Measuring the impact of crises in the horticultural sector: the case of Spain

2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (5) ◽  
pp. 1050-1063 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Carlos Pérez-Mesa ◽  
María del Mar Serrano-Arcos ◽  
Raquel Sánchez-Fernández
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Analysis ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
On Demand ◽  
Demand Models ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the literature on image crises in the food industry as well as provide a diachronic analysis to distinguish between the varying types of crises that played a critical role in the horticultural sector in recent decades, focussing on the particular case of Spain as the largest horticultural exporter in Europe. This research also analyses the economic impact of these crises upon demand.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical analysis has been conducted using inverse demand models to determine the prospective impact on demand of the image crises in the main European destination markets.FindingsThe empirical analysis reveals an immediate impact upon demand (imports) in the short term. Sector crises invariably have one or many “explosion” points when they reach the public sphere. These events reduce demand among European consumers, ultimately leading to a decrease in imported goods. The tested models revealed considerably significant losses that subsequently reduce annual exports by more than 3 per cent. The analysis also reveals strong effects of complementarity and substitution among the various products that comprise the horticultural supply.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has not taken into account several movements that have also affected the horticultural sector, such as “anti-consumption” and boycotts. Empirical results reveal a strong impact of image crises on demand (imports) in the short term. Consequently, there is an evident need to undertake actions, managed from the supply origin, that reach the consumer and effectively re-establish the prestige of the Spanish production system.Practical implicationsThis paper highlights the importance of the mass media in consumer attitudes and perceptions, and the need to create channels of direct communication to break the information asymmetry between production and consumption areas.Originality/valueThis paper sheds new light on the literature of image crises. The findings of this research have contributed to greater knowledge of how image crises influence demand. From the point of view of management, these results can have practical implications for the highly competitive sector of horticultural production.

Post-occupancy evaluation of outdoor spaces on the campus of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Clara Carvalho Tourinho ◽  
Sabrina Andrade Barbosa ◽  
Özgür Göçer ◽  
Klaus Chaves Alberto
Keyword(s):  
Critical Role ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
University Campuses ◽  
Post Occupancy Evaluation ◽  
Outdoor Spaces ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeUsing the campus of a Brazilian university as case study, this research aims to identify which aspects of the outdoor spaces are the most significant in attracting people.Design/methodology/approachThis research relies on the application of different post-occupancy evaluation (POE) methods, including user tracking, behavioural mapping and questionnaires, on one plateau of the campus.FindingsThree group of aspects (socialization, proximity and infrastructure) were identified as key elements in explaining the impact of the campus physical characteristics on users’ behaviour. The results indicate that having characteristics of at least one group of aspects in those spaces can guarantee their vitality and, if there is presence of attributes of more than one group, liveliness can be increased.Research limitations/implicationsFurther studies should be conducted on an entire campus to identify other spatial elements in the three groups.Practical implicationsThis research contributes to the planning of future campuses and to solutions to the existed ones, indicating the most relevant spatial characteristics to be considered. Additionally, the combination of different methods may be useful to future research.Originality/valueMost of the investigations on the university campuses focus on the buildings, and little research has investigated the outdoor spaces, although they play a critical role in learning and academic life, where people establish social, cultural and personal relationships. In addition, studies using several POE allowed a consistent and complete diagnostic about the aspects of the campus, giving recommendations for future projects.

Increasing employee job satisfaction

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 53-55
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Supervisor Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Employee Job Satisfaction ◽  
Work Atmosphere ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Job satisfaction plays a critical role in the retention of key talent. Firms can enhance prospects by creating a work environment that incorporates a positive atmosphere. Both supervisor support and potential for career development help optimize the impact of work atmosphere on employee job satisfaction levels. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Resource-based view of innovation activity in SMEs: an empirical analysis based on the global competitiveness project

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lívia Lukovszki ◽  
András Rideg ◽  
Norbert Sipos
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Empirical Analysis ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Innovation Activity ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Resources And Capabilities ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study is to identify the corporate functions that contribute most to the innovation success of SMEs with limited resources. After a systematic literature review, the authors used a unique primary data set of 784 SMEs from eight countries. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to show the data set peculiarities. The logistic regression targeted the presence of innovative products and services in sales by 11 dummy variables and 4 principal factors describing SMEs’ different resources and capabilities. Design/methodology/approach The authors developed a resource-based product innovation model that is synthesising the impact of the company resources and capabilities and of the innovation activity of the company on the actual innovation performance. The authors carry out an empirical analysis of the characteristic features of innovation activity in an international sample of SMEs. Findings The results show that two corporate functions play a crucial role in the effectiveness of innovation for SMEs as follows: management and research and development (R&D). In addition, although of lesser importance, the effect of the marketing function also appears significant. The binary logistic regression had 84.2% of explanatory power. Originality/value From a scientific point of view, the SME-focussed, complex and synthesising RBV model of innovation construction and literature review can be used as a reference point for future researches. From a practical point of view, the analysis is useful for those SMEs, which want to gain a competitive advantage through innovation. Indeed, the results show that in the case of SMEs, a company wishing to innovate must invest in three corporate functions for innovation to be effective as follows: management, R&D and marketing.

Context, framing, and influence

2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-76
Author(s):  
B. Kim Barnes
Keyword(s):  
Point Of View ◽  
The Other ◽  
Laboratory Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Call To Action ◽  
Vested Interests ◽  
Pass Through ◽  
Key Terms ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to help readers consider the value of identifying the values, beliefs, and vested interests of someone they wish to influence and to frame their idea, request, or call to action in a way that will make sense in the other person's internal model of the world and be interesting and attractive to him or her. Design/methodology/approach – The paper defines several key terms and presents a rationale for exploring the point of view of individuals one wishes to influence and framing an idea in a way that will be most meaningful to the other. Findings – There is no one way to view any idea. People have a set of mental filters that any influence attempt must pass through. These filters shape the impact and meaning of the other person's idea or request. The skillful influencer takes this into account in framing his or her influence approach. Research limitations/implications – This paper is the result of many years of observation and pattern recognition in situations where people are asked to influence one another. It is also consistent with current behavioral economics research, but is not itself based on laboratory research. Practical implications – Applying this approach should enable readers to have better results in influencing a variety of people. Originality/value – Influence is a key skill set for leaders and key contributors.

Forecasting the fiber penetration based on copper access regulation

Info ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-31
Author(s):  
François Jeanjean
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Logistic Function ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Cable Modem ◽  
Broadband Access ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Access Regulation ◽  
Access Charges ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the impact of copper access regulation on broadband household adoption for each technology (xDSL on copper infrastructure, FTTx on fiber infrastructure and cable modem). It provides a forecast of the penetration rate of broadband access for each technology (copper xDSL, fiber, FTTx and cable modem) through 2020. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses an empirical approach using a dataset covering 15 European countries. The dynamic of the adoption path is modeled by a logistic function. Copper access regulation is measured by two variables: copper access charge and copper wholesale access share, i.e. the ratio of copper wholesale access provided by the incumbent to alternative operators out of the total number of copper accesses. Findings – This paper shows that tough copper access regulation has a negative impact on fiber and cable modem adoption. Low copper prices decrease consumer adoption of other technologies. This reduces their profitability and thus the incentives to invest in alternative platforms. Practical implications – This paper highlights that an increase in copper access charges or a decrease in copper wholesale access shares could help to achieve the objectives of the Digital Agenda for Europe. Originality/value – This paper provides an empirical evidence of the impact of the copper access regulation on the fiber and ultra-fast broadband adoption from a dynamic point of view.

The impact of religiosity on corporate loans and maturity structure: evidence from China

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fansheng Jia ◽  
Yilin Zhang ◽  
Kam C. Chan ◽  
Sujuan Xie
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Explanatory Variable ◽  
Private Firm ◽  
Local Culture ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Maturity Structure ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to examine the relation between religiosity and formal financing in the context of long- and short-term corporate loans. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses archival methodology to conduct a multiple regression analysis with the amount of long- and short-term corporate loans as the dependent variable and a measure of religiosity as the key explanatory variable. Findings This paper offers four findings. First, when a private firm locates in a high religiosity region, it is more likely to get more corporate loans and the amount of corporate loans is positively correlated with the extent of religiosity. Second, religiosity drives a private firm getting more (less) short-term (long-term) loans. Third, a private firm in a high religiosity region is able to incur lower interest cost associated with more short-term loans. Finally, the results are confined to Buddhism, Taoism and Christianity. Practical implications Overall, the findings are consistent with the notion that religiosity shapes the local culture so that individuals, some of them are borrowers and lenders, show the religious traits in the formal lending and borrowing relationship. Originality/value Overall, findings of this paper are consistent with the notion that religiosity shapes the local culture so that individuals, some of them being borrowers and lenders, show religious traits in the formal lending and borrowing relationship.

The impact of managing IT on business-IT alignment and firm performance: an empirical study

foresight ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aboobucker Ilmudeen
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Study Finding ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Business Managers ◽  
It Investment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
It Alignment ◽  
Business It Alignment ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Though prior studies have attempted to explore the various effects of managing information technology (IT) investment on firm performance, the mechanism through which management of IT impact on firm performance rests less clear. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of managing IT and business-IT alignment on firm performance. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the resource-based theory and process theory, this study examines how managing IT impacts business-IT alignment and firm performance. The primary survey of 182 responses from IT and business managers from Sri Lanka was empirically examined. Findings The findings reveal that managing IT has a positive and strong impact on business-IT alignment and firm performance. Further, business-IT alignment partially mediates between managing IT investment and firm performance relationships. Research limitations/implications Today, businesses have invested a massive amount of money in IT investment, and the return on this investment is always a serious concern for managers and industry practitioners. This study finding proposes meaningful insights on managing IT, business-IT alignment and firm performance. Originality/value This study opens up the black box on the above nomological linkage and contributes to the literature by extending the theoretical lenses while suggesting insightful and practical implications.

Recent evidence on political brinkmanship and Treasury yields

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-337
Author(s):  
Srinivas Nippani ◽  
Dror Parnes
Keyword(s):  
Robust Regression ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Interest Rate Risk ◽  
Good News ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Treasury Bill ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Debt Ceiling ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to analyze how political brinkmanship impacted Treasury yields during the debt ceiling debate in 2015. The results show that the resignation of the House Speaker John A. Boehner caused a significant decrease in Treasury bill yields of one- and three-month maturities. The authors robust analysis indicates that these lower yields have saved US taxpayers several billion dollars in extra tax expenses. This paper provides evidence that lack of political brinkmanship can be very advantageous for the taxpayers. This has considerable implications for lawmakers in this post-election year. Design/methodology/approach The authors examine the differences in yields between equal maturity short-term Treasury securities and commercial paper using t-tests, non-parametric tests and a robust regression model based on earlier empirical studies. Findings This study provides evidence indicating that between September 25, 2015, and up to October 30, 2015, relatively lower Treasury yields resulted from the lack of political brinkmanship, and this has saved the US taxpayers several billion dollars in interest expenses in 2015. Research limitations/implications The study showed that lower yields will result from a lack of political brinkmanship, and this resulted in savings of several billions of dollars in interest payments. Considering that both the White House and Congress will be controlled by the same political party, this gives lawmakers a unique opportunity to have less acrimonious debt ceiling debates. The limitation of the study is that it does not consider the impact on foreign exchange markets and other factors which could play a major role. Practical/implications Unlike earlier scenarios where default risk increased, followed by credit rating downgrades, there was a quiet confidence this time about a quick resolution. Markets were stable, and this allowed money market participants to invest more confidently even when an upcoming debt ceiling debate is on. Corporations that invested additional cash in money markets for short-term could do it more confidently at that time without fear of default or interest rate risk which could potentially harm the market value of their investments. Practical/implications It implies that there will be lower taxpayer costs because of debt ceilings and avoidance of shutdowns of the federal government. It also implies that there could be more confidence in the dollar. Originality/value Several earlier studies have examined Treasury default caused by political brinkmanship. This is the first study to examine an event where political brinkmanship appeared possible and then suddenly dissipated in a single day. Political brinkmanship is bad news because it increases taxpayer interest burden as seen from several of the studies above. Therefore, it should be considered good news if no disagreement is evident. This argument serves as our motivation for this paper. As an increase in the chances of default causes an increase in the yield of Treasury bills as earlier studies showed, a decrease in the chance of default caused Treasury bill yields to be that much lower based on the results of this study.

Creative tourism – providing the answers to a more inclusive society

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 747-751
Author(s):  
Caroline Couret
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Good Practices ◽  
The World ◽  
Inclusive Society ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose This paper aims to provide an overview of the short-term impact of COVID19 on the new tourism paradigm worldwide, as well imagining how it could influence society’s inclusion. The purpose is thus to share some insight into this unprecedented situation. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses a practical and empirical approach, based on readings and conversations with international stakeholders, and contrasted with the Creative Tourism Network’s background. Findings This paper explores the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the tourism industry, human values and intangibles and new opportunities for societal inclusion, together with examples of good practices. Practical implications The viewpoint is based on observation, analysis and conversations with stakeholders around the world. It also draws on examples and practical cases from the destinations’ members of the Creative Tourism Network. Originality/value This paper draws on observation and reflections about the evolution of societal inclusion through new forms of creative and niche tourism, accelerated by the COVID-19 crisis.

Flexible working and engagement: the importance of choice

2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deirdre Anderson ◽  
Clare Kelliher
Keyword(s):  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Flexible Working ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to report findings from a major study into flexible working and to examine the link with employee engagement.Design/methodology/approachThe study was conducted within seven case organizations using a mixed method of semi‐structured interviews and an electronic questionnaire.FindingsThe findings show that flexible working has an impact on employee engagement through a positive relationship with organizational commitment, job satisfaction and employee discretionary behavior.Practical implicationsAllowing employees a degree of choice over when, where and how much work they do has benefits for the organization. However, for these gains to be realized, support is needed for the implementation of a flexible working policy.Originality/valueThe study included both quantitative and qualitative data and examined the impact of flexible working from the point of view of managers and co‐workers of flexible workers, as well as those who worked flexibly themselves.

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