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Article
Publication date: 5 February 2018

Nuno Campos Pereira, Nuno Araújo and Leonardo Costa

The purpose of this paper is to develop a multidimensional innovation index (MII) framework for measuring and benchmarking multidimensional innovation of small and medium…

521

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a multidimensional innovation index (MII) framework for measuring and benchmarking multidimensional innovation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and groups of SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

A counting dual cut-off method is employed. First, output and input innovation profiles and composite scores of individual SMEs are computed. Second, a set of four composite innovation indices are generated characterizing the group of SMEs under analysis: MIIo and MIIi measure multidimensional output and input innovation, respectively; while MIIr and MIIa assess the ratio and average of MIIo and MIIi, respectively. To test the MII framework, a survey was conducted among SMEs of the metalworking industry in Portugal.

Findings

In 2012, about 28.9 percent (42.2 percent) SMEs of the Portuguese metalworking industry were determined to be multidimensional output (input) innovative. The average percentage of dimensions for which output (input) innovative SMEs were innovative was 65.0 percent (66.0 percent). Thus, the industry MII vector was (MIIo; MIIi; MIIr; MIIa)=(0.188, 0.279, 0.674; 0.233). Significant differences were found across the industry, individual SMEs’ multidimensional output and input innovation scores, enabling the identification of groups of SMEs, which can be characterized and compared by computing the corresponding and specific MII vectors.

Research limitations/implications

The research has limitations because of the small size of the sample and the benchmarking possibilities it provides.

Originality/value

The novelty of the MII framework lies in the counting dual cut-off method employed.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

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Article
Publication date: 10 June 2020

Jonatas Dutra Sallaberry, Liz Spinello Quaesner, Mayla Cristina Costa and Leonardo Flach

This study aims to analyse and measure the damage caused by acts of corruption in the largest investigation in Brazil, known as the “Lava Jato” operation.

633

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyse and measure the damage caused by acts of corruption in the largest investigation in Brazil, known as the “Lava Jato” operation.

Design/methodology/approach

For the analysis of financial flows, documentary research was carried into denunciation and judicial decisions. Based on the “Follow the Money” methodology, it was possible to follow the inverse trail of money, from the indications of benefits to public agents, financial operators and fake companies up to the deviation of refinery construction.

Findings

The analysis allowed the identification of damages from acts of corruption that reached 17.8% of the value of the oil refineries built, while the benefit of the corrupting agents was 13.7% of the damage caused. The analysis shows several other characteristics of the movements and the identification strategy of financial crimes.

Research limitations/implications

Research enabled the development of a strategy to identify and measure the flow of corruption and money laundering.

Practical implications

Based on the identified financial parameters, it will be possible to estimate the damage caused by a corrupt act for a certain benefit.

Originality/value

The research identified financial parameters of damages and benefits from acts of corruption in the largest fraud that occurred in the country, which was replicated in modus operandi in several works and countries in Latin America.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

Aaron Benavot and James Williams

This paper critically aims to review existing monitoring strategies of Target 4.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals and proposes an alternative approach for reporting country…

1616

Abstract

Purpose

This paper critically aims to review existing monitoring strategies of Target 4.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals and proposes an alternative approach for reporting country progress on relevant Target 4.7 themes. Since this target constitutes one of the most ambitious and transformative education targets there is considerable value in developing a comprehensive reporting and monitoring strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on key policy documents to clarify processes leading up to the definition and measurement of a global indicator for Target 4.7. It also discusses limitations associated with the current reporting and measurement strategy.

Findings

The paper finds that the current monitoring approach to Target 4.7, based on an existing reporting mechanism for the 1974 Recommendation concerning Education for International Understanding, Co-operation and Peace and Education relating to Human Rights and Fundamental Freedom, is unfit for purpose and needs to be overhauled. The current process for revising the 1974 Recommendation is unlikely to result in a new monitoring strategy that would address existing weaknesses in the current strategy.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, a critical review of measurement, reporting and monitoring strategies of Target 4.7 has not been undertaken. Also new in this paper is the proposed global observatory of Target 4.7 policies, practices and initiatives, which, if established, would work to: (1) create a more dynamic and informative monitoring infrastructure; (2) foster peer learning among countries; and (3) identify notable strategies of national, regional and international action in relation to Target 4.7.

Details

Journal of International Cooperation in Education, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-029X

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Article
Publication date: 6 June 2023

Alvaro Luis Lamas Cassago, Mateus Manfrin Artêncio, Daniele Ribeiro Contin, Beatriz Costa de Souza, Guilherme Silva Dias, Leonardo Gobbo Neto, Janaina de Moura Engracia Giraldi and Fernando Batista Da Costa

This paper aims to explore the impact of the origin of hops on the sensory and hedonic evaluation of highly involved craft beer consumers.

284

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the impact of the origin of hops on the sensory and hedonic evaluation of highly involved craft beer consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected through a between-subject tasting experiment, where the origin of hop was manipulated (imported vs locally grown). The craft beer samples used in the experiment were produced using hops of similar age but grown in two distinct places: USA (imported hop) and in the city of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, where the experiment was conducted (locally grown hop). The sensory and hedonic evaluations of highly involved craft beer consumers (n = 100) were collected after tasting the samples.

Findings

The origin of hop proved to be significant in affecting participants’ sensory and hedonic evaluations. It was observed that women were more sensitive than men to the origin information: when information was given, differences were found only on men’s scores of dryness/astringency; while in women, significant differences were found not only in dryness/astringency, but also in bitterness and refreshing, which are important attributes in the sensory profile of craft beer. It was also confirmed the effect of localness in hop cultivation, once men’ and women’s scores on liking were higher for the sample brewed with locally grown hop.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first work using craft beer brewed with hops cultivated in Brazil and a sample of Brazilian craft beer consumers, therefore, providing a significant contribution to the field of consumer behavior. Furthermore, it adds to the discussion on sex-/gender-related differences regarding sensory expectation and perception of foods.

Details

International Journal of Wine Business Research, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1062

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Article
Publication date: 18 October 2019

Gabriel Ferri, Leonardo Dias, Ruan de Carvalho and Henara Costa

Surface texturing can improve the tribological performance of contacting sliding surfaces under different contact and lubrication conditions, which has been proved both…

91

Abstract

Purpose

Surface texturing can improve the tribological performance of contacting sliding surfaces under different contact and lubrication conditions, which has been proved both numerically and experimentally. This study aims to suggest a new methodology to evaluate the tribological behavior of textured surfaces using an adapted pendular scratch tester.

Design/methodology/approach

A Charpy-type tester was adapted to meet conditions that are relevant for sliding surfaces. The test rig was used to evaluate low carbon steel textured surfaces produced via maskless electrochemical texturing. The textures were composed of 100 pockets with an average diameter of 200 µm of and variable average depths (1.5, 3.5 and 7 µm). The tests were performed under dry and lubricated conditions for smooth and textured surfaces. The lubricated tests simulated a starved condition by applying a drop of lubricant.

Findings

For starved lubrication, surface texturing reduced the sliding energy when compared with smooth surfaces. This was attributed to the pocket’s ability to provide an additional supply of lubricant, as well as a reduced amount of plastic deformation around the pockets during sliding of the indenter. However, under dry sliding conditions, no significant effect of surface texturing was detected.

Originality/value

A new evaluation methodology was proposed, using single-pass pendular sliding of a spherical indenter to measures the energy absorbed during sliding, which was referred to as sliding energy. The measurements are repeatable and can detect sliding energy differences between smooth and textured surfaces.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 72 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

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Article
Publication date: 13 May 2020

Leonardo Ensslin, Clarissa Carneiro Mussi, Sandra Rolim Ensslin, Ademar Dutra and Lydia Pereira Bez Fontana

The purpose of this paper is to support the management of organizational knowledge retention through a multi-criteria decision aiding–constructivist model.

1467

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to support the management of organizational knowledge retention through a multi-criteria decision aiding–constructivist model.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory and descriptive case study presents a decision support model guided by the constructivist approach and proactive in its operationalization.

Findings

The objectives and concerns of decision-makers regarding the retention of organizational knowledge are identified and organized into six strategic areas of concern, namely, recognition, knowledge dissemination, organizational culture, succession of professionals, management of vulnerability origins and knowledge management; a multi-criteria model is constructed and operationalized by a cluster of cardinal scales, showing and measuring the status quo of the performance profile, both in a local and global way, to support the management of the organization's knowledge retention; activities are classified into three performance levels (compromising, competitive and excellent), supported by graphical and numerical evidence; and the process to generate actions to improve the performance of critical activities and create the conditions to maximize the results of the organization is illustrated.

Practical implications

Based on the model, decision-makers are now aware of the essential aspects to support knowledge retention management, enabling them to monitor the current situation and proactively respond to ensure that the current knowledge potential is maintained and exploited.

Originality/value

Use of a constructivist approach to support the management of knowledge retention, incorporating into the model the specifics of the context and the values of its managers, and thus giving it legitimacy.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 24 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

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Article
Publication date: 11 November 2020

Leonardo Moraes Aguiar Lima Dos Santos, Matheus Becker da Costa, João Victor Kothe, Guilherme Brittes Benitez, Jones Luís Schaefer, Ismael Cristofer Baierle and Elpidio Oscar Benitez Nara

Although prior studies have identified several technologies related to Industry 4.0 and their individual potential, it is still unclear how these technologies could be integrated…

1653

Abstract

Purpose

Although prior studies have identified several technologies related to Industry 4.0 and their individual potential, it is still unclear how these technologies could be integrated to achieve better results. Based on this, we propose several collaborative networks combining technologies associated with Industry 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was performed using a research model to support the evaluation and identification of key and collaborative technologies related to Industry 4.0. We examined these technologies using hierarchical cluster analysis and principal components analysis, based on their characteristics.

Findings

The study identified big data, cloud computing, the internet of Things and cyber-physical systems as key technologies for Industry 4.0, and a further eight collaborative technologies that are strongly related to industrial performance. We found five collaborative networks with distinct goals in the context of Industry 4.0: (1) smart manufacturing; (2) technological platforms; (3) market reactiveness; (4) smart products and (5) flexibility.

Practical implications

The findings allowed us to create five pathways for future work on Industry 4.0 technologies via collaborative networks. In practice, this will help managers to improve their focus on priorities regarding the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into how to establish links between technologies through collaborative networks for certain purposes. In addition, we propose five future directions for these collaborative networks that require further investigation by researchers.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

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Article
Publication date: 21 May 2021

Daniela Modolo, Priscila Rezende da Costa and Leonardo Vils

It should be highlighted that innovation is related to the absorption of knowledge, dynamicity and market orientation, with these elements seeking to aid efficiency, increasing…

473

Abstract

Purpose

It should be highlighted that innovation is related to the absorption of knowledge, dynamicity and market orientation, with these elements seeking to aid efficiency, increasing firms’ competitive advantage. This study aims to gauge the influence of absorptive capacity, dynamic capability and market orientation on new product performance in Brazilian technology-based firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was characterized as quantitative, using primary data from Brazilian technology-based firms, as they are dynamic contexts that stimulate the absorption and exchange of knowledge and other organizational resources. It should be highlighted that this study received funding from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. The research hypotheses were empirically tested, confirming the relationship between dynamic capability and absorptive capacity, market orientation and new product performance.

Findings

Regarding the empirical contribution of the research results, it could be argued that for the purpose of improving performance in innovation, reflected in new product performance, companies need to develop strategies that correspond to market demand. Furthermore, these empirical findings provide an integrating view of the constructs and identify the importance of companies anticipating and responding to the demands of their customers quickly so that they can enjoy better performance. Therefore, companies need to adjust their processes, resources and capabilities to obtain better results, and for this, the involvement of managers is fundamental because they are the only ones with the clout to stimulate such initiatives. This approach favors recognizing and valuing absorptive capacity and dynamic capabilities and helps to identify new constructs such as responsive and proactive market orientation, which need to be adequately developed by managers to create competitive advantages that stem from better new product performance.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of the study is that it does not address a specific analysis of the sector in which the technology-based firms (TBFs) under study operate. No tests were conducted regarding whether it is possible to perceive different structural paths for absorptive capacity, market orientation, dynamic capability and new product performance according to the sector of the TBFs.

Practical implications

Regarding the empirical contribution of the research results, it could be argued that for the purpose of improving performance in innovation, reflected in new product performance, companies need to develop strategies that correspond to market demand. Furthermore, these empirical findings provide an integrating view of the constructs and identify the importance of companies anticipating and responding to the demands of their customers quickly so that they can enjoy better performance. Therefore, companies need to adjust their processes, resources and capabilities to obtain better results and, for this, the involvement of managers is fundamental because they are the only ones with the clout to stimulate such initiatives.

Social implications

One of the main contributions of the study is that it provides an empirical demonstration that on its own absorptive capacity cannot boost new product performance. For this purpose, it needs to be combined with dynamic capabilities. Through this proposed model, it was possible to characterize the antecedent relationship of absorptive capacity and illustrate its relationship with dynamic capabilities. Another relevant theoretical contribution is the statistical proof of the positive relationship of both proactive and responsive market orientation with dynamic capability, and that dynamic capability has a positive influence on new product performance, which will generate better financial performance of TBFs.

Originality/value

As a contribution to the field, it was empirically demonstrated that on its own absorptive capacity cannot improve new product performance. For this to occur, it must be combined with dynamic capabilities. Through the proposed model, it is possible to characterize the antecedent relationship of absorptive capacity and illustrate its relationship with dynamic capability.

Details

European Business Review, vol. 33 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-534X

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Article
Publication date: 20 June 2017

Leonardo Santana, Carlos Henrique Ahrens, Aurélio da Costa Sabino Netto and Cassiano Bonin

The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors affecting the deposition of parts manufactured in poly(lactic acid) with variations in print speed and extrusion temperature…

457

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors affecting the deposition of parts manufactured in poly(lactic acid) with variations in print speed and extrusion temperature. Specimens were analyzed through optical microscopy, mass measurements and flexural tests. The extruder-head evaluation consisted of monitoring the feedstock material displacement on entering the system during deposition under different processing conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

To analyze the factors affecting the deposition, parts were manufactured in poly(lactic acid) with variations in print speed and extrusion temperature. Specimens were analyzed through optical microscopy, mass measurements and flexural tests. The extruder-head evaluation consisted of monitoring the feedstock material displacement on entering the system during deposition under different processing conditions.

Findings

The results showed low repeatability in the manufacturing of parts, as significant variations in the evaluated responses were found for specimens built under the same process parameters. The main cause for this effect was deposition failure, owing to filament slippage in the extruder head hobbed pulley.

Practical implications

The results found should alert users to the fact that performance tests need to be carried out on every subcomponent of the equipment before conducting experiments on printing parameters. The components of the equipment can influence the final quality of the parts obtained as much as the building parameters and this influence can be significant enough to overlap with that of the process parameters.

Originality/value

The effect of slippage on the deposition quality was quantified and the command loss in the machine control board was identified.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 23 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 22 August 2017

Michele Grimaldi, Livio Cricelli and Francesco Rogo

The purpose of the paper is to advance a framework that can assess and analyze the value of patent portfolios. On this purpose, the framework develops a conceptual and…

2944

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to advance a framework that can assess and analyze the value of patent portfolios. On this purpose, the framework develops a conceptual and comprehensive index, the patent portfolio value index (PPVI), to assess the patent innovation level and suggest economic-strategic guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have designed and applied a framework that synthesizes into a single index the results of a multiple criteria approach, based on information derived from quantitative objective data (claims, citations, and market coverage), information related to qualitative determinants (strategic positioning and economic importance), and information derived from decision makers’ perceptions and judgments.

Findings

The authors have applied the PPVI to the 3,532 patent portfolio documents in an Italian worldwide player in aerospace and defense market. The combined analysis, provided by the PPVI and a qualitative synoptic representation, has made it possible to understand the strategic positioning and alignment of patents with the core business of the company. The results of the analysis have provided managers with the necessary suggestions regarding action items to be performed: to reinforce, license, try to dismiss, or sell some of the examined patents of the portfolios.

Practical implications

The PPVI supplies a quick procedure to ascertain the profitability of patents and accounts for the value of a patent portfolio from an internal business perspective.

Originality/value

As it is built and defined, the PPVI shows elements of novelty compared to the other indexes existing in the literature, in that it follows a multiple criteria approach by merging quantitative and qualitative information.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 21 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

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