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Article
Publication date: 12 June 2017

Fabienne Touchard, Michel Boustie, Laurence Chocinski-Arnault, Pedro Pascual González, Laurent Berthe, Davi de Vasconcellos, Luigi Sorrentino, Pawel Malinowski and Wieslaw Ostachowicz

The purpose of this paper is to study the damage induced in “green” and synthetic composites under impact loading.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the damage induced in “green” and synthetic composites under impact loading.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was focussed on epoxy-based composites reinforced with woven hemp or glass fibres. Six assessment techniques were employed in order to analyse and compare impact damages: eye observation, back face relief, terahertz spectroscopy, laser vibrometry, x-ray micro-tomography and microscopic observations.

Findings

Different damage detection thresholds for each material and technique were obtained. Damage induced by mechanical and laser impacts showed relevant differences, but the damage mechanisms are similar in both types of impact: matrix cracks, fibre failure, debonding at the fibres/matrix interface and delamination. Damage shape on back surfaces is similar after mechanical or laser impacts, but differences were detected inside samples.

Originality/value

The combination of these six diagnoses provides complementary information on the damage induced by mechanical or laser impacts in the studied green and synthetic composites.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 June 2021

Ciro Troise, Diego Matricano, Elena Candelo and Mario Sorrentino

Starting from the state-of-the-art of Fintech development, this study aims to propose some research propositions comparing reward-crowdfunding (RCF) and equity-crowdfunding (ECF)…

Abstract

Purpose

Starting from the state-of-the-art of Fintech development, this study aims to propose some research propositions comparing reward-crowdfunding (RCF) and equity-crowdfunding (ECF). In this sense, the present research provides a comprehensive analysis of fintech development and – to conceptualize the comparison between RCF and ECF – it focuses on campaigns’ characteristics, aims and post-campaigns scenarios.

Design/methodology/approach

All the research propositions related to the comparison between RCF and ECF are rooted in dedicated literature. The methodological approach adopted in the present paper can be referred to theorizing.

Findings

This study suggests that five key elements characterize the development of fintech: regulation, infrastructure, technologies, finance and innovations. The research provides nine propositions: four related to the campaigns’ characteristics; two related to the use of crowdfunding models by entrepreneurs; and three related to the performance of crowdfunded companies.

Practical implications

By offering nine research propositions, this study is expected to foster and support the investigation of fintech development from an entrepreneurial and managerial point of view.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to explore the fintech development and to propose a comparative approach between RCF and ECF. This research contributes to the current debate on fintech development as well as on the comparison between crowdfunding models.

Details

Measuring Business Excellence, vol. 26 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-3047

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 June 2020

Ciro Troise, Diego Matricano, Elena Candelo and Mario Sorrentino

This paper aims to investigate whether and to what extent equity crowdfunding (ECF) is able to build enduring businesses. This research explores the post-campaign growth of…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether and to what extent equity crowdfunding (ECF) is able to build enduring businesses. This research explores the post-campaign growth of equity-crowdfunded companies and analyses the impact of intellectual capital (IC) on their growth. To achieve the above aim, we provide a theoretical framework that includes the three well-known dimensions of IC – i.e. human, structural and relational capital – as independent variables and company growth, meant as sales and employment growth, as dependent variable.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a quantitative methodology based on two regression analyses. The authors use hand-collected data on 51 successful equity-crowdfunded projects listed on seven Italian platforms.

Findings

The authors find that three variables, namely prior industry experience (human-capital), product innovation (structural-capital) and equity offered (relational-capital) are significant and positively related to the growth of equity-crowdfunded companies. In particular, prior industry experience positively influences sales growth; product innovation positively influences employment growth. Equity offered, instead, has a strong positive impact on both sales and employment growth. Companies that offer a larger percentage of equity during the campaign disclose higher probabilities of growth.

Practical implications

The study has useful implications for several stakeholders, in particular, founders, platform managers, crowdfunders, policy makers and authorities.

Originality/value

The results shed some light on the nascent research field related to post-campaign scenarios of equity-crowdfunded companies. This paper is the first to explore the impact of IC on the growth of companies funded through ECF.

Details

Measuring Business Excellence, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-3047

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 July 2021

Diego Matricano, Elena Candelo and Mario Sorrentino

The food industry has always been supplier dominated, characterised by low research intensity, product line extensions and me-too products. However, recent changes have led new…

Abstract

Purpose

The food industry has always been supplier dominated, characterised by low research intensity, product line extensions and me-too products. However, recent changes have led new firms operating in the food industry to invest in research and development (R&D) activities in order to introduce innovations into the market and achieve superior performance. This paper aims to verify whether these changes are noteworthy by investigating whether and which innovation-related factors (investments in R&D activities, qualified scientists/engineers and holding a patent) can affect the performance of food start-ups.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 108 innovative start-ups operating in the food industry in Italy was selected, and a stochastic frontier analysis was carried out. This methodology was chosen because of the factorisation of the error term, which is divided into a unilateral component (revealing the inefficiency of the statistical model) and a symmetric component (revealing random gaps).

Findings

Statistical elaborations provide two interesting results. One concerns the error term (only random inefficiency affects results) and the other relates to innovation-related factors. Only investments in R&D activities positively affect the performance of innovative start-ups in the Italian food industry.

Originality/value

Results confirm the relevance of investments in R&D activities for Italian start-ups aiming to achieve superior performance in the food industry. These results confirm relevant changes are occurring in what was a supplier-dominated industry and disclose how start-ups should master the dynamics of innovation and allow for speculation on future industry trends.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 124 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Abstract

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 27 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2021

Diego Matricano, Laura Castaldi, Mario Sorrentino and Elena Candelo

Organizational culture plays a central role when dealing with the issue of digital business transformation (DBT). Managers handling a DBT and involved in digital strateging are…

Abstract

Purpose

Organizational culture plays a central role when dealing with the issue of digital business transformation (DBT). Managers handling a DBT and involved in digital strateging are expected to modify the organizational culture of firms to make it more fitting with the paradigm of digital economy and having more chance of success. Thus, it is noteworthy to inspect the role they can have over DBTs. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the behavior that managers assume when they approach DBTs by investigating whether they act as mentors/facilitators or entrepreneurs/innovators, as coordinators or decision makers.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the above purpose, ten case studies about manufacturing firms have been selected. Case studies, retrieved by the Digital Innovation Observatories of the School of Management of the Politecnico di Milano, are studied and analyzed by means of a qualitative content analysis on textual data. This allows getting specific insights into organizational culture before and after DBT and about the role played by managers.

Findings

Achieved results disclose that managers need to modify the organizational culture of their firms to handle a successful DBT. However, firms can assume different organizational culture and thus the role assumed by managers handling a DBT can change as well.

Originality/value

To the authors knowledge, this paper is among the first that aim to investigate the role that mangers assume when handling DBTs. In particular, originality lies in the fact that assumed roles are rebuilt in reference to their ability to modify organizational culture.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 28 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 May 2021

Elena Candelo, Ciro Troise, Diego Matricano, Amedeo Lepore and Mario Sorrentino

Fundamental management innovations have been ideated and developed in the automotive industry. Over the years, carmakers have radically modified their innovation strategies…

1477

Abstract

Purpose

Fundamental management innovations have been ideated and developed in the automotive industry. Over the years, carmakers have radically modified their innovation strategies. Currently, carmakers are increasingly adopting open innovation approaches, moving from a closed to open innovation paradigm. The aim of this paper is to reconstruct the evolution of the innovation activities performed by carmakers and to propose an original periodisation of innovation strategies in the automotive industry since its origins.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses the relevant literature and proposes a theoretical framework that defines how innovation strategies have changed from the birth of the automotive industry to current times. A detailed in-depth case study of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), one of the top ten global carmakers, is used to corroborate the theoretical framework. The case study reconstructs the entire evolution of the innovation strategies of the company from its origins to the present day.

Findings

The paper proposes an original periodisation by identifying three evolutionary phases of innovation strategies pursued by carmakers: “internal innovation”, “collaborative innovation” and “towards open innovation”. Each phase embraces a historical period, and for each period, the most relevant managerial aspects, as well as the types and direction of knowledge flows for fostering innovation, are analysed. The case study provides clear evidence that FCA has undergone the three above-cited phases in fostering its innovation strategies.

Originality/value

The study reconstructs the evolution of the innovation strategies performed by global carmakers, proposing an original periodisation of the transitions that occurred in practice in the automotive industry. This paper is among the first to explore the evolution of innovation strategies in the automotive industry since its origins to date and to highlight the salient differences that have occurred over time.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 December 2020

Diego Matricano, Elena Candelo, Mario Sorrentino and Giuseppe Cappiello

This paper investigates the link between Intellectual Capital (IC) and Open Innovation (OI). Scholars worldwide consider the topics as standing alone and so they give scarce…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper investigates the link between Intellectual Capital (IC) and Open Innovation (OI). Scholars worldwide consider the topics as standing alone and so they give scarce attention to the possible link between them. Managerial experiences (and few theoretical contributions), instead, hypothesize a significant role that IC can play over OI processes in order make them successful.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of a single case study is used to investigate the link between IC and OI. In particular, an OI process managed by a global company, LEGO, and named Mindstorms is rebuilt and analysed herein.

Findings

Intermediate results achieved by LEGO through its OI process were unsuccessful since the company had not developed its own IC (made up of relational, human and structural capital). The subsequent development of IC, instead, has driven to successful results. This suggests that if companies do not develop their IC before launching OI processes, then these processes might be not successful.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation is the use of a single case study. Despite this, the present article is a warning for all the companies: before launching OI processes they need to develop their IC.

Originality/value

To the best knowledge of the authors, this is one of the first works that deepens the investigation of the link between IC and OI. Very often, scholars investigating IC shyly refer to OI, without mentioning it, while the scholars investigating OI allude to IC, without citing it. In this study, IC and OI are investigated together.

Details

Journal of Intellectual Capital, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1469-1930

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 December 2018

Massimo Viscardi, Maurizio Arena, Liberata Guadagno, Luigi Vertuccio and Giuseppina Barra

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the applicative potentiality of functional/self-responsive materials in aeronautics. In particular, the study aims to experimentally…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the applicative potentiality of functional/self-responsive materials in aeronautics. In particular, the study aims to experimentally validate the enhancement of structural performances of carbon fibers samples in the presence of nanofillers, as multi-walled carbon nanontubes or microcapsules for the self-healing functionality.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for a mechanical study. Experimental static and dynamic tests on “blank” and modified formulations were performed in order to estimate both strength and damping parameters. A cantilever beam test set-up has been proposed. As a parallel activity, a numerical FE approach has been introduced to assess the correct modeling of the system.

Findings

The paper provides practical and empirical insights about how self-responsive materials react to mechanical solicitations. It suggests that reinforcing a sample positively affects the samples properties since they, de facto, improve the global structural performance. This work highlights that the addition of carbon nanotubes strongly improves the mechanical properties with a simultaneous slight enhancement in the damping performance. Damping properties are, instead, strongly enhanced by the addition of self-healing components. A balanced combination of both fillers could be adopted to increase electrical conductivity and to improve global performance in damping and auto-repairing properties.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the use of lightweight composite materials in aeronautics.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to study new lightweight self-responsive smart materials for aeronautical structural application.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 9 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 October 2018

Francesco Campanella, Armand Derhy and Francesco Gangi

This paper aims to demonstrate the existence of a relationship between the knowledge creation process and competitive advantage in the banking system. The framework of knowledge…

1024

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate the existence of a relationship between the knowledge creation process and competitive advantage in the banking system. The framework of knowledge creation processes adopted in this research is the spiral of knowledge proposed by Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995). The concept of competitive advantage is limited to the measurement of economic value by adopting methods that compare the financial performance of the banks with related markets. The objective of this research is to answer the following research question: Which factors of the spiral of knowledge are relevant for increasing a bank’s economic value?

Design/methodology/approach

The sample used for this empirical research is composed of 960 banks operating in 24 countries. The sample was analyzed from 2012 to 2015 and includes 3,840 observations. Regarding the methodology, hypothesis demonstration was carried out using a panel analysis (generalized least squares regression) on a set of variables.

Findings

The results show that Nonaka and Takeushi’s spiral of knowledge has a positive influence on value creation in the banking system. However, not all factors of the four modalities of converting tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge and vice versa have a positive influence on the economic value of banks. Therefore, by excluding factors that have a negative influence or are not significant, it is possible to formulate an empirical model that illustrates the relationship between the spiral of knowledge and the economic value of banks.

Originality/value

There is a lack of studies on the knowledge creation process in the banking system because most of the research is geographically limited, and empirical tests are performed on small samples. Second, generally, these studies are limited to the relationship between intellectual capital and bank performance measured by accounting ratios. However, intellectual capital is only one component of the broader concept of knowledge. This research uses a large and geographically diverse sample and studies the relationship between the spiral of knowledge and economic value, which is measured by various financial techniques.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 23 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

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