Innovation capabilities and the organization of the firm: evidence from Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathália Amarante Pufal ◽  
Paulo Antônio Zawislak
Keyword(s):  
Capabilities Approach ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Specific Situation ◽  
Large Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Firm Organization ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Cost

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine different types of organization of the firm considering the innovation capabilities of manufacturing firms.Design/methodology/approachThe authors carried out an innovation survey with Brazilian manufacturing firms. A sample of 1,156 firms was analyzed in this paper. Collected data were analyzed using multivariate data analysis techniques. From an innovation capabilities approach, it was possible to identify different types of organization of the firm.FindingsResults show four different types of organization of the firm: advanced, intermediate and basic stability-oriented and change-oriented. Each type presents a different innovation capabilities arrangement. The successful strategies toward innovation are related to change-oriented organization of the firm and advanced stability-oriented organization of the firm.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to the literature by presenting a different view on the organization of the firm, encompassing the capabilities approach and thus a higher level on the perception of firms' heterogeneity. This study contributes to narrow the literature gap on how firms internally coordinate its different capabilities into a coherent organization to sustain an innovative behavior.Practical implicationsThese straightforward findings can serve as a guideline so that managers can conduct changes within their companies toward more innovation. Managers can reconsider its organization as a way to foment innovation, once it is identified as a key strategy for competitiveness.Social implicationsThis study may help managers understand that focusing on stability-driven capabilities is riskier if change-driven capabilities are not present in an adequate and aligned level of development. The outcome may be the growth of the cost structure greater than the potential return. Conversely, managers should also understand that once change-driven capabilities are in a glance, they need do follow up with stability-driven capabilities. Here, the risk is not having an adequate structure to sustain the upcoming growth, arising from innovation. In short, not only “cost and value” should be taken together, but they must be arranged following the specific situation of the company. Every company should manage costs either to sustain new added value or to allow the addition of new value.Originality/valueThe study is based on a unique dataset that traces a large set of companies, being able to check different types of firm organization and associate it with innovation capabilities. The study relates to an emerging economy, which has not received adequate attention until now, largely because of the lack of micro-level data. The study is based on a robust theoretical model of innovation capabilities, which is being tested through such data. Finally, results elucidate ways to improve innovation performance of firms.

Effects of determinants of dried fruit purchase intention and the related consumer segmentation on e-commerce in China

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuting Sun ◽  
Chaoyun Liang
Keyword(s):  
Purchase Intention ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dried Fruits ◽  
Dried Fruit ◽  
The Cost

PurposeIn this study, a comprehensive theoretical framework was developed to investigate the influence of the determinants of online dried fruit purchase intention in China.Design/methodology/approachThe dried fruit eating experiences of 1,160 participants from China were collected using an online survey.FindingsSignificant differences were noted in the sociodemographic distributions among three age-based consumer segments. Furthermore, the cost of the marketing strategy had the strongest effect on online dried fruit purchase intention. Finally, different patterns of online dried fruit purchase intention were observed among the three consumer segments: consumers aged below 24 years regarded dried fruits as a new and healthy snack choice and favoured companies with high-quality communication with consumers; consumers aged 25–29 years viewed dried fruits as a healthy eating habit, reflecting their strong self-control over their lifestyle; and consumers aged over 30 years valued the convenience marketing strategies applied by dried fruit manufacturers.Originality/valueOverall, the results indicate that dried fruits are considered a niche market of snacks that provides added value for core products in the Chinese e-commerce (EC) market; therefore, developing cost-effective strategies to raise consumer awareness of dried fruits is crucial. Furthermore, marketing strategies should target different consumer segments.

Finnish “state of mind” on inter-organizational integration

IMP Journal ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 171-191
Author(s):  
Antti Ylä-Kujala ◽  
Salla Marttonen-Arola ◽  
Timo Kärri
Keyword(s):  
Cost Management ◽  
Internal State ◽  
Boundary Spanning ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Large Set ◽  
Organizational Relationships ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Organizational Integration ◽  
The Cost

Purpose The role of management control is frequently emphasized in connection with inter-organizational relationships and value networks. For example, boundary-spanning cost and accounting control techniques have been studied in multifaceted empirical settings. The prevalence of such techniques is, however, currently unknown in conjunction with companies’ interests to increase inter-organizational integration in general. Additionally, also the nexus between the internal state of cost management and the company’s willingness to develop inter-organizational relationships requires further investigation. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on an extensive survey that was responded to by more than 1,500 CEOs and CFOs from large, medium-sized and small Finnish enterprises in a variety of industries. As the authors chose the mixed-methods approach, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected for the study. Findings The findings suggest that companies can be allocated to five clusters: “the cost experts,” “the trustful,” “the holdouts,” “the trailblazers” and “the uncertain”. When the networking-oriented clusters, “the trustful” and “the trailblazers” are combined, the authors can conclude that 40 percent of the studied companies are interested in increasing inter-organizational integration. However, only 7 percent have boundary-spanning techniques in use. There is also a correlation between interest in integrating and developing cost management. Research limitations/implications This paper contains several theoretical implications, although further research, e.g. comparative studies, is required to verify the findings. The scarcity of managerial implications can be regarded as a limitation. Originality/value This paper fills several untapped research gaps by studying inter-organizational integration in the cost management context from multiple, complementary perspectives with a particularly large set of data.

An integrated fuzzy-AHP and TOPSIS approach for maintenance policy selection

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 1275-1299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narges Hemmati ◽  
Masoud Rahiminezhad Galankashi ◽  
D.M. Imani ◽  
Farimah Mokhatab Rafiei
Keyword(s):  
Heat Exchanger ◽  
Fuzzy Ahp ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Maintenance Policy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policy Selection ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Molten Sulfur

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to select the best maintenance policy for different types of equipment of a manufacturer integrating the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) models. Design/methodology/approach The decision hierarchy of this research includes three levels. The first level aims to choose the best maintenance policy for different types of equipment of an acid manufacturer. These equipment pieces include molten sulfur ponds, boiler, absorption tower, cooling towers, converter, heat exchanger and sulfur fuel furnace. The second level includes decision criteria of added-value, risk level and the cost. Lastly, the third level comprises time-based maintenance (TBM), corrective maintenance (CM), shutdown maintenance and condition-based maintenance (CBM) as four maintenance policies. Findings The best maintenance policy for different types of equipment of a manufacturer is the main finding of this research. Based on the obtained results, CBM policy is suggested for absorption tower, boiler, cooling tower and molten sulfur ponds, TBM policy is suggested for converters and heat exchanger and CM policy is suggested for a sulfur fuel furnace. Originality/value This research develops a novel model by integrating FAHP and an interval TOPSIS with concurrent consideration of added-value, risk level and cost to select the best maintenance policy. According to the highlights of the previous studies conducted on maintenance policy selection and related tools and techniques, an operative integrated approach to combine risk, added-value and cost with integrated fuzzy models is not developed yet. The majority of the previous studies have considered classic fuzzy approaches such as FAHP, FANP, Fuzzy TOPSIS, etc., which are not completely capable to reflect the decision makers’ viewpoints.

Forklift truck performance simulation and fuel consumption estimation

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 689-703
Author(s):  
Luigi d'Apolito ◽  
Hanchi Hong
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Consumption ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Computational Time ◽  
Large Set ◽  
Performance Simulation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Driving Cycles ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Avl Cruise ◽  
Load Handling

Purpose Forklift trucks are generally operated with frequent accelerations and stops, reverse and operations of load handling. This way of operation increases the energy losses and consequently the need for reduction of fuel consumption from forklift customers. This study aims to build a model to replicate the performance of forklifts during real operations and estimate fuel consumption without building a real prototype. Design/methodology/approach AVL Cruise has been used to simulate forklift powertrain and hydraulic circuit. The driving cycles used for this study were in accordance with the standard VDI 2198. Artificial neural networks (ANNs), trained by the results of AVL Cruise simulations, have been used to forecast the fuel consumption for a large set of possible driving cycles. Findings The comparison between simulated and experimental data verified that AVL Cruise model was able to simulate the performance of real forklifts, but the results were only valid for the specified driving cycle. The ANNs, trained by the results of AVL Cruise for a certain number of driving cycles, have been found effective to forecast the fuel consumption of a larger number of driving cycles following the prescriptions of the standard VDI 2198. Originality/value A new method based on ANN, trained by AVL Cruise simulation results, has been introduced to forecast the forklift fuel consumption, reducing the computational time and the cost of experimental tests.

Innovation drivers in Ecuadorian manufacturing

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 510-539
Author(s):  
María Engracia Rochina-Barrachina ◽  
Jorge Antonio Rodríguez
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Innovation ◽  
Probit Model ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Activities ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Innovation Strategies ◽  
Over Time

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study which are the drivers of different types of innovations for manufacturing firms. The considered innovation types are product, process, organizational and marketing innovations. In addition, this study also aims to understand why most types of innovation (with the exception of organizational innovation) have decreased over time. Design/methodology/approach The two non-overlapping waves of the Ecuadorian National Innovation Activities Survey 2013 and 2015 (NIAS) are used. To identify the determinants of the different types of innovations and to check whether the decisions to innovate are correlated, a tetravariate probit model is used. Findings The results obtained point to some relevant differences in terms of the drivers of the different types of innovation. In addition, it is also evident that with the passage of time, certain problems that may be reducing the incentives to innovate have become more acute. Originality/value The study adds new empirical evidence to the literature on the role of investments in incorporated technology in innovation in developing countries. In particular, for Ecuadorian firms, the acquisition of incorporated technology in capital goods seems to be very relevant. This highlights the existence of a supply-driven innovation strategy. However, there is also room for innovation strategies driven by demand conditions.

scholarly journals Methods in assessing the values of architecture in residential neighbourhoods

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lidwine Spoormans ◽  
Ana Pereira Roders
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Value Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Fields ◽  
Digital Database ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Two Stages

PurposeAlthough residential neighbourhoods are the largest and most resilient share of a city and the process of urban conservation and renewal is ongoing, methods to assess their values are limited. This paper presents the results of a systematic literature review, revealing the state of the art and its knowledge gaps with regard to methods for assessing values of architecture in residential neighbourhoods.Design/methodology/approachThe systematic literature review is based on studies selected by a research protocol, using a digital database of peer-reviewed literature. A metanarrative approach is used to synthesise the qualitative data from reviewed articles. This review has two stages: (1) giving an overview of the field and (2) categorising research methods and disciplines.FindingsThe review revealed a wide variety of studies from different disciplines and deduced its key trends, titled as “storylines”, concerning the methods to assess significance, integrating a broader scope of values and different perspectives. In particular, the “storylines” outside traditional heritage disciplines offer methods to include more stakeholders, link value assessment to policy development or highlight heritage potential. Results reveal the diversity in concepts and strengthen the need for an interdisciplinary vocabulary on values and methods, enabling planners and policymakers to compare their results and help to create more attractive and resilient cities.Originality/valueBy reviewing and comparing the selected studies from a wider range of disciplines and research fields, this paper shares insights into the complementary characteristics of the different types of value research, outlining the added value of the different perspectives.

Corporate social responsibility and firms’ cost of equity: how does culture matter?

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Louise Matthiesen ◽  
Astrid Juliane Salzmann
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Cost Of Equity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Csr Strategies ◽  
Responsible Behavior ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and cost of equity in an international context assessing the moderating effect of culture on the relation between CSR and the cost of equity. Design/methodology/approach The authors use an international sample of 42 countries, and company-level data from 2002 to 2013, to address cross-country variations in the effects of CSR on cost of equity in different cultural contexts. Findings The authors first substantiate previous research and show that the more a company is engaged in CSR, the lower its cost of equity. The authors then find that the relationship between CSR and cost of equity is stronger in countries with lower levels of assertiveness and higher levels of humane orientation and institutional collectivism. Practical implications The study advances understanding of how national culture promotes socially and environmentally responsible behavior. The implementation of CSR strategies depends on cultural norms, so companies need to be sensitive to local demands and adjust their CSR approaches accordingly. Originality/value The paper highlights the need to study how culture influences the relationship between CSR and cost of equity.

scholarly journals Low carbon buildings: a solution to landlord-tenant problems?

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Greenough ◽  
Paolo Tosoratti
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
International Energy Agency ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Commercial Property ◽  
Energy Efficient Buildings ◽  
The Cost

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors present in successful energy efficiency investments that might indicate how to resolve the landlord-tenant dilemma in existing and new commercial property. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews literature to indicate the importance of energy efficiency in buildings and to explore the barriers to such investments, including problematic landlord-tenant relationships. Such relationships have been investigated by the International Energy Agency, and a similar approach is used here in two case studies in new and existing buildings. These studies explore the nature of landlord-tenant relationships and the importance of policy and standards of building performance. Findings – In neither case did landlord-tenant issues constitute barriers to investments in energy efficiency, however, these investments were made for other reasons than simple cost savings. Construction of new commercial property to Passivhaus standards ensures a high-build quality and a comfortable building with low-energy costs. The added value to tenants may justify the cost of construction. The cost of investments in energy efficient buildings can also be justified by the enhanced reputation of landlords which may be more valuable than a DEC rating. In neither case was the commercial Green Deal felt to be an attractive funding mechanism. Practical implications – Conclusions based on these case studies must be regarded as tentative, so future studies of successful energy efficient buildings should be undertaken to explore the motivation to invest, particularly the relative importance of indirect benefits of energy efficiency. Originality/value – One of the case study buildings is exceptionally energy efficient and is the result of a particularly open and effective contractual relationship. Further study of such cases may suggest a new approach to landlord-tenant problems of energy efficiency, even in refurbishment of existing buildings.

The effect of investment in green technology in a two echelon supply chain under strict carbon-cap policy

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 1875-1891 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arindam Ghosh ◽  
S P Sarmah ◽  
Radhey Krishna Kanauzia
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emission ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Green Technology ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Mixed Integer ◽  
Chain Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Green Investment ◽  
The Cost

PurposeStrict carbon-cap policy is one of the basic policies proposed by the regulatory bodies to reduce the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emission. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether it is beneficial for a company to invest in green technology or not under the strict carbon-cap policy and for that a two echelon supply chain model is developed. This paper gives insight about judicious decision about investment on green technology.Design/methodology/approachMathematical modeling approach has been adopted to understand the effect of investment on green technology. All the cost and emissions parameters have been derived and the total cost (TC) and total emission equations have been formulated mathematically. Two constrained mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problems have been formulated and solved considering with or without green investment. Further, supply chain cost is optimized without carbon constraint to understand the effect of carbon constraint.FindingsThe investment in green technology can reduce the total supply chain cost. The study reveals that handling different parameters optimally can reduce both cost and emissions.Originality/valueThis paper tries to assess the effectiveness of green investment on technology under strict carbon-cap policy on a supply chain and, thereby, added value to the existing work. It examines the role played by various parameters under strict carbon-cap policy to draw insights, which will be beneficial for the academic community and managers.

Supply chain learning and organizational performance: evidence from Chinese manufacturing firms

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Zia Ul Haq
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Manufacturing Firms ◽  
Operational Performance ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Despite the significance, no study examines the relationship between supply chain (SC) learning components and focal firm performance. This study aims to investigate different types of SC learning (supplier, customer and internal learning) and their influence on the focal firm’s operational and financial performance. Design/methodology/approach Grounded in knowledge-based view and absorptive capacity theory, this study applies structural equation modeling to test the conceptual model based on data collected from 213 manufacturing firms in China. Findings The findings indicate that supplier and customer learning improve internal learning. Customer and internal learning have direct influence on operational performance, whereas internal learning mediates the relationship between supplier learning and operational performance. Moreover, all three dimensions of SC learning do not affect financial performance directly but operational performance plays the mediating role in their relationship. Research limitations/implications This study only investigates SC learning outcomes without exploring its antecedents. In addition, SC learning and their impacts on firm performance are tested empirically with cross-sectional data collected only from manufacturing firms in China. Practical implications The findings furnish managers to seek for competitive advantages through different types of SC learning. Originality/value This study offers new insights concerning the performance implications of SC learning. It divides SC learning into dimensions and shows the distinctive impacts of these dimensions on focal firm’s performance using an empirical method.

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