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1 – 10 of 11Gabriela Citlalli Lopez-Torres, Giovanni Schiuma, Jaime Muñoz-Arteaga and Francisco Javier Alvarez-Torres
The paper investigates how visibility, information technology and innovation management impact sustainability performance. It proposes a framework explaining the role of…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper investigates how visibility, information technology and innovation management impact sustainability performance. It proposes a framework explaining the role of visibility in driving firms' sustainable performance and the relevance of innovation management and information technologies in enhancing organisational visibility. This study intends to add to the discussion within the management literature about the potential of innovation management to drive sustainability. It seeks to provide insight into the practices that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can adopt to improve their sustainable performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Using empirical methods, the study investigates SMEs in central Mexico. The demographic information in the dataset includes 15 years as an average length of service from firms. Of the surveyed firms, 70% were from the manufacturing sector and 30% were from the service sector, as these are the most representative sectors of the productive region. A variance-based structural equation model approach was used to test the hypotheses, processed with the partial least squares (PLS) regression method.
Findings
The research results show that visibility significantly impacts sustainability performance. Innovation management has a higher influence on visibility than information technologies, emphasising the need to improve the quality of information in firms, not just the tools. The findings support managers in comprehending the crucial importance of visibility in aiding firms to achieve higher sustainability performance.
Research limitations/implications
The study only examined a sample of Mexican SMEs; therefore, the findings' generalizability must be considered within this context. Secondly, the survey only focused on services and manufacturing firms and a more detailed analysis of the sector could provide further clarity on the relationships between variables. As a result, future research should consider these limitations and explore additional contexts to improve the overall understanding of the topic. Moreover, the scale used to measure the variables was adapted from other researchers with similar context research and reflective variables.
Practical implications
The results provide helpful information for SME managers about the importance of focusing on innovation management processes and employing information technologies as crucial managerial strategies. This will aid in increasing visibility and supporting the development of sustainability performance in firms.
Social implications
The world red-code, among others, with climate change and social gaps, has generated the need to contribute to sustainable development, and it has mobilised people on all levels all over the world for the simple purpose of preserving life. Therefore, society, as a crucial group that affects and is affected by this red-code situation, should act in favour of visibility, the use of high-quality information (e.g. transparent, accessible and relevant) and information technologies to promote sustainable practices. This could mean that society should be prepared to incorporate new capabilities and spaces to interchange knowledge as a participatory community that can contribute to better sustainable dynamics that could expand its participation in public decisions. Also, the government should encourage digital democracy (e.g. develop social participation platforms), opening and harmonising rules and mechanisms combining high-quality information with IT to provide flexible and adequate services that support sustainable development, such as efforts towards constructing sustainable and smart cities.
Originality/value
This study explores how innovation management can drive firms' sustainability performance, which is crucial for improving competitiveness. The question of how to enhance sustainability performance through managerial drivers is a critical one. This study empirically investigates the nexus of visibility and sustainability performance, innovation management and information technology with visibility.
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Javier A. Sánchez-Torres, Yuri Lorene Hernández Fernández and Carolina Perlaza Lopera
This study examines the factors that influence the ecotourist behavior of university students. The understanding of what motivates these students can inform future suggestions for…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the factors that influence the ecotourist behavior of university students. The understanding of what motivates these students can inform future suggestions for strategies and actions in ecotourism.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was applied to university students of the University of Medellín, Colombia. It was an exploratory empirical study that surveyed a total of 696 students.
Findings
The results show that students with a positive attitude toward ecology tend to be interested in nature-related activities, therefore generating an intention to engage in ecotourism. The authors found that those who view ecotourism as an activity that promotes fun and happiness tend to engage more frequently in these activities.
Originality/value
This study is of great interest for research in motivational theory, specifically the analysis of personality profiles and how these relate to specific tourism behaviors. The findings of this study strongly suggest that those interested in the management and development of ecotourism should establish practices and programs that consider factors such as tourist segmentation, effective communication of the positive qualities of ecotourism and environmental stewardship involved in these activities.
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Javier Barbero, Ernesto Rodríguez-Crespo and Anabela M. Santos
This study aims to examine the geographical spread of the EU-funded circular economy projects in the European Union.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the geographical spread of the EU-funded circular economy projects in the European Union.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use a novel database of research and development projects funded by the European Regional Development Fund related to the circular economy to estimate a fractional response model on data for 231 European regions.
Findings
First, the authors detect a geographical pattern in the share of circular economy funds. Second, the authors find that institutional quality, employment, human capital and income may drive the concentration of circular economy research and development funds. Third, the authors find overall differences between technology projects and circular economy projects, suggesting that addressing the circular economy at the subnational level is complex.
Social implications
This work can be helpful to disseminate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, the authors pay special emphasis on SDGs numbers 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 13 (Climate Action).
Originality/value
The findings confirm the existence of a geographical spread of the circular economy, which may be useful to move toward regional sustainable development in the European Union.
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Francisco Javier Rojas-Macedo, Bernardo Teutle-Coyotecatl, Rosalía Contreras-Bulnes, Laura Emma Rodríguez-Vilchis, Eric Reyes-Cervantes and Ulises Velazquez-Enriquez
This paper aims to compare the surface roughness and hardness of three commercially available self-curing acrylic resins for dental use, under different polymerization conditions.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to compare the surface roughness and hardness of three commercially available self-curing acrylic resins for dental use, under different polymerization conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
A comparative in vitro study was conducted using a convenience sample of 12 × 5 × 2 mm blocks with n = 40 for each material (Nic Tone, Arias Plus and Orthocryl®), with subgroups according to the polymerization method: conventional (C) and polymerization under ambient conditions (A). The surface roughness of the materials was measured using a profilometer; hardness was measured with a portable hardness tester. Additionally, surface morphology as well as particles size and morphology were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy.
Findings
There were significant differences in roughness and hardness values between the three self-curing acrylic resins (p < 0.05), as well as within each self-curing acrylic resin according to the polymerization method used (p < 0.05). The samples polymerized with the conventional method presented lower surface roughness and hardness values.
Originality/value
This study provides scientific evidence of values not provided by manufacturers in relation to the surface roughness and hardness of these materials, and all of them met the ideal minimum values of surface roughness, regardless of the polymerization technique used.
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Eduardo Sánchez-García, Javier Martínez-Falcó, Bartolomé Marco-Lajara and Iza Gigauri
The main objective of this research is to analyze the dynamics of academic research on digital entrepreneurship and innovation, unveiling the main research trends developed in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The main objective of this research is to analyze the dynamics of academic research on digital entrepreneurship and innovation, unveiling the main research trends developed in the last decade.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis has been carried out using a dual methodological approach comprising bibliometric methods and an innovative three-level systematic review, involving the analysis of the most used keywords, the co-occurrence network of keywords and a traditional review of the abstracts of the 1713 peer-reviewed articles that make up the database under study, with the aim of revealing and discussing the most important research trends developed in the period analyzed.
Findings
The results reveal seven major research trends that underscore the fundamental role of digital platforms in democratizing innovation, enabling a more inclusive and collaborative environment wherein startups, established firms, academia and government entities converge to drive technological advancements and societal progress. Additionally, the pressing need for a holistic understanding of digital technologies' potential to spur economic growth, societal progress and sustainable development is highlighted, as well as the challenges posed by privacy, security and the digital divide.
Originality/value
This research has been developed using an innovative methodology, and contributes to the academic discourse by providing a comprehensive overview of the current state and prospects of digital entrepreneurship and innovation for policymakers, entrepreneurs and researchers, urging a collaborative effort to harness the benefits of digital transformation in an equitable and responsible manner, fostering an environment of innovation that is conducive to the sustainable growth of the digital economy.
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Javier Martínez-Falcó, Eduardo Sánchez-García, Bartolomé Marco-Lajara and Patrocinio Zaragoza-Sáez
This research aims to analyze the impact of the green knowledge sharing (GKS) on the sustainable performance (SP) of Spanish wineries, as well as the antecedent role of the top…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to analyze the impact of the green knowledge sharing (GKS) on the sustainable performance (SP) of Spanish wineries, as well as the antecedent role of the top management environmental awareness (TMEA) and environmental proactivity (EP) on the said variables. In addition, the variables age, size and membership in a protected designation of origin are included to increase the accuracy of the cause–effect relationships examined.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the research objective pursued, this study proposes a conceptual model based on previous studies, which is tested using structural equations with data collected from 196 Spanish wineries between September 2022 and January 2023.
Findings
The research results reveal the existence of a positive and significant relationship between the development of GKS and SP in Spanish wineries, as well as the partial mediation of GKS in the TMEA–SP and EP–SP linkages.
Originality/value
The originality of this study derives from its pioneering nature, as the research enters unexplored terrain by investigating the role of TMAE and EP as antecedent variables of GKS and SP, there being no previous research, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, that has ventured in this direction.
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Sebastián Javier García-Dastugue, Rogelio García-Contreras, Kimberly Stauss, Thomas Milford and Rudolf Leuschner
Extant literature in supply chain management tends to address a portion of the product flow to make food accessible to clients in need. The authors present a broader view of food…
Abstract
Purpose
Extant literature in supply chain management tends to address a portion of the product flow to make food accessible to clients in need. The authors present a broader view of food insecurity and present nuances relevant to appreciate the complexities of dealing with this social problem.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted an inductive study to reveal the deep meaning of the context as managers of nonprofit organizations (NPO) define and address food insecurity. The focus was on a delimited geographic area for capturing interactions among NPOs which have not been described previously.
Findings
This study describes the role of supply chains collaborating in unexpected ways in the not-for-profit context, leading to interesting insights for the conceptual development of service ecosystems. This is relevant because the solution for the food insecure stems from the orchestration of assistance provided by the many supply chains for social assistance.
Research limitations/implications
The authors introduce two concepts: customer sharing and customer release. Customer sharing enables these supply chains behave like an ecosystem with no focal organization. Customer release is the opposite to customer retention, when the food insecure stops needing assistance.
Social implications
The authors describe the use of customer-centric measures of success such improved health measured. The solution to food insecurity for an individual is likely to be the result of the orchestration of assistance provided by several supply chains.
Originality/value
The authors started asking who the client is and how the NPOs define food insecurity, leading to discussing contrasts between food access and utilization, between hunger relief and nourishment, between assistance and solution of the problem, and between supply chains and ecosystems.
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Laura Guerrero Puerta and Rocío Lorente García
This article explores the perceptions of professionals on the implementation and impact of Dual Vocational Training (Dual VET) in the Spanish education system.
Abstract
Purpose
This article explores the perceptions of professionals on the implementation and impact of Dual Vocational Training (Dual VET) in the Spanish education system.
Design/methodology/approach
The study involves interviews with various professionals in the education and employment sectors and two discussion groups.
Findings
Results reveal positive views on Dual VET’s ability to enhance employability and reduce the education-to-employment gap. However, challenges like the involvement of small and medium enterprises and the need for continuous curriculum evaluation and adaptation are recognized. Additionally, the study highlights a lack of acknowledgment of antecedent programs to Dual VET, despite their recognition by experts as highly influential in facilitating the school-to-work transition for young individuals.
Originality/value
The study emphasizes the importance of promoting awareness among stakeholders and emphasizes the role of collaboration between educational institutions and the business sector to ensure Dual VET’s success in Spain.
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Teresa Cunha Ferreira, David Ordóñez-Castañón and Rui Fernandes Póvoas
This research seeks to provide methodological bases for the identification, documentation and critical reflection of good practices of architectural design in built heritage…
Abstract
Purpose
This research seeks to provide methodological bases for the identification, documentation and critical reflection of good practices of architectural design in built heritage. These are applied explicitly to the School of Porto architects, which express a high sense of pedagogy and community practice in this field. The methodological approach defines the selection criteria for a georeferenced inventory and the procedures for in-depth analysis of adaptive reuse strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
The works included in the inventory were selected according to geographical, chronological, typological, qualitative and quantitative criteria. The cases chosen for in-depth analysis have been studied along four thematic axes to dissect all the intervention processes (previous state, design/construction and final state). This approach is supported by a cross-analysis of different sources (oral, written, graphic) and using drawing as a fundamental research tool.
Findings
The research has collected and disseminated up to 150 works by 44 architects, providing a comprehensive portrait of heritage intervention by the School of Porto over the past decades. The selection of 22 buildings for in-depth documentation reveals a particular sensibility toward the cultural values through a case-by-case approach based in deep knowledge of the preexisting context and the introduction of contemporary additions in continuity and harmonious relation with the environmental and sociocultural context.
Originality/value
This work provides a novel methodology suitable for further extension and adaptation to other case studies, as a first contribution to a more comprehensive “Atlas of Architectural Design in Built Heritage” with European case studies. The research aims to introduce new and deeper perspectives on reference works that may constitute pedagogy for the future practice of architects within contextual, inclusive and sustainable approaches.
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José Luís Lopes and Leonardo Fernando Cruz Basso
This study aims to present a bibliometric analysis combined with a systematic review of the empirical literature to verify whether the relationship between the impact of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to present a bibliometric analysis combined with a systematic review of the empirical literature to verify whether the relationship between the impact of eco-innovation and the financial performance of companies is corroborated.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses bibliometric analysis and systematic review methods on 122 articles from Web of Science, Scopus and Science Direct, combining quantitative frequency and co-citation analysis with a qualitative exploration of themes in eco-innovation research.
Findings
In their research on eco-innovation, the authors found that there is a need to better understand the impact of eco-innovation on companies’ financial performance in the knowledge gaps.
Research limitations/implications
Research on eco-innovation identifies knowledge gaps and directions for future studies exploring environmental strategies to boost corporate commitment to sustainability.
Originality/value
This study finds that eco-innovation is decisive for enhancing operational performance and understanding its effect on companies’ financial outcomes, offering perspectives on how environmental practices influence organizational finance.
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