Raw milk collection in Ireland: insights into the challenges facing the industry

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Seán O'Callaghan ◽  
Declan O. Connor ◽  
David Goulding
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Environmental Issues ◽  
Raw Milk ◽  
Transportation Costs ◽  
Transportation Infrastructure ◽  
Environmental Cost ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Transportation Emissions

PurposeThis paper provides insights into national practices used to schedule, collect and manage the transportation infrastructure of raw milk by Irish processors.Design/methodology/approachA survey was designed and distributed to 14 processors, collecting details regarding suppliers, seasonality, costs per litre, planning, processing sites and emissions related to milk collection.FindingsIrish raw milk transportation costs €95 million per annum, with an average weighted cost of 1.1 cents per litre. Primary route clustering of suppliers is based on farm location. Typically, collections employ forty-eight-hour rotas. Just three of the processors reported transportation emissions data. A disjointed approach to the adoption of scheduling and transportation technology was revealed.Research limitations/implicationsGiven the broad scope of the survey covering financial, operational and environmental aspects of milk collection, it was challenging to find a single representative such as a transport manager who could be tasked with responding to the entire survey. Future research may consider a more focused interview-based approach with the various stakeholders to provide a more in-depth analysis.Practical implicationsProcessors can gain an improved understanding of diversified milk collection methods. The research supports policymakers in considering environmental issues related to milk transportation. Costs could be reduced if transportation was better managed collectively with benefits accruing to the industry, suppliers and wider rural community. Stakeholders will need to address aspects of responsibility concerning environmental issues going forward.Social implicationsIn this paper the authors recognise the environmental cost of milk collection. By improving the transportation infrastructure, this will have a positive impact on society in general.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the unique challenges and extends present knowledge in relation to milk collection; thus, this paves the way for new approaches to raw milk transportation.

Social appreciation for the improvement of tourism management of 20th-century heritage: a methodological proposal

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gema Ramírez-Guerrero ◽  
Javier García-Onetti ◽  
Juan Adolfo Chica-Ruiz ◽  
Manuel Arcíla-Garrido
Keyword(s):  
20Th Century ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Assets ◽  
Current State ◽  
The Social ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
The Creation

Purpose This paper attempts to fill the gap that exists in research regarding 20th-century heritage and its social appreciation. The purpose of this paper is to explore different ways of evaluating the heritage value and tourism potential and to propose an innovative model validated in the Zarzuela Hippodrome as an example of cultural asset from 20th century with important economic, social, cultural, aesthetic and architectural aspects. Design/methodology/approach This study opted for an interpretation of heritage from an ecosystem, integrating and global paradigm, understanding the asset as a set of resources that interact with each other, generating a common and enriched tourist experience among all the elements that make it up. From this perspective, it is conceived that by modifying one of the elements, the whole (tourist) ecosystem will be equally influenced. On the other side, it was incorporated non-parametric techniques based on the implementation of surveys for the validation of the tool to the case study of the Zarzuela hippodrome. Findings The results suggest that the hippodrome's internal values have been evaluated very positively, while its external values are low. Through this study, the paper has identified several weaknesses that impede its functioning as a viable “tourist product.” The distance from the city center, the lack of available information and the scarce diffusion and tourism promotion are its main weaknesses. The proposed analysis tool reveals the importance of the active participation of visitors to evaluate cultural assets through the combination of aspects related to the conservation of cultural assets and, in turn, elements that encourage their commodification as tourist products, break down barriers between these two disciplines. Research limitations/implications The management tool proposed in this study can be used to underpin the creation of tourism experiences in cultural or heritage assets by diagnosing the current state of its tourist potential, quantifying its value in relation to the visitors’ perception and making visible those problematic aspects to develop actions to solve them. Although the present study is support for future research, as well as for improving the marketing of heritage in tourist settings, an in-depth analysis of the technical elements of heritage, as well as of its intervention (if applicable), will be necessary for the managers who want to use the tool. Social implications One of the most differentiating characteristics between the construction typology of 20th-century historical buildings is perhaps the scarcity of decorative ornamentation, with exposed concrete being the main surface coating. Many of these constructions have an important cultural and historical relevance, however, the social perception, as regards its consideration as architectural and artistic heritage seems to reflect discordant aspects. This study provides support as a decision-making tool to determine the existing valuation of a building and how to enhance it. Originality/value This study takes steps toward the creation of a model that supports decision-makers and owners of cultural assets through a measurement system that makes it possible to quantify and determine the current state of tourism use through the social evaluation of heritage criteria. It defines which are the elements that favor the resilience of the property or, on the contrary, which are those that undermine its enhancement.

An experimental investigation of the impact of using big data analytics on customers’ performance measurement

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marwa Rabe Mohamed Elkmash ◽  
Magdy Gamal Abdel-Kader ◽  
Bassant Badr El Din
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Data Analytics ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Big Data Analytics ◽  
Unstructured Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This study aims to investigate and explore the impact of big data analytics (BDA) as a mechanism that could develop the ability to measure customers’ performance. To accomplish the research aim, the theoretical discussion was developed through the combination of the diffusion of innovation theory with the technology acceptance model (TAM) that is less developed for the research field of this study. Design/methodology/approach Empirical data was obtained using Web-based quasi-experiments with 104 Egyptian accounting professionals. Further, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the chi-square goodness-of-fit test were used to analyze data. Findings The empirical results indicate that measuring customers’ performance based on BDA increase the organizations’ ability to analyze the customers’ unstructured data, decrease the cost of customers’ unstructured data analysis, increase the ability to handle the customers’ problems quickly, minimize the time spent to analyze the customers’ data and obtaining the customers’ performance reports and control managers’ bias when they measure customer satisfaction. The study findings supported the accounting professionals’ acceptance of BDA through the TAM elements: the intention to use (R), perceived usefulness (U) and the perceived ease of use (E). Research limitations/implications This study has several limitations that could be addressed in future research. First, this study focuses on customers’ performance measurement (CPM) only and ignores other performance measurements such as employees’ performance measurement and financial performance measurement. Future research can examine these areas. Second, this study conducts a Web-based experiment with Master of Business Administration students as a study’s participants, researchers could conduct a laboratory experiment and report if there are differences. Third, owing to the novelty of the topic, there was a lack of theoretical evidence in developing the study’s hypotheses. Practical implications This study succeeds to provide the much-needed empirical evidence for BDA positive impact in improving CPM efficiency through the proposed framework (i.e. CPM and BDA framework). Furthermore, this study contributes to the improvement of the performance measurement process, thus, the decision-making process with meaningful and proper insights through the capability of collecting and analyzing the customers’ unstructured data. On a practical level, the company could eventually use this study’s results and the new insights to make better decisions and develop its policies. Originality/value This study holds significance as it provides the much-needed empirical evidence for BDA positive impact in improving CPM efficiency. The study findings will contribute to the enhancement of the performance measurement process through the ability of gathering and analyzing the customers’ unstructured data.

The relationship between training satisfaction, organisational citizenship behaviour, and turnover intention

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mumtaz Ali Memon ◽  
Rohani Sallaeh ◽  
Mohamed Noor Rosli Baharom ◽  
Shahrina Md Nordin ◽  
Hiram Ting
Keyword(s):  
Turnover Intention ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Training Satisfaction ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Unexpected Findings

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of training satisfaction as a predictor of organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) and turnover intention. The study further examines the mediating role of OCB between training satisfaction and turnover intention. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 409 Malaysian oil and gas (O&G) sector employees. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypotheses in the research model using SmartPLS 3.0. Findings This study highlights the significant positive impact of training satisfaction on OCB and the negative effect on turnover intention. Contrary to expectations, OCB proved to be neither a predictor of turnover intention nor a mediator in the model. Practical implications Although the main aim of this study was to test the theoretically driven hypotheses, the findings have a number of valuable implications for organisations. This study suggests that O&G organisations should focus on increasing employee satisfaction with training to maximise desired workplace attitudes and behaviours. Originality/value This is the first study to explore the causal links between training satisfaction, OCB and turnover intention. Although it has been observed in the past that training does not directly influence turnover intention, the present study indicates that training satisfaction significantly influences turnover intention. Further, this study unexpectedly found no direct relationship between OCB and turnover intention. Also, OCB was not a significant mediator in the present study. These unexpected findings open new avenues for future research, thus representing an important contribution of the present study.

The verification of effective leadership style for TQM

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 822-840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Young Sik Cho ◽  
Joo Y. Jung
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Style ◽  
Effective Leadership ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to verify the universal applicability of total quality management (TQM) across national boundaries. Specifically, the authors examined the validity of the isomorphic nature of TQM leadership style by comparing survey samples from both USA-based firms (n=112) and China-based firms (n=121). Design/methodology/approach – The authors collected the primary data through a survey research method. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were adopted to test the hypothesized research model. Findings – The study results did not support the universality of TQM practices. For example, the results reveal that in the USA-based firms, transformational leadership has a more significant positive influence on TQM practices, while in the China-based firms, transactional leadership has a more significant positive impact on TQM practices. Originality/value – Most of the existing literature on TQM assumed that the most effective TQM leadership style would be universal across organizational or international boundaries. However, our findings imply that the effective leadership style for successful implementation of TQM practices could be contingent on the cultural background embedded within the firms. Therefore, the authors anticipate the findings of the study will guide future research on TQM and create a new path to find solutions not only for optimizing the successful implementation of TQM, but also for minimizing the current high level of TQM failures.

Impact of business model innovations on SME’s innovativeness and performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 521-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rimantas Gatautis† ◽  
Egle Vaiciukynaite ◽  
Asta Tarute
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Activities ◽  
Organizational Inertia ◽  
Multiple Characteristics

Purpose Business model innovations (BMIs), their drivers and outcomes are attracting increasing attention in academic literature. However, previous studies have mainly focused on large companies, while knowledge of BMI in small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to add new insights into how related BMI drivers, practices and outcomes are in relation to SMEs. Design/methodology/approach An extensive review of the existing literature was performed. Consequently, the relationships between BMI drivers, BMI practices and outcomes of BMI were developed as a conceptual framework. An empirical study was carried out. A structural equation modeling (SEM) procedure was used to empirically test the model using a quantitative data set of Lithuanian SMEs (n=73). Findings The study provides insights into the relations between BMI drivers, BMI practices and outcomes of BMI in SMEs. The findings of SEM, four drivers (innovation activities, strategic orientation, market and technology turbulence, respectively) are indicated to contribute to BMI of SMEs. In addition, the results proved that the implementation of BMI practices leads to strategic and architectural changes in firms and has a positive impact on SMEs performance and innovativeness. Research limitations/implications Empirical research is focused on a limited number of internal and external BMI drivers, which have an influence on BMI in SMEs from one geographical region. Consequently, there are many external and internal BMI drivers which also may have an influence on BMI in SMEs, such as industry life cycle, organizational inertia and leadership. Meanwhile, SMEs possess multiple characteristics, i.e. a phase of maturity, gender of CEO, firm size and industry; therefore, the aforesaid aspects are considered to be significant limitations. In addition, the importance of SMEs characteristics as mediators for the effects on a firm’s performance and innovativeness should be considered in future research avenues. Practical implications Findings of this research can be used by SME managers to better understand how firms might actively engage in BMI practices, what drivers lead to BMI and, in turn, affect their firm’s performance and innovativeness. SME managers should be encouraged to pay attention to strategic and architectural changes of BM that can contribute to enterprise performance and innovativeness. Originality/value This paper adds to the stream of BMI research by empirically exploring drivers and outcomes of BMI in SMEs. In addition, this paper fulfills research gaps proposed by Bouwman et al. (2018), Foss and Saebi (2017), Heikkilä, Bouwman and Heikkilä (2018) and Lambert and Davidson (2013), and enhances the current overall understanding of BMIs.

Family influences in the internationalization of the top 1,000 Taiwanese enterprises

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-145
Author(s):  
Yu-Chen Wei ◽  
Chiung-Wen Tsao
Keyword(s):  
Research Design ◽  
Longitudinal Research ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Family Influence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
International Expansion ◽  
Moderating Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market Expansion ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the moderating effects of employee commitment, customer loyalty and corporate reputation on the relationship between family influence and international expansion. Design/methodology/approach A cross-national research design was conducted using both survey and secondary data of 119 firms taken from the top 1,000 Taiwanese enterprises. Findings This study found moderating effects in the positive impact of family influence on international expansion. Specifically, the study found the relationship between family influence and international expansion stronger for companies with greater relational support from employees, customers and the public. Research limitations/implications Multi-level data collection and a longitudinal research design in future research could help in further understanding the relationships between the variables in this study. Practical implications This paper suggests that family business should establish enduring relationship with their employees and customers and have a plan to improve family reputation that will benefit international market expansion. Originality/value This study draws on the relational perspective to investigate how family influence results in different international expansion.

Development of an integrated framework of LGSS strategies for Indian manufacturing firms to improve business performance: an empirical study

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 257-291 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lokpriya Gaikwad ◽  
Vivek Sunnapwar
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Manufacturing Industries ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Continuous Growth ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Indian Industries

PurposeThis article aims to explore synergies between Lean, Green and Six Sigma practices in order to propose an integrated LGSS framework for continuous and incremental improvement in the Indian manufacturing industries. The three-dimensional LGSS framework seeks to provide various combinations and support operational, financial, environmental and social needs.Design/methodology/approachIn the research method, first, the current problems faced by Indian manufacturing industries are considered and proposition of a conceptual framework that qualitatively integrates synergistic aspects of Lean, Green and Six Sigma practices, and second, the framework is checked by a survey taken from 203 Indian firms by using SPSS-AMOS.FindingsThe hypothesized result suggests that the positive impact of integrated practices on firm performance in terms of operational, financial, social and environmental outcomes. It also provides a systemic and holistic approach to problem-solving through constant and incremental enhancement in the manufacturing sector.Research limitations/implicationsIn this research, only Indian manufacturing industries have been studied but can be extending into different geographical areas and sectors. Future research is also possible for different behavior and characteristics of companies that can lead to recommending strategies on how companies can improve performance. Most importantly, future research can try to understand which specific practice can contribute to competitive advantage and business success.Practical implicationsManufacturing firms that want to improve environmental sustainability should implement integrated LGSS practices into their supply chain. The set of combined practices improves operational, social, economical and environmental benefits.Social implicationsThe research presents an integrated approach of LSS for the manufacturing industry which leads their business processes to achieve economic sustainability through continuous growth and improved operational efficiency. Manufacturing industries result in outcomes like reduced cost, lead time, improved quality, sustainable market position, profitability, customer satisfaction, etc.Originality/valueThis research is different from previous studies because it integrates Lean, Green and Six Sigma practices into a unique framework that fulfills a specific need of the Indian manufacturing sector that guides operational, social, environmental and financial issues in Indian industries.

Analysis on the gamification and implementation of Leap Motion Controller in the I.E.D. Técnico industrial de Tocancipá

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maira Alejandra Castañeda ◽  
Ananda Maye Guerra ◽  
Roberto Ferro
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Traditional Education ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Leap Motion ◽  
Motion Controller ◽  
Pedagogical Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Leap Motion Controller ◽  
English Classes ◽  
Technological Tools

Purpose This paper aims to show that the use of technological tools such as augmented reality (AR) and its integration in the education system through gamification offers better learning results when compared with traditional education. Design/methodology/approach Through the implementation of the Leap Motion Controller in English classes of the first and third grades at the I.E.D. Técnico Industrial de Tocancipá, the authors compared the appropriation of topics in groups that received the class in the traditional way and groups that were introduced to the Leap Motion Controller as a pedagogical tool. A statistical and comparative analysis was performed on the results obtained for each group. Findings It was concluded that the use of technological tools has a positive impact in terms of educational performance and learning, giving better results than traditional education; in addition, students showed great empathy with the AR tool. On the other hand, there were limitations to just having a Leap Motion Controller device, which prevented the student experience was even more didactic; based on this, for future research, factors such as the size of the population and the amount of available resources will be taken into account to achieve better results. Originality/value The importance of this paper lies in the little research that has been done in Colombia regarding the introduction of AR and other emerging technologies as pedagogical tools, turning the present findings into a base to go deeper into the field and to prove that it is possible to introduce successfully this type of technology in the education.

Bibliometric study on relationship of agricultural credit with farmer distress

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhavna Pandey ◽  
Prabir Bandyopadhyay ◽  
Sanjeev Kadam ◽  
Manju Singh
Keyword(s):  
Future Research ◽  
Agricultural Credit ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Extant Literature ◽  
The Social ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Future Research Directions ◽  
Citation Graph ◽  
Relationship Of

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide quantitative analysis of the extant literature on farmer distress resulting from agricultural credit and identify research gaps. Design/methodology/approach The authors have used the citation analysis which is based on the citation graph. For the current study, the authors have used SCOPUS database. Findings The study reveals that the farmer distress is one of the social sustainability issues which have attracted major attentions from academia. Most of the studies in recent years are from South Asian perspectives and the extant literature focusing on some of the important issues like farmer challenges and pesticide poisoning. Most of the studies provide anecdotal evidences. Hence, the empirical research is scant. Originality/value The study is an attempt to provide an in-depth analysis, so that future research directions can be formulated.

The impact of service innovation on firm performance: a meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Changli Feng ◽  
Ruize Ma ◽  
Lin Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Service Innovation ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Quantitative Review ◽  
Content Type ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeWith the rise of service economy, many companies are attempting to gain a competitive advantage through service innovation. However, the existing research has not drawn consistent conclusions about the relationship between service innovation and firm performance. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to provide a quantitative review on the service innovation-performance relationship based on research findings reported in the extant literature.Design/methodology/approachStudies from 46 peer-reviewed articles were sampled and analyzed. A meta-analytic approach was adopted to conduct a quantitative review on the relationship between service innovation and firm performance, and the effects of any potential moderators were further explored.FindingsThe results found that service innovation has a significant positive impact on firm performance. Additionally, the relationship between service innovation and firm performance is influenced by measurement moderators (economic region and performance measurement), and contextual moderators (firm type, innovation type, customer factors and attitudes toward risk).Originality/valueThe meta-analysis has been used to explore the relationship between service innovation and firm performance, and the findings have contributed to the literature on service innovation, as well as providing future research directions.

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