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The study aims to explore the influence of conscious business practices (CBPs) on the reputational capital (RC) of SMEs with the generation of the manager (X/Y) as a moderator of such relationships.

The authors conducted empirical research based on a cross-sectional survey on 115 Western Mexican SME managers using PLS structural equation modeling to test the proposed hypotheses.

SMEs RC is nurtured by adopting two CBPs. The effect on RC may differ according to managers’ generation. In Western Mexican SMEs, Gen X managers perceive that a higher purpose is more important for building RC, while conscious culture comes first for millennials.

The generalisability of the findings is decreased, given that the study relied on convenience and non-probabilistic sampling in one economy. The lack of previous studies on SMEs, and the difficulty in conducting research in an emerging economy, gives the findings an importance in furthering research.

It contributes to strengthen SMEs’ RC through CBPs.

It broadens the perspective of SMEs in emerging economies to adopt CBPs for increasing their RC. This relationship varies depending on the managers’ generation.

The study used the quantitative approach to explore the perception of Mexican Gen X managers and millennials on the relationship between CBPs and their effects on RC.

Despite the potential benefits of disruptive frugal technologies in education and e-learning, Zimbabwe lacks a complete grasp of their effective deployment, impact and scalability. It investigates how disruptive, low-cost technologies might increase access to education and close the achievement gap. The importance of investigating the role of disruptive frugal technologies in changing education and promoting e-learning in Africa derives from the fact that African educational institutions usually face resource constraints such as inadequate infrastructure, budget and technical access. Researching disruptive frugal technologies can lead to low-cost and long-term solutions that make education more accessible and affordable by exploiting existing resources and infrastructure. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect data from educators, technology specialists, students and educational institutions using questionnaires, interviews and case studies. The study is based on the disruptive innovation theory. Clayton M. Christensen established the disruptive innovation theory, which describes how new technology or business models disrupt existing markets or industries. This theory helps to comprehend how current technology may improve education by offering low-cost, accessible and scalable alternatives to outdated approaches. The findings indicate that new frugal technologies can overcome challenges such as poor infrastructure, high costs and limited resources to significantly transform Zimbabwean education.

This paper aims to use Bayesian network (BN) methodology complemented by machine learning (ML) and what-if analysis to investigate the impact of digital technologies (DT) on logistics service quality (LSQ), employing the service quality (SERVQUAL) framework.

Using a sample of 244 Italian firms, this study estimates the probability distributions associated with both DT and SERVQUAL logistics, as well as their interrelationships. Additionally, BN technique enables the application of ML techniques to uncover hidden relationships, as well as a series of what-if analyses to extract more knowledge.

The results show that the average probability of firms investing in DT for analytics (DTA) is higher than that of investing inDT for immersive experiences (DTIE). Furthermore, adopting both offers only a moderate likelihood of successfully implementing SERVQUAL logistics. Additionally, certain technologies may not directly influence some SERVQUAL dimensions. The application of ML reveals hidden relationships among technologies, enhancing the predictions of SERVQUAL logistics. Finally, what-if analyses provide further insights to guide decision-making processes aimed at enhancing SERVQUAL logistics dimensions through DTA and DTIE.

This research delves into the influence of DTIE and DTA on SERVQUAL logistics, thereby filling a gap in the existing literature in which no study has explored the intricate relationships between these technologies and SERVQUAL dimensions. Methodologically, we pioneer the integration of BN with ML techniques and what-if analysis, thus exploring innovative techniques to be used in logistics and supply-chain studies.

This study assesses performance measurement (PM) system implementation efforts across various organizational contexts and investigates which factors are critical to achieving implementation success (IS).

An empirical field study was conducted to refine a framework of PM system IS that consists of 5 dimensions of success and 29 factors. A survey questionnaire was used to investigate actual organizational practice and exploratory factor analysis was conducted to refine constructs corresponding to potential factors and dimensions of IS. The resulting variables were then investigated using multiple regression analysis to identify critical success factors for implementing PM systems.

The survey was completed by representatives from 124 organizations and the exploratory factor analysis results indicated that there are three underlying dimensions of IS (i.e. Use of the System, PM System Performance, and Improved Results and Processes) and 12 factors. Of the factors, nine can be considered critical success factors having a significant relationship with at least one dimension of IS: Leader Support, Design and Implementation Approach, Reward System Alignment, Organizational Acceptance, Organizational Culture and Climate, Easy to Define Environment, IT Infrastructure Capabilities, PM System Design Quality, and PM Participation and Training.

The results show that there are distinct dimensions of IS and, although some factors are associated with all dimensions, most are more closely related to only one dimension. This suggests that different strategies should be utilized based on the types of challenges experienced during implementation.

Frugal innovation (FI) is a mechanism companies use to create value from limited resources, aiming to meet the needs of a broad customer segment in emerging markets. This study investigates the impact of FI on sustainable development (SD) in Libya. Data from 112 employees of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were analyzed using WarpPLS software and structural equation modeling. The findings indicate that while two factors – low cost of frugal innovation (LCFI) and creation of an ecosystem for frugal innovation (CEFI) – do not significantly affect SD, the core functions of frugal innovation (CFFI) significantly impact SD. This work is among the first empirical studies to explore business models for FI and their influence on SD in Libya, contributing to the theoretical and empirical literature on the topic.

The main aim of this study was to determine the scope of application for an innovation management assessment framework (IMAF) within innovation management. Two distinct geographical regions: ANZ (Australia and New Zealand) and TMSV (Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam) were chosen to identify and analyse significant comparative differences.

A quantitative research approach was used using empirical data collected through an online questionnaire-based survey. Statistical data analysis, including descriptive statistics, univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Hsu’s MCB (multiple comparisons with/to the best) post-hoc test results, was carried out to identify significant differences and similarities in innovation management capabilities within the two regions.

The descriptive statistics analysis reveals areas for potential enhancement in all the model constructs within both regions under investigation. Significant differences in innovation management capabilities between the two regions are identified, specifically in the design for lean six sigma (DFLSS) and the operation function commercial (COMM). However, when considering the remaining constructs of the IMAF, no significant differences in innovation management capabilities are observed between the regions.

The research is limited by the relatively small size of survey questionnaire responses from the targeted population. Future studies could be conducted on a global scale to increase responses.

The research findings serve as valuable insights into the development of important and useful guidelines for managers and innovation practitioners engaged in innovation planning and management.

The critical analysis conducted in this research, focusing on innovation management capabilities by region, represents a significant advancement in the existing body of work that utilises the IMAF model.

This multiple case study aims to investigate the frugal business model innovation exemplified by three pioneering organisations in India: Aravind Eye Care System (AECS), ChotuKool and SELCO India. This study elucidates the key factors contributing to their success and explores the broader implications for frugal innovation in addressing societal challenges in emerging markets.

The authors use a qualitative case study methodology to analyse the approaches of AECS, ChotuKool and SELCO India towards product development, distribution strategies and financing mechanisms and their impact on underserved communities. Data is collected through archival research and analysis of secondary sources.

The findings of the study reveal common themes and unique characteristics of frugal business model innovation across the three organisations. Key findings include innovative approaches to product/service design, distribution channels tailored to reach underserved populations and the implementation of flexible financing mechanisms to make products/services accessible to low-income consumers.

This study enhances the understanding of frugal innovation in emerging markets and highlights the importance of affordability, accessibility and sustainability in driving positive social impact. Limitations include focus on only three case studies and the qualitative nature of the research, which may limit generalisability.

This study offers insights for managers and decisionmakers on implementing frugal innovation strategies to address societal challenges and promote inclusive growth in emerging markets. Key managerial implications include the importance of understanding local contexts, building partnerships and leveraging innovative financing mechanisms. The study provides guidance for practitioners and social entrepreneurs in developing scalable and sustainable solutions for underserved communities. Practical implications include the adoption of decentralised distribution models, customisation of products/services and investment in capacity-building and training programmes.

The study highlights the significant impact of frugal business model innovation on underserved communities, including improved access to essential services, enhanced quality of life and socioeconomic empowerment. Implications for society include the potential for frugal innovation to address pressing societal challenges and promote inclusive growth.

The originality and value of this study lie in its comprehensive analysis of frugal business model innovation across multiple sectors in the Indian context. By examining the experiences of AECS, ChotuKool and SELCO India, the study contributes to the literature on frugal innovation and provides actionable insights for businesses, policymakers and development practitioners seeking to create positive social impact in emerging countries.