Pedro Ruivo, Tiago Oliveira and Miguel Neto
Consistent with the diffusion of innovation (DOI) model and resource‐based view (RBV) theory, the purpose of this paper is to develop a research model for measuring enterprise…
Abstract
Purpose
Consistent with the diffusion of innovation (DOI) model and resource‐based view (RBV) theory, the purpose of this paper is to develop a research model for measuring enterprise resource planning (ERP) post‐adoption and its consequence on small and medium enterprise (SME) performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The model links six determinants based on DOI to explain “ERP use” and three on RBV to explain the “ERP value”, on which nine hypotheses are postulated. Testing was conducted through structural equation modelling, utilizing data from 558 web‐surveyed firms in Portugal and Spain.
Findings
Full sample analysis finds that competitive pressure, training, best‐practices, compatibility, and efficiency are important antecedents of “ERP use”. Together with usage, collaboration and analytics capabilities contribute to “ERP value”. Cross‐country analysis reveals that complexity is an important inhibitor for “ERP use” in Portuguese firms whereas it is a facilitator for Spanish firms. In addition, while for Portuguese firms, compatibility and efficiency are significant, they are not for Spanish firms. For “ERP value”, while use and collaboration are more important for Portuguese firms, analytics is more important for Spanish.
Research limitations/implications
The paper provides insight into how SMEs use and value ERP; however, the authors cannot speak empirically on the issue of whether value is sustained, or on maturity stages, or on the impact of different industries.
Originality/value
The paper describes the first empirical research study on Iberian SMEs, thus adding a cross‐country dimension to the innovation diffusion literature. Unlike the typical focus on ERP adoption found in the literature, this paper focuses on post‐adoption stages, linking usage with value.
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Gianni Romaní, Miguel Atienza, Felipe Campos, Pablo Bahamondes and Rodrigo Hernández
The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse the characteristics of high net worth individuals (HNWI) as potential angel investor in Antofagasta, the main mining resource…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse the characteristics of high net worth individuals (HNWI) as potential angel investor in Antofagasta, the main mining resource periphery in Chile.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the resource periphery approach and angel investing, the authors apply a survey to a sample of 37 HNWI in this region. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics.
Findings
Descriptive results show that the characteristics of these individuals do not significantly differ from those exhibited by angel investors in developed countries and that HNWI show a relative high willingness to become angels and to form a network.
Research limitations/implications
This paper has some limitations regarding the size and scope of the sample. It is a relatively short sample that does not allow to make more sophisticated analysis and it is only regional and, therefore, it is not possible to make a comparison at a national level.
Practical implications
From the perspective the design of policies and programmes oriented towards the promotion of a high potential start-ups in resources peripheries, it is essential to know what the characteristics of HNWI are and their propensity to become angel investors.
Originality/value
Research on angel investment has been traditionally based on the experience of core regions in developed countries. This type of funding source, however, can play a significant role in the promotion of development and diversification in resource peripheries due to the limited access that these areas have to traditional capital funds and the orientation of angel investment towards innovative ventures, but studies from this perspective are very scarce. In this sense, this paper is pioneer in this topic in peripheral regions.
Propósito
El objetivo de este artículo es identificar y analizar las características de las personas con alto patrimonio neto como potenciales inversionistas ángeles en Antofagasta, la principal fuente de recursos minerales en la periferia de Chile.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
A través del enfoque de las periferias de los recursos naturales y la inversión ángel, se aplicó una encuesta a una muestra de 37 personas con alto patrimonio neto en esta región. La información recogida fue analizada usando estadística descriptiva.
Hallazgos
Los resultados muestran que las características de estas personas no difieren significativamente de los inversionistas ángeles en países desarrollados y muestran un fuerte deseo de ser inversionistas ángeles y formar una red.
Limitaciones/implicaciones
Este artículo presenta algunas limitaciones en relación al tamaño y el alcance de la muestra. Es una muestra relativamente pequeña y no permite realizar análisis más sofisticados y es solo a nivel regional y, por lo tanto, no es posible comparar a nivel nacional.
Implicaciones prácticas
Desde la perspectiva del diseño de políticas públicas y programas orientadas a la promoción de empresas de alto potencial de crecimiento en las periferias de recursos naturales, es esencial conocer las características de las personas con alto patrimonio neto y su propensión a convertirse en inversionistas ángeles.
Originalidad/valor
La investigación sobre inversión ángel ha estado tradicionalmente enfocada en la experiencia de las regiones centrales de los países desarrollados. Sin embargo, esta alternativa de financiamiento puede jugar un rol preponderante en la promoción del desarrollo y la diversificación en las periferias de recursos naturales debido al limitado acceso a fuentes de capital tradicionales y la orientación de la inversión ángel hacia emprendimientos innovadores en estas regiones. Los estudios desde esta perspectiva son muy escasos. En este sentido, este artículo es pionero en la investigación de la inversión ángel en las regiones periféricas de recursos naturales.
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Vinícius Rosa Cota, Cleiton Lopes Aguiar, Bezamat de Souza Neto and Miguel Benegas
The purpose of this paper is to argue in favor of the open hardware philosophy (open-source hardware – OSH) as a technological innovation and academic entrepreneurshipmodel in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to argue in favor of the open hardware philosophy (open-source hardware – OSH) as a technological innovation and academic entrepreneurshipmodel in Brazil.
Design/methodology/approach
This argument is based on three pillars. The first one refers to a bibliographic review of theoretical frameworks related to academic entrepreneurship and technological innovation to emphasize the disruptive innovation capacity of academia. Second, a few elements related to the Brazilian political, economic and structural scenario, which entail a (more) favorable environment to technological innovation and academic entrepreneurship, is presented. Finally, concepts related to OSH and its business model are approached to demonstrate the facilitating effect toward the whole process.
Findings
As a result of the argument made herein, it is possible to perceive the viability of the OSH model in terms of entrepreneurship and technological innovation in the academic sphere, and to perceive its benefits before social and economic needs in areas such as health and education.
Research limitations/implications
There are no empirical or quantifiable data in the literature that enable comparison between OSH and traditional technological innovation models.
Originality/value
The considerations on the philosophical value of OSH and its business models are scarcely explored in international literature. As far as we know, relating OSH to technological innovation entrepreneurship in the academic sphere, as well as its singularities in Brazil regarding the innovation national system and social and economic demands, is a unique approach in literature.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of mental health among Angolan migrants living in Portugal. Three research questions guided this work: What is the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the determinants of mental health among Angolan migrants living in Portugal. Three research questions guided this work: What is the influence of demographic factors on the mental health of Angolan migrants? What is the influence of acculturation factors on their mental health? What is the influence of adaptation factors on their mental health?
Design/methodology/approach
The sample consisted of 252 Angolan migrants living in Portugal (50.8 percent females) with a mean age of 36 years. The mean duration of stay in Portugal was 21 years.
Findings
The predictive factors – demographic, acculturation and adaptation factors – were significantly associated with Angolan migrants’ mental health. However, acculturation and adaptation factors accounted for a larger proportion of the explained variance in mental health problems than demographic factors. The major predictors of mental health problems were sociocultural adaptation, perceived discrimination and loneliness. Implications of the findings for future research and psychosocial interventions are discussed.
Originality/value
This study shed some light on the predictive factors of mental health problems among adult Angolan immigrants in Portugal, a previously neglected group of migrants in the research literature. Adding to existing knowledge on the mental health outcomes of migration, the findings suggest that, for this group, sociocultural adaptation, perceived discrimination and loneliness were the main predictors of psychological problems, rather than demographic factors. This evidence may be useful in the development of psychosocial interventions and policy to support Angolan migrants in their adaptation to Portuguese culture.
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Emerson D. Pacheco, Flávio I. Kubota, Eduardo K. Yamakawa, Edson P. Paladini, Lucila M.S. Campos and Paulo A. Cauchick-Miguel
Increased competition and access to information are forcing companies to provide quality to their products and services, aligned with a growing society pressure for less harmful…
Abstract
Purpose
Increased competition and access to information are forcing companies to provide quality to their products and services, aligned with a growing society pressure for less harmful environmental practices. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how the adoption of reverse logistics (RL) may contribute to the generation of competitive advantage and improved quality in a part substitution process of a household appliance company.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper carried out a single case study in a household appliance company. The study collected data through semi-structured interviews in addition to document analysis and observation.
Findings
The implemented practices enhanced service maintenance and customer services and provided a more effective monitoring of defective parts. Moreover, such practices reduced unnecessary part substitutions, consumer dissatisfaction and undesired disposal in the environment. RL in the studied company has offered a potential contribution to the company quality strategies by providing more part returns, assuring cost savings, and reducing time to solve field problems.
Research limitations/implications
The study was limited to a single case study. Thus, the study findings are not subject to generalization for other similar organizations.
Originality/value
This paper is one of the few studies on RL in a household company in the context of an emerging economy. Such feature denotes in a singular scenario in RL investigations about recovering defective parts.
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Grant J. Rich and Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky
The purpose of this paper is to invite Dr. Grant J. Rich, a positive psychologist influenced by humanistic and existential psychology, to tell his story and to share his research…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to invite Dr. Grant J. Rich, a positive psychologist influenced by humanistic and existential psychology, to tell his story and to share his research in the field including his insight on mental health and peace.
Design/methodology/approach
A positive autoethnographic case study approach is used to enable Dr. Rich to narrate his story while also addressing topics within a Q and A format.
Findings
Dr. Rich narrates how his life and work has been enriched by intercultural, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research. Mental health and peace can be closely related, and Rich narrates a range of ways he honed his peacemaking skills which he views as requiring a kind and gentle approach, but also courage.
Research limitations/implications
This case study narrates the experiences, perspectives and insight of one person, and these cannot be generalized.
Practical implications
As Dr. Rich states, “the world aches for peace now”. Peace psychology can enable us to understand how to induce inner and inter-relational peace, and reduce conflict and violence, for better mental health. This involves a practitioner/activist approach, albeit the authors have much to explore and investigate as to how best to do this.
Social implications
Social needs and outcomes are fundamental to advancing peace psychology’s insights. A focus on multi-disciplinary collaborations, including with educators, social psychologists and sociologists, and the public is recommended.
Originality/value
Dr. Rich is a psychologist with a positive psychology orientation who has called for more qualitative and mixed-methods research in positive psychology. Here, he shares with us multiple insights and his research including in the areas of mental health and peace.
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Ángeles S. Places, Nieves R. Brisaboa, Antonio Fariña, Miguel R. Luaces, José R. Paramá and Miguel R. Penabad
This study aims to present the digital library Galician virtual library (BVG, for “Biblioteca Virtual Galega”) in Galician.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to present the digital library Galician virtual library (BVG, for “Biblioteca Virtual Galega”) in Galician.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper shows the objectives pursued by the BVG, its development, putting special emphasis on the main technological challenges, and presents some data about its usage.
Findings
A digital library can be used to stimulate a lesser‐used language and to promote the culture and tourism of a region.
Originality/value
The paper shows how a digital library can be used to strengthen the Galician language, which is currently categorised as a “Lesser Used Language” in the European Community and to contribute to the preservation and spreading of Galician culture and literary works, either from current authors or from previous documents. It also provides a digital publishing house for new authors and opens a communication channel between current authors and their readers. Finally, it helps to connect a scattered community like the Galician, offering a centralised access point to any information about Galicia. This work also presents some technological innovations included in the BVG, especially from the viewpoint of user interface design and search by content.
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This chapter provides an assessment of how the late Portuguese colonial state (especially in Angola and Mozambique) responded to widespread conflict and anticolonial pressures…
Abstract
This chapter provides an assessment of how the late Portuguese colonial state (especially in Angola and Mozambique) responded to widespread conflict and anticolonial pressures. Focusing on its structures, idioms, and strategies of social transformation and control-especially as they relate to the domains of development and security-my assessment of state response emphasizes the coming together of: coercive repertoires of rule; planned developmental strategies of political, economic and social change; and processes of engineering sociocultural difference. The late colonial state’s developmental and repressive facets are critically assessed through mobilizing theoretical perspectives and empirical analysis.
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Ana Cristina Oliveira, Félix Neto, Filipa Teixeira and Ângela Maia
Ambulance personnel face a diversity of stressful events that could be potentially traumatic, putting their health and well-being at risk. The purpose of this paper is to explore…
Abstract
Purpose
Ambulance personnel face a diversity of stressful events that could be potentially traumatic, putting their health and well-being at risk. The purpose of this paper is to explore, from this group perspective, sources of stress, coping strategies and support measures.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors interviewed 14 ambulance workers of Portuguese Red Cross local structures from the north of Portugal. Data were analyzed according to thematic analysis procedures.
Findings
The authors identified three themes: operational and organizational factors, control and predictability; anticipating scenarios, focusing on procedures and dealing with reactions; and from undervalued support to support as routine. Dealing with human lives, the unpredictability of calls and working under pressure are the main sources of stress, causing, in some of them, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety and intrusive thoughts. Road accidents, situations involving children and cardiac arrest are the most distressing events. During events, they cope focusing on technical procedures, but after them they prefer to talk with colleagues and seek support from family and friends. All participants emphasize the inexistence of structured support measures.
Practical implications
It is important to develop support measures tailored to ambulance personnel’s needs, leading to enhancements of theirs work performance, health and well-being.
Originality/value
Contrarily to most of the studies that explore mostly PTSD and/or burnout, the authors explored, from the perspective of professionals, other dimensions such as sources of stress, coping strategies and support measures, adopting a qualitative approach, which has been rarely used.
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Vanessa S.M. Magalhães, Luís Miguel D.F. Ferreira, Aldara da Silva César, Renato Manzini Bonfim and Cristóvão Silva
The livestock sector contributes significantly to the Brazilian economy, but also creates many environmental and social issues. To mitigate these problems and help counteract the…
Abstract
Purpose
The livestock sector contributes significantly to the Brazilian economy, but also creates many environmental and social issues. To mitigate these problems and help counteract the effects of the growing production demand, it is essential to address the prevention of food loss and waste (FLW). Therefore, the aim of the present study is to identify the causes of FLW, model their interrelationships and determine their root causes for the Brazilian beef supply chain (SC).
Design/methodology/approach
16 causes are analysed using an integrated interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and matrix impact of cross-multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) methodology. ISM identified interrelationships among the causes and MICMAC determined the root causes of FLW.
Findings
The ISM highlights the “Lack of transportation infrastructures”, “Inadequate handling”, “Poor operational performance”, “Variety of products available in supermarkets” and “Unhealthy animals and outbreaks of disease” as the most influential causes and the MICMAC classifies them as the root causes of FLW in the Brazilian beef SC.
Practical implications
The results provide fundamental insights for researchers, practitioners and policymakers, by exploring which causes are more influential and which are the root causes, thereby assisting the SC members in the definition of suitable strategies to mitigate FLW.
Originality/value
This is the first empirical analysis of the interdependencies between the causes of FLW in the beef SC.