Chiara Franciosi, Valentina Di Pasquale, Raffaele Iannone and Salvatore Miranda
Poor maintenance management leads to non-negligible economic, environmental and social impacts and obstacles to the sustainable manufacturing paradigm. Studies evaluating…
Abstract
Purpose
Poor maintenance management leads to non-negligible economic, environmental and social impacts and obstacles to the sustainable manufacturing paradigm. Studies evaluating maintenance impacts on sustainability underline growing interest in the topic, but reports on the industrial field are lacking. Therefore, this paper investigates the industrial environment and the indicators that manufacturing companies use for measuring their maintenance impacts.
Design/methodology/approach
In this pilot survey study, several stakeholders of production enterprises in the south of Italy were interviewed to unveil the spread of the measurement of maintenance impacts on sustainability and the indicators used by those companies.
Findings
The interview results showed a low level of awareness among stakeholders about maintenance impacts on sustainability. Maintenance stakeholders are mainly focused on technical and economic factors, whereas environmental, quality and safety stakeholders are becoming more aware of maintenance impacts on environmental and social factors. However, both groups need guidelines to define sustainability indicators to assess such impacts.
Originality/value
This exploratory study allowed us to investigate the current situation in industrial organisations and achieve the first variegated and diversified vision of the awareness of company stakeholders on maintenance impacts on the sustainability of several business functions. This paper provides a valuable contribution to “maintenance and sustainability” research area in production contexts and sheds light on non-negligible maintenance impacts on sustainability, providing preliminary insights on the topic and an effective basis for defining future research opportunities. Moreover, this study enables increased awareness among internal and external manufacturing company stakeholders on the role of maintenance in sustainable production.
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Antonino Galati, Maria Crescimanno, Salvatore Tinervia and Dario Siggia
The purpose of this paper is dual. The first is to assess the quality of websites of Italian wineries, using the Web Assessment Index (WAI), and compare e-commerce and e-marketing…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is dual. The first is to assess the quality of websites of Italian wineries, using the Web Assessment Index (WAI), and compare e-commerce and e-marketing websites. The second is to verify the existence of a relationship between the website quality and business revenue, on one hand, and the characteristics of managers, on the other.
Design/methodology/approach
A two-step survey was carried out to respond to the aims of the study. First, a sample of wineries was contacted to capture information on both the wineries and managerial characteristics. On the basis of the observed data, a second step of the analysis was performed taking into consideration 84 wineries having a website. The website quality has been evaluated by WAI, and afterwards, it has been related to the internal business factors previously identified.
Findings
Findings show that the website quality is higher in e-commerce websites than in e-marketing websites, and that business revenue and the education level of managers have a positive influence on the websites’ quality.
Research limitations/implications
The results of the study need to be interpreted within the context for which this research was designed and cannot be applied generally to all businesses.
Practical implications
Findings have some theoretical and practical implications. From a theoretical point of view, this study validates the WAI model in the wine sector. From a managerial perspective, results are useful both for wineries creating an online presence for the first time, and for those already existing which, and for system designers of websites.
Originality/value
Very few empirical studies have been conducted on the relationship between website quality, business performance and managerial characteristics.
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Monica Lopez-Campos, Salvatore Cannella, Pablo A. Miranda and Raul Stegmaier
The purpose of this paper is to propose and model collaboration and information exchange enabler strategies, designed to accomplish significant improvements in supply chain (SC…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose and model collaboration and information exchange enabler strategies, designed to accomplish significant improvements in supply chain (SC) performance. Some of these improvements to the SC include the reduction of the bullwhip effect and increased customer and SC partner benefits. The authors propose a fully collaborative replenishment model. The study details the information flow required to implement new SC collaboration strategies, clarifying a specific strategy for information sharing involving inventory levels (on hand, in process, etc.), orders and demand forecast.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors suggest the adoption of business process modelling (BPM) methodology, aimed at identifying which information should be shared by SC partners, in order to create fully collaborative strategies.
Findings
The features of BPM allow for the effortless integration of the modelled information collaboration strategies into a general network information system, creating a flexible structure that can be quickly and even automatically adapted to new conditions.
Research limitations/implications
In this paper, a serial SC has been analysed, but enterprises also commonly manage more complex kind of chains. Chains composed of more than one member in the same echelon, divergent chains, convergent chains, network chains are all different configurations that require their own algorithm. The authors use the order up to policy, but there are other policies that can be considered to extend the scope of the model.
Practical implications
BPM, specifically through Unified Modelling Language (UML) and Business Process Modelling Notation standards, represents a suitable technique to develop and implement new SC collaboration practices, serving as a communication link between managers and software developers.
Social implications
The expected results of this work imply the proposal of a reference model for collaborative supply chain (CSC) organisations, contributing to the enhancement of value creation for the whole CSC.
Originality/value
The aim of this paper is to clarify the information-sharing algorithm required to implement a collaborative structure for an SC. This algorithm is expressed using the BPM technique, specifically UML and Business Process Model and Notation standards.
Propósito
Este documento propone y modela estrategias de colaboración y habilitación de intercambio de información, diseñadas para lograr mejoras significativas en el rendimiento de la cadena de suministro (SC). Algunas de estas mejoras incluyen la reducción del efecto látigo y mayores beneficios para los clientes y socios de la cadena de suministro. Proponemos un modelo de reabastecimiento totalmente colaborativo. El estudio detalla el flujo de información requerido para implementar nuevas estrategias de colaboración en la cadena de suministro, aclarando una estrategia específica para el intercambio de información que involucra niveles de inventario (en mano, en proceso, etc.), pedidos y previsión de la demanda.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
Sugerimos la adopción de la metodología de Modelado de Procesos de Negocio, dirigida a identificar qué información debe ser compartida por los socios de la cadena de suministro, a fin de crear estrategias totalmente colaborativas.
Hallazgos
las características del Modelado de Procesos de Negocio permiten la integración, sin un excesivo esfuerzo, de las estrategias de colaboración modeladas en un sistema de información general, creando una estructura flexible que puede adaptarse rápida e incluso automáticamente a las nuevas condiciones.
Limitaciones/implicaciones de la investigación
en este documento, se ha analizado una cadena de suministro en serie, sin embargo las empresas también suelen administrar cadenas más complejas. Cadenas compuestas de más de un miembro en el mismo escalón, cadenas divergentes, cadenas convergentes, cadenas de red, son todas configuraciones diferentes que requieren su propio algoritmo. Igualmente, en este artículo usamos la política de pedido “order up to” aunque también existen otras políticas que se pueden considerar para ampliar el alcance del modelo.
Implicaciones prácticas
el modelado de procesos BPM, específicamente a través del Lenguaje Unificado de Modelado (UML) y estándares para la notación de Modelado de Procesos de Negocio (BPMN), representa una técnica adecuada para desarrollar e implementar nuevas prácticas de colaboración de cadena de suministro, que sirve como un enlace de comunicación entre los gerentes y los desarrolladores de software.
Implicaciones sociales
los resultados esperados de este trabajo implican la propuesta de un modelo de referencia para la colaboración de las organizaciones de la cadena de suministro, contribuyendo a la mejora de la creación de valor para toda la cadena de suministro colaborativa.
Originalidad/valor
el objetivo de este documento es aclarar el algoritmo de intercambio de información requerido para implementar una estructura colaborativa para una cadena de suministro. Este algoritmo se expresa utilizando la técnica BPM, específicamente a través de los estándares UML y BPMN.
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Manuela Gomez-Valencia, Camila Vargas, Maria Alejandra Gonzalez-Perez, Indianna Minto-Coy, Miguel Cordova, Karla Maria Nava-Aguirre, Fabiola Monje-Cueto, Cyntia Vilasboas Calixto Casnici and Freddy Coronado
This study identifies measures to recover economic growth and build sustainable societies and markets in post-COVID-19 scenarios – with a perspective of resilience and…
Abstract
This study identifies measures to recover economic growth and build sustainable societies and markets in post-COVID-19 scenarios – with a perspective of resilience and adaptability to climate change and massive biodiversity loss. Additionally, this study uncovers the interventions implemented to address economic, environmental and social consequences of past crises based on a systematic literature review. Specifically, this chapter provides answers to the following six questions:
What has been done in the past to rebuild social, economic and environmental balance after global crises?
Where (geographical region) did the analysis on measures taken concentrate?
When have scholars analysed past measures to rebuild business and society after a global crisis?
How did the past measures to rebuild business and society after the global crisis take place?
Who promotes the measures to rebuild business and society after a global crisis takes place?
Why is it important to study the previous literature on past measures to rebuild business and society after a global crisis takes place?
What has been done in the past to rebuild social, economic and environmental balance after global crises?
Where (geographical region) did the analysis on measures taken concentrate?
When have scholars analysed past measures to rebuild business and society after a global crisis?
How did the past measures to rebuild business and society after the global crisis take place?
Who promotes the measures to rebuild business and society after a global crisis takes place?
Why is it important to study the previous literature on past measures to rebuild business and society after a global crisis takes place?
Finally, this chapter identifies future research opportunities to rebuild business and society after the past global crises.
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Fiorella Pia Salvatore, Simone Fanelli, Chiara Carolina Donelli, Ubaldo Rosati and Paolo Petralia
The purpose of this study is to provide a framework useful for identifying the elements that aim for success in the construction of collaborative governance and to investigate how…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to provide a framework useful for identifying the elements that aim for success in the construction of collaborative governance and to investigate how international governance systems have characterized the international collaborative projects developed by the International Division of Gaslini Children Hospital in Genoa (Italy). Critical and successful factors in developing partnerships in the healthcare sector have been identified.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 15 projects implemented by the Gaslini Hospital in collaboration with a global network of low and middle-income countries were examined using a content analysis of the project reports. Later, a conceptual framework proposed by Emerson and colleagues was used to design a theoretical map for investigating elements of international governance systems.
Findings
A matrix developed in two categories (health cooperation and training, and exchange of best practices) and three branches of medicine (oncology, paediatrics and cardiology) made it possible to cluster the research projects. However, details of the collaborative process often overlooked by research on public-private partnerships emerged from the framework.
Originality/value
The growing demand for higher quality health services in low- and middle-income countries has led to an increasing number of partnerships with industrialized countries to enable access to wider resources and technologies and develop useful skills to adapt to changes in society. Through the application of collaborative governance’s framework to healthcare collaboration, different elements of the collaborative process emerged which have been previously neglected.
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Simona Cosma, Salvatore Principale and Andrea Venturelli
The purposes of this paper are: firstly, to assess the disclosure related to climate change (CC) by major European banks to understand if the banks have grasped the most…
Abstract
Purpose
The purposes of this paper are: firstly, to assess the disclosure related to climate change (CC) by major European banks to understand if the banks have grasped the most substantive aspects of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations and secondly, to evaluate the contribution of a non-traditional committee (i.e. corporate social responsibility (CSR) committee) to TCFD-compliant disclosure.
Design/methodology/approach
Using content analysis and ordinary least squares regressions on a sample of 101 European banks, this study sought to investigate completeness, tone and forward-looking orientation of CC disclosure and explore the relationships between CSR committee and previous disclosure aspects.
Findings
This study shows that European banks have been able to reach an intermediate level of adequacy of compliance in terms of completeness of information but forward-looking orientation seems to be the aspect that needs the most improvement. The existence of a CSR committee dedicated to sustainability issues seems to constitute the difference between the banks in terms of disclosure. The results highlight vulnerabilities in disclosure and board characteristics relevant for improving CC disclosure.
Practical implications
Firms interested in strengthening stakeholder engagement and capturing strategic opportunities involved in CC should be encouraged to establish a CSR committee and appoint female directors in financial companies. This paper should be of interest to policymakers, governance bodies and boards of directors considering the initiative of corporate sustainable governance complementary to Directive 2014/95/EU on non-financial reporting by the European Commission.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior study has investigated the relationship between the CSR committee and the application of the TCFD’s recommendations in the European banking industry.
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Simone Pizzi, Salvatore Principale and Elbano de Nuccio
This paper aims to contribute to the emerging debate on materiality with novel and original insights about the managerial and theoretical implications related to the adoption of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to contribute to the emerging debate on materiality with novel and original insights about the managerial and theoretical implications related to the adoption of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) as reporting standards. Furthermore, the paper will evaluate the main drivers that favor the combination of the two standards by companies to develop new knowledge about the hierarchical relationship between financial and sustainability materiality.
Design/methodology/approach
Building on a sample of 2,046 US listed companies observed during the period 2017–2020, the research is conducted using quantitative methods. Multinomial logistic regressions are used to evaluate the differences between GRI and SASB’s adoption.
Findings
The analysis highlights that financial and sustainability materiality are driven by different purposes. In detail, SASB’s adoption is driven by factors directly related to financial dynamics, while GRI’s adoption is influenced by the existence of corporate governance mechanisms inspired by sustainable and ethical principles. Furthermore, the last analysis reveals that the combination of the two standards is characterized by the predominance of sustainability materiality.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study on the relationship between financial and sustainability materiality.
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Fiorella Pia Salvatore, Ajka Relja, Ivona Šimunović Filipčić, Ozren Polašek and Ivana Kolčić
The impact of eating habits on mental health is gaining more attention recently. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between mental distress and the…
Abstract
Purpose
The impact of eating habits on mental health is gaining more attention recently. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between mental distress and the Mediterranean diet (MD) in a community-dwelling adult population of Dalmatia, Croatia.
Design/methodology/approach
Participants from the “10,001 Dalmatians” study from the Island of Korcula and the City of Split were included (n=3,392). Lifestyle habits were investigated using a self-administered questionnaire, while mental distress was evaluated using the General Health Questionnaire-30 (GHQ-30) in a cross-sectional design. MD compliance was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used in the analysis.
Findings
MD compliance was associated with lesser mental distress (ß=−1.96, 95% CI −2.75, −1.17; p<0.001). Inverse association was found between mental distress and higher intake of fruits (ß=−0.64; 95% CI −0.89, −0.39; p<0.001), vegetables (ß=−0.39; 95% CI −0.65, −0.13; p=0.003), olive oil (ß=−0.30; 95% CI −0.56, −0.04; p=0.022) and legumes (ß=−0.83; 95% CI −1.66, 0.00; p=0.049). Mental distress was more intense in women, older participants, those with worse material status, subjects with previously diagnosed chronic diseases and in current smokers.
Originality/value
This study suggests beneficial association of MD and overall mental health, offering important implications for public health provisions. Since the literature search did not reveal any previous study on the association between the MD and GHQ-based mental distress in the general population, this study delivers interesting results and fills this knowledge gap.
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Mario Turrisi, Manfredi Bruccoleri and Salvatore Cannella
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of reverse logistics on order and inventory variance amplification in a single-echelon supply chain (SC) and to propose a new…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of reverse logistics on order and inventory variance amplification in a single-echelon supply chain (SC) and to propose a new order policy for dampening such amplification.
Design/methodology/approach
A general review of the literature on sustainable operations and on the impact of reverse logistics on SC performance provides the foundation for the study. The authors use difference equation math approach for modelling and analysing a closed SC. A proper design of experiment and data collected from the European Union statistics validate the obtained numerical results.
Findings
The variability of reverse flow in a closed loop SC increases the serviceable inventory variance. However, a proper design of the reverse flow considerably improves the global performance. To this purpose, the authors propose a new order policy, namely R-APIOBPCS, which explicitly considers the reverse flow of products.
Research limitations/implications
The paper presents a math model describing a closed loop supply chain (CLSC). No empirical analysis is provided. Future researches should evaluate the impact of the proposed R-APIOBPCS on more realistic closed loop SC models.
Practical implications
The paper ' s findings may motivate logistics and SC managers to implement CLSC when supported by innovative, suitable tools for the proper management of the information and material flow in the chain. Managers should be well acquainted that, by doing so, they not only satisfy national and international legislations but also achieve improvements in logistics performance.
Originality/value
The authors propose a novel replenishment rule that accurately coordinates the upstream and downstream flows in a SC. The proposed order policy can be reasonably considered one of the advocated managerial tools for the proper management of reverse logistics: it allows reducing inventory and limiting the variability of the orders placed to suppliers in SC with reverse logistics.