Alexandre Borges Santos and Mário Otávio Batalha
This study seeks to empirically and theoretically show how and why food chain specific advantages along with country-specific and firm-specific advantages impact the development…
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to empirically and theoretically show how and why food chain specific advantages along with country-specific and firm-specific advantages impact the development of competences and shape distinct strategies for international growth.
Design/methodology/approach
Case studies were conducted with three Brazilian meatpacking firms with solid global operations. Top managers in charge of international operations were interviewed and documents were collected. Data were coded and submitted to triangulation. Content analysis was used as data analysis technique.
Findings
Results suggest that a meso-level of analysis is important to understand the development of competences and strategies for internationalization of meatpacking firms. Additionally, it was found that the internationalization process of meatpacking firms are supported by four supportive competences, namely: technical, production, sales and logistics competences. Findings also reveal that these companies tend to pursue either a raw material seeker or local taste supplier strategy.
Originality/value
International business scholars have struggled to incorporate meso-level characteristics into mainstream literature. This paper tries to fill in this gap by incorporating distinctive features from the food supply chain in the analysis. Two novel international strategy typologies were introduced by considering firm-, food chain- and country-specific advantages. It also proposes sound theoretical and managerial evidence to support public and private decision-making.
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Alexandre Borges Santos, Mário Otávio Batalha and Bruno Larue
This research seeks to develop a better understanding of internationalization patterns of agrifood firms and explains why different paths are adopted. Further, a conceptual…
Abstract
Purpose
This research seeks to develop a better understanding of internationalization patterns of agrifood firms and explains why different paths are adopted. Further, a conceptual framework to support public and private decision-making is proposed.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory qualitative research framework was developed featuring case studies about three highly internationalized Brazilian meat processing firms. Top managers were interviewed, and documents were collected to support the intraand crosscase analyses.
Findings
Results suggest that meat processing firms tend to adopt a dual internationalization pattern. Distribution-oriented foreign direct investment (FDI) is normally established gradually, whilst horizontal FDI – the establishment of foreign production facility – tends to be conducted through a fast-paced expansion mode. Interestingly, it was found that food safety issues play a central role in internationalization decisions.
Originality/value
An extension to the Uppsala model was provided by considering agrifood characteristics in the analysis. The results have broad appeal to managers and policymakers. Agribusiness managers could use the theoretical and empirical evidence to support their internationalization decisions. Policymakers can also use this research to gain a better understanding of how agrifood firms expand internationally to either attract or foster FDI.
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Barbara de Lima Voss, David Bernard Carter and Bruno Meirelles Salotti
We present a critical literature review debating Brazilian research on social and environmental accounting (SEA). The aim of this study is to understand the role of politics in…
Abstract
We present a critical literature review debating Brazilian research on social and environmental accounting (SEA). The aim of this study is to understand the role of politics in the construction of hegemonies in SEA research in Brazil. In particular, we examine the role of hegemony in relation to the co-option of SEA literature and sustainability in the Brazilian context by the logic of development for economic growth in emerging economies. The methodological approach adopts a post-structural perspective that reflects Laclau and Mouffe’s discourse theory. The study employs a hermeneutical, rhetorical approach to understand and classify 352 Brazilian research articles on SEA. We employ Brown and Fraser’s (2006) categorizations of SEA literature to help in our analysis: the business case, the stakeholder–accountability approach, and the critical case. We argue that the business case is prominent in Brazilian studies. Second-stage analysis suggests that the major themes under discussion include measurement, consulting, and descriptive approach. We argue that these themes illustrate the degree of influence of the hegemonic politics relevant to emerging economics, as these themes predominantly concern economic growth and a capitalist context. This paper discusses trends and practices in the Brazilian literature on SEA and argues that the focus means that SEA avoids critical debates of the role of capitalist logics in an emerging economy concerning sustainability. We urge the Brazilian academy to understand the implications of its reifying agenda and engage, counter-hegemonically, in a social and political agenda beyond the hegemonic support of a particular set of capitalist interests.
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Alexandre Bevilacqua Leoneti, Danilo Vitorino dos Santos, Renato Santos da Silva, Alessandra Henriques Ferreira, Adriano César Pimenta and Sonia Valle Walter Borges de Oliveira
The purpose of this paper is to propose a process management framework for Chemical Waste Treatment Laboratories (CWTL) that can be used as a management tool to identify and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a process management framework for Chemical Waste Treatment Laboratories (CWTL) that can be used as a management tool to identify and manage critical process.
Design/methodology/approach
Proposition of a generic classification for categories of chemical waste; use of the ABC analysis as a tool for analysis of priority in relation to the inputs of an CWTL; use of the process matrix (variety vs volume) to identify the key resources required to perform the activities of a CWTL; and use of mapping process techniques to map the processes defined and calculate times.
Findings
The proposed framework was applied to a CWTL at University of São Paulo, Brazil, and showed that the high variability of demand is a significant factor in the management of this laboratory, requiring processes that are flexible to meet this demand. The results showed that the applicability of the production and operations management theories within the scope of process management of CWTLs, proved to be useful tools for improving the treatment efficiency of chemical waste in these facilities.
Originality/value
The novelty of this work is in the fact of using production and operations management tools in the management of CWTLs to propose diagnoses to improve the management of their processes. The proposition of a comprehensive classification for chemical wastes generated in CWTLs is also highlighted.
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José Marcelo Honório Ferreira Barros, Sálvio Lima de Carvalho Neto, Ana Julia Dal Forno, Rita de Cássia Siqueira Curto Valle and José Alexandre Borges Valle
The primary goal of domestic washing and drying processes is to deliver clean and dry clothes, but they often result in excessive wrinkling of fabrics. This study aims to evaluate…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary goal of domestic washing and drying processes is to deliver clean and dry clothes, but they often result in excessive wrinkling of fabrics. This study aims to evaluate the wrinkling of linen fabric using image processing techniques after these processes and to quantify various drying performance indicators.
Design/methodology/approach
An image processing software was developed to quantify the smoothness level of linen fabrics subjected to domestic washing and drying processes. Additionally, different washing parameters in a front-loading washer that affect fabric wrinkling were evaluated. Three drying cycles (easy-iron, normal and extra-dry) in a condensation dryer were also analyzed in terms of moisture and fabric wrinkling parameters.
Findings
The results demonstrated a close relationship between water extraction from the fabrics and wrinkle formation. The shortest drying cycle with milder temperatures produced wetter and less wrinkled fabrics at the end of the drying cycle. Conversely, the longer, higher-temperature programs completely removed the moisture from the linen fabrics but resulted in greater wrinkling.
Originality/value
The development of an image processing technique to quantify the wrinkling of linen fabric allowed for more objective evaluation of this parameter. Additionally, this study allowed for the correlation of various drying indicators with the wrinkling generated in the linen fabric.
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Rafael Alcadipani Da Silveira and João Crubelatte
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the Brazilian literature about national and organizational culture.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the Brazilian literature about national and organizational culture.
Design/methodology/approach
A postmodern epistemological perspective is taken to discuss culture, focusing first on its contribution to the analysis of culture within organizations. Then the central ideas in the articles published in Brazilian periodicals and congresses, between 1991 and 2000, which talked about Brazilian organizational culture, are presented and an attempt is made to outline their fundamental characteristics.
Findings
The majority of studies which deal with Brazilian culture, and which have been developed within the context of management, analyze the theme in a homogeneous manner and do not take into account the plurality and heterogeneity within the country and organizations.
Originality/value
Postmodern approaches to discussion of culture seem to be important in dealing with cultural contexts (national and organizational) where nuances and variations cannot be ignored without serious political and social implications.
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This chapter examines the integration between Brazilian migrants in Japan and other Brazilians living in the United States and Europe. It focuses on the role played by some big…
Abstract
This chapter examines the integration between Brazilian migrants in Japan and other Brazilians living in the United States and Europe. It focuses on the role played by some big ethnic Brazilian events as the most visible and palpable facets of the transnational diasporic networks. These diasporic, cross-border events might be creating consistent transnational social spaces among Brazilians throughout the world. The author has done participant observation at four key diasporic events: a media event (Brazilian Day), a political event (Brasileiros no Mundo), a business event (Expo Business), and a cultural event (Focus Brasil). The goal was to map the flow of information, influence, and intersection among these events and their promoters. The study found that these events are deeply interdependent and the synergy among them – along with the role played by diasporic media – has strengthened a diaspora consciousness, a sense of belonging to the same diaspora, despite the peculiarities of Brazilians who live in different countries or regions. The chapter also discusses how do these new diasporic developments affect the integration of Brazilians who live in Japan. The cases shown in this chapter prove that there are vibrant interactions besides the “home country” versus “host country” dichotomy.
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Simone Sehnem, Ivone Junges, Sandro V. Soares and Alexandre Maganda
To analyze the integration of the circular economy and Industry 4.0 in agtechs through lean integration and people.
Abstract
Purpose
To analyze the integration of the circular economy and Industry 4.0 in agtechs through lean integration and people.
Design/methodology/approach
Following in-depth interviews with key informants, data tabulation was performed via families of viewpoints supported by the primary elements mapped in the investigated context.
Findings
The integration of the circular economy with Industry 4.0, and integrated into lean production, aiming to eliminate waste and maximize customer value, and the valorization of people are fundamental in the context of recycling, reuse and reutilization of materials not only in the agricultural sector but also, since it is the object of study of this research. The use of I4.0 technologies and solutions, such as applications, sensors, artificial intelligence and digital platforms, allows for the collection and analysis of real-time data, facilitating decision-making and monitoring of agricultural operations.
Research limitations/implications
The research limitations may include the limited sample of Agtechs analyzed, which might not cover all innovations and trends existing in the sector; data and information available up to the study date (April 2023), which might not reflect more recent developments in the field of Agtechs and the circular economy.
Practical implications
The circular economy seeks to minimize waste and maximize resource use, promoting recycling, reusing and repurposing of materials. In contrast, Industry 4.0 refers to the application of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things and automation to optimize productive processes and make them more efficient. Lean integration, which aims to eliminate waste and maximize customer value, and the appreciation of people are fundamental in this context.
Social implications
The use of technologies and solutions from Industry 4.0, like apps, sensors, artificial intelligence and digital platforms, allows real-time data collection and analysis, facilitating decision-making and monitoring of agricultural operations. In addition, the provision of online consulting and technical assistance services contributes to producer training and the maximization of results.
Originality/value
Significant benefits for the agricultural sector, such as greater efficiency, sustainability, product quality, traceability, cost reduction and productivity increase. The use of advanced technologies and the valorization of people are key elements to drive this integration and promote digital transformation in the field. The integration of the circular economy and Industry 4.0 in agtechs, integrating lean production and people.
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Manish Das, Charles Jebarajakirthy, Balaji M.S., Victor Saha, Mrinal Kanti Paul and Achchuthan Sivapalan
This study aims to examine the role of price discounts and how to communite such discounts for masstige brands. While a price discount might encourage potential (first time…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the role of price discounts and how to communite such discounts for masstige brands. While a price discount might encourage potential (first time) customers seeking higher status to buy a masstige brand, it might deter existing (repeat) customers from purchasing the brand due to a decline in perceived status. Such paradoxical effect of price discounts on masstige brand’s purchase requires a detail investigation into whether masstige brands should offer price discounts and if so, how to communicate such discounts. Current research investigates this phenomenon.
Design/methodology/approach
Four experimental studies were executed. Study 1 investigated the impact of monetary discount (absent vs. present) on the purchase intention of masstige brands for different customer types (potential vs. existing). Study 2 investigated the mediating role of perceived status. Study 3 examined the effectiveness of metaphoric communication of monetary discounts (absent vs present) on masstige brand’s purchase. Study 4 tested the moderating effect of customers’ need for cognition.
Findings
Overall, monetary discounts positively affect purchase intention of masstige brand; however, the effect is negative for existing customers and positive for potential customers owing to differences in perceived status these customer groups experience (positive for potential and negative for existing customers). Metaphoric communications of monetary discounts restrict the declining purchase intention and status perception of existing customers besides keeping the potential customers’ purchase intention intact.
Research limitations/implications
This research is confined to a particular country limiting the gneralisability of the study’s findings. Furthermore, this research is cross-sectional in nature.
Practical implications
The findings of this research provide valuable insights and actionable recommendations for masstige brands to effectively leverage price discounts, especially in the emerging markets.
Originality/value
To date, a question of whether or not masstige brands should offer price discounts and if so, how to communicate such discounts remain opaque. This is the pioneering study exploring this phenomenon.