Antonio Juarez Alencar, Eduardo Martins Ribeiro, Armando Leite Ferreira, Eber Assis Schmitz, Priscila M.V. Lima and Fernando Silva Pereira Manso
In the classic recency‐frequency‐monetary value (RFV or RFM) approach to market segmentation, customers are grouped together into an arbitrary number of segments according to data…
Abstract
Purpose
In the classic recency‐frequency‐monetary value (RFV or RFM) approach to market segmentation, customers are grouped together into an arbitrary number of segments according to data on their most recent day of purchase (R), the number of buying orders placed (F) and the total monetary value of their purchases (V). The purpose of this paper is to show how to select the order in which the RFV dimensions are applied to data and choose the number of segments and the time frame used in such a way as to maximize the results of direct marketing campaigns.
Design/methodology/approach
A “genetically” optimized RFV model is built from data collected from a real world direct marketing campaign. The results produced when it is used are compared with the results yielded without the use of any forecasting method at all and with the support of a widely used basic RFV model.
Findings
Not only does the new model provide better results, but it is also easy to build and allows for the introduction of new dimensions that may improve its performance even further.
Practical implications
The new model improves the cost‐effectiveness of direct marketing campaigns by permitting more accurate identification of a company's most valuable customers and improving the quality of communication with its customers. It can thereby help them to become more competitive and profitable. This has clear implications for the gathering of marketing intelligence and planning of marketing strategies.
Originality/value
Although genetic algorithms have been shown to be powerful tools for problem solving, their use in marketing has been little reported. This work is a step towards bridging that gap. The genetically optimized RFV model is a new contribution to direct and relationship marketing, generating a positive qualitative and quantitative impact on the way companies relate to their customers.
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Tainá da Silva Rocha Paz, Venicius Gonçalves da Rocha Junior, Priscila Celebrini de Oliveira Campos, Igor Paz, Rodrigo Goyannes Gusmão Caiado, Antonio de Aragão Rocha and Gilson Brito Alves Lima
This paper aims to assist higher education institutions (HEIs) in their decision-making process to define initiatives and foster research projects contributing to sustainable…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to assist higher education institutions (HEIs) in their decision-making process to define initiatives and foster research projects contributing to sustainable development (SD) and minimizing the deficits found in the municipalities.
Design/methodology/approach
A documental analysis was performed to select HEIs and Brazilian regional development indicators. Then, the assessment of the sustainable and institutional performance of Brazilian municipalities that have HEIs consisted of three parts: clustering with an unsupervised machine learning model, ranking with a hybrid multi-criteria decision making method and visualization of sustainability performance with the dashboard.
Findings
The critical analysis of institutional and sustainability indicators contributes to a more active role of HEIs in matters of social responsibility, with a more holistic view of the performance and quality of municipal education. Furthermore, this critical analysis creates a scenario where HEIs can develop public policy proposals in partnership with the government to mitigate the main issues identified.
Social implications
With this study, HEIs will be able to direct their actions to minimize the deficits found in the municipalities, consolidating their social responsibility.
Originality/value
This study proposes a new decision-support tool with a dashboard of indicators so that HEIs can foster research projects with a focus on regional SD.
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Priscila Ferreira de Araújo Lima, Sara Marcelino-Sadaba and Chiara Verbano
Despite the emergence and strategic importance of project risk management (PRM), its diffusion is limited mainly to large companies, leaving a lack of empirical evidence…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the emergence and strategic importance of project risk management (PRM), its diffusion is limited mainly to large companies, leaving a lack of empirical evidence addressing SMEs. Given the socio-economic importance of SMEs and their need to manage risks to ensure the success of their strategic and innovative projects, this research aims to investigate how to adopt PRM in SMEs with a positive cost–benefit ratio.
Design/methodology/approach
This study presents an exploratory and explanatory research conducted through multiple-case studies involving 10 projects performed in Spanish and Italian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Findings
The results obtained highlight how project features (commitment type, innovativeness, strategic relevance and managerial complexity) and firms' characteristics (sector of activity, production system and access to public incentives) influence PRM adoption, leading to different levels and types of benefits.
Originality/value
The paper offers practical indications about PRM phases, activities, tools and organizational aspects to be considered in different contexts to ensure the project's success and, ultimately, the company's growth and sustainability. Such indications could not be found in the literature.
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Vicente Lima Crisóstomo, Priscila de Azevedo Prudêncio and Hyane Correia Forte
The objective of this paper is to assess the degree of adherence to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) by organizations from all over the world, as well as the quality of…
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to assess the degree of adherence to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) by organizations from all over the world, as well as the quality of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports under the institutional and legitimacy theoretical frameworks. Content analysis was conducted on annual data from all organizations that used GRI as a means for disclosing CSR information. Descriptive analyses and tests for the difference in proportions have been processed. The whole set of organizations adhering to GRI, from 1999 to 2013, has been analyzed. Results signal an increasing adherence to GRI together with an improvement in the quality of reports, which indicates that GRI seems to be recognized as relevant to CSR disclosure. The publication of integrated reports has increased rapidly. The high proportion of organizations adhering to GRI from OECD countries and continents with more advanced economies signals that the institutional and legal environment may contribute to CSR reporting and its quality. The high adherence of business organizations may indicate that GRI is seen as contributing to value creation and to legitimacy and reputational concerns. After 15 years of GRI as a means of disseminating social and sustainability information, GRI has become an important data source for CSR research. By providing results from the whole set of organizations adhering to GRI in the period 1999–2013, the paper contributes to the literature on CSR disclosure as well as builds on the institutional and legitimacy theories.
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Thamiris Evangelista Silva, Priscila Alonso dos Santos, Thamara Evangelista Silva, Kamilla Soares Silva, André Luiz Borges Machado and Lismaíra Gonçalves Caixeta Garcia
The purpose of this study is to characterize and compare the results of the inspection mark of handmade and industrially processed Minas frescal cheese. It is one of the most…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to characterize and compare the results of the inspection mark of handmade and industrially processed Minas frescal cheese. It is one of the most commonly made and consumed cheeses in Brazil, and its production processes range from handmade cheeses produced in small household production sites to cheeses manufactured in large dairy factories subject to federal inspection.
Design/methodology/approach
The samples were stored for 10 days at 4°C in a biochemical oxygen demand chamber. Cheeses were analyzed using physicochemical analyzes, yield and syneresis indices and microbiological analyses.
Findings
The cheese A met the criterion of regulatory classification for very high humidity (65.32 g/100 g), while cheese B did not meet the criterion (54.38 g/100 g). Cheeses A (19.01 g/100 g) and B (24 g/100 g) showed average fat contents that did not comply with current legislation. The most probable number per g of thermotolerant coliforms was outside the acceptable range (>24 × 102 MPN/g), and Salmonella spp. were present in the tested samples. The highest yield was observed for handmade cheese (an average of 5.35 L of milk to produce 1 kg of cheese), which had the highest syneresis during the storage period (p = 0.004), reaching 14.26% on the 10th day of storage.
Originality/value
Municipal and state inspection certificates do not ensure the microbiological quality of Minas frescal cheese, indicating flaws in the good manufacturing practices and/or in the milk pasteurisation stage.
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Barbara de Lima Voss, David Bernard Carter and Bruno Meirelles Salotti
We present a critical literature review debating Brazilian research on social and environmental accounting (SEA). The aim of this study is to understand the role of politics in…
Abstract
We present a critical literature review debating Brazilian research on social and environmental accounting (SEA). The aim of this study is to understand the role of politics in the construction of hegemonies in SEA research in Brazil. In particular, we examine the role of hegemony in relation to the co-option of SEA literature and sustainability in the Brazilian context by the logic of development for economic growth in emerging economies. The methodological approach adopts a post-structural perspective that reflects Laclau and Mouffe’s discourse theory. The study employs a hermeneutical, rhetorical approach to understand and classify 352 Brazilian research articles on SEA. We employ Brown and Fraser’s (2006) categorizations of SEA literature to help in our analysis: the business case, the stakeholder–accountability approach, and the critical case. We argue that the business case is prominent in Brazilian studies. Second-stage analysis suggests that the major themes under discussion include measurement, consulting, and descriptive approach. We argue that these themes illustrate the degree of influence of the hegemonic politics relevant to emerging economics, as these themes predominantly concern economic growth and a capitalist context. This paper discusses trends and practices in the Brazilian literature on SEA and argues that the focus means that SEA avoids critical debates of the role of capitalist logics in an emerging economy concerning sustainability. We urge the Brazilian academy to understand the implications of its reifying agenda and engage, counter-hegemonically, in a social and political agenda beyond the hegemonic support of a particular set of capitalist interests.
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Lívio Antônio Silva Pereira, Raquel Martino Bemfeito, Carla Martino Bemfeito, Priscila de Castro e Silva, Jéssica Ferreira Rodrigues, Michelle Carlota Gonçalves, Ana Carla Marques Pinheiro and Roberta Hilsdorf Piccoli
The main purpose of this paper was to evaluate the influence of the zein coating containing essential oils on the sensory characteristics of sodium-reduced mozzarellas.
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this paper was to evaluate the influence of the zein coating containing essential oils on the sensory characteristics of sodium-reduced mozzarellas.
Design/methodology/approach
Mozzarellas were prepared by dipping in brine containing 5, 10, 15 or 20% of NaCl (w/v) that correspond, respectively, to 25, 50, 75 and 100% of NaCl content used in industry. These salted mozzarellas and another one, unsalted, were coated by an edible zein film added with 3% of a mixture of thyme and garlic essential oils (1:1). They were subjected to sensory analysis in relation to salty taste and overall impression. The mozzarella without salt reduction (20% NaCl w/v), coated or uncoated with the edible film, was also subjected to the analysis of water loss and microbiological quality, in order to evaluate the impact of this film on product quality.
Findings
The zein coating added with oils did not compromise the sensory acceptance of the mozzarella prepared with up to 50% of salt reduction. Water loss and microbial growth were lower in zein-coated mozzarella than in uncoated mozzarella. These results showed that this film could be applied as natural additive, contributing to the microbiological and sensory characteristics of the mozzarella.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to reducing the lack of studies in relation to new technologies for food preservation and sodium reduction. In addition, the zein coating containing essential oils can be tested on other food categories.
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Paulo Guilherme Fuchs, Gisleine Aver, Valdemiro da Rocha Junior, Priscila Cembranel, Anelise Leal Vieira Cubas, Ana Regina Aguiar Dutra and José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade Guerra
This study explores the strategies for promoting sustainable development (SD) adopted by the higher education institutions (HEIs) associated with the QualEnv University Consortium…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the strategies for promoting sustainable development (SD) adopted by the higher education institutions (HEIs) associated with the QualEnv University Consortium (QualEnv). The research examines actions in three main domains: teaching, research and outreach. This study aims to understand better how these strategies are applied and their impact on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results of this study can potentially contribute to the effectiveness of action plans for SD in HEIs and provide valuable insights for other institutions and stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was based on institutionalizing sustainability research and practices in QualEnv HEIs. In this process, the research used participant observation for data collection. Data was collected through documentary research and a literature review. The data were analyzed qualitatively.
Findings
The results allowed understanding sustainability in all three areas. In teaching, most attention was paid to implementing the SDGs in the curricula and various courses at the institutions. Strategies for qualifying publications and greater dissemination and involvement of research initiatives with the SDGs were sought in research. In outreach, the means and activities the HEIs adopt to reach out to the internal and external (surrounding) communities concerning the SDGs and the search for their propagation and implementation were notable. Many of the actions result from changes to existing processes, which have been given a close look by the institutions with a view to improvement.
Originality/value
This study discusses the practical implications for HEIs to plan and implement SD in their teaching, research and outreach activities. It also demonstrates the effort to improve initiatives to work on education for sustainability, as it shows how the institutions belonging to the QualEnv consortium have planned their strategies to contribute to SD.
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Milena Casagranda, Priscila Berti Zanella, Alexandra Ferreira Vieira and Rodrigo Cauduro Oliveira Macedo
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the acute effect of milk proteins supplementation, compared to another nitrogen compound on muscle protein synthesis.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the acute effect of milk proteins supplementation, compared to another nitrogen compound on muscle protein synthesis.
Design/methodology/approach
The search was conducted on MEDLINE® (via PUBMED®), Cochrane and Embase databases, using the terms “whey proteins,” “caseins,” “milk proteins,” “protein biosynthesis,” “human” and its related entry terms. The selected outcome was fractional synthetic rate (FSR) before (0) and 3 h after consumption of milk proteins, compared to supplementation with other protein sources or isolated amino acids.
Findings
The results were expressed as mean difference (MD) of absolute values between treatments with confidence interval (CI) of 95 per cent. Of the 1,913 identified studies, 4 were included, with a total of 74 participants. Milk proteins generated a greater FSR (MD 0.03 per cent/h, CI 95 per cent 0.02-0.04; p <0.00001), compared to control group. Acute consumption of milk proteins promotes higher increase in FSR than other protein sources or isolated amino acids.
Originality/value
This paper is a systematic review of the effects of milk proteins supplementation, which is considered an important subject because of its large consumption among athletes and physical exercise practitioners.
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Priscila Gasperin Pellegrini, Júlia Gonçalves and Suzana da Rosa Tolfo
The purpose of this paper is to understand the impact of workplace bullying on the marital relationship of three Brazilian couples.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the impact of workplace bullying on the marital relationship of three Brazilian couples.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses a qualitative approach with multiple cases. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with the victims, followed by interviews with each couple. Then, the information obtained was categorised and analysed according to the content analysis approach.
Findings
The findings indicate that the experience of workplace bullying by one of the spouses influenced their marital relationship, since there were periods of estrangement, conflicts, and changes in sexual behaviour, and subsequent reconciliation. At the same time, the marital relationship played a protective role against workplace bullying.
Research limitations/implications
This is an exploratory study which aims to understand the repercussions of workplace bullying on marital relationships, rather than draw conclusions about all bullied workers and their marital relationships. The identification and analysis of these repercussions may contribute to deepen the understanding of the importance of the victim’s significant other when facing bullying.
Practical implications
This research expands the perception of the consequences and influences of workplace bullying, which are not restricted to the victim. Furthermore, the detailed information demonstrates the importance of including multiple participants in the research, and additional tools to collect data.
Originality/value
By providing a deeper understanding of the impact of workplace bullying on the victims and their families, in particular on the marital relationship of these workers, the study shows that workplace bullying does not affect only those who are directly linked to the organisation.