Shamil George Naoum, Carlos Herrero, Charles Egbu and Daniel Fong
It is axiomatic that construction is a fast-paced and competitive industry, which goes hand in hand with many construction professionals suffering from stress including…
Abstract
Purpose
It is axiomatic that construction is a fast-paced and competitive industry, which goes hand in hand with many construction professionals suffering from stress including construction project managers (C-PMs). The role of C-PMs is crucial to achieving project success as they are responsible for planning the project, organising human resources, controlling operations and the budget, and forecasting probable difficulties. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the causal relationships between stressors, stresses, stress-coping behaviours and their impact on the performance of C-PMs.
Design/methodology/approach
To investigate the relationships between stress and performance among C-PMs, a questionnaire was designed based on the extensive literature, and was sent to 150 C-PMs who had amassed at least five years’ direct working experience in the construction industry. A total of 44 completed questionnaires were returned. Correlation analysis and structural equation modelling were employed to understand the integrated relationships between these factors. Based on the data collected and analysis of the results, an integrated structural equation model of the stresses and performances of C-PMs was developed using AMOS version 22.0.
Findings
The results of structural equation modelling reveal the following: burnout is the type of stress that has the highest impact on the performance of C-PMs, being detrimental to their interpersonal performance (IPP) and positive for their organisational performance (OP), whereas physiological stress worsens the task performance of C-PMs and objective stress improves their IPP. The most active stressor towards the performance of C-PMs is “workgroup cooperation”, which has an impact on the IPP in a positive way but is detrimental to the OP. Career-developing environment, poor organisational structure and role conflict affect both stress and performance together.
Originality/value
This study provides a comprehensive investigation into the impact of various types of stress on the performances of C-PMs. The result constitutes a significant step towards the stress management of C-PMs in the dynamic and stressful construction industry.
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Emanuel Gomes, Ferran Vendrell-Herrero, Kamel Mellahi, Duncan Angwin and Carlos M.P. Sousa
Whilst substantial evidence from low-corruption, developed market environments supports the view that more productive firms are more likely to export, there has been little…
Abstract
Purpose
Whilst substantial evidence from low-corruption, developed market environments supports the view that more productive firms are more likely to export, there has been little research into analysing the link between productivity and exports in high corruption, developing market environments. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, to test the premise of self-selection theory whether the association between productivity and export is maintained in high-corruption environments, and second to identify other variables explaining export activity in high-corruption contexts, including cluster networks and firms’ competences.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors draw on the World Bank Enterprise survey to undertake a cross-section analysis including 1,233 small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in nine African countries. The advantage of this database is that it contains information about the level of perceived corruption at firm level. Logistic regressions are performed for the full sample and for subsamples of firms in high- and low-corruption environments.
Findings
The findings demonstrate that the self-selection theory only applies to low-corruption environments, whereas in high-corruption environments, alternative factors such as cluster networks and outward-looking competences (OLC) exert a stronger influence on the exporting activity of African SMEs.
Research limitations/implications
This research contributes to the theory as it provides evidence that contradicts the validity of self-selection theory in high-corruption environments. The findings would benefit from further longitudinal investigation.
Practical implications
African SMEs need to consider cluster networks and OLC as important strategic factors that might enhance their international competitiveness.
Originality/value
The criticism of the self-selection theory is distinctive in the literature and has important implications for future research. The authors show that the contextualisation of existing theories matters and this opens a research avenue for further more sensitive contextualisation of existing theories in developing economies.
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Emanuel Gomes, Carlos M.P. Sousa and Ferran Vendrell-Herrero
The aim of this paper is to conceptualize the notion of international marketing agility.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to conceptualize the notion of international marketing agility.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach adopted is to review and create a synopsis of the existing body of research on strategic agility and develop a conceptualization on how international marketing agility (IMA) should be analyzed.
Findings
International marketing agility is an emerging concept driven largely by rapid changes in global markets. There is a growing need for exporting SMEs and multinational enterprises to consider IMA as a means of building competitive advantage in foreign markets.
Research implications/limitations
While the conceptual development presented in this paper is not exhaustive, our model highlights important research avenues in IMA that need exploring.
Originality/value
This article examines an emerging concept in international marketing that serves as a platform to cope with the changes taking place in this fast-changing global environment. A framework is proposed where we conceptualize IMA as a process triggered by agile logic (a nonconformist and open mental stance) and facilitated by agile learning (being able to search and interpret data), to cause agile actions (being able to commit, co-ordinate and respond quickly with flexibility to ever-changing conditions).
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Carlos Cavalheiro, Claudia Ruiz-Capillas, Ana Maria Herrero, Francisco Jiménez-Colmenero, Cristiano Ragagnin de Menezes and Leadir Lucy Fries
This study aims to protect Lactobacillus plantarum and Enterococcus faecium encapsulated in alginate beads during stress treatments, such as high temperatures and concentrations…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to protect Lactobacillus plantarum and Enterococcus faecium encapsulated in alginate beads during stress treatments, such as high temperatures and concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium nitrite (NaNO2).
Design/methodology/approach
Free and encapsulated probiotics were subjected to 70 and 80°C during 5, 10, 20 and 30 min. In addition, the probiotics were subjected to concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 per cent NaCl and 0.5 and 1.0per cent of NaNO2.
Findings
Free Lactobacillus plantarum was more resistant to heat than free Enterococcus faecium. Alginate-encapsulated Lactobacillus plantarum (ALP) also was more resistant to heat treatments than alginate-encapsulated Enterococcus faecium (AEF). After 30 min at 70°C, ALP showed levels about 6.9 log CFU/g while AEF presented 4.3 log CFU/g (p = 0.005). However, at 80°C, ALP maintained levels higher than 6 log CFU/g for up to 10 min, while AEF was able to maintain those levels only for approximately 5 min (p = 0.003). Encapsulation process provided adequate protection for both probiotics against NaCl. In relation to NaNO2 concentrations, 0.5 and 1.0 per cent reduced viability of both probiotics (p = 0.014), either as free cells or as alginate-encapsulated forms.
Practical implications
Alginate beads containing probiotics is an interesting alternative for application in foods such as cooked meat products.
Originality/value
Alginate beads elaborated with milk powder, inulin and trehalose were effective to protect probiotics in stress situations similar to those can be found in the processing of foods, such as cooked meat products.
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The research aims to explore the dynamic relationship between digital service innovation (DSI), artificial intelligence (AI) and business performance (BPer) in service-based…
Abstract
Purpose
The research aims to explore the dynamic relationship between digital service innovation (DSI), artificial intelligence (AI) and business performance (BPer) in service-based models with a focus on how AI-enhanced insights from service use and customer feedback can strengthen business strategies. The aims are to show that DSI and AI are key to driving growth and efficiency in the digital economy and to underscore AI’s role in utilizing contextual data to improve decision-making and business outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses general structural equation modeling to analyze Spanish manufacturing firms, focusing on medium-sized enterprises and including both business-to-business and business-to-consumer orientations. Data are drawn from the Iberian Balance Analysis System [Sistema de Análisis de Balances Ibéricos (SABI)] database, complemented by a Qualtrics survey to assess the integration of AI in decision-making processes. The methodology is designed to evaluate the interplay between DSI, AI and BPer, with the aim of identifying actionable insights for service-based business orientations.
Findings
The study clarifies the relationships between DSI, AI and BPer, providing new theoretical and empirical insights. The findings confirm DSI's direct positive impact on performance and suggest AI’s nuanced mediating role, emphasizing the need for strategic DSI-AI integration in manufacturing firms for enhanced performance.
Research limitations/implications
The research explains the synergistic bond between DSI and AI in boosting BPer and discovering how by-product data can be transformed into strategic insights.
Practical implications
This study advises manufacturing sector leaders to integrate DSI and AI for enhanced performance and competitive advantage, emphasizing the value of high-quality, contextual data for AI learning and decision-making.
Originality/value
Researchers will observe that the study confirms the positive impact of DSI on BPer, while also highlighting the significant role of AI in enhancing this effect.
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María-Ángeles Chaparro-Domínguez, Victoria Moreno-Gil and Ruth Rodríguez-Martínez
Given the considerable challenges posed by disinformation to both society and journalism, how do news media outlets in Hispanic America and Spain address this pervasive global…
Abstract
Purpose
Given the considerable challenges posed by disinformation to both society and journalism, how do news media outlets in Hispanic America and Spain address this pervasive global phenomenon? The purpose of this study is to evaluate the extent to which these outlets embrace recommendations from academic, professional and institutional spheres for countering false contents.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative content analysis was used using variables linked to transparency, verification and potential errors incurred. This study comprehensively analyses the ethical codes of 34 digital native outlets spanning 12 Hispanic American countries (Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela), as well as Spain.
Findings
The key findings reveal significant variations in adherence to the recommended guidelines. Particularly striking is the disparity between compliance with transparency and verification compared to notably higher adherence to measure aimed at rectifying errors. This exploratory study paves the way for further research on additional countries.
Originality/value
Ethical codes are a fundamental instrument of media accountability. Nevertheless, their utility in the fight against misinformation has barely been addressed. This study is pioneering in the field of disinformation and ethical codes within digital native media outlets in Hispanic America and Spain.
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Pedro Pimpão, Antónia Correia, João Duque and José Carlos Zorrinho
The purpose of this study is to define a model of social technology diffusion, comprising constructs that explain guests’ likelihood of recommending their hotel loyalty program to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to define a model of social technology diffusion, comprising constructs that explain guests’ likelihood of recommending their hotel loyalty program to their peers.
Design/methodology/approach
The diffusion effect is explained by commitment-trust, satisfaction with user-to-user interactivity, satisfaction with user identifiability and word of mouth. A total of 2,812 usable responses were obtained through an online questionnaire sent to guests with two or more transactions with the loyalty program.
Findings
The results suggest that commitment and trust and word of mouth are crucial to enact social diffusion. As such, hotel loyalty programs need to be leveraged through enacting social diffusion.
Practical implications
Tourism and hospitality practitioners dealing with loyalty programs should create and post new trustworthy content that might be beneficial for the hotel loyalty program in their efforts to provide a more valuable experience for guests.
Originality/value
The paper provides empirical evidence that the likelihood of sharing with other guests or the intention to belong to a hotel loyalty program community exists and then goes on to offer a range of possible responses based upon four relational mediators.
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Camila Favoretto, Glauco Henrique de Sousa Mendes, Renata de Oliveira Mota, Moacir Godinho Filho, Lauro Osiro and Gilberto Miller Devós M.D. Ganga
This paper aims to identify the interrelationships among critical factors for digital servitization (DS) implementation.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify the interrelationships among critical factors for digital servitization (DS) implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
A multi-method research was used. Critical factors for a successful DS implementation were identified using a systematic literature review and expert interviews. The interpretive structural modeling (ISM) method was used to develop a hierarchical model of the identified factors, followed by the fuzzy Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement (MICMAC) analysis to assess their dependence and driving powers.
Findings
A total of 23 factors for DS implementation were identified, and the ISM model was developed. Based on MICMAC analysis, the factors were also grouped under four categories (dependent, driving, autonomous and linkage). A conceptual framework is proposed, highlighting that DS implementation relies on three main layers of critical factors: crafting alignment, scaling the change and achieving results.
Originality/value
The ISM and fuzzy MICMAC methods used in this study provided valuable insights into the interrelationship among the identified DS factors through a conceptual framework. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is one of the first to identify critical factors influencing DS implementation and develop hierarchical relationships among them.
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M.Teresa Gil-Muñoz and Félix Lasheras-Merino
Rising damp affects the deterioration and conservation of architectural heritage. Air cavities built next to the base of these buildings on an unsaturated floor can reduce the…
Abstract
Purpose
Rising damp affects the deterioration and conservation of architectural heritage. Air cavities built next to the base of these buildings on an unsaturated floor can reduce the damage to foundations and walls due to this. These are passive systems, which are usually designed with no objective data to show their functioning and effectiveness. This is why the authors are presenting this study.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is presented starting with simple field equipment for representative types for a previous cataloguing of cases in Spain. The physical parameters of the air in this research are air speed and evaporation in the cavities and the base, taking the local climate and the particular formal and construction characteristics of each case study as a reference.
Findings
The results of the analysis validate the method and the efficiency of such cavities, whose performance is greater in systems with a variety of features, that is to say, those which work by thermal or wind flow rather than those which only use hygric flow.
Originality/value
This work is novel because there are not in situ experimental works which prove the functioning and effectiveness of these systems.
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Carlos Casanova, Le Xia and Romina Ferreira
The purpose of this paper is to deploy an export dependency index to identify the sectors and countries in Latin America which are most exposed to fluctuations in Chinese demand…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to deploy an export dependency index to identify the sectors and countries in Latin America which are most exposed to fluctuations in Chinese demand. Bilateral trade between China and Latin America has grown very quickly in the past decade. As a consequence, economic relationships with Latin America intensified tremendously, as growing demand for resources drove China into relatively unexplored frontiers.
Design/methodology/approach
The Index measures the relative exposure of Latin American exporters to shifts in demand from China and is scaled from 0 to 1 (the higher the score, the more exposed an exporter is to disruptions of trade with China). The authors undertook the analysis using six-digit trade figures from the United Nations COMTRADE database (Harmonized System 2007 nomenclature) to ensure granularity and consistency and contrasted their results across two points in time, 2008 and 2014. The analysis was very comprehensive, covering the products that accounted for 80 per cent or more of all exports to China in 2014, for all countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Findings
According to our estimates, dependency on China increased overboard across Latin America for all countries and all sectors between 2008 and 2014. Absolute dependency levels were highest in Costa Rica, Colombia, Uruguay, Venezuela, Brazil, Panama, Peru, Chile, Guyana and Argentina. Of these, the largest exporters to China, namely, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela, featured high dependencies concentrated around just four commodities: soy in the form of soybeans and soybean oil; crude oil; copper in the form of copper ore, copper cathodes and unrefined copper; and iron ore. These four commodities accounted for 80 per cent of the regions’ total exports to China.
Originality/value
This is one of few studies that look into Latin America’s commodity export dependency on China at such granular level.