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Article
Publication date: 4 August 2020

Fengjun Liu, Zhengkui Lin and Yi Qu

Although researchers have demonstrated a keen interest in knowledge collaboration in online encyclopedias, previous studies have seldom explored the dynamic interrelations in…

Abstract

Purpose

Although researchers have demonstrated a keen interest in knowledge collaboration in online encyclopedias, previous studies have seldom explored the dynamic interrelations in online encyclopedias over time that involve the iteratively melding of individual cognitive system and knowledge collaboration system. Therefore, this paper aims to reveal the structure and dynamics of knowledge collaboration in online encyclopedias from a perspective of system dynamics (SD).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a general activity system of knowledge collaboration in online encyclopedias based on Engeström’s activity theory. According to the SD methodology proposed by Forrester, this study develops a holistic SD model by identifying interactions of knowledge collaboration factors based on behavioral theories; validating the SD model by structural tests and behavior tests involving historical data of English Wikipedia; and conducting simulation to capture the interactive dynamics of the salient factors of knowledge collaboration.

Findings

According to the SD methodology, this study develops and validates an SD model to explore interesting dynamic interrelations among core factors (contributors, conflicts, discussions, entries quantity and entries quality) that are neglected by previous research. The results show that there is a significant negative feedback relationship between inactive contributors and entries quality, between contributors and conflicts and between edit conflicts and entries quality. There is a complicated nonlinear feedback relationship between active contributors and entries quality, and between edit conflicts and discussions.

Originality/value

Different from prior empirical studies that normally investigate the unidirectional linear relationships among prominent factors of knowledge collaboration in online encyclopedias from a static perspective, this study captures a dynamic picture of their interrelations by unfolding their behavior patterns over time. The main contribution of this study is to develop a holistic SD model and to reveal and elaborate on the complex dynamics involved online encyclopedias based on activity theory.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 50 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2021

Yi Qu, Zhengkui Lin and Xiaonan Zhang

The purpose of this paper is to research the price strategies of online knowledge payment product by considering network externality in the C2C sharing economy.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to research the price strategies of online knowledge payment product by considering network externality in the C2C sharing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the characteristics of online knowledge goods and the social network externality of consumers, this study establishes a consumer utility function. On this basis, a multistage game pricing model of online knowledge products is established based on three kinds of network price strategies under a completely competitive market structure. It also analyzes the influence of consumer social network structure and consumer utility on online knowledge product pricing and producer profit, as well as the influence of consumer quantity and discount rate on pricing strategy.

Findings

The consumer social network and consumer utility affect the pricing of online knowledge product under different price strategies. In the growth period of the platform, adopting the price discrimination strategy, the profit of producers is significantly higher than that of other price strategies, and producers should choose effective price strategies for reasonable pricing in combination with their own sales objectives.

Originality/value

This study enriches the literature on the pricing model of online knowledge payment product and owns a practical significance to guide the knowledge producers’ marketing strategies to increase profit.

Article
Publication date: 5 December 2023

Xiubin Gu, Yi Qu and Zhengkui Lin

The purpose of this study is to investigate the pricing strategies for knowledge payment products, taking into account the quality level of pirated knowledge products, in the…

103

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the pricing strategies for knowledge payment products, taking into account the quality level of pirated knowledge products, in the context of platform copyright supervision.

Design/methodology/approach

This study abstracts the knowledge payment transaction process and aims to maximize producer's revenue by constructing a pricing model for knowledge payment products. It discusses pricing strategies for knowledge payment products under two scenarios: traditional supervision and blockchain supervision. The analysis explores the impact of pirated knowledge products quality level and blockchain technology on pricing strategies and consumer surplus, while providing threshold conditions for effective strategies.

Findings

Deploying blockchain technology in platform operations can significantly reduce costs and increase efficiency. In both scenarios, knowledge producer needs to balance factors such as the quality of pirated knowledge products, the supervision level of platform, and consumer surplus to dynamically adjust pricing strategies in order to maximize his own revenue.

Originality/value

This study enriches the literature on the pricing models of knowledge payment products and has practical significance in guiding knowledge producer to develop effective pricing strategies under copyright supervision.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

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