Yangyan Shi, V.G. Venkatesh, Mani Venkatesh, Samuel Fosso Wamba and Bill Wang
Lucas Conde Stocco, Luciana Oranges Cezarino, Lara Bartocci Liboni and V.G. Venkatesh
This paper aims to analyse systematically previous literature that sought to understand the formation of circular supply chains (CSCs) and propose a research agenda for…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to analyse systematically previous literature that sought to understand the formation of circular supply chains (CSCs) and propose a research agenda for implementing circular economy 4.0 in the wholesale industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is based on a systematic literature review.
Findings
There is a prevalence of research related to manufacturing and how industrial complexes can establish practices linked to the circular economy. The reviewed papers in this study can be classified into three perspectives: systemic analysis, institutional perspective and operational perspective. Considering these categories and the wholesaler perspective, there is a scope to explore Industry 4.0 technologies applications with wholesale distributors and their contributions to the reverse flow of waste along the CSC. In addition, it is interesting to examine the interpretation of wholesale distributors on circularity, and how these members can contribute to filling the information gaps between industries and retailers based on the concepts of circular economy and Industry 4.0, and how they can contribute to establishing public policies for proper waste recycling methods.
Originality/value
First, this research considers the wholesaler the exclusive supply chain member under the influence of Industry 4.0 and highlights its importance in firms' circular operations. Second, it provides an inclusive plan for the other stakeholders to interact with the wholesaler echelon to design and operate under 4.0 technologies to consolidate effective CSCs.
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Sadia Samar Ali, Rajbir Kaur and Jose Antonio Marmolejo Saucedo
Egidio Palmieri and Greta Benedetta Ferilli
Innovation in financing processes, enabled by the advent of new technologies, has supported the development of alternative finance funding tools. In this context, the study…
Abstract
Purpose
Innovation in financing processes, enabled by the advent of new technologies, has supported the development of alternative finance funding tools. In this context, the study analyses the growing importance of alternative finance instruments (such as equity crowdfunding, peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, venture capital, and others) in addressing the small and medioum enterprises' (SMEs) financing needs beyond traditional bank and market-based funding channels. By providing more flexible terms and faster approval times, these instruments are gradually reshaping the traditional bank-firm relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
To comprehensively understand this innovation shift in funding processes, the study employs a novel approach that merges three MCDA methods: Spherical Fuzzy Entropy, ARAS and TOPSIS. These methodologies allow for handling ambiguity and subjectivity in financial decision-making processes, examining the effects of multiple criteria, including interest rate, flexibility, accessibility, support, riskiness, and approval time, on the appeal of various financial alternatives.
Findings
The study’s results have significant theoretical and practical implications, supporting SMEs in carefully evaluate financing alternatives and enables banks to better identify the main “competitors” according to the “financial need” of the firm. Moreover, the rise of alternative finance, notably P2P lending, indicates a shift towards more efficient capital access, suggesting banks must innovate their funding channels to remain competitive, especially in offering flexible solutions for restructuring and high-risk scenarios.
Practical implications
The study advises top management that SMEs prefer traditional loans for their reliability and accessibility, necessitating banks to enhance transparency, innovate, and adopt digital solutions to meet evolving financing needs and improve customer satisfaction.
Originality/value
The study introduces a novel integration of Spherical Fuzzy TOPSIS, Entropy, and ARAS methodologies to face the complexities of financial decision-making for SME financing, addressing ambiguity and multiple criteria like interest rates, flexibility, and riskiness. It emphasizes the importance of traditional loans, the rising significance of alternative financing such as P2P lending, and the necessity for banks to innovate, thereby enriching the literature on bank-firm relationships and SME funding strategies.
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Henrietta Jylhä and Juho Hamari
Customization by segmenting within human–computer interaction is an emerging phenomenon. Appealing graphical elements that cater to user needs are considered progressively…
Abstract
Purpose
Customization by segmenting within human–computer interaction is an emerging phenomenon. Appealing graphical elements that cater to user needs are considered progressively important, as the way a graphic is visually represented can greatly contribute to the interaction. However, aesthetic perceptions are subjective and may differ by target group. Understanding variations in user perceptions may aid in design processes; therefore, we set out to investigate the effects of demographic differences relating to perceptions of graphical user interface (GUI) element (i.e. game app icon) aesthetics.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors employed a vignette experiment with random participant (n = 513) assignment to evaluate 4 icons from a total of 68 pre-selected mobile game icons using semantic differential scales. This resulted in a total of 2052 individual icon evaluations. Regression analyses were performed with the effects of age, gender and time using graphical user interfaces (i.e. app stores) and the interactions of these variables relating to perceptions of GUI element aesthetics.
Findings
The results indicate that, overall, demographic factors have relatively little effect on how icons are perceived. Significant relations suggest that experienced users, younger audiences and women are more critical in their perception of aesthetic excellence, and that perceptions change for younger women. The implications of the findings are discussed via adaptive decision-making theory.
Originality/value
In the context of graphical user interface element aesthetics, demographic differences have received minimal attention as moderating variables regardless of their relevance in design and development. Hence, it merits further research.
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Mohammad Osman Gani, Naimul Bhuiya, Anika Afrin Swarna, Muhammad Intisar Alam and Mohammad Omar Faruq
The purpose of this paper is to understand the determinants affecting the adoption behavior of eCourier services and to establish a moderating role of resistance to change between…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the determinants affecting the adoption behavior of eCourier services and to establish a moderating role of resistance to change between behavioral intention and actual usage behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through a survey questionnaire that was distributed to the eCourier users. A total of 260 collected data were analyzed by using structural equation modeling.
Findings
The results of the study demonstrate that all the factors considered for the study have a significant impact on the adoption of eCourier except social influence and customer service. The results also confirm that there is no moderating effect of resistance to change in the relationship between behavioral intention and actual usage.
Practical implications
This research provides theoretical contribution by extending the practical knowledge focusing on the adoption intention of eCourier, and actual usage behavior using Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model—a pertinent and unresearched topic in the existing literature that presents a number of potential avenues for further study.
Originality/value
This study provides a general understanding of consumers in underdeveloped nations and advances earlier research on the usage of e-commerce in the courier sector.