and persistent main effect of modernization on sales. Firms in both treatment groups increase monthly sales by 15%–19% 24 months after study recruitment. In terms of novel mechanism evidence, externally modernized firms improve their store-level branding, while internally modernized firms strengthen their product management. This article also provides an exploratory analysis to guide policy makers, managerial stakeholders, and retailers on how to modernize for the highest returns. This analysis suggests that it is most useful to modernize a firm's exterior appearance, customer engagement methods, demand analysis, and stock-ordering processes. Finally, the largest improvements come from the initial few modernizing changes, after which returns are diminishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout its history, Operational Research has evolved to include methods, models and algorithms that have been applied to a wide range of contexts. This encyclopedic article consists of two main sections: methods and applications. The first summarises the up-to-date knowledge and provides an overview of the state-of-the-art methods and key developments in the various subdomains of the field. The second offers a wide-ranging list of areas where Operational Research has been applied. The article is meant to be read in a nonlinear fashion and used as a point of reference by a diverse pool of readers: academics, researchers, students, and practitioners. The entries within the methods and applications sections are presented in alphabetical order. The authors dedicate this paper to the 2023 Turkey/Syria earthquake victims. We sincerely hope that advances in OR will play a role towards minimising the pain and suffering caused by this and future catastrophes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A preface for the November 2008 issue of the periodical "Studies in Communication Sciences" is presented.

The article offers reflections on the retirement of professor Beat Schmid from the University of Saint Gallen in Switzerland.

The article discusses various papers published within the November 2007 issue of "Studies in Communication Sciences"