Miriam Borchardt, Giancarlo Pereira, Alexandre Rodrigues Ferreira, Marcela Soares, Josiano Sousa and Daniel Battaglia
This paper aims to analyse the factors that influence frugal innovation (FI) in micro- and small enterprises (MSEs) at the base of the pyramid (BOP) through the theoretical lens…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to analyse the factors that influence frugal innovation (FI) in micro- and small enterprises (MSEs) at the base of the pyramid (BOP) through the theoretical lens of dynamic capabilities. The input–process–output (I-P-O) framework was used as a tool to support the analysis of FI as a process.
Design/methodology/approach
A multiple case study was performed with 25 MSEs at the BOP in Brazil, all of which were in the food industry.
Findings
This study indicates that dynamic capabilities are present in enterprises that are migrating to low income and middle-class consumers, which influences their FI practices. To analyse FI in the context of MSEs at the BOP, the I-P-O framework was adapted. Enterprises that have focussed on extremely poor and subsistence markets develop more disruptive innovation, aiming to reduce the final prices they charge consumers. The primary focus of these enterprises is on maintaining ordinary capabilities. Enterprises that have focussed on low income and middle-class customers have implemented incremental innovation, adding value based on colonial tastes and close relationships with their consumers. Such a strategy demands changes in the physical facilities, use of social media and investment in quality control of these enterprises. Considerations for policymakers and institutions are also presented.
Originality/value
The use of a dynamic capabilities lens in such a context is a new approach and provides a relevant basis for further studies. The study has identified different approaches to FI and different sets of barriers and successful practices, both related to the target market segment, that could leverage FI. This study contributes to case studies from Brazil, spreading the research context beyond Asia.
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Daniel Battaglia, Miriam Borchardt, Miguel Afonso Sellitto and Giancarlo Medeiros Pereira
The aim of this study is to propose a method for assessing the service recovery performance of a manufacturing company with value‐added services. Service recovery performance is…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to propose a method for assessing the service recovery performance of a manufacturing company with value‐added services. Service recovery performance is assessed by an index with value ranges from 0 to 100 percent.
Design/methodology/approach
A tree‐like structure was built to represent service recovery. This structure was weighted according to the degrees of each dimension's relative importance using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. After construction, the dimensions were evaluated by considering how much they were applied during the process; the service recovery index and the gaps between importance and application were determined. The method was tested in a multinational manufacturing company and in two buyer companies.
Findings
It was possible to identify the most important service recovery dimensions from the perspective of a manufacturing company (“speed of recovery”, followed by “empowerment”) and the respective degree of application according to the buyers; the gaps between importance and application were determined, and a set of suggestions for the service recovery process was made.
Practical implications
The proposed method can be adapted for other companies, including those in other industries. Analysis of the degree of the application of the dimensions of recovery can be extended to other customers, which allows for the measurement of service recovery performance.
Originality/value
The recovery service is an organisational process relevant to manufacturing enterprises with value‐added services, which require measurement of their performance. The authors found no other references to a method that allows organisations to assess their performance in relation to recovery dimensions.
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Trace Instruments have announced that Mr Tony Battaglia has been named central regional sales manager.
Given their capacity to generate knowledge, universities can be the primary external source of knowledge and innovation for companies. Despite studies on the potential drivers of…
Abstract
Purpose
Given their capacity to generate knowledge, universities can be the primary external source of knowledge and innovation for companies. Despite studies on the potential drivers of open innovation, the actors involved in these projects beyond academics and the most effective practices that universities follow for successful university–industry collaborations remain unclear. This study aims to identify the enablers and best practices universities follow to contribute to successful university–industry open innovation results, providing a conceptual framework for the management of such initiatives.
Design/methodology/approach
Articles from peer-reviewed academic journals identified in the Scopus and Web of Science databases were researched in this scoping review. The review used descriptive and thematic analyses and focused on 93 articles published between 2013 and 2023 that analysed universities’ enablers and practices for knowledge transfer to the industry.
Findings
Organisational factors, stakeholder attitudes, infrastructure, and external factors facilitate knowledge transfer from universities to companies. The most effective practices for promoting innovation are related to project management, policies and incentives and are relational and educational. Performance results can be evaluated through quantitative and qualitative indicators, measured at the different phases of the innovation process, considering the impacts achieved.
Originality/value
Previous reviews have focused on barriers, researchers’ motivations or specific enablers. The enablers and practices identified were analysed with a systemic vision, considering the university as a unit of analysis. This study suggests a comprehensive conceptual framework for the successful management of university–industry open innovation.
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Carmen Paola Padilla-Lozano and Pablo Collazzo
The purpose of this paper is to explore the interplay of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and green innovation in boosting competitiveness in manufacturing in an emerging…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the interplay of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and green innovation in boosting competitiveness in manufacturing in an emerging market context. This study adds green innovation as mediator in the relationship between CSR and competitiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
A model with three second-order constructs is developed and tested, in a sample of 325 managers from manufacturing companies in Ecuador, using quantitative and cross-section methods.
Findings
After obtaining adjusted and validated measurement models, a structural equation model was conducted, where the main hypotheses were confirmed, providing empirical evidence that CSR and green innovation significantly influence manufacturing competitiveness in a developing economy.
Research limitations/implications
This study considers only manufacturing companies in Ecuador, focusing on CSR practices in a single territorial case study. It arguably contributes to reinforce the business case for CSR, with new evidence on the causal relationships between CSR, green innovation and competitiveness, in the context of emerging market manufacturing industries. Although the literature often points at a positive relationship between CSR and firm-level competitiveness, supporting empirical evidence remains scarce. This model, introducing green innovation as mediator in the relationship between CSR and competitiveness in developing markets, accounts for a novel theoretical approach.
Practical implications
The findings are consistent with previous research, reporting the positive influence of CSR activities on organizational competitiveness, reducing risks and cost structures, as well as improving the relationship with employees, enhancing talent attraction, retention and productivity. Incorporating formal CSR tools to the model allowed us to highlight the relevance of ‘green’ certifications as a means to provide a competitive edge, along with increased bargaining power in the supply chain, resulting in competitiveness gains. The findings on the role of green innovation suggest a transition from cost-savings to a more strategic leverage on responsible innovation as a source of competitive advantage.
Social implications
Additionally, this research contributes to shed light on the impact of green processes and product innovations on social and environmental performance, providing evidence of a more efficient use of energy and natural resources, increasing productivity and by extension, profitability. CSR shapes an innovation culture that, through the use of social, environmental and sustainability controllers, can create new business models, products, services or processes that boost both firm-level and supply chain productivity, benefits that eventually spill over to the host community.
Originality/value
This study aims at bridging the research gap on the interplay of CSR, green innovation and competitiveness in manufacturing in an emerging market context.
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Harald Pechlaner, Daniel Zacher, Christian Eckert and Lukas Petersik
The purpose of this paper is to discuss responsibility in tourism destinations. On the basis of a resilience approach, central aspects of leadership and of responsibility in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss responsibility in tourism destinations. On the basis of a resilience approach, central aspects of leadership and of responsibility in destination networks are introduced and, a contribution to a conceptual analysis of the future viability of tourism destinations is made. This contributes to a better understanding of resilience from a destination management organization (DMO) perspective in the context of shared responsibility.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve this goal, a qualitative interview series was conducted with destination managers in urban and rural areas. The interviews were evaluated using the method of GABEK®, in order to reveal and visualize semantic relationships between the specific statements. This method allows the representation of linkages and relationships of keywords from interview transcripts in the form of network graphs.
Findings
A major result is the existence of a network of leaders who take responsibility for tourism development within a tourism destination. Within this network, the destination manager once again plays a key role by developing and formulating visions, goals and strategies. In this context, the relevant employees of the DMO have an important role to play, since they are an important resource of tourism development due to their experience and competences.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to a practical view on the development of visions and strategies. It analyzes challenges and possible ways to communicate with the required political and public actors of the destination as well as with the service providers to regard destination development as a collaborative task.
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Carmen Paola Padilla-Lozano, Jodie Padilla-Lozano, Giovanni Efraín Reyes Ortiz and Pablo Collazzo
The purpose of this study is to explore green innovation and its role in driving competitiveness in Ecuadorian manufacturing firms, focusing on structural equation modelings…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore green innovation and its role in driving competitiveness in Ecuadorian manufacturing firms, focusing on structural equation modelings, which account for more than 90% of the productive units and aggregate national income. The manufacturing sector in Ecuador reports variable growth since the start of the COVID pandemic, drawing more attention from practitioners, regulators and scholars alike, due to its distinctive footprint on people, profit and planet, particularly in the context of developing economies.
Design/methodology/approach
A model with two second-order constructs is developed and tested in a sample of 325 managers from manufacturing firms in Ecuador, using quantitative and cross-section methods.
Findings
After obtaining adjusted and validated metrics, a structural equation model is presented, where the main hypothesis is confirmed, supporting the positive impact of green innovation on competitiveness.
Practical implications
The research provides evidence on how manufacturing firms favoring green innovation in their long-term planning can unlock and sustain competitiveness. Policymakers could then offer incentives for firms to embed sustainable practices, with potential ripple effects along the supply chain, aggregating up competitiveness to industry and national levels.
Originality/value
The study aims to bridge the existing knowledge gap on the interplay of green innovation and competitiveness, claiming that the former significantly influences the latter, in an emerging market context, with incremental gains for all stakeholders, as posited by stakeholder theory.
Propósito
El propósito de esta investigación es explorar la innovación verde y su rol en la generación de competitividad en las empresas manufactureras ecuatorianas, centrándose en las PYMES, que representan más del 90 por ciento de las unidades productivas y del ingreso nacional agregado. El sector manufacturero en Ecuador reporta un crecimiento variable desde el inicio de la pandemia de COVID, lo cual atrae la atención de profesionales, reguladores y académicos por igual, debido a su huella distintiva en la sociedad, la rentabilidad y el planeta, particularmente en el contexto de las economías en desarrollo.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
Se desarrolla y estima un modelo con dos constructos de segundo orden, en una muestra de 325 gerentes de empresas manufactureras del Ecuador, utilizando métodos cuantitativos y transversales.
Resultados
Tras obtener métricas ajustadas y validadas, se presenta un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales, donde se confirma la hipótesis principal, sustentando el impacto positivo de la innovación verde en la competitividad.
Implicaciones prácticas y sociales
Aportamos evidencia empírica sobre cómo las empresas manufactureras que favorecen iniciativas ecológicamente innovadoras en su planificación a largo plazo, pueden generar y sostener competitividad. Los reguladores podrían eventualmente diseñar incentivos para que las empresas incorporen prácticas sustentables, acumulando beneficios en la cadena de suministro, e incrementando así la competitividad a nivel de la industria y de la economía en su conjunto.
Originalidad/valor
Nuestro estudio aspira contribuir a cerrar la brecha en la literatura en la convergencia entre la innovación verde y la competitividad, argumentando que la primera influye significativamente en la segunda, en un contexto de mercado emergente, con beneficios incrementales para todas las partes interesadas, como lo postula la teoría de stakeholders.
Objetivo
O objetivo desta pesquisa é explorar a inovação verde e seu papel na promoção da competitividade nas empresas manufatureiras equatorianas, com foco nas PMEs, que representam mais de 90% das unidades produtivas e da renda nacional. O sector manufatureiro no Equador regista um crescimento variável desde o início da pandemia da COVID, atraindo mais atenção tanto de profissionais, reguladores como académicos, devido à sua pegada distinta nas pessoas, nos lucros e no planeta, particularmente no contexto das economias em desenvolvimento.
Desenho/metodologia/abordagem
Um modelo com dois construtos de segunda ordem é desenvolvido e testado em uma amostra de 325 gestores de empresas industriais no Equador, utilizando métodos quantitativos e transversais.
Resultados
Após a obtenção de métricas ajustadas e validadas, é apresentado um modelo de equações estruturais, onde é confirmada a hipótese principal, apoiando o impacto positivo da inovação verde na competitividade.
Implicações práticas e sociais
A nossa investigação fornece evidências sobre como as empresas industriais que favorecem iniciativas ecologicamente inovadoras no seu planeamento a longo prazo, podem aumentar e sustentar a competitividade. Os decisores políticos poderiam então oferecer incentivos às empresas para incorporar práticas sustentáveis, com potenciais efeitos em cascata ao longo da cadeia de abastecimento, agregando competitividade aos níveis industrial e nacional.
Originalidade/valor
O nosso estudo visa colmatar a lacuna de conhecimento existente sobre a interação entre inovação verde e competitividade, alegando que a primeira influencia significativamente a última, num contexto de mercado emergente, com ganhos incrementais para todas as partes interessadas, conforme postulado pela teoria dos stakeholders.
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Oliver William Jones, Jeff Gold and David Devins
The purpose of this paper is to explore who small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner–managers consider as key stakeholders for their business for helping increase…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore who small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner–managers consider as key stakeholders for their business for helping increase productivity and the nature of the stakeholders' impact.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses the Lego Serious Play methodology and narrative analysis in a focus group setting.
Findings
The analysis revealed a narrow depth of field of productivity stakeholders and identified critical narratives, involving close stakeholders which could constrain productivity. Lack of information on current and/or future productivity states, and a social brake due to the potential impact on employees are two at the forefront of owner–manager perspectives. The study also identified the importance of internal and external champions to improve productivity and re-enforced the significance of skills gaps, the role of Further Education providers and other infrastructure assets.
Research limitations/implications
The purposiveness sample of the single focus group setting results in a lack of generalizability, but provides potential for replication and transposability based on the generic type of stakeholders discussed. The work highlights the potential to further enhance the constituent attributes of stakeholder salience.
Practical implications
There is a potential for different network agents to increase their collaboration to create a more coherent narrative for individual productivity investment opportunities and for policy makers to consider how to leverage this.
Social implications
The findings suggest that the implications of deskilling and job loss are major factors to be considered in the policy discourse. SMEs are less likely to pursue productivity improvements in a low growth setting because of their local social implications.
Originality/value
The study is innovative in using Lego to elucidate narratives in relation to both stakeholder identification and their contributions to productivity improvement impact in a UK SME context. The study introduces an innovative stakeholder orbital map and further develops the stakeholder salience concept; both useful for the future conceptual and empirical work.
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Connie M. Ulrich and Sarah J. Ratcliffe
Hypothetical vignettes have been used as a research method in the social sciences for many years and are useful for examining and understanding ethical problems in clinical…
Abstract
Hypothetical vignettes have been used as a research method in the social sciences for many years and are useful for examining and understanding ethical problems in clinical practice, research, and policy. This chapter provides an overview of the value of vignettes in empirical bioethics research, discusses how to develop and utilize vignettes when considering ethics-related research questions, and reviews strategies for evaluating psychometric properties. We provide examples of vignettes and how they have been used in bioethics research, and examine their relevance to advancing bioethics. The chapter concludes with the general strengths and limitations of hypothetical vignettes and how these should be considered.
This article aims to review the different devices that are available for the in situ monitoring of analytes found in the marine environment.
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to review the different devices that are available for the in situ monitoring of analytes found in the marine environment.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a short introduction to the topic, this paper discusses physical‐ and chemical‐based sensors, automatic analysers (flow injection, spectroscopic and spectrometric), electrochemical devices and biosensors.
Findings
A wide range of in situ monitoring systems (and associated deployment apparatus) for measuring concentrations of various analytes (e.g. nutrients, organic chemicals and metallic elements) have been developed in recent decades. Many of these systems are still at the laboratory or prototype stage and are yet to be fully developed into commercially available products. The harsh conditions often found in the marine environment can further limit the utility and application of these sensors. Further development work is needed; however, the need now is for field deployments, validation and inter‐calibration between sensors and other analytical measurement techniques.
Originality/value
This paper provides up‐to‐date information on in situ technologies that are available, either at the laboratory and prototype stages or commercially, and are suitable for deployment in the marine environment. Applications of these sensing systems are discussed together with their associated advantages and disadvantages over other existing water monitoring methods.