bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The origin and conservation of self‐consciousness
Authors: Maturana Romesín Humberto 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo reflect on the matter of self‐consciousness.Design/methodology/approachThe purpose is achieved through the process of answering four questions presented to me by Heinz von Foerster in the course of our many conversations.FindingsIt is not possible to understand the nature of self‐consciousness without understanding the operation of human beings as living systems that exist as emotional languaging living systems: self‐consciousness is a manner of living.Practical implicationsWe human beings can become more aware of our responsibility in the design of robots that imitate us.Originality/valueReflects on what makes us humans special, on subjective experience, and on the world we bring forth.
Inside embodiment – what means embodiment to radical constructivists?
Authors: Porr Bernd , Wörgötter Florentin 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThis work explores the consequences of Heinz von Foerster's claim in the context of linear signal theory, embodiment and the creation of artifacts that the nervous system is operationally closed. It operates only in contact to itself.Design/methodology/approachIn linear signal theory all transfer functions can be directly associated with the neural activity where also the environment is described by neural activity. The phenomenon of embodiment is interpreted from the perspective of the nervous system, thus from the inner perspective. To identify inside and outside an organism must learn to identify the disturbances which are only in the environment. This can be done by anticipatory learning.FindingsQuestions whether the nervous system is able to distinguish between inside and outside. Mathematically stays in the field of linear control theory and tries to give this mathematical formalism a new meaning in the light of radical constructivism. Gives some guidelines how to apply the highly theoretical claims to more practical situations.Originality/valueProvides further evidence of the important contribution to the theory of constructivism made by Heinz von Foerster.
Cybernetics and embodied cognition: on the construction of realities in organisms and robots
Authors: Ziemke Tom 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo point out the relevance of Heinz von Foerster's work to modern embodied cognitive science and artifical intelligence research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper discusses (a) von Foerster's contributions to understanding the limitations of the computer metaphor which has long dominated cognitive science, and (b) his theories concerning how reality is constructed in organizationally closed organisms, and what the underlying neural mechanisms are. The latter is exemplified with a simple neuro‐robotic model that illustrates the constructive and anticipatory nature of memory.Findingsvon Foerster's work on the integration of a radical constructivest philosophy of knowledge construction with models of the underlying neurophysiological and sensorimotor mechanisms is still highly relevant to the understanding of embodied cognition and robotic models thereof.Originality/valueThis paper identifies conceptual contributions that von Foerster's constructivist cybernetics can make to cognitive science's still limited understanding of the embodiment of cognition and “representation”.
EigenForm
Authors: Kauffman Louis H. 
Published: March 2005

PurposeDiscusses the notion of eigenform as explicated by Heinz von Foerster wherein an object is seen to be a token for those behaviors that lend the object its apparent stability in a changing world.Design/methodology/approachDescribes von Foerster's model for eigenforms and recursions and puts this model in the context of mathematical recursions, fractals, set theory, logic, quantum mechanics, the lambda calculus of Church and Curry, and the categorical framework of fixed points of Lawvere.FindingsDetermines that iterating a transformation upon itself is seen to be a key to understanding the nature of objects and the relationship of an observer and the apparent world of the observer.Originality/valueContemplates the concept of recursion in the context of second‐order cybernetics.
A theory of concepts and their combinations I
Authors: Aerts Diederik , Gabora Liane 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo elaborate a theory for modeling concepts that incorporates how a context influences the typicality of a single exemplar and the applicability of a single property of a concept. To investigate the structure of the sets of contexts and properties.Design/methodology/approachThe effect of context on the typicality of an exemplar and the applicability of a property is accounted for by introducing the notion of “state of a concept”, and making use of the state‐context‐property formalism (SCOP), a generalization of the quantum formalism, whose basic notions are states, contexts and properties.FindingsThe paper proves that the set of context and the set of properties of a concept is a complete orthocomplemented lattice, i.e. a set with a partial order relation, such that for each subset there exists a greatest lower bound and a least upper bound, and such that for each element there exists an orthocomplement. This structure describes the “and”, “or”, and “not”, respectively for contexts and properties. It shows that the context lattice as well as the property lattice are non‐classical, i.e. quantum‐like, lattices.Originality/valueAlthough the effect of context on concepts is widely acknowledged, formal mathematical structures of theories that incorporate this effect have not been successful. The study of this formal structure is a preparation for the elaboration of a theory of concepts that allows the description of the combination of concepts.
Self‐organization, knowledge and responsibility
Authors: Fuchs Christian , Hofkirchner Wolfgang 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to consider knowledge production as a social self‐organization process, to clarify ethical implications of such an approach, and to relate it to the thinking of Heinz von Foerster.Design/methodology/approachThe method employed is the one of dialectical constructions, i.e. existing contradicting approaches on knowledge research are identified and classified and a constructive synthesis of these approaches is made.FindingsSince Heinz von Foerster's pioneering work, information‐generating systems are considered to be self‐organizing systems. We see knowledge as only a particular kind of information: it is the manifestation of information in the social realm. Thus, the creation of social information is due to the self‐organization of social systems. Heinz von Foerster has given us some indications of how knowledge and self‐organization could be applied to society. In this paper, we try to sketch a position of our own while taking into consideration Heinz von Foerster's relevant ideas.Practical implicationsThe research results in this paper imply that a knowledge‐based society can only survive if it is designed in a participatory and socially and ecologically sustainable way. Hence a practical implication is that participation and co‐operation need to be advanced in order to guarantee human development.Originality/valueThe innovative aspect of the paper is that it suggests that all social self‐organizing systems are knowledge‐producing systems and that considering knowledge as a co‐operative process implies responsibility for solving the global social problems. It combines knowledge research and systems thinking based on ideas on self‐organization by Heinz von Foerster in order to describe social systems.
Autonomy: starting point and goal of personal and social change
Authors: Schaurhofer Martin , Peschl Markus F. 
Published: March 2005

PurposeEmpowerment describes the processes of how to gain and increase autonomy and self‐determination in one's own environment. Typical examples for empowerment processes can be found in: citizen's initiatives, human rights movements, and other social movements or self help groups. This paper shows that empowerment processes have to be understood as “knowledge processes”. A link between empowerment and the methods of knowledge management will be established. It is inspired by Heinz von Foersters ideas of self‐regulated processes in nervous systems.Design/methodology/approachIn a first step the concept of empowerment will be presented. Secondly, it will be shown which role knowledge is playing in this context. In the last part practical implications of these considerations will be discussed.FindingsThe motivation for engaging in civil society issues is heavily dependent on personal knowledge and on the abilities to access knowledge resources. A constructivist paradigm turns out to be fertile. Discovering one's own strengths, constructing solutions, testing them in the personal context and environment, as well as reflecting these processes are the starting points for developing a constructivist perspective on empowerment processes.Practical implicationsCoaching empowerment processes in a knowledge‐oriented framework can focus on the construction of personal strength, can create space for experimental action and also for reflecting on social and political processes. This provides opportunities for exchange of experiences and fosters second‐order views.Originality/valueH.v.Foerster's concepts on change and autonomy are the foundation for this constructivist approach to empowerment. This could be a helpful approach for supporting affected people in every empowerment process.
What I learned from Heinz von Foerster about the construction of science
Authors: Umpleby Stuart A. 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo report on an empirical study in psycholinguistics that revealed a difference between European and American patterns of thinking and to provide a brief history of a 30‐year effort to modify the philosophy of science in order to make it more suitable as a guide to doing research in the social sciences.Design/methodology/approachAssesses the approach of Heinz von Foerster, who used a deductive approach to science rather than an American empirical approach. Furthermore, von Foerster was willing to modify not only science but also the philosophy of science. By proposing that scientists pay attention to the observer as well as the observed, he added a dimension to the philosophy of science, which affects all disciplines.FindingsProposes an additional dimension that might be added to the philosophy of science. Paying attention to both the observer and the receiving society suggests a communication metaphor rather than the photograph metaphor, which has prevailed in the philosophy of science. Examining the philosophical underpinnings of science rather than just testing or extending an existing theory is a type of inquiry that springs from von Foerster's enthusiasm for tackling interesting problems unimpeded by disciplinary boundaries.Originality/valueAn assessment of the contribution to the multidisciplinary approach to science of von Foerster.
A peaceful coexistence of epistemologies – philosophy from the constructivist's point of view
Authors: Kordeš Urban 
Published: March 2005

PurposeTo explore possible innovations that constructivism and its epistemological participatory position offer to philosophy, in particular to the age‐old problem of grounding epistemological assumptions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper follows von Foerster's account of the participatory position as an epistemological stance. It tries to explain why it is called a “position” rather than “insight” or “theory”. Constructivist (participatory) concepts are explored and related to “classical” philosophical debates such as the “Münchhausen trilemma”. In the conclusion the paper sketches possible ways of how to apply the answers of the participatory position to the philosophical discourse.FindingsThe paper points at the possibility to go beyond the insurmountable boundaries dividing different epistemological positions one continuously encounters when searching for the appropriate epistemological starting point. As a result, one cannot expect answers to be universally valid. The paper takes that into consideration. It argues that most philosophical attempts are first order changes (revolutions) as they seek truth and exclude alternative views at the same time. Following von Foerster, the paper suggests second order changes that lead from truth to trust. This transition allows a peaceful coexistence of all philosophical systems. Turning from truth (and belief in analytical clarity) to trust and, consequently, from objectivity to responsibility, it may become possible to transcend the epistemological barriers.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to finding a possible direction for the future of discourses in philosophy and many humanities in order to overcome the incompetence of philosophy of finding final answers.
Advertising of controversial products:a cross‐cultural study
Authors: Waller David S. , Fam Kim‐Shyan , Zafer Erdogan B. 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine attitudes towards the advertising of certain controversial products/services and reasons for being offensive across four different countries, Malaysia, New Zealand, Turkey and the UK.Design/methodology/approachThis was achieved by analyzing the responses to a questionnaire that was distributed to a convenience sample of university students in the four countries. A total of 954 were sampled for this study. The results indicated that geography is not a major determinant of attitudes, and that religious and historical factors play a very important role.FindingsOf the 17 products presented, 11 resulted in similar answers for New Zealand and the UK, and seven were similar for Malaysia and Turkey. However, it was apparent that the two countries mostly populated by Muslims had some differences as Malaysia has a multicultural society that must make some allowances for other ethnic groups. It also appears that racism and racist images are of concern to all those sampled.Originality/valueThe opening up of regional markets and the development of regional and global media, such as satellite television and the internet, will mean that marketers will try to take advantage of the associated benefits of a standardized approach to advertising and promotional activities. For those involved in international marketing, it is important that they are aware of possible differences and cultural sensitivities when entering a new market or undertaking a standardized mass‐media campaign across a region, whether it be Australasia or Europe.
Guilty through association: brand association transfer to brand alliances
Authors: James David 
Published: March 2005

PurposeUnderstanding brand associations and their role in the formation of attitude towards brands is necessary for managers to understand fully the dynamics of their brands and how consumers evaluate and make brand choices. This research paper aims to explore the role of brand associations in the formation of an attitude towards a brand alliance.Design/methodology/approachA series of hypothetical alliances using real brands were presented to undergraduate students. Data were gathered from a series of open‐ended free associations for the brands alone and in their alliances, and structured questions regarding quality and likelihood of purchase for the alliance attitude rating.FindingsThe study identified that brand associations, which are positive on an individual basis, can change when transferred to a new product category with a brand partner. Alliances with poor overall attitudes were often linked to associations of attributes of the original product class, whereas alliances with strong attitudes were linked to favourable associations related to the fit between the alliance partners.Originality/valueThe value of this study is that it has identified that consumers can become “locked in” to brand‐specific associations that may be hard to shift in a brand leverage strategy. Therefore, practitioners should factor into their decisions about whether or not to form a brand alliance not only concrete measures, but also the abstract nature of brand associations. This study focused on consumer brands and hypothetical alliances and used students as a sample. Different findings may therefore be found using non‐student samples, services brand or business‐to‐business brands.
Collaborative structure between Japanese high‐tech manufacturers and consumers
Authors: Washida Yuichi 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThis is a study that aims to explore a new conception of marketing management based on the analyses of the demand side in Japanese high‐tech industries. Currently, due to the rapid development of technologies, conventional marketing and management methodologies sometimes cannot explain why emerging technologies and new usage diffuse epidemically among consumers in a short time.Design/methodology/approachAs a major example of successful technological development, this study focuses on a collaborative structure between Japanese high‐tech manufacturers and two types of consumer communities, “otaku” and “kogal.” The paper explores a hypothesis that each of the two consumer communities gives a different type of feedback to the manufacturers, and thus Japanese manufacturers can develop and improve their products very efficiently.FindingsJapanese management has been understood as “kaizen,” – a management way to improve the efficiency of the supply side. However, today's Japanese high‐tech companies focus relatively on the demand side and have found interesting dynamics of consumer behaviors which can make one technology more valuable and useful in the daily lives. The paper also shows a comparative framework from the viewpoint of the user‐collaboration to contrast the basic difference of management styles among the USA, Europe, and Japan, and suggests that each company in each region can use other region's collaboration dynamics to develop its products, or build a technological standard more efficiently.Originality/valueThe hypothesis and framework in this paper can be expected to fill a vacuum in studies on Japanese management after the 1990s, as a successor to “kaizen” methodology.
Teachers' perception about the behaviours of school leaders with regard to knowledge management
Authors: Celep Cevat , Çetin Buket 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThis research aims to find out teachers' perception about the behaviors of their school leaders with regard to knowledge management, and the changes in teachers' opinion considering their sex, age, educational level, experiment and tenure.Design/methodology/approachThe sample of the research is primary schools teachers in Edirne, Turkey. A total of 430 questionnaires were evaluated. The scale developed to identify elementary school teachers' perception about knowledge management practices at their schools is based on four other different scales: “Know‐all 50: Knowledge Management Assessment”, “Knowledge Management Framework Assessment Exercise”, “Assessing Readiness for Managing Knowledge Assets”, and “Working with Knowledge”.FindingsFindings of the research suggest that there are seven existing sub‐dimensions of knowledge management at schools in Turkey, namely: leadership, cultural structure, knowledge hubs and centers, tacit knowledge, explicit knowledge, knowledge vision, and learning culture. In addition to this, there is a significant relationship between the different sub‐dimensions of knowledge management and whether teachers have e‐mail addresses of their own, their schools have internet connection (for external knowledge), web site, computer network (for internal knowledge) and whether the school has a subscription to professional publications.Originality/valueThe researches in different countries show that knowledge management has nine sub‐dimensions but in Turkey there are seven. This scale needs to be applied to different organizational settings in order to be validated nationwide.
Developing and implementing an online doctoral programme
Authors: Combe Colin 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThis article is a critical reflection of the development and implementation of one of the first online doctoral programmes in the UK set up at the University of Northumbria, Newcastle in 2000.Design/methodology/approachThe method adopted for analysis takes the form of a case study.FindingsEffective market research has to be undertaken to fully understand what students need and expect from an online programme of study. Course providers need to identify highly motivated students. Second, critical success factors focus on a well‐targeted curriculum that provides the skills and knowledge relevant to student needs, backed by exceptional faculty who provide innovative course design. Finally, there is a need for integrating the management, teaching and technical team to ensure a high quality and coherent programme delivery.Practical implicationsThe reflections in this article can be used as a guide by other faculties wishing to develop online programmes. The article highlights some of the pitfalls of developing and implementing online course delivery and proposes adopting instructional guides as an aid to course design.Originality/valueThe article provides an original insight into some of the operational, technical and managerial issues relevant to delivering an effective online programme of study at an advanced level.
Determinants of business student satisfaction and retention in higher education: applying Herzberg's two‐factor theory
Authors: DeShields Oscar W. , Kara Ali , Kaynak Erdener 
Published: March 2005

PurposeThis paper focuses on the determinants of student satisfaction and retention in a college or university that are assumed to impact students' college experience.Design/methodology/approachUsing empirical data and Herzberg's two‐factor theory, a modified version of the questionnaire developed by Keaveney and Young was administered to approximately 160 undergraduate business students at a state university in South Central Pennsylvania. Using path analysis, the hypothesized effects were tested empirically by incorporating a comprehensive set of independent variables and self‐reported experiential assessments to predict experience, which in turn related to student satisfaction.FindingsThe results indicate that the path coefficients from faculty and classes to students' partial college experience are consistent with the assumption that these are key factors that influence student partial college experience. Also, the path coefficient from student partial college experience to satisfaction was consistent with Herzberg's two‐factor theory. In addition, students who have a positive college experience are more likely to be satisfied with the college or university than students who do not have a positive college experience.Research limitations/implicationsBy focusing on antecedents of student satisfaction, colleges and universities can align their organizational structure, processes and procedures to become more customer‐oriented. Small sample size and self‐explicated retention data are the limitations of this study.Practical implicationsIt is recommended in this study that the changing nature of the higher education marketplace encourages college administrators to apply the customer‐oriented principles that are used in profit‐making institutions.Originality/valueUsing a satisfaction model and a comprehensive set of independent variables and self‐reported experiential assessments to predict experience, this paper provides empirical findings to understand student satisfaction in higher education institutions.