Daniel Linus Naila, Felix Adamu Nandonde and Jeremia Makindara
The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a scale for measuring the uptake of process innovations by SMEs in the food industry, from a resource-based view perspective.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a scale for measuring the uptake of process innovations by SMEs in the food industry, from a resource-based view perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory and the existing literature, a measurement scale was proposed. The scale was then empirically validated through a survey of 315 SMEs. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were utilized for scale validation.
Findings
The findings suggest that the uptake of food process innovation can be measured from a resource-based view perspective, but not with respect to all dimensions of RBV. Particularly, the items related to value and inimitability of new food processing equipment and methods were confirmed as valid measures. Nevertheless, the findings do not confirm the validity of measurement items related to the rareness and non-substitutability of new processing methods and equipment.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of this study is the lack of consideration beyond the resource-based view perspective. In this respect, it is worth validating this measurement scale using samples beyond the SMEs and in other countries. Furthermore, the statistical analysis is limited to EFA and CFA, which may be prone to the exploratory nature and subjectivity in factor selection.
Practical implications
The main contribution of this study is the development and validation of a scale for measuring the uptake of food process innovations. Hence, firms can utilize this scale to evaluate the efficiency of food process innovations in the quest for maximizing output. Furthermore, researchers can utilize this scale for further explorations and investigations on aspects related to the uptake of food process innovations.
Originality/value
The utilization of Resource Based View (RBV) opens a rather different approach for measuring process innovation from a resource-based view perspective. While the existing literature in the food industry has measured innovation from a general approach, this study offers a different approach by paying specific attention to process innovation from a resource-based view perspective.
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Stefan Dreisiebner and Christian Schlögl
The purpose of this paper is to uncover similarities and differences among emphasized information literacy (IL) skills for the disciplines of political- and social sciences…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to uncover similarities and differences among emphasized information literacy (IL) skills for the disciplines of political- and social sciences, economics, educational sciences, law sciences, mathematics, life sciences, history and German studies, based on an analysis of IL teaching materials.
Design/methodology/approach
Eight issues of the German language publication series Erfolgreich recherchieren (Succesful Research Strategies) are compared by using a structuring content analysis. The category system is based on the IL standards and performance indicators of the Association of College and Research Libraries (2000), extended with additional categories.
Findings
The results, first, suggest that the biggest similarities and differences among the disciplines are found concerning the determination of the nature and extent of the needed information, especially in the area of identifying potential sources of information. Second, some of the disciplines focus more on international sources, whereas others focus on country- and language-specific sources. Third, the criteria to define the appropriate retrieval system differ among the various disciplines. Fourth, approaches to narrow the search results differ among the various disciplines. Fifth, the critical evaluation of sources is addressed in all disciplines but relates to different contexts.
Research limitations/implications
This approach only addresses one book per discipline out of a German language book series. Further research is needed.
Originality/value
This paper is unique in its approach and one of few papers on disciplinary differences in IL perception.
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Janet Patti, Allison A. Holzer, Robin Stern and Marc A. Brackett
This article makes the case for a different approach to the professional development of teachers and school leaders called personal, professional coaching (PPC). Personal…
Abstract
This article makes the case for a different approach to the professional development of teachers and school leaders called personal, professional coaching (PPC). Personal, professional coaching is grounded in reflective practices that cultivate self-awareness, emotion management, social awareness, and relationship management. Findings from two case studies support the benefits perceived by teachers and administrative leaders who participated in coaching to enhance their leadership potential and performance. A description of the content and process of coaching is provided.
Peter J. Rimmer AM and Claude Comtois
This study revisits the Great Canadian Grain Logistics Crisis of 2013-14 to explore the competitiveness of the country's grain exports. An approach to comprehending the dilemmas…
Abstract
This study revisits the Great Canadian Grain Logistics Crisis of 2013-14 to explore the competitiveness of the country's grain exports. An approach to comprehending the dilemmas of the international grain supply chain and trade, and national logistics policy in an era of multinational corporations, draws upon the literature on global value chain analysis. This analysis identifies both the grain industry's global and local dimensions. An important literature on the 'politics’ of the supply chain is also called into play to discuss who controls what aspects. This task of interpreting the various steps in Canada's grain logistics chain recognizes the key economic actors - producers, grain companies, railway companies, port terminal operators and export buyers - and political struggles between them as they each seek to maximize their self-interest. Policy implications for streamlining logistics operations are drawn from identifying where changes in the supply chain arrangements have gained or lost opportunities in export markets, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Zafer Adiguzel and Fatma Sonmez Cakir
The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between innovative climate, strategic orientation, work motivation, business performance and job performance.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between innovative climate, strategic orientation, work motivation, business performance and job performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Within the scope of the research, a survey was conducted with 400 engineers working in organizations operating within companies producing spare parts for automobile companies. IBM SPSS 25, IBM SPSS AMOS and LISREL programs were gradually used, and the data obtained were evaluated and analyzed.
Findings
The importance of strategic orientation and work motivation for organizations can be seen in the analysis results in terms of their positive effects.
Practical implications
In the production sector, where innovation and competition activities take place, not only strategic decisions but also motivation for employees must be realized within the organizational culture in order for the organizations to be successful. Strategic orientation is effective in achieving innovation and creation to the extent that employees are motivated.
Originality/value
In terms of successful performance, it is very important to manage companies with the right strategic understanding and to involve the employees. In order to realize the innovation climate and to be successful in performance criteria, motivation is considered a key factor, in particular for the automobile sector. Automobile companies are now turning to electric vehicle production using new generation technologies. However, they also attach importance to the use of smart technologies in cars. For this reason, the effects of strategic orientation and work motivation on performance and innovation are investigated in companies producing automobile spare parts.
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Emma O'Brien and Thomas M. Cooney
While supporting entrepreneurship through government intervention has become a global phenomenon, the OECD (2021) has identified that several communities (including women, youth…
Abstract
Purpose
While supporting entrepreneurship through government intervention has become a global phenomenon, the OECD (2021) has identified that several communities (including women, youth, seniors, unemployed and immigrants) remain under-represented in terms of entrepreneurial activity. Inclusive entrepreneurship policies seek to enhance economic and social inclusion and emphasise the significant contribution that people from within these communities could make to local and regional development if appropriate support was offered. The purpose of this study is to examine how higher education institutions (HEIs) can co-create inclusive entrepreneurial training initiatives with local communities that support economic and social inclusion.
Design/methodology/approach
This in-depth qualitative study draws on the experiences of multiple stakeholders to highlight how an HEI can enhance entrepreneurial activity within under-represented and disadvantaged communities through its community engagement initiatives. The research was conducted through a revelatory case study of an Irish HEI that is newly constituted and is developing an inner-city campus with a focus on community benefit. Rich qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews and participant observation of an HEI community engagement initiative with disadvantaged communities. Thematic analysis methods were used in the processes of generating codes, categories and themes leading to the findings of this study.
Findings
The study identified that broadening the interpretation of entrepreneurial activity to value creation and developing enterprising behaviour has significant relevance for disadvantaged communities. These communities may not have the capacity to start a business yet might benefit from the personal development aspects of entrepreneurial education. Moreover, findings indicate how HEIs are uniquely positioned to develop inclusive entrepreneurial education initiatives to redress social inequalities in their regions.
Originality/value
As an original contribution to knowledge, this paper extends traditional education frameworks to identify individual, collective and system-level considerations in the design and development of inclusive entrepreneurial education initiatives. This study contributes an evidence-based framework to guide HEIs and their regional partners in the future development of inclusive, tailored support through entrepreneurial education.
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Adetumilara Iyanuoluwa Adebo and Hanina Halimatusaadiah Hamsan
This paper is determined to examine the role of body image and materialism in predicting the identity exploration of university students when conspicuous consumption is a mediator…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper is determined to examine the role of body image and materialism in predicting the identity exploration of university students when conspicuous consumption is a mediator variable.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a quantitative method. Data were collected from students of three federal universities in Nigeria. The sample size was 331. A self-report questionnaire was used to collect data and analysis was performed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling.
Findings
Findings reveal that materialism has a negative association in predicting the identity exploration of students. At the same time, there was a significant full and partial mediating effect of conspicuous consumption on the relationship between body image and materialism on identity exploration, respectively.
Research limitations/implications
The study provides valuable information for parents in understanding how conspicuous consumption may influence their children’s identity formation. The findings can also be helpful for educators in the design of discussions and interventions for students on the social-psychological antecedents of conspicuous consumption and identity exploration. Government and regulatory agencies can use the study’s findings to shape student financial literacy and consumer protection policies.
Originality/value
This study makes both theoretical and methodological contributions to the existing literature. It provided concrete empirical evidence establishing a subtle connection between the symbolic self-completion theory and the identity status paradigm. It is also amongst the first single research conducted within the scope of these two theories in the Nigerian higher education context.
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Davi Laskani Hoffmann and Alvair Silveira Torres Jr
The small Brazilian companies are responsible for a large part of national GDP and formal jobs in the country. This expressiveness is contrasted with the specificities of…
Abstract
Purpose
The small Brazilian companies are responsible for a large part of national GDP and formal jobs in the country. This expressiveness is contrasted with the specificities of companies of this size possess, including the need to innovate to survive. Research shows that 83 percent of Brazilian SMEs have launched new products and services, obtaining positive results through this innovative process. This competitive advantage is weighted by a great feature of the small organization: resource constraint. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
Research was carried out in three stages: one qualitative research (by using focal groups) and another two quantitative research works (descriptive and cross-sectional).
Findings
The author identified three factors that are important for teenagers when influencing the purchase of the family car: safety, sportiness and comfort. The identification of these factors shows that the millennial generation tends to emphasize aspects of individual interest, such as status and performance, and family context, such as safety and comfort, rather than social aspects, such as the type of fuel and environmental impact.
Social implications
The authors recommend the development of automobiles that prioritize the three factors mentioned herein in order to reverse the trend of declining car purchase.
Originality/value
The authors presented the relevant attributes in buying decisions of family cars according to teenagers. The authors also indicated which automobile attributes are relevant for a more informed, connected, and with an increasing purchase power generation in contrast with previous generations, whose social context was prior to the emergence of social media.
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Designed as an educational hub for sustainability, the Irish ecovillage of Cloughjordan is dealing with a significant challenge: creating stronger synergies between its educators…
Abstract
Purpose
Designed as an educational hub for sustainability, the Irish ecovillage of Cloughjordan is dealing with a significant challenge: creating stronger synergies between its educators to maximize its impact on the mainstream. Based on the empirical findings of a study conducted in this community, this paper aims to identify the principal informational and organisational factors that might encourage the development of such synergies.
Design/methodology/approach
Coherently with practice-related and ethnographic methodological principles, data were primarily collected through participant observation and semi-structured, open-ended interviews.
Findings
The lack of collaboration and information sharing between educational practices is relatable to different understandings and meanings about education for sustainability that are amplified by some power asymmetries.
Research limitations/implications
The analysis of the community’s educational practices may have been limited by the many interruptions brought by the recent pandemic.
Originality/value
This is the very first study to explore the educational activities of the ecovillage of Cloughjordan, and one of the first ones to combine the notions of “information in social practice” and “communities of practice” to explore a real-life project.
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Ficto-feminism is offered here as a creative method for feminist historical inquiry in management and organizational studies (MOSs).
Abstract
Purpose
Ficto-feminism is offered here as a creative method for feminist historical inquiry in management and organizational studies (MOSs).
Design/methodology/approach
This paper introduces a new method called ficto-feminism. Using feminist polemics as a starting point, ficto-feminism fuses aspects of collective biography with the emic potential of autoethnography and rhizomatic capacity of fictocriticism to advance not only a new account of history in subject but also in style of writing.
Findings
The aim of ficto-feminism is to create a plausible, powerful and persuasive account of an overlooked female figure which not only challenges convention but also surfaces her lost lessons and accomplishments to benefit today's development of theory and practice.
Research limitations/implications
The paper reviews the methodological components of ficto-feminism and speaks to the merit of writing differently and incorporating fictional techniques.
Originality/value
To illustrate the method in action, the paper features a non-fiction, fictitious conversation with Hallie Flanagan (1890–1969) and investigates her role as national director of the Federal Theatre Project (FTP) (1935–1939). The FTP was part of the most elaborate relief programs ever conceived as part of the New Deal (a series of public works projects and financial reforms enacted in the 1930s in the USA).