Isadora do Carmo Stangherlin, Jose Luis Duarte Ribeiro and Marcia Barcellos
Food waste has received attention during the last decade, especially due to its environmental and social impacts. An important contributor to food waste is consumers’ low…
Abstract
Purpose
Food waste has received attention during the last decade, especially due to its environmental and social impacts. An important contributor to food waste is consumers’ low preference for purchase fruits and vegetables with unusual appearance, products with damaged package and products close to the expiration date, technically called suboptimal food products. Researches show that consumers tend to reject these products when buying food, increasing avoidable food waste. However, consumer considerations when deciding to buy or not to buy suboptimal food are still unknown. The purpose of this paper is to use two different approaches to investigate consumers’ perceptions towards suboptimal food and how they impact their acceptance.
Design/methodology/approach
The first part of the study involved a qualitative analysis of participants’ open-ended responses (282 answers), where participants were asked to write down the impressions they had about three suboptimal food images. The second phase explored consumers acceptance of suboptimal food through a focus group discussion.
Findings
Results reveal that considerations about suboptimal food are divergent, with some participants rejecting them because they are impelled to search for perfection when buying food products. However, some individuals are disposed to accept suboptimal products, mainly because they have concern with the environment and cook abilities.
Originality/value
As a whole, this study contributes for food waste reduction strategies and has implications for marketing actions.
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Rui Vinhas da Silva, Alexandra Ferreira-Lopes, Helena Carvalho and José Duarte
The net outward investment position (NOIP) indicator is insufficient for the purposes of understanding firms’ internationalization decision-making behaviour. The indicator does…
Abstract
Purpose
The net outward investment position (NOIP) indicator is insufficient for the purposes of understanding firms’ internationalization decision-making behaviour. The indicator does not allow for the withdrawal of insights into the structure of an economy and is a weak predictor of the degree of foreign direct investment. The purpose of this paper is to argue that a typology of firms aggregated according to intrinsic characteristics of those firms is a better predictor of the degree of internationalization of an economy than the NOIP.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses a database of 2,133 firms located in Portugal with international operations, made available by AICEP, a government agency. This paper uses multiple correspondence and cluster analyses to build a typology of firms and obtains evidence of common characteristics of the constituent groups.
Findings
This paper identifies a typology of firms characterized by five types differentiated by firm age, length of internationalization process, sector of economic activity, legal status and psychological/cultural proximity. These variables suggest an evolutionary, iterative, self-learning approach to internationalization, which can be better explained by the combined use of the investment development path (IDP) framework, the Uppsala Evolutionary School and Vernon’s product life cycle theory. Additionally, this paper finds that the most striking differences between developed and developing host countries are in terms of the economic sector, legal status of the firm and belonging (or not) to an economic group.
Originality/value
This paper establishes a link between the IDP framework, the Uppsala Evolutionary School and Vernon’s product life cycle theory, using a categorization of firms made according to selected characteristics to understand the internationalization of firms.
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Arianne Soares do Nascimento Pereira, José Morais, Catarina Lucas, Joana Paulo, José Duarte Santos and Fernando Almeida
This study, grounded in social cognitive career theory, aims to investigate the effects of the change to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic on job security and job quality…
Abstract
Purpose
This study, grounded in social cognitive career theory, aims to investigate the effects of the change to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic on job security and job quality in Portugal.
Design/methodology/approach
It adopts a quantitative methodology by conducting a nationwide geographical study. The sample consists of 2,001 employees working in companies registered in Portugal. It explores the impact of the change to remote work on job quality and job security. In addition, it explores the relevance of demographic, organizational and social factors to explain this relationship.
Findings
The findings reveal that the change to remote work has influenced the perception of job quality but not job security. Furthermore, demographic, organizational and social variables are factors that influence this perception.
Research limitations/implications
Implications that digitalization can have on job security and quality, especially among the population with lower levels of education and more precarious working conditions, should be explored. It is also important to replicate this study in other countries, especially in emerging economies.
Practical implications
By investigating job security, the study offers insights into the stability and predictability of employment during crises and disruptive events. By examining job quality, it delves into the multifaceted nature of work satisfaction, including factors like work-life balance, autonomy and fulfilment. Practically, the study provides valuable guidance for policymakers, organizations and individuals navigating remote work environments.
Social implications
Understanding the implications for job security allows policymakers to design supportive policies and interventions to mitigate potential negative impacts on employment stability.
Originality/value
This study uses a sufficiently comprehensive national sample to determine the impact of COVID-19 on employment. It offers both theoretical and practical contributions to increase knowledge about the phenomenon and provides a relevant guide for policymakers to adopt measures to mitigate the effects of the transition to remote work.
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Eduardo Castro e Costa, José Pinto Duarte and Paulo Bártolo
In this paper, the authors aim to address the potential of mass personalization for ceramic tableware objects. They argue that additive manufacturing (AM) is the most adequate…
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper, the authors aim to address the potential of mass personalization for ceramic tableware objects. They argue that additive manufacturing (AM) is the most adequate approach to the production of such objects.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors review the manufacturing of ceramic tableware objects, both traditional techniques and AM processes, and assess which available AM technologies are suitable for the research purpose.
Findings
The authors consider binder jetting and material extrusion as the most suitable processes for the production of ceramic objects to be integrated into a mass personalization system of ceramic tableware.
Originality/value
This paper provides an original overview of traditional and innovative techniques in ceramic manufacturing, exposing not only its differences but also its commonalities. Such overview supports the conceptual design of original equipment.
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Fernando Almeida and José Duarte Santos
This short communication aims to explore and synthesize the main effects of COVID-19 on the labor market in Portugal regarding the dimensions related to job security and…
Abstract
Purpose
This short communication aims to explore and synthesize the main effects of COVID-19 on the labor market in Portugal regarding the dimensions related to job security and unemployment.
Design/methodology/approach
Field research is used to identify and understand the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to the labor market in Portugal. Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Portugal are analyzed and compared with artifacts published in the field, which allow us to explore the impact of this phenomenon from multiple perspectives.
Findings
The findings indicate that the impact on the labor market is very asymmetric regarding geographical regions, sectors of activity, age groups and the nature of labor ties. The most touristic regions and those with a strong dependence on the exterior are the most affected. Young people and women with unstable employment relationships and in temporary work situations are also particularly vulnerable.
Originality/value
This study focuses on an emerging area with a strong impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labor market. This study seeks both to identify challenges in the Portuguese labor market and to discuss measures that should be taken to mitigate their effects, such as reforming the social security model, the role of teleworking or the more balanced development of the territory.
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Cassiana Maris Lima Cruz, Igor Grotto Bosa, Camila Kolling, Janine Fleith de Medeiros and José Luís Duarte Ribeiro
This study aims to understand the perception of young people regarding different communication strategies to promote proenvironmental disposal behavior. Based on the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to understand the perception of young people regarding different communication strategies to promote proenvironmental disposal behavior. Based on the attention-interest-desire-action (AIDA) model, the study analyses how university students react to different communication approaches used by a university aiming at the correct disposal of waste.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted a qualitative exploratory research in two steps: (i) a narrative bibliographic review and (ii) a case study. The (i) bibliographic review was conducted about proenvironmental behavior and disposal of solid waste and response hierarchy models, with emphasis on the AIDA model. The (ii) case study was executed through an in-depth interview with a manager of the environmental sanitation area and a qualitative survey with undergraduate students from a university in southern Brazil.
Findings
The findings reveal that young people tend to prefer communication strategies related to triggers for long-term memory, especially when evaluating the cognitive stage of the response hierarchy. For example, the provision of bins identified with stickers and colors is a communication strategy that leads to a memory model of associative networks. By viewing a certain color or image of an object, the individual can quickly retrieve information already known about the act of properly disposing of waste. Additionally, convenience is a key factor for the behavioral intention of properly disposing of waste to become a reality.
Originality/value
Few studies have identified the most effective communication strategies to promote proper disposal behavior among young people in universities. This study addresses this gap, based on the AIDA model.
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Vítor Vasata Macchi Silva and Jose Luis Duarte Ribeiro
This paper proposes a model composed by macro-competences developed to contribute for the resilience of public organizations.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper proposes a model composed by macro-competences developed to contribute for the resilience of public organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
To propose the model, a literature review in the area of organizations resilience was carried out, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was used. The setting used to validate the proposed model was the Brazilian Federal Institutions of Higher Education.
Findings
The results present five dimensions of action seen as macro-competences that contribute for organizations’ resilience: human resource management, development of individual competencies, risk management, preparedness for response, and responsiveness. The results also point at competences that can be developed in each of those dimensions with a view toward resilience.
Practical implications
Competences of strategically planning the workforces, of testing the risk hypotheses continuously, and applying the action plans proposed by risk management in response to crises can improve individual and organizational resiliencies.
Originality/value
Guided by the proposed model, public organizations will be better prepared to withstand adversities, such as resources cutbacks and staff shortages.
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Vítor Vasata Macchi Silva and José Luis Duarte Ribeiro
This article presents an investigation of the suitability of using quantitative or qualitative data for individual competencies assessment. Specifically, the primary purpose of…
Abstract
Purpose
This article presents an investigation of the suitability of using quantitative or qualitative data for individual competencies assessment. Specifically, the primary purpose of this article is to identify if the results provided by quantitative and qualitative instruments focused on individual competencies are convergent.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to do the investigation proposed, a survey on individual competencies comprising a group of employees of the administrative area of a steel company was carried out. A total of 268 evaluations were collected and analyzed.
Findings
The analysis of the employee's performance appraisals provided by ratings and narrative comments indicates a low correlation between these assessments. The reasons for such low correlation include the qualitative assessments variability, the restricted list of competencies used in the quantitative assessments and the analytical format of quantitative assessments.
Originality/value
The study indicates that quantitative and qualitative assessments should be carried out jointly so that they can generate more comprehensive results. When the combined use is not possible, the quantitative approach is better suited for assessing performance, while the qualitative approach provides more valuable insights for boosting people development processes.
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André Seidel, Tarcísio Abreu Saurin, Giuliano Almeida Marodin and José Luis Duarte Ribeiro
The purpose of this paper is to define the individual leadership competencies that are necessary to implement and sustain lean systems, based on a multi-method approach.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to define the individual leadership competencies that are necessary to implement and sustain lean systems, based on a multi-method approach.
Design/methodology/approach
Data collection involved a literature review of lean competencies, interviews with four experts from the university and the industry, and an empirical survey answered by 91 respondents, who represented companies from several sectors. These techniques provided a mix of qualitative and quantitative data, which set a basis for identifying a list of competencies and discussing its validity.
Findings
In total, 16 lean leadership competencies were identified and validated, in terms of content validity, face validity, and predictive validity. Regarding this latter validity type, the survey results indicated that the competencies are positively associated with key operational performance indicators, organizational maturity level of lean, and leaders’ experience with lean systems.
Practical implications
The identified list of competencies may be a basis for the development of formal lean leadership development programs. The list may also support the design of tools for assessing the competencies of leaders in lean companies.
Originality/value
A list of 16 lean leadership competencies was developed based on a verifiable research method that used a mix of data collection techniques. This methodological approach is a distinctive characteristic in comparison with earlier studies, which did not include an empirical validation of the competencies.
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Vítor Vasata Macchi Silva and José Luis Duarte Ribeiro
The purpose of this paper is to describe the activities needed to meet specified requirements to assist laboratory staff running tests and calibrations and to obtain ISO/IEC 17025…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the activities needed to meet specified requirements to assist laboratory staff running tests and calibrations and to obtain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Design/methodology/approach
The relevant literature that contributes to establishing activities that help laboratory staff to obtain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation was studied. Laboratory researchers specializing in electro-medical equipment quality control were questioned about the criteria to be observed when selecting, developing and validating analytical steps.
Findings
Results revealed the analytical method criteria to be observed, which demonstrated their essentially quantitative nature.
Originality/value
This study presents a model that improves selecting, developing and validating analytical steps and contributes to producing reliable test and calibration results. These improvements can help laboratory testing and calibration to meet clients’ needs, satisfy specified requirements and provide reliable results.