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This paper applies fuzzy grey cognitive maps (FGCM) to support multicriteria group decision making (GDM) on supply chain performance (SCP) considering the role of organizational culture as a moderating factor.

This paper follows the quantitative axiomatic prescriptive model-based research. It introduces a MGDM model that relies on the SCOR® model performance attributes and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. The proposal is underpinned by the soft computing technique of FGCM, aimed at addressing the inherent subjectivity associated with evaluating the culture-performance relationship within supply chains.

The FGCM-based model proposes a management matrix tool for supporting SPC management. It results in a graphical representation that deconstructs SCP and organizational culture into key elements and provides directives for action plans that align improvement efforts. An illustrative application is presented to guide and promote the model’s application in different configurations of supply chains.

This model offers valuable insights into addressing the impact of organizational culture on decision-making related to SCP. Additionally, it facilitates scenario simulation. The management matrix visually illustrates how each performance attribute is influenced by each cultural dimension on a quantitative scale. It also ranks these attributes based on the overall level of influence they receive from culture.

The study provides a unique outlook on the use of FGCMs to support the SCP decisional process by detailing and accounting for the influence of organizational culture. This is done through the development of a novel matrix that allows for visual management and benchmarking.

This paper aims to investigate critical change management factors in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), shedding light on key aspects of resilient organizational strategies.

The research adopted a mixed-methods approach, including inductive content analysis to identify the drivers and the best-worst method with data collection from eight subject matter experts.

The drivers selected by the experts as most important were “the existence of a plan with clear guidelines and steps for organizational change” and “leadership engagement to motivate and support employees” (with weights of 0.31 and 0.25, respectively). Disparities in experts’ opinions arise concerning perceptions of management evolution, leadership styles and communication efficacy. The findings suggest that leadership needs to adopt a more inclusive and participatory approach to drive better outcomes in SMEs. Furthermore, flexibility and adaptability were identified as fundamental traits for maintaining competitiveness in the market.

The research’s originality lies in its focused and data-driven approach applied to the Brazilian context. This study offers a new methodological contribution by integrating the best-worst method with qualitative content analysis to prioritize and contextualize critical change management factors specific to SMEs. Unlike previous research that has mainly addressed general challenges or descriptive analyses, this study provides applied results for managers and policymakers. Also, it presents a replicable framework for exploring similar organizational challenges in other contexts.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the maturity level of strategic communication management implemented by Brazilian startups.

This study employed the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), survey and Grey Fixed Weight Clustering modeling techniques. Three experts with extensive academic and practical experience in the subject participated in the AHP process, providing their opinions on the relative importance of eight variables associated with the topic under investigation, thus enabling their prioritization. Concurrently, data were collected through a survey from 23 respondents who have extensive knowledge about the realities of Brazilian startups. The weights derived from the AHP and the survey data were utilized in the Grey Fixed Weight Clustering modeling.

Based on the opinions of the 23 respondents, the level of implementation of practices related to strategic management, brand management, external image management and internal communication management is superficial. In addition, according to the majority of experts, Brazilian startups exhibited a medium level of maturity to address the key challenges related to communication management. Furthermore, this study reveals that the variables “financial resources allocation,” “stakeholder relationship” and “brand management” were deemed the most significant for the model.

The contributions presented herein can be beneficial for both researchers and startup managers seeking to enhance communication strategies in their organizations. This research also contributes by highlighting how grey systems theory can be extremely useful for conducting decision-making analyses in the context of startups, which is characterized by uncertainty and imprecise information.

This paper proposes an evaluation approach for analyzing excellence management practices at a regional level based on experts’ assessment.

Using the National Quality Foundation’s Management Excellence Model (MEG), 19 management excellence practices were identified and tailored for small- and medium-sized industries (SMIs). Data were collected through a survey with 25 experts who assessed these practices in the context of Brazilian manufacturing SMIs. The analysis utilized Fuzzy TOPSIS Class (FTC), and a sensitivity analysis was also conducted.

The proposed evaluation approach integrates a reference model for management excellence (MEG), an analysis method incorporating uncertainty (FTC), and results that enable decision-makers to make well-informed choices. Of the 19 practices assessed, 15 were classified as “unacceptable,” while four were rated as “regular,” and none as “expected.” Key challenges relate to practices in information security, knowledge, innovation and change management.

The study’s primary limitation is the use of non-probabilistic sampling and its focus on the Brazilian context. However, the extensive knowledge and experience of the experts in manufacturing SMIs and the need for studies addressing specific regional contexts should be noted.

The findings reveal a significant gap between ideal management practices and the actual state of SMIs, especially in emerging markets.

This research introduces a novel approach that combines a reference model tailored for SMIs with a multicriteria decision-making method, offering valuable insights for decision-makers and guiding future research.