Background: The health and economic burden of Dementia has led the WHO to recognize dementia as a public health priority. Although there currently does not exist a cure for dementia, there are multiple interventions aimed at preventing the risk for dementia and improving the quality of life of people with dementia. Voice assistants, particularly those using large language models (LLM), have emerged as promising tools to deliver these interventions to older adults due to their accessible and natural interface. Objective: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility and technology acceptance of the embodied rule-based and LLM voice assistant GRACE, as well as its working alliance with healthy older adults while delivering cognitive stimulation interventions. Methods: A pilot study was conducted with 21 healthy German-speaking adults over the age of 60. Participants interacted with GRACE in a laboratory setting for 10–15 minutes. The interaction involved a structured cognitive stimulation session using rule-based and LLM components. Data were collected using pre- and post-interaction questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analysis included descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results: Participants rated GRACE positively, with statistically significant scores above neutral (p < .001 for perceived ease of use, usefulness, enjoyment, and working alliance; p < .01 for perceived control and intention to continue interacting). Thematic analysis revealed that GRACE was perceived as easy to understand and unambiguous, friendly, and supportive, with intervention components viewed as enjoyable and appropriately challenging. Areas for improvement included personalization, response delays, and voice quality. Conclusions: The results suggest that embodied rule-based and LLM voice assistants like GRACE are feasible and well-received tools for delivering cognitive interventions to older adults. Future iterations will incorporate feedback and extend testing to individuals at risk for dementia.

Digital transformation (DT) has become a strategic imperative across industries, yet its fundamental concepts often remain undefined. This paper introduces a novel approach to demystifying DT using the Viable System Model (VSM). Through a structured literature review of 45 papers, the study identifies eight integral pillars of DT, each encompassing multiple capabilities. These pillars are then mapped to the VSM, offering a holistic frame-work to understand the complex dynamics and challenges of digital transformation. This systematic approach advances the DT discourse, comprehensively understanding its core components and suggesting future research directions in this evolving field.

This short case covers the recent strategic developments of Barnes & Noble, the largest US book chain, and puts them in the context of its peers worldwide (in the UK, Canada, Germany and France). The perspective of the case is the one of James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble since August 2019. Readers are put in his shoes and are asked to analyze Barnes & Noble's response strategy to an increasingly digital book market. This short case is intended to serve as part of a course session on digitalization strategies or strategic change responding to macro trends. The case can support a full 45-minute class session, or can be integrated into a 90-minute session that also includes theory input by the lecturer. The case questions are open-ended but intended to introduce frameworks to assess strategic change and response strategies to exogenous shocks.