scholarly journals Sustainability as source of competitive advantages in mature sectors

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Settembre Blundo ◽  
Fernando Enrique García-Muiña ◽  
Martina Pini ◽  
Lucrezia Volpi ◽  
Cristina Siligardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Observation Point ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Ceramic Tiles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
Socio Economic Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how sustainability can become a source of competitive advantage for mature manufacturing sectors where technologies are standardized, and innovation is mainly generated across the value chain and not by individual companies.Design/methodology/approachFrom the methodological point of view, this research estimates the sustainability status of ceramic production in the Sassuolo district (Italy), using the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) model, and changing the observation point for the analysis, from the enterprise (micro level) to the entire sector (meso level).FindingsThis paper provides an analysis of the environmental, economic and social impacts of the four main types of ceramic tiles manufactured in Italy, both in aggregate terms for the entire sector and per square meter of product.Practical implicationsThe methodological approach used in this research is easy to replicate both for companies when designing their sustainability strategies and for public decision makers when assessing the sustainability performance of a sector or supply chain.Social implicationsFor the first time, a socio-economic impact assessment is proposed for the ceramic sector, conducted in parallel with the environmental impact assessment through stakeholder mapping and prioritization.Originality/valueThis paper conceptualizes the theme of relations and interdependencies between ceramic producers organized in industrial districts and the territories in which they operate in order to determine empirically the sustainability performance of Italian ceramic sector, using the LCSA model with a territorial extension that presupposes an innovative contribution to current literature and practice.

Reflective backward analysis to assess the operational performance and eco-efficiency of two industrial districts

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Appolloni ◽  
Idiano D'Adamo ◽  
Massimo Gastaldi ◽  
Morteza Yazdani ◽  
Davide Settembre-Blundo
Keyword(s):  
Economic Trend ◽  
Careful Analysis ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Industrial Districts ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Ceramic Tiles ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sectorial Analysis ◽  
Backward Analysis

PurposeThe best strategy to apply for the future cannot disregard a careful analysis of the past and is the one capable of seizing opportunities from outside. Manufacturing sectors are characterized by sudden changes, and in this work, we analyze the ceramic tiles sector characterized by a mature technology in which innovation has played a key role.Design/methodology/approachThis study aims to provide a sectorial analysis based on a historical data set (2004–2019) to highlight how an industry is performing both operationally and in terms of eco-efficiency. For this purpose, from a methodological point of view, the data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used.FindingsThe results of the analysis show that the Spanish ceramics industry shows a growing economic trend by taking advantage of lower industrial costs, while the Italian industry is characterized by a modest decline partially mitigated by exports. The industrial districts are an aggregation of companies that in the ceramic sector has allowed to combine innovation, sustainability and digitalization and is a model toward the maximization of sustainable efficiency because it is a place of aggregation of resources and ideas.Originality/valueThis study experiments with an innovative way of addressing traditional industry analysis, namely, integrating the reflective management approach with DEA-based backward analysis. This provides decision makers with the basis for new interpretations of variable trends.

Restart tourism | build the future

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Marques
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Great Influence ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Political Community ◽  
Data Systems ◽  
Scientific Publications ◽  
Economic Point ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Future ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis viewpoint aims to explore the question: How can we restart and monitor the path towards the tourism of the future?Design/methodology/approachThis paper identifies the progress made at scientific, institutional, political and technological levels, and how it is possible to foresee that we will enter in a new era of tourism indicators.FindingsA significant body of literature clearly demonstrates that tourism cannot be viewed simply from an economic point of view as it has a great influence on sociocultural and environmental dimensions. The impact of tourism and how to ensure its long-term success has been invoked for the last few decades, leading to the direct consideration of sustainability indicators in a wide array of scientific publications. However, despite significant advances, the lack of funding, lack of support or interest from the political community, bureaucracies or lack of methodological guidance and of technical skills along the entire value chain pose clear challenges to the development and adoption of wide data systems to support sustainable tourism policies.Originality/valueThe paper sheds light on the Portuguese position regarding the recovery of the tourism sector in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also highlights the commitment to knowledge and monitoring of sustainability in tourism, articulated at international level, and how this is essential in order to make progress and to overcome the challenges facing the sector. At the same time, it demonstrates how fundamental it is to identify solutions to boost the potential of tourism as an economic, social, environmental and cultural phenomenon.

Entrepreneurship and fintech development: comparing reward and equity crowdfunding

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ciro Troise ◽  
Diego Matricano ◽  
Elena Candelo ◽  
Mario Sorrentino
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Current Debate ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Equity Crowdfunding ◽  
Research Propositions ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Starting from the state-of-the-art of Fintech development, this study aims to propose some research propositions comparing reward-crowdfunding (RCF) and equity-crowdfunding (ECF). In this sense, the present research provides a comprehensive analysis of fintech development and – to conceptualize the comparison between RCF and ECF – it focuses on campaigns’ characteristics, aims and post-campaigns scenarios. Design/methodology/approach All the research propositions related to the comparison between RCF and ECF are rooted in dedicated literature. The methodological approach adopted in the present paper can be referred to theorizing. Findings This study suggests that five key elements characterize the development of fintech: regulation, infrastructure, technologies, finance and innovations. The research provides nine propositions: four related to the campaigns’ characteristics; two related to the use of crowdfunding models by entrepreneurs; and three related to the performance of crowdfunded companies. Practical implications By offering nine research propositions, this study is expected to foster and support the investigation of fintech development from an entrepreneurial and managerial point of view. Originality/value To the best of authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to explore the fintech development and to propose a comparative approach between RCF and ECF. This research contributes to the current debate on fintech development as well as on the comparison between crowdfunding models.

The impact of Logistics 4.0 on corporate sustainability: a performance assessment of automated warehouse operations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Natnaree Nantee ◽  
Panitas Sureeyatanapas
Keyword(s):  
Performance Assessment ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Corporate Sustainability ◽  
Worker Safety ◽  
Self Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
Technological Adaptation ◽  
Warehousing Systems ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the impacts of Logistics 4.0 initiatives (focusing on automated warehousing systems) on the economic, environmental and social dimensions of firms' sustainability performance. To achieve this objective, a new framework for the assessment of sustainable warehousing in the 4.0 era is developed.Design/methodology/approachThe framework, developed via the item-objective congruence index, Q-sort method and interviews with experts, is employed to assess performance changes through management interviews in two warehousing companies after the implementation of automation technologies.FindingsMost aspects of both companies' sustainability performance are considerably improved (e.g. productivity, accuracy, air emission, worker safety and supply chain visibility); however, the outcome for some criteria might be worsened or improved depending on each company's solutions and strategies (e.g. increasing electricity bills, maintenance costs and job losses).Practical implicationsThe findings provide insight into the effective implementation of warehousing technologies. The proposed framework is also a valid and reliable instrument for sustainability assessment for warehousing operators, which companies can utilise for self-assessment.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to establishing a body of literature that explores the previously unclarified effects of Logistics 4.0 on firms' sustainability performance. The proposed framework, which captures critical concerns of corporate sustainability and technological adaptation, is also the first of its kind for warehouse performance assessment.

Assessment of the current state of sustainability in a manufacturing firm

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhavya Pande ◽  
Gajendra Kumar Adil
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Textile Industry ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Sustainable Manufacturing ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Manufacturing Firm ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current State ◽  
Assessment Approach

PurposeSustainable manufacturing is gaining prominence in light of the rising environmental and social concerns worldwide. One major task to enhance manufacturing sustainability is assessment of the current state of sustainability of a manufacturing firm. This paper reviews the existing sustainability assessment approaches applicable for manufacturing firms and observes that most of these approaches are not easy to apply for reasons such as high amount of skill, data and time requirement. Towards bridging this gap, this study proposes a sustainability assessment approach.Design/methodology/approachThe assessment approach proposed in the paper uses a predefined list of potential sustainable manufacturing practices (SMPs) covering the primary and support activity domains of a manufacturing firm's value chain. It proposes a method to assess the extent of implementation of SMPs and identify associated drivers and barriers for each SMP area/category along the value chain of a firm as well as at overall firm level. A case study from textile industry is presented to demonstrate the utility of this approach.FindingsThe sustainability assessment approach adopted in this study uses less time and skills as well as ensures comprehensive coverage of SMPs. It provided valuable information to the management of the case company on how sustainable their practices are and why?Originality/valueThe study highlights the importance of sustainability assessment at SMP area/category level as well as explores practice area/category specific drivers and barriers. It provides a useful approach for a quick assessment of the current state of sustainability in manufacturing firms.

Watch the working capital of tier-two suppliers: a financial perspective of supply chain collaboration in the automotive industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 321-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xosé H. Vázquez ◽  
Antonio Sartal ◽  
Luis M. Lozano-Lozano
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Panel Data ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Supply Chain Collaboration ◽  
Working Capital ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Second Tier

Purpose This paper aims to examine how lack of financial cooperation damages the operational efficiency of supply chains. The thesis is that economic and technological forces are provoking increasing financial tensions that push companies to transfer their credit needs and inventory requirements to their weakest suppliers. Thus, what might initially seem positive from an individual perspective can in fact generate losses in production efficiency for the supply chain as a whole. Design/Methodology/approach This paper uses official data collected from 116 first- and second-tier suppliers in the Spanish automotive components sector, covering nine years (2001-2009). The relationships between the key variables are analysed using panel data estimations. Findings Significant differences were found between the working capital (WC) of first- and second-tier companies, proving additionally that although this approach may temporarily improve the results of first-tier suppliers, it leads to lower production efficiency in plants throughout the value chain. Practical implications Practitioners should avoid short-sighted attitudes when organizing the supply chain on a cooperative basis, going beyond the conventional wisdom on physical and information flows between original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers to reach upstream stages and embracing financial considerations. Originality/value The paper takes a novel approach to the issue of inter-organizational collaboration in the supply chain, aiming to go beyond conventional Lean Supply practices. From an empirical point of view, while much of the research on the topic utilizes key informant insights collected using psychometric data collection techniques, this study uses different financial proxies collected from secondary panel data.

Rigor, relevance, and the knowledge “market”

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanne Hamet ◽  
Sylvie Michel
Keyword(s):  
Applied Research ◽  
Theoretical Explanation ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Business Organizations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Publications ◽  
Socio Economic Impact ◽  
Conceptual Research ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Knowledge Market

Purpose The “relevance literature” often moans that the publications of top-ranked academic journals are hardly relevant to managers, while actionable research struggles to get published. The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical explanation of this phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach This paper addresses the relevance debate in management science through the theoretical frame of the theories of the firm. Findings This paper proposes that business organizations should tend to internalize specific applied research. Applied to management research, this could explain why the “market” for academic publications might be more relevant for generalizable and conceptual research than for applied, contextualized research. Research limitations/implications The paper is conceptual. However, it provides a new prospect to the rigor-relevance debate and to the ranking of researchers and business schools. Practical implications Business organizations should tend to internalize specific, applied research. Consequently, academic publications should concentrate on generalizable, “Mode 1” research. Social implications The conclusions could justify the evolution of the rating of universities and researchers towards a multi-dimensional rating, including measures of the socio-economic impact of the research, instead on focusing on academic publications only. Originality/value This paper offers a new point of view on the rigor-relevance debate. It supports the idea that applied and conceptual research are different forms of knowledge and should be “traded”, produced and rewarded differently.

The co-management and stakeholders theory as a useful approach to manage the problem of overtourism in historical cities – illustrated with an example of Krakow

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 685-699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaroslaw Plichta
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Stakeholder Theory ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Social Aspect ◽  
Corporate Management ◽  
Theoretical Ground ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Concept

Purpose The development of tourism is emerging in some places of the world’s destinations and the problem of overtourism is an expression of the mechanisms and behaviours of entities in the public space that is a city or region. For many years, on the practical and theoretical ground, various ways of describing these phenomena have been sought. These include the theory of stakeholders that combines approaches that refer to strategic management, value-chain theory, resource-based theory, CSR concepts or those embedded in the institutional concept, game theory and the theory of property rights. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The paper discusses the overtourism problem from the point of view of selected aspects of stakeholder theory on the example of one of the most popular cities in the world – Krakow, where for several years there has been a discussion about overtourism and the effects of this phenomenon for residents, enterprises and other stakeholders. It can be hypothesised that the stakeholder theory and co-management can be an inspiration to seek a solution to this growing problem. Findings The result of the discussed problems is the indication of the role of stakeholders in the appearance of the ovetourism phenomenon and the protection of activities aimed at implementing the co-management concept at the local and international level. Research limitations/implications Here are not many research results and the empirical data describing the problem from point of view stakeholder theory connected with overtourism. It is also the problem of overlapping different approach and theories. This shows possibilities to grow of research in this field. Practical implications Stakeholders theory help to solve many problems in corporate management as well as in public institutions. It gives the possibilities to include in analysis different social groups and entities. This kind of research and approach could be used for creating of the regional policies and sustainable development. An important role to play in the process of creating co-operative structures between stakeholders has co-managerial and academic environments. They can be a place for both discussions, conducting research and a meeting place for thematic groups solving specific problems. Social implications Overtourism is a problem concerning various areas of functioning of historical cities. They are obliged to provide and protect the cultural heritage of all humanity. The theory of stakeholders and the co-management concept create the possibility of managing the ovetourism phenomenon. They have, therefore, an important social aspect. Their goal is to cooperate and integrate activities around key social and economic problems at the local, national and international levels. Originality/value It is an adaptation and searching of methods for describing the new phenomena in tourism and cities development. It is an attempt at a holistic approach to problems related to the common space and resources owned by various stakeholders.

Sustainable infrastructure development challenges through PPP procurement process

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 642-662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nilesh Agarchand ◽  
Boeing Laishram
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Governance Structure ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Sustainable Infrastructure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Procurement Process

Purpose Infrastructure development through public-private partnership (PPP) route in India has exhibited concerns about not promoting progress toward sustainable development goals, particularly social and environmental perspectives. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to identify the shortcomings in the Indian PPP procurement process using the key principles of sustainability. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research inquiry through grounded theory approach by using the literature and interview source was used to identify the challenges encountered in sustainable infrastructure development of PPP projects. These challenges were, first, reviewed from the perspectives of key sustainability principles and then discussed with the key stakeholders through focused interviews. Furthermore, micro-interlocutor analysis was carried to get an insight on the extent of consensus amongst the experts regarding these identified shortfalls. Findings The key shortfalls identified from the study that adversely affect progress toward sustainable development include incomprehensive environmental impact assessment and social impact assessment studies; lack of stakeholder and local participation; high bidding and transaction cost; high user charges; improper risk allocation; lack of transparency and accountability; goal conflicts between public and private sector; and lack of skill and knowledge about sustainability. Practical implications The study findings will help in devising appropriate strategies for enhancing the mechanisms, policies, and governance structure of PPP process in order to overcome these shortfalls and help in accomplishing the goals of sustainability while developing infrastructure even through PPP route. Originality/value The paper presents different insights into PPP from sustainability perspective which has not been the focus of the current studies on PPPs. Sustainability assessment of PPP procurement is an area of research which is in a nascent stage.

scholarly journals Lifecycle-oriented design of ceramic tiles in sustainable supply chains (SSCs)

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 323-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Settembre Blundo ◽  
Fernando Enrique García Muiña ◽  
Martina Pini ◽  
Lucrezia Volpi ◽  
Cristina Siligardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Environmental Impact ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
Environmental Impact Assessment ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Life Cycle Costing ◽  
Production Cycle ◽  
Ceramic Tiles ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the production cycle of glazed porcelain stoneware, from the extraction of raw materials to the packaging of the finished product, with the aim of verifying the effects of integrating an environmental impact assessment into the decision-making process for managing the life cycle, to make it economically and ecologically sustainable, in a holistic approach along the supply-chain. Design/methodology/approach The research is performed using the life cycle assessment and life cycle costing methodologies, to identify environmental impacts and costs, that occur during extraction of raw materials, transportation, ceramic tiles production, material handling, distribution and end-of-life stages within a cradle to grave perspective. Findings Through the use of a comprehensive analysis of the environmental impact assessment and related externalities, three possible strategic options to improve the environmental performance and costs of ceramic tile production were formulated, leveraging sustainability as a competitive advantage. Research limitations/implications This exploratory research opens future lines of investigation, the first of which is to confirm the technological feasibility and market responsiveness to the three strategic solutions hypothesised thanks to the use of an innovative eco-design technique. Originality/value The research has allowed testing and validating the tools of environmental impact assessment (life cycle assessment) and economic impact assessment (life cycle costing as structured methodologies in a life cycle management framework, to help companies implement competitive strategies based on sustainability.

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