The intellectual structure of learning agility: A case study using a modified BERT model for topic modeling

Gonzalo Grau García; María José Martín Rodrigo; Antonio Rua Vieites

doi:10.31637/epsir-2025-1416

Authors

Gonzalo Grau García Comillas Pontifical University https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7704-9472
María José Martín Rodrigo Comillas Pontifical University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7108-7612
Antonio Rua Vieites Comillas Pontifical University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6915-2067

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-1416

Keywords:

learning agility, intellectual structure, topic modeling, BERT, leadership, potential, identification, development

Abstract

Introduction: The study aims to deepen the understanding of learning agility, a relatively new construct in the field. Learning agility is essential for identifying and developing leadership talent in organizations, particularly in environments of constant change. Methodology: A thematic analysis was conducted on the titles and abstracts of 112 significant works on learning agility. The analysis utilized abstract clustering and a modified version of the BERT model for topic modeling. These influential works were identified through a prior study using bibliometric citation techniques. Results: Nine intellectual topics or patterns related to learning agility were identified, along with the influential works within each topic. The results were then compared to another intellectual structure derived from a co-citation analysis of the same set of works. Correspondences between the topics identified through both methods were established. Discussion: The comparison between topics identified through thematic analysis and co-citation analysis provides a comprehensive perspective. This integrated approach helps to advance towards a unified conceptualization of learning agility, which is essential for standardizing its measurement and application. Conclusions: The study demonstrates that combining bibliometric techniques and Natural Language Processing (NLP) facilitates academic exploration in complex research areas. This approach enables the development of more objective and reliable tools for organizations to identify and develop leadership talent.

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Author Biographies

Gonzalo Grau García, Comillas Pontifical University

PhD Candidate in Business Competitiveness, Innovation and Sustainability, Universidad Pontificia Comillas, Universidad de Deusto and IQS School of Management (Universitat Ramon Llull). Agricultural Engineer (UPM), MBA from IE Business School, Master in Economics and Business Reseach from Universidad Pontificia Comillas and Member of the Alumni Community and certified in Marketing and Sales by Kellogg School of Management. He also has executive programs at New York University (HR Engineering and Analytics Concentration), The University of Chicago - Booth School of Business (Strategic Sales), Stanford University Graduate School of Business (Human Resources for Strategic Advantage), Universidad de Nebrija (Strategic leadership) and Stanford University Graduate School of Business (Strategic Marketing Management). He has spent his entire professional career linked to learning and leadership development, as well as talent management consulting. Collaborating professor at IE Business School and EAE Business School.

María José Martín Rodrigo, Comillas Pontifical University

Professor Mª José Martín Rodrigo holds a degree in Philosophy and Educational Sciences from the Universidad Pontificia Comillas, where she graduated in 1984, and a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management and Development from IDE-CESEM (1993). At the beginning of his professional career he combined teaching at different universities with business consulting. In 2003 she obtained her PhD degree from the Universidad Pontificia Comillas, where she continues to teach as an associate professor in the Department of Business Management at the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, in the areas of Organization and Human Resources. She supervises researchers interested in studies on: work climate, satisfaction and performance; analysis of academic performance and educational innovation; impact of personnel policies on business productivity; reconciliation and co-responsibility; gender gaps; and analysis of the youth labor market.

Antonio Rua Vieites, Comillas Pontifical University

PhD from the Complutense University. Researcher and Professor at Universidad Pontificia Comillas. Director of the Department of Quantitative Methods. Director of the MESIAS Chair of Modeling. Professor (University Professor) at the Universidad Pontificia Comillas de Madrid. PhD in Physical Sciences and Degree in Statistical Sciences and Techniques from the Universidad Complutense. EMBA from Comillas. Professor and Researcher in the field of quantitative methods applied to education, Business Administration, Economics and Sociology. Director of the Department of Quantitative Methods. Director of the MESIAS Chair of Modeling.

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