Roberto Celkevicius and Rosaria F.S.M. Russo
The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated model for allocation and leveling of human resources in IT projects.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated model for allocation and leveling of human resources in IT projects.
Design/methodology/approach
A single case study was conducted in a large company of IT outsourcing services, which were assessed the management of 14 projects. The survey was conducted through interviews with project managers, and digital files and internal documents of the organization related to these projects.
Findings
In the analysis, it was identified that the critical path is not identified in all projects, and even when this happens, resources are not allocated in the first tasks in that path. A committee controls the allocation of resources with the assessment of skills, but there is no control of all resource constraints.
Research limitations/implications
The main limiting factors for this study are: use of data of one company in the IT industry, making it difficult to generalize the model for other sectors companies; it was noted during interviews that the project managers interviewed do not always know in detail all the company’s processes for allocation and resource leveling, due to the large number of processes and different management activities of these professionals.
Practical implications
A model and actions for this implementation was proposed, such as training for the use of the technique of critical path; allocation and leveling done simultaneously; decisions of the management committee based on information of availability, key skills, holidays, days off of human resources; development of a software tool that integrates this information, generating graphical interfaces that are not provided by project management software with the use of an allocation factor.
Social implications
The characteristics of the proposed model, as well as the use of the allocation factor, can help managers to validate their allocation models and leveling of human resources in an integrated manner.
Originality/value
The study explains that the granularity of analysis of resource allocation increases by decomposition of the duration of each activity in fixed time segments. It is suggested to use the mathematical concept of the allocation factor (Fa).
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Benedetta Esposito, Maria Rosaria Sessa, Daniela Sica and Ornella Malandrino
This paper investigates the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated service innovation in the restaurant sector. It explores the use of digital technologies (DT) as…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper investigates the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated service innovation in the restaurant sector. It explores the use of digital technologies (DT) as a safety-empowerment and resilient strategy in the food-service industry during the pandemic. It also investigates the impact of DT on customers' risk perception (CRP) and customers' intention to go to restaurants (CIR) in Italy.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the theory of planned behaviour and perceived risk theory, this study investigates a sample of customers residing in Italy. Multiple regression and mediation analyses are conducted to test the research hypotheses, adapting the logic model developed. Using the bootstrapping technique, this study also explores whether the pandemic has moderated the relationship among several variables adapted from the literature. Robustness tests are also performed to corroborate the analysis.
Findings
The pandemic has accelerated the food-service industry's digital transformation, forcing restauranteurs to implement DT to survive. Findings show that DT support restauranteurs in implementing innovative services that reduce interactions and empower cleanliness among workers and customers, reducing CRP and preserving CIR. Thus, managing risk perception is helping the restaurant sector to recover.
Practical implications
Practical implications are presented for policymakers to catalyse the digital transformation in small- and medium-sized restaurants. The results may also be beneficial for entrepreneurs who can implement innovative service practices in order to reduce interaction and empower cleanliness levels. Moreover, academics can use these results to conduct similar research in other geographical contexts.
Originality/value
The present research represents the first study investigating the relationship between the use of digital technologies and the intentions of customers to go out for dinner during the ongoing pandemic in Italy.
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Benedetta Esposito, Maria Rosaria Sessa, Daniela Sica and Ornella Malandrino
This paper aims to explore how the Italian wine industry discloses corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and quality certifications and the corresponding determinants…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore how the Italian wine industry discloses corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and quality certifications and the corresponding determinants via websites. The study also aims to investigate the relationship between CSR practices and financial performance. The information consistency between the quality certificates reported on corporate websites and official database statements is also explored. Lastly, the paper investigates how the relationship between the size of wineries and CSR disclosure changes according to firms' geographic location.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper analyses CSR corporate communication via the websites of a sample of Italian wineries by adjusting the theoretical framework developed by Amran (2012) to the wine sector's peculiarities. Moreover, a cross-certification analysis and a moderation analysis were performed to fulfil the purpose of the research.
Findings
The analysis revealed the extensive use of CSR disclosure via websites. It was found that company size positively affects CSR disclosure and Quality Certification Disclosure (QCD), while geographic location slightly moderates the relationship between the two variables. In addition, a negative relationship between CSR disclosure and corporate financial performance and its reverse causality emerged. Moreover, for most wineries, information consistency between the quality certificates reported on corporate websites and official database statements was observed.
Research limitations/implications
The study's main limitation is that the search process was performed during lockdown. Therefore, the examined issues could change in the near future due to the shift in priorities that the COVID-19 pandemic is determining.
Practical implications
The results can help managers implement CSR disclosure and QCD practices to enhance stakeholder legitimacy and enable their companies to compete in strongly competitive international markets.
Originality/value
The paper represents the first study investigating online QCD and its consistency in the Italian wine sector.
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Marcello Risitano, Rosaria Romano, Annarita Sorrentino and Michele Quintano
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of consumer-brand engagement and brand experience on behavioural intentions (i.e. intent to re-purchase, willingness to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of consumer-brand engagement and brand experience on behavioural intentions (i.e. intent to re-purchase, willingness to accept brand extension, willingness to pay a premium price) in relation to food brands.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors propose a conceptual model comprising five latent variables and 26 manifest variables. A questionnaire with questions relating to pasta and coffee was given to an Italian consumer sample (n=400). The model was tested using structural equation modelling of the resulting data to examine the research hypotheses.
Findings
The empirical study confirms the predictive role of the two selected drivers of brand value. Both consumer-brand engagement and brand experience influenced behavioural intentions, but these brand constructs had different roles in the two product categories examined in the study, pasta and coffee.
Research limitations/implications
This study does have limitations. First, the generalisability of the findings should be considered. The study refers to only two product categories in a specific country. It would be interesting to investigate the issue of food brand engagement and brand experience in different countries, and to compare the results. Furthermore, it would be valuable to investigate the impact of brand engagement and brand experience in other product categories.
Practical implications
The results have an important implication for marketing managers: they should develop long-term and strong brand relationships. Such consumer engagement and/or experiential actions can be key competitive advantages for food companies.
Originality/value
The study provides empirical support for the effect of consumer-brand engagement and brand experience on consumers’ behavioural intentions in the food industry.
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Francesco Campanella, Luca Ferri, Luana Serino and Annamaria Zampella
This paper aims to analyze the role of intellectual capital in the underexplored relationship between sustainable performance and credit access among private firms in Italy, where…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to analyze the role of intellectual capital in the underexplored relationship between sustainable performance and credit access among private firms in Italy, where over 90% of businesses are small and medium enterprises. While D’Apolito et al. (2024) have investigated sustainability-linked bank financing among Italian listed small and medium-sized enterprises, this study takes a different approach by focusing on private firms and examining the influence of environmental, social and governance criteria on their credit access. The research seeks to deepen the understanding of how sustainable practices impact financial outcomes and access to funding for private enterprises.
Design/methodology/approach
To investigate the relationship between sustainable performance and credit access as well as the moderating role of intellectual capital, this study employs an ordinary least squares regression model. It utilizes an innovative measure of sustainable performance for private firms – the legality rating issued by the Italian Competition Authority in 2022 – drawing on prior research to establish a robust analytical framework.
Findings
The findings highlight the importance of incorporating environmental, social and governance criteria into the credit evaluation process for private firms. They underscore the critical role of intellectual capital – comprising human capital, structural capital and relational capital – as a moderating factor in the relationship between sustainable performance and credit access.
Originality/value
To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the moderating role of intellectual capital in the relationship between sustainable performance and credit access among Italian private firms. While substantial research exists on environmental, social and governance performance in large listed firms, there remains a notable gap concerning the sustainability criteria of private and unlisted entities. This study addresses this gap by providing insights into the unique dynamics of sustainable performance and financial access in the context of private enterprises.
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Niccolò Paoloni, Giorgia Mattei, Alberto Dello Strologo and Massimiliano Celli
This systematic literature review analyzes and identifies research areas where researchers have already studied the role of intellectual capital (IC) in the healthcare sector…
Abstract
Purpose
This systematic literature review analyzes and identifies research areas where researchers have already studied the role of intellectual capital (IC) in the healthcare sector. This review also analyzes how they carried out their work to understand future research directions.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis is conducted through a systematic literature review. Therefore, following systematic literature review protocol, it was possible to select 225 papers. An analysis of the content was done to identify the main topics debated and understand what components of IC are the most studied by scholars.
Findings
The authors highlight how the components of IC (human capital, structural capital and relational capital) in the healthcare sector have not been discussed with the same frequency and intensity by researchers. The research shows that there are already widely discussed areas, such as structural capital, while other components of IC have remained on the shadow, such as relational capital. Human capital is the most undiscussed component.
Research limitations/implications
The manual analysis of the articles can be considered a limitation of this work.
Originality/value
This systematic literature review makes several useful contributions. First, it enables others to replicate scientific research, thanks to its clear and transparent process. Second, it identifies the main areas of research and the main research methods. It enables researchers to identify which issues their work should address and suggests possible areas for future research.
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Leena Afroz Mostofa Chowdhury, Tarek Rana and Mohammad Istiaq Azim
The purpose of this paper is to, the first of its kind, investigate the relationship between the intellectual capital efficiency and organisational performance of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to, the first of its kind, investigate the relationship between the intellectual capital efficiency and organisational performance of the pharmaceutical sector in Bangladesh, an emerging economy that enjoys Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) relaxation.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used hand-picked data from annual reports for five years. The relationship between efficient use of intellectual capital and corporate performance was examined through the practical use of human capital, structural capital and capital employed. Multiple regressions were used to assess their impact on financial performance – specifically, return on assets, return on equity, asset turnover and market-to-book value.
Findings
Value-added intellectual coefficient components (i.e. human capital, structural capital and capital employed) significantly explained asset turnover and return on assets but failed to predict the return on equity outcome. Additionally, asset turnover was negatively influenced by structural capital and positively influenced by capital employed. The return on assets was mostly affected by variation in human capital. Intellectual capital did not predict market-to-book value or investment decisions.
Practical implications
This paper provides useful resources for evaluating the financial performance and value creation of companies in emerging economies that enjoy TRIPS exemptions; this research could also be extended using cross-industry comparisons. The findings have theoretical and practical implications, particularly for the pharmaceutical industry in emerging economy contexts, and for managers globally.
Originality/value
This study is among only a few that have reported on the relationship between intellectual capital efficiency and value creation in emerging economy contexts.
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Armando Papa, Luca Dezi, Gian Luca Gregori, Jens Mueller and Nicola Miglietta
This paper aims to study the effects of knowledge acquisition on innovation performance and the moderating effects of human resource management (HRM), in terms of employee…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the effects of knowledge acquisition on innovation performance and the moderating effects of human resource management (HRM), in terms of employee retention and HRM practices, on the above-mentioned relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 129 firms operating in a wide array of sectors has been used to gather data through a standardized questionnaire for testing the hypotheses through ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models.
Findings
The results indicate that knowledge acquisition positively affects innovation performance and that HRM moderates the relationship between knowledge acquisition and innovation performance.
Originality/value
With the increasing proclivity towards engaging in open innovation, firms are likely to face some tensions and opportunities leading to a shift in the management of human resources. This starts from the assumption that the knowledge base of the firm resides in the people who work for the firm and that some HRM factors can influence innovation within firms. Despite this, there is a lack of research investigating the link between knowledge acquisition, HRM and innovation performance under the open innovation lens. This paper intends to fill this gap and nurture future research by assessing whether knowledge acquisition influences innovation performance and whether HRM moderates such a relationship.
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Monica Fait, Valentina Cillo, Armando Papa, Dirk Meissner and Paola Scorrano
The main aim of this paper is to demonstrate that “volunteer” employees’ perception of dimensions of intellectual capital (IC) – human, structural and relation capital – creates a…
Abstract
Purpose
The main aim of this paper is to demonstrate that “volunteer” employees’ perception of dimensions of intellectual capital (IC) – human, structural and relation capital – creates a motivational environment to enhance knowledge-sharing intention (KSI) and stimulates “volunteer” employee engagement (VEE). The model is applied on the non-profit organizations (NPOs) sector that base their path on sharing values with volunteers and employees in relation to which they have to implement engagement strategies that are beneficial to both developing and deploying individual and organizational human capital.
Design/methodology/approach
To verify the existence of relationships between the constructs of IC, KSI and VEE a partial least squares structural equation model on a sample of 300 “volunteer” employees of NPOs was tested to verify the research hypotheses, as this could explain the causal relationships.
Findings
The results confirm that KSI is positively and directly influenced by the favourable environment resulting from the motivations below the dimensions of IC. The improvement of KSI, determined by IC, has a positive effect on VEE.
Research limitations/implications
Despite the limitation created by the peculiarities of NPOs and the role of volunteers, this paper suggests a strategic approach that the management could implement to create an environment based on the exchange of knowledge and to increase engagement in the value co-creation process.
Originality/value
The ability of a company to adopt sharing strategies depends on the existence of an environment in which individuals are willing to exchange knowledge realizing mutual benefits. The work broadens this perspective by providing governance with a behavioural model that creates a direct relationship between IC, KSI and VEE.
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Noorlailie Soewarno and Bambang Tjahjadi
This study aims to investigate the intellectual capital–financial performance relationship using two models, namely the conventional Value-Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the intellectual capital–financial performance relationship using two models, namely the conventional Value-Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC) model and the adjusted Value-Added Intellectual Coefficient (A-VAIC) model.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is designed as a quantitative research focusing on the relationship between intellectual capital and financial performance of the banking industry in Indonesia. As many as 114 data are derived from the publicly listed banks on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period of 2012–2017. The multiple regression analysis is employed to test the hypotheses studied.
Findings
In general, the result confirms that intellectual capital affects financial performance. Although not all hypotheses of the study are supported by either the VAIC model or the A-VAIC model, the results provide a deeper and new insight on how each component of intellectual capital efficiency (human capital, structural capital, capital employed, innovation capital) relates to financial performance (return on asset, return on equity, asset turnover, price to book ratio). The results also justify that further improvements in measuring intellectual capital are still needed in the future.
Research limitations/implications
This study limits its generalization since the sample is only in the Indonesian banking industry. Notwithstanding the limitation, the results imply that the Indonesian banking managers need to be aware of intellectual capital management because of its strategic role in enhancing financial performance.
Practical implications
This study contributes to the intellectual capital literature by providing empirical evidence on the use of both models, namely the conventional VAIC and the A-VAIC in the Indonesian banking industry research setting which is never been studied before.
Social implications
This study has the social implication to the enhancement of the quality life of the society. The higher the quality of intellectual capital in the banking firms, the better the banks serve the needs of the community.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the IC literature by providing empirical research on the use of the VAIC model and the A-VAIC model in the Indonesian banking industry.