scholarly journals Corporate food donations: altruism, strategy or cost saving?

2018 ◽  
Vol 120 (7) ◽  
pp. 1628-1642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sedef Sert ◽  
Paola Garrone ◽  
Marco Melacini ◽  
Alessandro Perego
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Managerial Decision ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Giving ◽  
Managerial Decisions ◽  
Relevant Role ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Study Methodology

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to enhance the understanding of motives behind corporate giving and at finding out whether and when operational efficiency plays a major role in the case of surplus food donations by food supply chain companies. Design/methodology/approach A multiple case study methodology has been applied considering a sample of 16 food sector companies operating in Italy. Three cases have been analyzed in-depth to highlight the contextual factors that make cost savings possible and donations sizeable and regular. Findings The results show that the willingness of companies to reduce operational costs plays a relevant role in managerial decisions concerning the recovery and donation of unsold food, although to different degrees across the supply chain stages. Originality/value The paper shows that not only strategic and moral motives, but also economic efficiency concern plays an important role in the managerial decision-making process pertaining to surplus food donations.

Knowledge acquisition via internet-enabled platforms

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charmaine Glavas ◽  
Shane Mathews ◽  
Rebekah Russell-Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Acquisition ◽  
International Business ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Flow Of Information

Purpose Technology has profoundly transformed the international business environment, particularly regarding the flow of information and the way in which knowledge is acquired and shared. Yet, the extent of this transformation is still underappreciated. The purpose of this paper is to examine how small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner/founders acquire and utilize knowledge for internationalization via internet-enabled platforms. Design/methodology/approach The empirical analysis draws on multiple case study methodology to examine 13 Australian SME owner/founders and the knowledge they acquire from utilization of internet-enabled platforms. Findings The analysis reveals four differing types of internet-enabled experiences: “technical internet-enabled experiences,” “operational internet-enabled experiences,” “functional internet-enabled experiences,” and “immersive internet-enabled experiences.” The findings indicate that internet-enabled experiences can generate both explicit and tacit forms of knowledge for the pre, early and later phases of internationalization. Practical implications The findings provide a structured approach by allowing SMEs to “plot” themselves against the classification of internet-enabled experiences to denote their level of technological involvement, and for discerning the types of knowledge that can be acquired. The findings are particularly helpful for owner/founders, highlighting that internet-enabled platforms are affecting the ways in which knowledge can be acquired and applied to international businesses processes. Originality/value The findings extend the conventional notion of knowledge acquisition for international business by highlighting how information and knowledge can be acquired via internet-enabled platforms. The findings lay the necessary groundwork for building an evidence base and theoretically extending the concept of knowledge acquisition via internet-enabled platforms.

scholarly journals Business value of in-memory technology – multiple-case study insights

2014 ◽  
Vol 114 (9) ◽  
pp. 1396-1414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rieke Bärenfänger ◽  
Boris Otto ◽  
Hubert Österle
Keyword(s):  
Service Sector ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Business Value ◽  
Generation Model ◽  
Organizational Impact ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Study Methodology

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to assess the business value of in-memory computing (IMC) technology by analyzing its organizational impact in different application scenarios. Design/methodology/approach – This research applies a multiple-case study methodology analyzing five cases of IMC application scenarios in five large European industrial and service-sector companies. Findings – Results show that IMC can deliver business value in various applications ranging from advanced analytic insights to support of real-time processes. This enables higher-level organizational advantages like data-driven decision making, superior transparency of operations, and experience with Big Data technology. The findings are summarized in a business value generation model which captures the business benefits along with preceding enabling changes in the organizational environment. Practical implications – Results aid managers in identifying different application scenarios where IMC technology may generate value for their organizations from business and IT management perspectives. The research also sheds light on the socio-technical factors that influence the likelihood of success or failure of IMC initiatives. Originality/value – This research is among the first to model the business value creation process of in-memory technology based on insights from multiple implemented applications in different industries.

Personal relationship and conflicts in supply chains

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 2225-2241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atif Saleem Butt ◽  
Ahmad Bayiz Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Personal Relationship ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Behavioural Patterns ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand conflicts that emerge between managers of buying and supplying firms when a personal relationship (friendship, etc.) is present between them in the supply chain context. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a case study methodology and relies on data obtained from 30 qualitative interviews with managers of buying and supplying firms, having a personal relationship within inter-firm relationships to promote the interest of the firm. Findings Results from this study reveal conflicts between managers of buying and supplying firms due to the presence of a personal relationship between them. Specifically, results suggest that managers face ego conflict, supplier’s selection conflict and conflict on accepting late deliveries when they rely on personal relationships, which are themselves embedded within inter-firm relationship. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations. First, this study examines behavioural patterns in Australian cultural context. Second, results of this study are not generalizable to a broader population. Practical implications Firms can use the findings to understand conflicts, which arise between managers of buying and supplying firms, as a result of a personal relationship between them in the supply chain. Originality/value This is, perhaps, the first study contributing to the supply chain relationship literature by unveiling conflicts between managers of buying and supplying firms, when a personal relationship is present between them.

Supply chains and COVID-19: impacts, countermeasures and post-COVID-19 era

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atif Saleem Butt
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Supply Chain Disruptions ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Opening Up

PurposeThis paper explores the steps/countermeasures taken by firms to address supply chain disruptions in the wake of COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a case study methodology and employs 46 semi-structured interviews with senior managers of the three buying firms, four distribution centres and four supplying firms based in four countries (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China and India).FindingsResults reveal that manufacturers are refining production schedules to meet the production challenges. Distributors are working with secondary suppliers to meet the inventory shortage. Finally, supplying firms are evaluating the impact of demand, focusing on short-term demand-supply strategy, preparing for channel shifts, opening up additional channels of communication with key customers, understanding immediate customer’s demand and priorities and finally becoming more agile.Research limitations/implicationsThere are some limitations to this study. First, the results of this study cannot be generalized to a wider population. Second, this study explores the interpretations of senior managers based in four Asian countries only.Practical implicationsSupply chain firms can use these findings to understand how COVID-19 is affecting firms. Firms can also use the suggestions provided in this study to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and make the best out of this pandemic.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the supply chain disruption literature by exploring the robust countermeasure taken by supply chain firms amid COVID-19 outbreak. In particular, it explores such countermeasures from the perspective of three different entities (buyer, supplier and distributor) based in four different countries in the South Asian region.

Digitalization in the cultural industry: evidence from Italian museums

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Raimo ◽  
Ivano De Turi ◽  
Alessandra Ricciardelli ◽  
Filippo Vitolla
Keyword(s):  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Cultural Industry ◽  
Visitor Experience ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Benefits ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Research Questions

PurposeThis study aims to analyse the level of digitalization in the cultural industry. More in detail, it aims to examine the determinants and effects of the digitalization level of museum organizations and the role played by the COVID-19 pandemic in the adoption of digital technologies.Design/methodology/approachIn order to answer the research questions, this study uses the multiple case study methodology. In particular, three different museum organizations operating in the Apulian context were examined.FindingsThe findings show that the adoption of digital technologies derives from the desire to attract more visitors, reduce costs, improve the visitor experience and adapt to competitors. On the contrary, they show that the lack of funding represents a drag on the adoption of digital tools. In relation to the effects, the findings show financial advantages connected to an increase in revenues and a reduction in costs and non-financial benefits connected to an improvement of the intangibles. Finally, the results show that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies.Originality/valueThis work enriches the current literature through the analysis of the drivers and effects of digitalization in the museum industry and through the focus on COVID-19. Furthermore, to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that examines the level of digitalization of museum organizations in the Apulian context.

Interfirm cooperation and engagement barriers in a family business context

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Baía ◽  
Mário Franco
Keyword(s):  
Family Business ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Context ◽  
Exploratory Approach ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Interfirm Cooperation ◽  
Research Stream

Purpose This study aims to understand to what extent family firms engage in and understand the importance of cooperation whilst analysing the underlying barriers that may restrain cooperative engagement. Design/methodology/approach Considering the purpose of this study, a qualitative exploratory approach is adopted, using a multiple case study methodology, consisting of four cases. Thus, interviews were chosen as the source of data collection, as this allows proximity and involvement with those with power to engage in cooperation. Findings The results highlight that family business particularities seem to have an aggravating effect on the general barriers to cooperative engagement. Managerial characteristics such as risk aversion, concern about independence and emotional attachment to the business, along with a lack of qualified knowledge, seem to be the most salient obstacles. Practical implications Interfirm cooperation has become more vital for organizational success. However, empirical contributions regarding the barriers to engaging in cooperation, especially within a family business context, are limited. This study seeks to present theoretical barriers to engaging in interfirm cooperation and effectively link them within a family business context. Originality/value Being structured around the underlying challenges for interfirm cooperation, this paper contributes to advancing this specific research stream and presents practical contributions for managers for more effective implementation.

Corporate universities as knowledge management tools

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 538-554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrico Scarso
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Management ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Corporate Universities ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Corporate universities (CUs) are particular educational arrangements that are established in companies to provide specific training to employees. This paper aims to examine the place of CUs in the knowledge-management (KM) field. Particularly, it discusses on how CUs are seen in the KM literature, analyses relevant KM aspects that emerge in CU implementation and management and proposes preliminary classifications based on some fundamental KM notions. Design/methodology/approach Given the novelty of the research, the case study methodology was adopted. In particular, a multiple case-study investigation of CUs implemented in medium-sized companies mainly operating in the northeast of Italy was conducted. The analysed companies were selected according to “maximum variation sampling” approach, which aims at generating maximum meaningful heterogeneity within the chosen sample, to highlight similarities and differences between the cases. Data collection was conducted by means of interviews to key observers, interviews to company managers and analysis of documentary materials. Findings The empirical investigation proves that KM concepts can be pertinent and useful in understanding the design and functioning of CUs. In particular, the study proposes a classification of CUs based on KM notions. Research limitations/implications The study shows that there is a need to conduct further studies to better understand educational arrangements like CUs under a KM viewpoint. Practical implications The analysis and the proposed classification can be of help for CU design and management. In addition, it is suggested that companies must achieve better awareness of the importance of CUs as an effective KM tool. Originality/value The study contributes to deepen our understanding of an issue that, even if is strictly connected with the cognitive aspects of companies, has not been sufficiently analyzed by the knowledge management literature.

Strategies to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on supply chain disruptions: a multiple case analysis of buyers and distributors

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atif Saleem Butt
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Supply Chain Disruptions ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Operations ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Supplier Risk ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis paper explores the steps/countermeasures taken by buying and distributing firms to address supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a multiple case study methodology and conducts 36 semi-structured interviews with senior managers of nine different firms producing, procuring or distributing products from China and other highly impacted South Asian regions (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India).FindingsResults reveal that buying firms are moving to agile production, focusing on tier-1 supplier risk, enhancing inbound material visibility and temporarily closing production facilities to respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19. Furthermore, distribution centres are modifying their inventory policies, evaluating alternative outbound routes and sources of supply to manage disruptions caused to their business operations amid COVID-19 outbreak.Practical implicationsSupply chain firms can use the countermeasures provided in this study to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and make the best out of this pandemic.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the supply chain literature by exploring the countermeasures taken by firms to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. In particular, this study explores such countermeasures from the perspective of two different entities (buyers and distributors) along the supply chain. Firms can use the countermeasures highlighted in this study to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain.

Effects of modular platforms on suppliers companies: evidence from Volkswagen Polo manufacturing in Navarra (Spain)

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
María J. Paz ◽  
María E. Ruiz Gálvez
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pyramidal Structure ◽  
Interpretive Case Study ◽  
Study Methodology ◽  
Modular Platform ◽  
Automotive Supply

PurposeThis paper analyzes the effects on local suppliers of the adoption of a modular platform, taking into account different supply-chain relations.Design/methodology/approachThe authors’ research follows an interpretive case study methodology based on a theoretical approach that seeks to validate the approach while making conclusions about the case study.FindingsThe traditional pyramidal structure of automotive supply chains has been altered by the consolidation of a much more complex structure, mostly in spatial and geographical terms. The authors find a strong hierarchy resulting from the reinforced market power of the carmaker under study and the respective fragile structural positioning of logistics companies and pre-assemblers. The increased versatility of the assembly plant, considered a consequence of its transition to modular platforms, finds a counterpart in the necessary re-configuration of certain supply relationships.Originality/valueThe main contribution of the paper is to connect the defining elements of supply-chain relations with those technical and organizational changes associated with the transition to modular platforms, as well as to analyze changes in the pyramidal structure of the supply chain, from both a spatial and relational perspective.

scholarly journals Digital Product–Service Innovation and Sustainability: A Multiple-Case Study in the Capital Goods Industry

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 6342
Author(s):  
Alberto de la Calle ◽  
Inmaculada Freije ◽  
Aitor Oyarbide
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Service Innovation ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Capital Goods ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Digital Product ◽  
Product Service ◽  
Multiple Case

Digitalisation, servitisation, and sustainability are keywords for the current and future development of the manufacturing industry. However, their interaction in the context of an organisation and its supply chain is unclear. This study examines how digital product–service innovation (PSI) or digital servitisation affects sustainability, considering the triple bottom line perspective, as well as identifies the underlying causes. Moreover, this study analyses the role played by supply-chain strategic collaboration, both internal and external to the company, in digital PSI and sustainability. Using a multiple-case study methodology and B2B market perspective, four companies belonging to the capital goods industry were analysed. Our findings indicate that digitalisation is leveraging both basic and advanced services in their impact on economic and environmental sustainability dimensions, while the results are limited in social sustainability. In addition, supply-chain integration is relevant for digital PSI. Internal integration is required for both basic and advanced services, while external integration is especially important in advanced services. We conclude by emphasising that companies should acquire digital capabilities to develop defensive and offensive business strategies that ultimately affect sustainability.

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