Tomaž Čater, Barbara Čater, Matej Černe, Matjaž Koman and Tjaša Redek
The paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the drivers for the use of Industry 4.0 technologies by investigating (1) what motivates companies to consider using I4…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the drivers for the use of Industry 4.0 technologies by investigating (1) what motivates companies to consider using I4 technologies and (2) what enables (or hinders) the intention to use I4 technologies to translate into their actual use.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses survey data collected from a sample of export-oriented manufacturing companies with more than 10 employees. Final analysis is conducted on 124 companies.
Findings
The results show that companies are proactively approaching I4. Only efficiency motives and expected competitive advantage have a positive effect on the intention to use I4 technologies, which in turn positively influences their actual use. The external, legitimacy-based, motives do not play a significant role in explaining the intention to use. With respect to I4 technology enablers, employee competency positively moderates and availability of finance negatively moderates the relationship between intention to use and actual use.
Research limitations/implications
The work extends the existing knowledge base on I4 technology drivers in companies that are not major global trendsetters but are heavily embedded in the value chains of companies from the most industrially developed economies. The study is limited to manufacturing companies in a small European economy and should be retested in other contexts.
Practical implications
The study can help managers implement I4 technologies in their companies more successfully.
Originality/value
We take a novel research approach by proposing a framework that clearly distinguishes between motives and enablers for the use of I4 technologies.
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This paper theoretically and empirically aims to explore customer group flow experiences with an urban adventure game called “escape rooms”.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper theoretically and empirically aims to explore customer group flow experiences with an urban adventure game called “escape rooms”.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive model of group flow antecedents and consequences is proposed and empirically verified by means of survey research and SEM methodology.
Findings
The results indicate that key determinants of group flow experiences are the collective challenge/skills balance, and theming and storytelling. Group flow, in turn, significantly affects participants’ revisit intentions and word-of-mouth communications, as well as group cohesion and subjective quality of life.
Practical implications
The supported research model provides an insight into how group flow experiences can be facilitated by means of gamification and yields important managerial implications. These are systematically discussed in regard to antecedent and consequence constructs.
Originality/value
This paper is one of the first papers to systematically examine the antecedents and consequences of group flow experiences at adventure game-based attractions. It contributes to the understanding and management of peak experiences in contemporary hospitality and tourism.
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This chapter analyses the evolution of strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR). Despite extensive research on the strategic aspects of CSR, the absence of a well-defined…
Abstract
This chapter analyses the evolution of strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR). Despite extensive research on the strategic aspects of CSR, the absence of a well-defined theoretical concept has hindered the development of the field. The authors build on the four mechanisms that conceptually distinguish strategic CSR from CSR in general: enhancing firm reputation, increasing stakeholder reciprocation, mitigating firm risk, and strengthening innovation capacity. By using bibliometric methods, we analyze the main topics, references, and sources of papers, found in the Web of Science Core Collection database. The analysis of the strategic CSR field discusses main topics through three periods (1991–2009, 2010–2014, and 2015–2019). The findings help identify the mapping of conceptual space of the strategic CSR field and suggest grounds for continuing the debates on how to advance the micro-level perspectives on CSR.
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The paper's purpose is to broaden knowledge of customer satisfaction and loyalty in business‐to‐business markets.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper's purpose is to broaden knowledge of customer satisfaction and loyalty in business‐to‐business markets.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors propose and test a model in which customer satisfaction is conceived as mediating the relationship between the elements of relationship value (price, product quality, delivery performance, supplier know‐how, time‐to‐market, service support and personal interaction) and attitudinal and behavioural customer loyalty. The empirical analysis uses structural equation modelling and is based on 477 customer‐supplier relationships in the manufacturing context.
Findings
The results show that satisfaction is negatively affected by price and positively by delivery performance, supplier know‐how and personal interaction. On the other hand, satisfaction positively influences behavioural and attitudinal loyalty. In addition, behavioural loyalty is also negatively affected by price and positively by product quality, while attitudinal loyalty is positively affected by personal interaction.
Research limitations/implications
Future research could add views from the supplier's side and also examine the focal relationship in a network of relationships. The model should be cross‐validated with the same instruments in other contexts.
Practical implications
The paper's main finding that satisfaction is more affected by delivery performance, supplier know‐how and personal interaction than by price holds direct implications for generic business strategies. By building unique relationships with their customers, suppliers can demonstrate they have something different to offer when there is strong market pressure on price. In addition, the finding that the antecedents of behavioural loyalty are more “rational” and “firm‐related”, while the antecedents of attitudinal loyalty are more “emotional” and “individual‐related”, can be used by marketers to improve the relationships with their customers.
Originality/value
The paper systematically addresses the antecedents of customer satisfaction and loyalty from the perspective of relationship value dimensions – an approach that has not yet been taken in the literature.
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Mukta Srivastava, Sreeram Sivaramakrishnan and Neeraj Pandey
The increased digital interactions in the B2B industry have enhanced the importance of customer engagement as a measure of firm performance. This study aims to map and analyze…
Abstract
Purpose
The increased digital interactions in the B2B industry have enhanced the importance of customer engagement as a measure of firm performance. This study aims to map and analyze temporal and spatial journeys for customer engagement in B2B markets from a bibliometric perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
The extant literature on customer engagement research in the B2B context was analyzed using bibliometric analysis. The citation analysis, keyword analysis, cluster analysis, three-field plot and bibliographic coupling were used to map the intellectual structure of customer engagement in B2B markets.
Findings
The research on customer engagement in the B2B context was studied more in western countries. The analysis suggests that customer engagement in B2B markets will take centre stage in the coming times as digital channels make it easier to track critical metrics besides other key factors. Issues like digital transformation, the use of artificial intelligence for virtual engagement, personalization, innovation and salesforce management by leveraging technology would be critical for improved B2B customer engagement.
Practical implications
The study provides a comprehensive reference to scholars working in this domain.
Originality/value
The study makes a pioneering effort to comprehensively analyze the vast corpus of literature on customer engagement in B2B markets for business insights.
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John Pratten and Barbara O'Leary
To outline the reasons for staff shortages in the UK catering industry and then to decide if further training could help to address these issues.
Abstract
Purpose
To outline the reasons for staff shortages in the UK catering industry and then to decide if further training could help to address these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The objectives have been achieved by examining the training provisions at a college, and then asking the students, their training staff, employers and employees about their needs.
Findings
The study has revealed that the basic training available is suitable for purpose. However, the career ambitions of the students were focussed on restaurants, and they ignored the other catering outlets. A greater knowledge of other forms of employment could retain more staff within the industry. In addition, restaurants could offer greater training to their staff, particularly as the need to manage new skills such as stock control are encountered.
Research limitations/implications
It should be noted that this study merely reports on one small area of the country, and is further limited by small samples. To make more definitive suggestions, a more extensive study should be undertaken.
Practical implications
The work suggests that greater co‐ordination between the training provider and all sections of the industry could ensure that more catering staff remain within the sector.
Originality/value
It is hoped that this paper will initiate debate on the issue of staff retention and persuade the non‐restaurant sector to act more positively on the issue.
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The impetus was to assess pluses and minuses of a national mandate with specific paratransit guidelines per “the” 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) model. Two European…
Abstract
Purpose
The impetus was to assess pluses and minuses of a national mandate with specific paratransit guidelines per “the” 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) model. Two European countries were chosen to explore other ways to serve persons with disabilities, not driven by ADA.
Design/methodology/approach
This research compared mandates in each area (via a tri-lingual survey) both as related to ADA’s most common practices and the European model of “Persons with Reduced Mobility” (PMRs). After data collection, analysis compared and contrasted ADA and PMR schemes.
Findings
Even in California, differences were found among survey sites; for instance, the organization type and mix of services varied greatly, despite a national framework. In Europe, there were more similar approaches among regions where, without a national framework, there was flexible, regional decision-making. In Europe, the national focus is on more regular transit accessibility, maximizing transit use rather than special services.
Research limitations/implications
Five recommendations resulted and apply most directly to California and equally for agencies with or without ADA. The strengths of the PMR approach are transferable to California and the trend among a few California partners to go beyond ADA, while only a local option, reinforces the strength of the PMR solution.
Originality/value
How to improve service and financial performance and enlarge the private sector role are put forward. Existing methods, whether Federal or California-driven, need revisiting to achieve true benefits of coordination.
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Lesley Baillie, Eileen Sills and Nicola Thomas
People who are living with dementia are core health service users, but there are ongoing concerns about the quality of their care and the need for improved education of healthcare…
Abstract
Purpose
People who are living with dementia are core health service users, but there are ongoing concerns about the quality of their care and the need for improved education of healthcare staff. The purpose of this paper is to report a qualitative study that investigated staff perspectives on an ethnodrama (“Barbara’s Story”) which was used to educate an entire health service workforce and promote a person-centred approach to care.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a qualitative, longitudinal design with focus groups held with clinical (nurses, allied health professionals, medical) and non-clinical staff. In Phase 1 there were ten focus groups (n=67 participants) and one individual interview. In Phase 2 there were 16 focus groups (n=77 participants) and three individual interviews.
Findings
Barbara’s Story raised awareness of dementia, engaged staff emotionally and prompted empathetic responses and improved interactions. The project’s senior leadership, whole organisation and mandatory approach were well-supported, with a perceived impact on organisational culture. The project helped to embed practice developments and initiatives to support person-centred care. Barbara’s Story is now well-integrated into the organisation’s practices, supporting its sustainability in use.
Originality/value
Whilst there are increasing resources for educating about dementia, there are fewer evaluations, particularly for large-scale educational initiatives, and a lack of focus on long-term effects. The study findings indicate that education about dementia can be delivered to a whole workforce in a sustainable manner, to prompt empathy, raise awareness, support person-centred care and impact on individual behaviour and organisational culture.
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The Information Service at Fisons Head Office is operated primarily to meet the needs of the fertilizer and heavy chemical part of the group, which is now known as Division 1. In…
Abstract
The Information Service at Fisons Head Office is operated primarily to meet the needs of the fertilizer and heavy chemical part of the group, which is now known as Division 1. In addition it tries to cater for those units of the Fison Group whose information requirements do not justify the appointment of a full‐time Information Officer, and for those at Head Office with group responsibilities. The chief means by which we disseminate information from published sources are our two bulletins, the Fertilizer Bulletin and the Chemical Bulletin, which both appear fort‐nightly. Thus we do in fact put out one a week or, to be precise, four bulletins each calendar month. Both publications have suffered changes of name and have even been dropped for a time, according to the exigencies of the situation, but I was able to trace the present Fertilizer Bulletin right back to 1944, when it went under the name of the Technical Service Review. From 1950–4 it flourished as the Technical Bulletin, and at the beginning of this year was renamed the Fertilizer Bulletin. The contents of this bulletin fall roughly into four parts: technological (manufacturing processes, chemical engineering safety, etc.); laboratory (analytical); commercial (world production and consumption statistics); agricultural (trends in research and farming).