How do supermarkets and discounters communicate about sustainability? A comparative analysis of sustainability reports and in-store communication

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (11) ◽  
pp. 1181-1202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcus Saber ◽  
Anja Weber
Keyword(s):  
Poor Quality ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Retail Managers ◽  
Retail Chains ◽  
Sustainability Reports ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Discount Stores ◽  
Retail Formats ◽  
Method Approach

Purpose Commonly, supermarkets are perceived as more sustainable than discount stores, which are accused of following an aggressive price and no-frills approach. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate whether supermarkets and discounters differ substantially in their sustainability communication. Design/methodology/approach Sustainability reports and in-store communication are two important channels for retailers’ sustainability communication. To analyze both communication channels, the authors use a multi-method approach with data triangulation, analyzing sustainability reports and store observations of eight German retailers (two supermarket chains, six discount chains). Findings The study reveals no major differences between supermarkets and discounters regarding the readability of sustainability reports and the number of key figures on sustainability presented. However, supermarkets perform significantly better in translating sustainability to the store level than discounters. Furthermore, the results indicate that poor quality in the readability analysis is reflected in fewer concrete data provided in the sustainability reports and poorer translation of sustainability to the retail store. Originality/value This paper presents an empirical analysis of how well German retailers communicate about sustainability on both the report and the store level for the interest of academia and retail managers. It reveals different performance qualities among retail chains and retail formats and identifies the shortcomings within current reporting legislation with a clear indication toward policy makers.

A conceptual framework for the quality evaluation of sustainability reports

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Freundlieb ◽  
Matthias Gräuler ◽  
Frank Teuteberg
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Quality Evaluation ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Sustainability Reporting ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Standards And Guidelines ◽  
Sustainability Reports ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Method Approach

Purpose – This paper aims to outline a conceptual framework for the quality evaluation of web-based sustainability reports (SRs) aiding managers in determining and evaluating quality criteria for the sustainability report of their company. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews quality criteria in existing standards and guidelines on sustainability reporting and identifies research gaps. A conceptual framework including a multi-method approach for the quality evaluation of SRs is developed and evaluated. Findings – Existing standards and guidelines on sustainability reporting mainly focus on the content of the reports and neglect common information systems (IS) acceptance criteria such as ease of use and visual appeal. The proposed framework directly involves different stakeholder groups and research methodologies into the quality evaluation process. Research limitations/implications – The limitations of the research approach offer a number of starting points for future research. The proposed framework needs to be further evaluated by a larger number of test users in a more natural use setting. Practical implications – The application of a multi-method approach as well as the direct involvement of the stakeholders allows for an in-depth quality evaluation of SRs, enabling reporting companies to meet the readers' demand for information on economic, environmental and social activities of the reporting company. Common acceptance factors from the field of IS should be integrated into existing standards and guidelines on sustainability reporting. Coaching of the users through help functions, wizards, instructional videos or avatars is desirable. Originality/value – The proposed framework applies innovative technologies such as eye-tracking and software-supported attention analysis. By applying the framework to a set of sample reports, its usefulness and applicability are demonstrated.

Criteria and barriers for the application of green building features in Hong Kong

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 251-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayantha Wadu Mesthrige ◽  
Ho Yuk Kwong
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Building Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Barriers To Implementation ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Method Approach

Purpose An understanding about the criteria determining the successful application of green features, and the barriers to implementation is essential in order to promote and enhance green building development. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, the criteria determining the success of GBFs; and second, the barriers to implementing GBFs in Hong Kong. Design/methodology/approach A multi-method approach comprising a comprehensive questionnaire survey and a semi-structured group discussion with construction professionals, along with three case studies was adopted to address these two issues. Findings Findings suggest that although environmental performance is the most significant criterion, the living quality of occupants and the costs of green features play a crucial role in determining the success of their application. However, the environmental aspects of buildings are not sufficient for rating or determining the greenness level of a building. As for barriers, the green cost implications; the structural unsuitability of the current stock of old buildings; and the lack of financial incentives were found to be crucial barriers preventing the application of green features in the Hong Kong building sector. Originality/value GBFs have received extensive attentions by the academia and industry. This paper used a mix method approach by exploring success criteria and barriers to implementing green features in the building sector in Hong Kong. As green building development is still a contemporary subject of discussion, this study would be beneficial to decision makers as it identifies the criteria determining the success of green building adoption and barriers to implementation of such features. Hence, relevant stakeholders will have better understanding of the factors affecting the adoption of GBFs.

LEGO® Serious Play® in multi-method tourism research

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 1605-1623
Author(s):  
Yana Wengel
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Volunteer Tourism ◽  
Organic Farms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interpretive Study ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality ◽  
Method Approach

Purpose In the past decade, scholars across social sciences shifted their attention towards creative and dynamic research methods. Despite the growing popularity of LEGO® Serious Play® method across social sciences, few studies applied the method in tourism and hospitality research. This method represents a powerful tool which uses a toy to solve problems, explore ideas and achieve objectives in business, research and community work. This paper aims to provide insights into qualitative multi-method approach incorporating LEGO® Serious Play® to gain a deeper understanding of hosts-guest experiences in volunteer tourism exchange programme. Design/methodology/approach The empirical material mentioned in the paper is based on an interpretive study investigating hosts-guest experiences on organic farms. The study used a multi-method approach, and the data were collected through unstructured interviews, observation, reflexive notes and LEGO® Serious Play® workshops with 32 participants in total. Findings The paper highlights the benefits and limitations of the qualitative multi-method study, specifically focusing on LEGO® Serious Play® as a novel approach for tourism and hospitality research. Originality/value This study contributes to making the current body of knowledge on qualitative multi-method methodologies and creative visual methodologies in the field of tourism and hospitality. As such, the paper provides an overview of the LEGO® Serious Play® method. Specifically, this exploratory paper brings attention to how and to what end existing LEGO® Serious Play® has been modified and adopted in this multi-method study. Furthermore, the paper highlights the future use to benefit the tourism and hospitality academics and industry professionals.

scholarly journals Omnichannel fashion retailing: examining the customer decision-making journey

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 471-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Lynch ◽  
Liz Barnes
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
High Involvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Shopping Experience ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
The One ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the customer decision-making journey of high involvement female fashion consumers in the context of omnichannel fashion retailing.Design/methodology/approachThe research is qualitative in nature, using a multi-method approach consisting of focus groups, semi-structured interviews, online diaries and follow-up interviews, with grounded theory applied to analyse the data.FindingsThe results of the study include a framework to outline the stages of the omnichannel customer decision-making journey for young high involvement female fashion consumers. The findings also reveal that an omnichannel decision-making journey is the one that predicated on risk and that consumers employ specific strategies to avoid such risks.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the nature of this research, the sample size is limited and may not be generalised. Data collection was confined to Manchester, UK.Practical implicationsCustomer journey mapping enables practitioners to view the entire shopping experience through the eyes of the customer and enables retailers' fault-find issues within the customer and brand experience.Originality/valueThe paper advances knowledge about fashion and consumer behaviour. The customer decision journey framework maps the emotional experiences, devices and channels encountered by high-involvement fashion consumers across each stage of the omnichannel journey.

Collaboration between designers and facility managers

Facilities ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 557-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saleh Kalantari ◽  
Mardelle M. Shepley ◽  
Zofia K. Rybkowski ◽  
John A. Bryant
Keyword(s):  
Facility Management ◽  
Design Teams ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Non Local ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Selection Of

Purpose The aim of this study is to focus on the perspectives of facility managers in each region and the different challenges impacting collaboration in each geographical context. This research analyzed obstacles to collaboration between facility managers and architectural designers in three international regions. Design/methodology/approach A multi-method approach was used, allowing the researchers to triangulate data from in-depth interviews and a widely distributed survey instrument. The participants included a large cross-selection of facility management professionals in each of the regions under study. The interview data were parsed to identify recurring themes, while the survey data were analyzed statistically to test specific hypotheses. Findings Significant differences were found in the culture of the facility management profession in each region. These differences created unique challenges for collaboration, especially in the context of a non-local design team. While the facility management profession was perceived as most established and professional in the UK, rates of collaboration between facility managers and designers were actually much higher in the USA. Collaborations between facility managers and designers were almost non-existent in the Middle East. Originality/value While the importance of collaboration between facility managers and designers is increasingly recognized for improving the efficiency of building operations, crucial obstacles continue to limit the scope of this engagement. There has been limited previous research analyzing obstacles to collaboration that are specific to international contexts and non-local design teams. This study helps to fill an important gap in the literature by providing a comparative analysis of collaboration challenges in three international contexts.

scholarly journals Nation branding, cultural identity and political polarization – an exploratory framework

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Vecchi ◽  
Emmanuel Sirimal Silva ◽  
Lina Maria Jimenez Angel
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Identity ◽  
Multidisciplinary Approach ◽  
Nation Branding ◽  
Political Polarization ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Country Branding ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe objective of this research is to propose a framework which is apt to assess how a nation branding campaign could promote cultural identity by ultimately curbing political polarization.Design/methodology/approachBy relying on a multidisciplinary approach that blends theoretical constructs from different fields the methodology is based on a mixed-method approach whereby the qualitative data stemming from a set of interviews with key-informants is coupled by a survey of Colombian citizens in order to gain in-depth insights over the impact of nation branding on political polarization.FindingsFrom the findings, it emerges that a campaign based on nation branding and targeting domestic citizens could curb political polarization within Colombia, by also fostering cultural identity.Research limitations/implicationsThe study considers only Colombia. To fully assess the robustness of the framework it would be useful to extend the analysis to a broader range of countries and to a wider set of domestic issues.Practical implicationsThe research not only provides in-depth insights on how nation branding can be used effectively in order to curb political polarization but also practical guidance on how a nation branding campaign can be effectively designed. The findings are relevant to policy-makers that have the opportunity to implement informed and educated nation branding campaigns not just overseas, but also to strategically address important domestic issues by engaging the domestic stakeholders.Originality/valueWhile country branding has been extensively investigated within the context of international business, we have a relatively limited understanding of its domestic impact. In contrast to traditional country branding literature, this paper aims to theoretically advance our understanding of nation branding and its effect on political polarization, as well as gauging its impact on cultural identity.

Market segmentation via attitudinal functions: a multi-method approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Obinna O. Obilo ◽  
Bruce L. Alford
Keyword(s):  
Scale Development ◽  
Market Segmentation ◽  
Functional Approach ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reliable Instrument ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Functional Profiles ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to develop a method of segmenting markets by using the functional approach to attitudes. The adopted approach identifies and groups individuals based on what functions their held attitudes serve for them. Specific marketing mixes can, thus, be designed for each functional profile. Design/methodology/approach The multi-method approach adopted consists of a qualitative assessment of consumers’ attitudinal functions in the physical fitness context and the development of an instrument to identify the distribution of attitudinal function segments in the same context. Findings A valid and reliable instrument that can be used to segment a market based on functional profiles is developed. Practical implications The outlined method provides a method for practitioners to identify existing functional segments, thus creating marketing mixes based on these functional segments and, ultimately, maximizing the value created for each segment. Originality/value The value in this research lies in the integration of old concepts (functional approach and scale development) to solving a new problem. The functional approach reaches deep to determine “why attitudes are held” vs simply “what attitudes are held”. Operationalization difficulties led to the abandonment of the approach. This research, thus, contributes theoretically by actually operationalizing the functional approach via a scale development, and using the operationalized form as a new means for segmenting markets.

Strategic management and innovation

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 259-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Goutam Kumar Kundu ◽  
Jayachandra Bairi
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Detailed Analysis ◽  
Process Design ◽  
Business School ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
School Setting ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Method Approach

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of a checklist, focusing on the detailed analysis of the requirement of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) standards related to strategic management and innovation area, for evaluation of implementation readiness in a business school setting. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents an articulated procedure for the development of the checklist. The study adopted a multi-method approach for developing the final content for the checklist. Findings – The introduction of the checklist has provided a systemic approach to process design and evaluation of readiness of a business school for AACSB accreditation related to strategic management and innovation area. The checklist was developed and applied over the course of systematic reviews in a business school setting. Research limitations/implications – The present study has developed the checklist comprising the requirements of the standards related to strategic management and innovation area only. In the near future, the authors intend to develop checklists for the remaining areas of AACSB standards. Originality/value – The present work attempts to develop a comprehensive checklist comprising the requirements of the standards related to strategic management and innovation area. Academic institutions can benefit from the checklist whether they are planning to implement AACSB standards for accreditation or are interested in changing their current processes following AACSB standards.

Usability evaluation of an academic library website

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 896-915 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ankur Pant
Keyword(s):  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Usability Evaluation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Website Usability ◽  
Usability Assessment ◽  
Usability Tests ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Method Approach

Purpose – The paper aims to evaluate the usability of the website of Central Science Library (CSL), University of Delhi. Multi-method approach of evaluation is used with the use of standard checklist and questionnaire survey of representative users. Besides, the information architecture of the website under study is analysed in this paper. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the literature review and the author’s experience, a usability assessment tool for library websites was developed by Pant (2013). It comprises standard checklist and questionnaire for users’ survey. In the present study, this framework was used to assess the usability of CSL website. The questionnaire survey of 35 representative users was conducted through random sampling. The results of both methods (standard checklist and questionnaire survey) were analysed for evaluating the website usability. Findings – Need for improvement of the website was realised in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and learnability for better usability. Notice board, site search facility, list of services, FAQs and user guides were the most sought after features among others as per the analysis of the questionnaire survey. Besides, the need to enhance the visual appeal of the website was felt. However, information resources provided through the CSL website were found useful for users. Originality/value – The paper presents an innovative multi-method approach of website usability assessment while considering six usability attributes: Usefulness, Efficiency, Effectiveness, Learnability, Satisfaction and Accessibility. The approach adopted in this paper is cost effective in comparison to formal usability tests and heuristic evaluation. Therefore, this framework is suitable for libraries having limited budget to ensure the user-centred library website with maximum usability. This paper encourages other libraries to conduct similar website usability evaluation to identify the usability problem areas and users’ perception for their respective website.

Academic business librarians' assistance to community entrepreneurs

2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Mort Feldmann
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
National Study ◽  
National Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Multi Method Approach ◽  
Method Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to examine on a national scale how academic business librarians are working with community organizations and other libraries to assist local entrepreneurs with their information needs. Design/methodology/approach – A multi method approach was used to gather information. In spring 2012, a survey and follow-up interviews were conducted with academic business librarians. Additionally, business consultants who have worked with librarians were interviewed. Findings – The survey had 53 respondents. Of those, 40 percent indicated that they collaborate to assist entrepreneurs. Five interviewees confirmed the findings of the survey and discussed their collaborative arrangements. The consultants discussed best practices in working with entrepreneurs. Research limitations/implications – This research studied academic business librarians and reached those who monitor the buslib-l and brass-l listservs. Not all librarians have the time or take the time to respond to a survey. Additionally, this research only explored collaborations to assist local entrepreneurs and did not specifically focus on campus entrepreneurs and outreach to business schools. Practical implications – This study provides information on academic business librarians' efforts to assist community entrepreneurs. It also provides some information on lessons learned. Originality/value – A national study of academic business librarians' outreach to entrepreneurs has not been conducted in the past.

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