Jyri Vilko, Paavo Ritala and Jan Edelmann
The concept of uncertainty is a relevant yet little understood area within supply chain risk management. Risk is often associated with uncertainty, but in reality uncertainty is a…
Abstract
Purpose
The concept of uncertainty is a relevant yet little understood area within supply chain risk management. Risk is often associated with uncertainty, but in reality uncertainty is a much more elaborate concept and deserves more in-depth scrutiny. To bridge this gap, the purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework for assessing the levels and nature of uncertainty in this context.
Design/methodology/approach
The aim of the study is to link established theories of uncertainty to the management of risk in supply chains, to gain a holistic understanding of its levels and nature. The proposed conceptual model concerns the role of certainty and uncertainty in this context. Illustrative examples show the applicability of the model.
Findings
The study describes in detail a way of analysing the levels and nature of uncertainty in supply chains. Such analysis could provide crucial information enabling more efficient and effective implementation of supply chain risk management.
Practical implications
The study enhances understanding of the nature of the uncertainties faced in supply chains. Thus it should be possible to improve existing measures and analyses of risk, which could increase the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain and logistics management.
Originality/value
The proposed conceptual framework of uncertainty types in the supply chain context is novel, and therefore could enhance understanding of uncertainty and risk in supply and logistics management and make it easier to categorise, as well as initiate further research in the field.
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This chapter argues that the primary reason for the underdeveloped state of microfoundations research in language and communications studies is methodological. It asserts that the…
Abstract
This chapter argues that the primary reason for the underdeveloped state of microfoundations research in language and communications studies is methodological. It asserts that the long-standing methodological division between micro and macro analyses (traditionally small-scale and large-scale, respectively) has led to their continued theoretical separation. The paper draws from Giddens’ theory of structuration and newly developed computational methods to outline an alternative, mixed-methods framework for discourse analysis that the author calls Recursive Analysis (RA). The author demonstrates the application of the RA framework through a case study of the electric vehicle industry that aligns small-scale and large-scale textual analysis to generate theoretical insights.
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This study aims to examine digital consumer culture and behavior in the community, namely, 180° Movement Digital Training Center (DTC), in Jakarta, Indonesia. It aims to describe…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine digital consumer culture and behavior in the community, namely, 180° Movement Digital Training Center (DTC), in Jakarta, Indonesia. It aims to describe the dynamics of digital consumer culture in contemporary society, particularly as experienced by the youth community in Jakarta in the context of socio-technology relations and incorporates it into the diagram of digital consumer culture network.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a constructivist qualitative approach and socio-technical relation analysis through actor-network theory and digital consumer culture.
Findings
The study finds that the individual model of digital consumption is constructed through the process of problematization, interessement, enrollment and mobilization of individuals. It generates a culture in which consumers are constantly up to date with high-intensity information, but within increasingly shorter timeframes, while also considering principles of affordability, needs, desires and satisfaction. The network of digital consumer culture construction among informants is peculiar and unstable.
Research limitations/implications
The study of digital consumer culture within the 180° Movement DTC community highlights how consumer behaviors of its members are facilitated and interconnected within a digital cultural network. However, this research is constrained by the dialectical interplay between Christian principles and the emerging values of consumer culture, a result of the scarcity of theoretical resources and information. This study also provides a specific contribution as a foundation for mapping the volatile digital consumer culture for researchers.
Practical implications
Understanding the socio-technological relationships and consumption behavior of the youth community could help digital platforms tailor their services more effectively. It could also guide the 180° Movement DTC in developing programs that resonate with the youth, bridging the gap between the physical and virtual realms. Ultimately, this could lead to a more engaged and digitally literate society.
Social implications
This study contributes to a broader societal understanding of how digital technology is shaping consumer behavior and identity within youth communities, which can influence social dynamics and interactions. It provides insights into the potential social impacts of digital technology, such as changes in relationships, communication patterns and self-perception, informing societal discourse on digital culture.
Originality/value
In addition to presenting socio-technological analysis on Indonesian consumer culture using actor-network theory, some also show that studies on digital connectivity ambivalence that concern the relationship between humans as actors and non-humans as actors have become one of the popular sociology studies at present.
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This chapter examines the six smart city dimensions that serve as pillars in smart city projects. These dimensions are crucial in the development and evaluation of smart city…
Abstract
This chapter examines the six smart city dimensions that serve as pillars in smart city projects. These dimensions are crucial in the development and evaluation of smart city initiatives, representing key areas for consideration. This chapter offers a detailed analysis of the smart city ecosystem, focusing on the governance, environment, people, living, mobility, and economy dimensions. It challenges the prevailing media portrayal of the smart city strategy and engages in the current academic debate surrounding these dimensions. This chapter defines, discusses, and explains each dimension, incorporating case studies from cities such as Copenhagen, San Francisco, Lisbon, and Barcelona. It also includes interviews and factual data to highlight the internal implementation and objectives of the smart city within each dimension. This chapter provides a comprehensive understanding of the smart city ecosystem, its implementation, and the potential benefits and challenges associated with each dimension.
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Ziboud Van Veldhoven and Jan Vanthienen
This paper aims that digital transformation (DT) is crucial for companies to stay competitive. While research on DT has quickly gained great popularity, the intersection of trade…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims that digital transformation (DT) is crucial for companies to stay competitive. While research on DT has quickly gained great popularity, the intersection of trade associations (TAs) and their role in the DT of their members is not yet researched.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the authors conducted 20 interviews with Belgian TAs to investigate the role of a TAs in the DT of its members, and how they drive the DT of its members. In addition, the authors investigate the core tasks of TAs, the need of the different industries to digitalize, and the digital projects the different industries are working on.
Findings
The findings indicate that TAs can be in a prime position to steer the DT of their members, especially for industries comprised of smaller players. Their roles can range from informing roles to true leaders of DT by creating novel products, such as online platforms and driving the entire sector forwards.
Research limitations/implications
These findings call for more research into TAs and how their role can be optimized for steering DT of their members.
Originality/value
This is the first study to extensively study the role of TAs on the DT of their members.
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The study aims to understand digital transformation as a socially constructed process with multiple stakeholders, influenced by internal and external forces. This perspective…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to understand digital transformation as a socially constructed process with multiple stakeholders, influenced by internal and external forces. This perspective stresses the importance of context, human interaction and narratives in the digital transformation within public sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The author uses a case study at a Swedish university undergoing digital transformation. Through first and secondary data, the author thematically analyzes the interaction between change agents, organizational realities and the digital transformation process.
Findings
The study finds that conflicts in pace and scope in the digital transformation drive self-defense mechanisms and the formation of a feedback loop of pending action. Contrary to previous studies, technological and external forces do not make digital transformation inevitable.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations stem from the empirical selection of a Swedish university, affecting the international and intersectoral transferability of the study. The impact of digital transformation differs from previous IT changes, which has implications for the design of the digital transformation process.
Practical implications
Stakeholders should, instead of considering structural and cultural barriers as facts, pay attention to the narratives within the organization as potential excuses to avoid action.
Originality/value
This research contributes to original insights into digital transformation. It uncovers how change agents, despite longing for change, can inadvertently foster inaction in digital transformation. This finding enriches the literature by highlighting the complex dynamics between the desire for change and the social constructs that contribute to stagnation, offering an understanding of barriers to digital transformation.
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Florian Keusch, Ruben Bach and Alexandru Cernat
Digital trace data provide new opportunities to study how individuals act and interact with others online. One advantage of this type of data is that it measures behavior in a…
Abstract
Purpose
Digital trace data provide new opportunities to study how individuals act and interact with others online. One advantage of this type of data is that it measures behavior in a less obtrusive way than surveys, potentially reducing measurement error. However, it is well documented that in observational studies, participants' awareness of being observed can change their behavior, especially when the behavior is considered sensitive. Very little is known regarding this effect in the online realm. Against this background, we studied whether people change their online behavior because digital trace data are being collected.
Design/methodology/approach
We analyzed data from a sample of 1,959 members of a German online panel who had consented to the collection of digital trace data about their online browsing and/or mobile app usage. To identify reactivity, we studied change over time in five types of sensitive online behavior.
Findings
We found that the frequency and duration with which individuals engage in sensitive behaviors online gradually increases during the first couple of days after the installation of a tracker, mainly individuals who extensively engage in sensitive behavior show this pattern of increase after installation and this change in behavior is limited to certain types of sensitive online behavior.
Originality/value
There is an increased interest in the use of digital trace data in the social sciences and our study is one of the first methodological contributions measuring reactivity in digital trace data measurement.
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The Indian government’s launch of Digital India initiative is critical to achieving a sustainable future by leveraging digital capabilities to promote social justice, economic…
Abstract
Purpose
The Indian government’s launch of Digital India initiative is critical to achieving a sustainable future by leveraging digital capabilities to promote social justice, economic prosperity and environmental stewardship. There are a lot of factors affecting digital India’s transformation to achieve sustainable development goals. This study aims to identify, examine and develop an empirical model estimating the relationship among enablers affecting and enhancing digital India’s transformation toward sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a thorough review of the literature, 10 key enablers were identified and analyzed using the total interpretive structural model (TISM). This novel approach has been adopted to analyze the hierarchical linkage between identified Enablers. Further Matrice d’impacts croisés multiplication appliquée à un classement (MICMAC) analysis technique is used to evaluate the driving and dependence power among enablers.
Findings
Findings show that the government’s supportive policy is the strategic enabler with the highest driving power, positioned at the bottom of the model. The government must support digital empowerment initiatives to ensure all individuals have access to the information they require to make proper decisions regarding their lives. This study examines the literature to generalize the findings to focus on the motivator of digital India transformation to achieve sustainable development goals.
Research limitations/implications
This study suggests that TISM and MICMAC-based hierarchical models help practitioners, managers and other stakeholders to focus more on strategic factors to enhance the performance aspects of digital transformation. Government, business and academic cooperation promotes a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability by stimulating innovation and digital approach implementation.
Originality/value
In addition, it offers novel insights into the enablers, such as how the identified enablers interact with one another depending on the drive and dependency power to achieve the goals of digital India’s transformation to achieve sustainable development goals.
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Chelsea Phillips, Gaby Odekerken-Schröder, Rebekah Russell-Bennett, Mark Steins, Dominik Mahr and Kate Letheren
Previous research has not considered the impact on human frontline employees (FLEs) of altered employee–customer relationships in the presence of a service robot (i.e. an…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous research has not considered the impact on human frontline employees (FLEs) of altered employee–customer relationships in the presence of a service robot (i.e. an intrusion challenge), nor how FLEs may respond. The purpose of this study is to explore the task allocation strategies by human frontline employees’ (FLE) work well-being responses within the intrusion challenge.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs a mixed-method approach, whereby an in-depth qualitative study (Study 1, n = 15) is followed by a quantitative field study (Study 2, n = 81).
Findings
Results indicate that FLEs experience the intrusion challenge, impacting social, purpose, physical and community well-being. Study 1 reveals that while service robots trigger this challenge, FLEs use them for task allocation to maintain their initial work well-being state. Study 2 shows that using robots instead of colleagues positively affects FLE work well-being.
Practical implications
Service robots, as a task allocation strategy by FLEs, can be used to empower FLEs by assisting them to preserve their work well-being within the intrusion challenge.
Originality/value
This study is one of the first to involve FLEs from a live service robot site, where data is based on personal lived experiences rather than anticipated experiences. This is the first study to investigate how FLEs respond to the intrusion challenge.
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David M. Herold, Timo Dietrich and Tim Breitbarth
This study aims to identify and deconstruct bullshit in banks' corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication to advance the management rhetoric research space, which has…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify and deconstruct bullshit in banks' corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication to advance the management rhetoric research space, which has been characterised by an indifference to truth and meaning.
Design/methodology/approach
We provide a typology of bullshit phenomena overview in the banking sector and follow the McCarthy et al.'s (2020) C.R.A.P. framework from to showcase how bullshit can be comprehended, recognised, acted against and prevented.
Findings
This paper puts a spotlight on written and spoken language to detect bullshit in banks' CSR statements. It provides actionable insights into how stakeholders can act against and prevent bullshit statements from occurring in the future.
Research limitations/implications
Future research is warranted to assess the use of still imagery, events and video materials in corporate communications and non-financial reporting. Further rigorous assessment of actual CSR initiatives must be undertaken to assess claimed contributions.
Practical implications
Monitoring mechanisms and independent assurance statements prepared by authorised third parties may strengthen the motivation and ethicality of CSR activities.
Originality/value
This viewpoint is the first to follow the C.R.A.P framework and critically assess indifferences towards truth in banks' CSR communications.