Renee Wever, Casper Boks, Thomas Marinelli and Ab Stevels
Widely accepted classifications of benchmarking distinguish between different levels of benchmarking. Strategic‐level benchmarking is considered to be of a higher sophistication…
Abstract
Purpose
Widely accepted classifications of benchmarking distinguish between different levels of benchmarking. Strategic‐level benchmarking is considered to be of a higher sophistication than product‐level benchmarking. Such strategic benchmarking would be based on process information instead of product information. The purpose of this paper is to research the possibility of obtaining strategic‐level information based on an extensive amount of product‐level benchmark data.
Design/methodology/approach
The data used in this paper originate from the environmental benchmarking program of Philips Consumer Electronics (CE). Philips CE has successfully implemented benchmarking as an environmental improvement strategy for its products. Product‐level competitive benchmarking is used to assess the environmental performance of a Philips' product compared to its main economic rivals. Since the start of environmental benchmarking a considerable pool of product‐level benchmark data has been generated. This paper reports on an extensive data analysis of product‐level benchmarking data concerning the packaging of these consumer electronics products.
Findings
It is shown how strategic‐level information is obtained from a data analysis of these separate benchmarking studies, resulting both in useful strategic‐level managerial information and practical design input. Finally, advantages of this approach as compared to classic strategic‐level benchmarking are identified.
Research limitations/implications
The study has yielded empirical data indicating a limitation in current benchmarking classification.
Originality/value
The paper offers insights into the benefits of product level benchmarking for strategic eco‐efficient decision making.
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To create circular economies, we need supply systems to convey materials between their use lives. Often, though, it is not possible to control an entire supply network. Without a…
Abstract
To create circular economies, we need supply systems to convey materials between their use lives. Often, though, it is not possible to control an entire supply network. Without a coordinator to implement circular economy principles, how can circular supply systems come to be? This chapter sets out to build on complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory and circular economy research to conceptualize how information flows between actors can facilitate the emergence of a circular supply system. It begins by outlining why a supply network can be considered a CAS, as well as the CAS progression from information to adaptation to emergence. Next, it argues that information on local supply networks, extended supply systems, and biosphere impacts is particularly important for circular production. Finally, it concludes with two potential types of emergence that can stem from these information flows: (1) new actor roles and networks and (2) new spatial and temporal patterns. Ultimately, this conceptual overview aims to give researchers and practitioners a CAS frame for thinking about how continual adaptation to information flows can enable change toward circular supply systems.
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Luca Marinelli, Fabio Fiano, Gian Luca Gregori and Lucia Michela Daniele
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the food and beverage automatic retail environment by analysing the impact of planograms, conceived as a visual merchandising practice…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the food and beverage automatic retail environment by analysing the impact of planograms, conceived as a visual merchandising practice and shopping time – the time spent making a purchase – as part of food consumer purchasing behaviour to further enrich the debate on the ability of companies to absorb customer knowledge.
Design/methodology/approach
A real-world experiment was conducted using a sample of 27,230 valid observations of consumer purchasing decision-making processes at automatic vending machines (AVMs). Data were collected by a shopper behaviour analytics system that allows for a better understanding of the AVM users' behaviour. Two sets of regressions were run to test the two hypotheses.
Findings
The experimental results demonstrated that planograms – the planned, systematic organisation of products in an AVM – positively impact food purchases. A planogram acts as a mediator in the relationship between shopping time and purchase, resulting in shorter shopping times and more purchases.
Originality/value
This work adds to the customer knowledge literature by focussing on customer behaviour in the food and beverage automated shopping environment. The shopper analytics technology adopted to collect real-time data leads to a better understanding of the purchasing behaviour of AVMs' users and provides new marketing and retail insights into AVMs' performance that retailers can use to improve their marketing strategies.
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Tommaso Vallone, Stefano Elia, Peder Greve, Lisa Longoni and Daniele Marinelli
We study the relationship between firms’ top management teams (TMT) and internationalization complexity. We consider the effect of three different sets of TMT characteristics �…
Abstract
We study the relationship between firms’ top management teams (TMT) and internationalization complexity. We consider the effect of three different sets of TMT characteristics – international business orientation intensity, education intensity, and team diversity – on three different and increasingly complex facets of internationalization - international markets intensity, international operations intensity and international country diversity. We argue that more international, highly-educated and diverse TMTs are better able to face the complexity derived from international competition. The results of our empirical analysis show that TMTs having foreign managers or managers with international experience are more likely to be in charge of firms facing higher international operations intensity. Conversely, more educated and more diverse TMTs are associated with complexity deriving from international diversification.
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Luca Marinelli, Sara Bartoloni, Alessandra Costa and Federica Pascucci
This work aims to explore the relationship between entrepreneurial ecosystems' (EEs) inputs and outcomes within a digital-technology-driven EE. Specifically, it focuses on how…
Abstract
Purpose
This work aims to explore the relationship between entrepreneurial ecosystems' (EEs) inputs and outcomes within a digital-technology-driven EE. Specifically, it focuses on how being part of an EE enhances digital technology adoption (DTA) and consequently facilitates EE outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper employs a single-case study approach, focusing on Italian EE. The data analysis is based on the researchers' direct observations and semi-structured interviews with the EE founders' teams and the top management of the small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating therein. Given the novelty of the topic and the lack of a clear research framework of analysis, a qualitative method is well suited for studying digital-technology-driven EE, thus gaining rich data about the phenomenon in a real-life context.
Findings
The findings of the study reveal that when specific eco-inputs (financial, knowledge, social and institutional assets) are correctly exploited to enhance DTA, important outcomes, namely, SME competitiveness and new technology-based venture creation and development, are generated.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to a relatively unexplored topic in the existing literature on EEs and digital technology. Specifically, through the proposition of a conceptual model, it sheds light on the relationship among EE inputs, DTA and EE outcomes.
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Mª Carolina Rodríguez-Donate, Margarita E. Romero-Rodríguez and Víctor Javier Cano-Fernández
This paper compares the socio-demographic features, wine consumption preferences and habits of individuals of Generations X and Y. The influence of age, as a life cycle effect, on…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper compares the socio-demographic features, wine consumption preferences and habits of individuals of Generations X and Y. The influence of age, as a life cycle effect, on individuals' consumption preferences from the same generation is analysed. In addition, the generational effect and period effect on consumption by each generation are studied to ascertain changes in preferences due to specific values of their birth cohort or period.
Design/methodology/approach
Mixed ordered logit models are estimated to identify which traits influence the probability of consuming a certain quantity of wine for each generation. The variability of the effects of different variables on the consumption decision is analysed in depth, as a reflection of the unobserved heterogeneity present in individuals' decisions. For this purpose, data from two exhaustive surveys carried out in Tenerife (Canary Islands) over a time interval of 13 years are used.
Findings
Individuals' age and period are relevant factors in the consumption decision. There are some similarities in the behaviour of both generations, although the variability of the effects of some individual traits is greater for Generation X.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to a better understanding of the profile of wine consumers from different generations through a joint analysis of age effects, period and cohort, which have rarely been addressed jointly in the literature. In addition, it provides an exhaustive analysis of the heterogeneity in consumption preferences that highlights the variability of the effects found.
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Marina Marinelli and Marko Salopek
Based on experience from the UK construction industry, this paper aims to capture the dimensions of the collaborative ethos required for successful implementation of Joint Risk…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on experience from the UK construction industry, this paper aims to capture the dimensions of the collaborative ethos required for successful implementation of Joint Risk Management, i.e. the cooperative and dynamic risk management approach that continues into the post-contract stage and is jointly undertaken by different project stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed methods research approach involving semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey was adopted to provide the basis for the statistical analysis encompassing descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests and exploratory factor analysis.
Findings
The analysis highlights the critical role of team integration achieved through the diffusion of collaborative values at strategic and practical level. Relevant applications include early stakeholder engagement, common goals and interests, team building activities and contractual flexibility.
Originality/value
This research is beneficial for the industry and academia as it enhances the understanding of an under-utilised management tool and highlights the requirements for its successful implementation.
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Services for offenders who have learning disabilities are generally provided in secure and medium secure units. These services are often provided in segregated and congregated…
Abstract
Services for offenders who have learning disabilities are generally provided in secure and medium secure units. These services are often provided in segregated and congregated settings using therapeutic interventions. This paper presents a case study of a housing‐based service provided within the community, based on developing valued social roles for vulnerable people.In 2003 the then Labour government in the UK sought to align all of the state benefits paid to people who were not in work due to disability and other disadvantages. The resulting ‘transitional housing benefit’ integrated housing benefit and other support grants, with the aim of providing vulnerable people and service providers with a single point of reference when it came to the funding of accommodation and support. The service is based on the principle of normalisation (Wolfensberger, 1972; Tyne & O'Brien, 1981), the theory of social role valorisation (SRV) (Wolfensberger & Thomas, 1983; Wolfensberger et al, 1996; Race, 1999) and O'Brien's Framework for Accomplishment (O'Brien, 1987) and provides a credible alternative to more traditional approaches.The paper provides a critical introduction to SRV and O'Brien's Framework and how their principles have been used to support people with complex needs. It discusses some of the structures and attitudes prevalent in society or, as Wolfensberger calls them, the ‘domains’ and ‘major channels’ by which people with learning disabilities are oppressed.The case study includes examples of practice and shows some interesting differences in patterns of referral and destination routes for males and females and concludes with some implications for practice.
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Sophie Ghvanidze, Bárbara Franco Lucas, Thomas A. Brunner and Jon Henrich Hanf
Wine consumption is declining, while cannabis use among young adults in Germany has surged. With new laws partially legalising recreational cannabis, advocates claim it could…
Abstract
Purpose
Wine consumption is declining, while cannabis use among young adults in Germany has surged. With new laws partially legalising recreational cannabis, advocates claim it could replace alcohol, offering health benefits and cost savings. However, concerns remain that cannabis might increase alcohol consumption and associated health risks. Despite recognition of both substitute and complementary relationships between cannabis and alcohol, data on the cannabis–wine relationship is scarce. This study aims to understand the motivations behind wine and cannabis consumption, segment wine drinkers by those motives, profile wine drinkers who also consume cannabis and determine whether wine and cannabis act as substitutes or complements across distinct consumer groups.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted an online survey using random sampling and used cluster analysis to identify consumer segments based on motivations for wine consumption. Exploring various variables, including consumption motives, behavioural patterns and socio-demographics, the authors also examined cannabis consumption among wine drinkers.
Findings
This study surveyed 523 German wine drinkers aged 20–60 years, including 215 cannabis users. Four consumer segments emerged: “adaptive conformists”, “expansive strategists”, “self-conscious hedonists” and “ambivalent drinkers.” Three segments preferred wine for social and enhancing effects. “Adaptive conformists”, the group with the most cannabis users, sought negative reinforcement like conformity or coping. The “adaptive conformists” and “expansive strategists” show the tendencies of a complementary cannabis–wine relationship.
Originality/value
This study pioneers the use of the Marijuana Motives Measure scales, developed by Simons et al. (1998), within the motivational framework by Cox and Klinger (1988) and Cooper et al. (2015), for wine drinkers. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is also the first to categorise wine drinkers into segments based on MMM scales for both wine and cannabis and segment wine consumers using cannabis.