scholarly journals Implementing and Monitoring Circular Business Models: An Analysis of Italian SMEs

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 270
Author(s):  
Daniela M. Salvioni ◽  
Luisa Bosetti ◽  
Tommaso Fornasari
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Financial Barriers ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Higher Education System ◽  
External Reporting

The transition from a linear to a circular economy (CE) is at the center of the debate among institutions, enterprises, practitioners, and scholars. Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with their high presence in the business environment, play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of CE principles. Therefore, this paper aims to understand the state of the CE among Italian SMEs, considering both their different sizes and sectors. This study investigates CE knowledge and application, strategic relevance, benefits from and barriers to the transition towards circular business models, and the use of CE-related performance indicators in management control and external reporting. Through an online survey carried out in cooperation with the Italian Confederation of Craft Trades and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (CNA), we collected primary data from 623 respondents. Findings revealed the existence of cultural, technological, market and financial barriers, which have hampered the adoption of circular practices among Italian SMEs. Poor understanding of CE potential, combined with difficulty in raising public and private funds to finance the transition from linear to circular, are the greatest problems. To overcome such issues, we recommend serious intervention by public institutions, trade and consumer associations, and the higher education system to develop a climate more favorable to the CE.

Procurement 4.0: factors influencing the digitisation of procurement and supply chains

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 965-984 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Bienhaus ◽  
Abubaker Haddud
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Procurement Process ◽  
Enabling Technologies ◽  
The Impact

Purpose While digitisation is a key driver of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0); organisations have different approaches to deal with this topic to get a clearer picture of the opportunities and challenges concerning the digital transformation. The purpose of this paper is to identify the impact of digitisation on procurement and its role within the area of supply chain management. The research will also explore potential barriers to digitising procurement and supply chains and ways to overcome them. Finally, the significance of potential enabling technologies to the digitisation will also be examined. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approached utilising an online survey was used to collect the primary data for this study. Data were collected from 414 participants directly involved with procurement or related business functions and work for different organisations in different industries. The survey included eight items about the impact of digitisation on organisational performance in the area of procurement and supply chains; ten items related to key barriers to digitisation of organisations and ways to overcome them; and seven items about enabling technologies to leverage procurement procedures and processes digitisation. All of these items utilised the Likert five-point level of agreement scale. Findings The findings indicate that digitisation of procurement process can yield several benefits including: supporting daily business and administrative tasks, supporting complex decision-making processes, procurement will become more focussed on strategic decisions and activities, procurement will become a strategic interface to support organisational efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability, and supporting the creation of new business models, products, and services. The authors were also able to confirm that there are barriers to digitising procurement process and supply chains and such barriers found in existing procedures, processes, capacities, and capabilities. Finally, the significance of a number of enabling technologies to the digitisation process was revealed. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of its kind with participants located world-wide. Industry 4.0 as a topic had been explored within different business areas and functions but very limited research specifically explored potential impact, barriers, and enabling technologies of procurement 4.0. The results can be beneficial for organisations already implemented Industry 4.0 or planning to do so. The study can also benefit academic scholars interested in the researched topic, business professionals, organisations within different sectors, and any other party interested in understanding more the concept of procurement 4.0.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF MANAGEMENT CONTROL SYSTEMS (MCS) ON ORGANIZATIONS PERFORMANCE A LITERATURE REVIEW

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (105) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Adnan Alkhafaji ◽  
Hassnain Raghib Talab ◽  
Hakeem Hammood Flayyih ◽  
Noor Abbas Hussein
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Control Systems ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Management Control ◽  
Management Control Systems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sustainable Competitive Advantage ◽  
Global Business ◽  
The Impact

The impact of management control systems (MCS) on organizations performance empirical research has been the subject of numerous studies during the past decade in developed and emerging economies. In the contemporary competitive, complex and changing global business environment, firms are being challenged to adopt business models that enable them to address the strategic uncertainties and risks they face in their business environments. The main issue of this study is that management accounting researchers argue that one of the ways firms can continually rejuvenate themselves to survive and succeed in these complex and uncertain environments is to understand the role of management control systems in Formulating a business strategy in management control systems that yields a sustainable competitive advantage which in turn lead to enhance organizations performance. The purpose of this study is attempting to wading in the literature review related to The impact of management control systems on organizations performance based on 10 articles published in a wide variety of journals. Discuss some methodological issues related to stage in the organizational life cycle and, finally, review the main results related to this topic and provide suggestions for future research Literatures indicate several factors that could possibly influence management control systems and organizations performance. It is worth highlighting the numerous factors as it is possible to conduct the proper orientation of influence of management control systems on performance.

scholarly journals The Good Professor: A Comparison Between Public and Private Universities

2019 ◽  
Vol 200 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-70
Author(s):  
Renata Klafke ◽  
M.C.V De Oliveira ◽  
J.M. Ferreira
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Public Universities ◽  
Business Students ◽  
Private Universities ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Service Contracts ◽  
Private And Public ◽  
The Difference ◽  
High Degree

In Brazil, like in most Latin America countries, the educational system is basically composed of private and public education institutions. Public universities depend almost exclusively on tuition fees paid by the students. Public professors are insolvent, and very rarely provided with the resources they desperately need, whereas private professors are governed by service contracts and can be dismissed when the institution deems it necessary. These characteristics also highlight the difference in the teaching profile of public and private institutions. Public universities cherish the high degree and familiarity with research, because private universities value more for practice than theory, although they require academic qualifications of their professors. That said, this study aims identify and enhance student’s perception of what makes a good professor in the social science and highlight the differences between those who work in private and public universities. Through gathering data from undergraduate business students, we searched for educator’s characteristics considered positive or ideal for the learning process. This research used primary data resources collected through online survey. Technical analysis of content was used for interpretation of the results. Students from private universities look for professors who can link practice with theory. Most of the students from the public universities look for dynamic professors and that they respect them. A lot of students who apply for a public university do so because of the University’s reputation or for not paying.

scholarly journals Assessment of employees’ attitudes toward ongoing organizational transformations

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irina Heim ◽  
Nibedita Sardar-Drenda
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Control ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Service Industry ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Service Industries ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Service

PurposeGlobal companies in the digital service industry are experiencing a pressing urgency for ongoing transformations caused by external factors driven by the need to change business models. This study aims to evaluate the willingness and ability to change as constructs of employee attitude toward change, assess their predictors and develop an approach to analyzing willingness and ability to change.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses an abductive approach, building on the refinement of existing theories. The authors conducted 306 employees' surveys and nine interviews to collect primary data.FindingsThe result of this study suggests that the employees are willing to change when they have a sense of perceived control based on collaboration with management. Factors that have an impact on the willingness and ability to change include job function, age, years of job experience, knowledge of values, company background, understanding the current challenges, understating the urgency for change, positive attitude toward past changes and trust in leadership.Research limitations/implicationsThis is research is focused on one organization, and research in other industries or firms in the digital service industry would be beneficial.Practical implicationsThis research contributes to the practice on the conduct of diagnostic investigation in an organization's readiness and risk for a planned change. The authors add to the existing literature the new dimensions related to the prior experience with change and understanding the need and urgency for change -specific factors that are relevant to individual ability to change. Managers can use findings in this study to learn how to plan and manage organizational change in the fast-paced business environment of digital service industries.Social implicationsThis research will help to understand work attitudes, emotions and behaviors and therefore will improve the well-being in the organizations experiencing transformation.Originality/valueIndividual readiness as a stand-alone concept was not enough explored in the literature, thus creating an opportunity for this study to fill the research gap. The lessons learned from this study are the following: ongoing change initiatives require longer time with a need to extend the organizational restructuring to behavioral and mindset change. This research suggests a practical approach to the assessment of change readiness in organizations. A simple model explaining factors affecting employees' willingness and ability to change has been suggested.

scholarly journals Impact of Entrepreneurship Education on the development of Entrepreneurial Activities: The Case of Omani Undergraduate Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 124 ◽  
pp. 03001
Author(s):  
Abdullah Mohammed Al Shukaili ◽  
Norizan Mohd Kassim ◽  
Anju Ravi ◽  
Mohammed Muneerali
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Entrepreneurship Education ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intention ◽  
Private Higher Education ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activities ◽  
The Impact

Supporting entrepreneurship and innovation has always been the important to the Sultanate of Oman’s future. This research will shed light on the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education on the development of entrepreneurial activities in Oman. Large number of studies have concerned about entrepreneurship education, and entrepreneurial intention, but very few studies focusing on the how and why entrepreneurship education influences and their impact on entrepreneurial intention. Therefore, the objective of our study is to identify the impact of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurship intention among undergraduate students in Oman. A survey questionnaire is used as the primary data collection tool by way of an online survey, and a sample from public and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Oman. The sample will consist of two groups selected among a population of undergraduate students who are in their final semester of study, and from those who have graduated during the previous two years. As this research is still in progress, we are expecting to collect a sample exceeding two hundred questionnaires. Preliminary testing of the model indicates that the survey instrument of this study is a fair, valid, and reliable method with which to conduct this field data collection. The research findings are expected to contribute to a greater understanding of the relationship between the various components of entrepreneurship education and the entrepreneurial intention of those undergraduate students from the target populations. Since increasing attention has been given to entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education in Oman, in recent years, it is expected that the findings of this research will reveal the effectiveness of such programs in enhancing the potential of students to enable them to become effective, self-employed, entrepreneurs.

Towards a conceptual framework for sustainable business models in the food and beverage industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 (5) ◽  
pp. 1421-1435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc Dressler ◽  
Ivan Paunović
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Business Model ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Wine Industry ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Sustainable Business ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Business Models

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically derive a typology of sustainable business models in the food & beverage (F&B) industry and explore the competitive profiling via sustainability. Design/methodology/approach Primary data were collected through an online survey for small- and medium-sized wineries (N=125). A principal component analysis (PCA) was used for inducing the F&B sustainable business model typology as an empirical basis for building a conceptual framework. Findings The analysis has identified seven strategic business models of the German wineries in regards to sustainability. Three models are at the forefront of sustainability, two are characterized by managerial focus on social opportunities and innovation and two of the identified business models are characterized by an administrative approach to social and environmental requirements and therefore rather rudimentary approaches to sustainability. Research limitations/implications Main limitations of the study are the focus on wine industry as well as on one country. Furthermore, the deployment of PCA method does not safeguard from neglecting other relevant business models. Practical implications Successful business models allow to differentiate in competitive markets in the F&B industry via sustainability. Such models need strategic ambition, positioning and realization but allow to win new clients safeguarding from market squeeze out. Social implications The research facilitates scaling up of sustainability initiatives to the benefit of the wider society. Originality/value Business model typology for sustainability has been derived mainly conceptually. The empirically based typology of sustainable business models provides a more rigorous foundation for a transition of business models toward sustainability.

Corporate Growth Strategies and Performance of Selected Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies in Nairobi City County, Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-30
Author(s):  
Hamida Mwilu ◽  
Reuben Njuguna
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Growth Strategies ◽  
Inferential Statistics ◽  
Market Expansion ◽  
Acquisition Strategies ◽  
Corporate Growth ◽  
Diversification Strategies ◽  
And Performance

The dynamic nature of business operating environment has called on business leaders to be strategic in their leadership roles if they are to sustain their competitiveness into the unforeseen future. Growth is important in Sacco’s because it is future oriented establishing ways in which the organizational operations can be aligned to future changes in the business environment to ensure that competitiveness is sustained. The SACCOs in Kenya have experienced problems in the past; some even shutting down therefore there is need for customer growth to be enhanced so as to increase their incomes so as to sustain the business. These SACCOs have to look for leaders and managers who can develop future targets, direct and lead other staffs towards meeting the firm’s objective and gaining a competitive edge. The aim of this study was an assessment of corporate growth strategies and performance in savings and cooperative societies in Kenya, Nairobi County. The study sought to determine the influence of market expansion, diversification strategies and acquisition strategies. The study target population was 41 licensed SACCOs in Nairobi County. The study used primary data to collect information, and the data collection instrument was a questionnaire which was given to the 41 operations managers in the 41 selected SACCOs. The data collection procedure was done by the researcher and drop-and-pick strategy will be applied. The data was coded and keyed in Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Version 23.0), and was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. For descriptive statistics was through mean scores, standard deviations, frequencies and percentages, while the inferential statistics was through regression analysis to establish the relationship between strategic leadership and customer growth. The findings were presented in tables and charts for easy understanding, interpreting, and describing the data. The study established that market expansion, diversification strategies and acquisition strategies as corporate growth strategies had a positive and significant effect on the performance of SACCOs in Nairobi City County. The study concluded that the SACCOs significantly employed market expansion strategies through improved branch network, customer base enhancement, new distribution channels and technological innovation. The study concluded that the SACCOs embraced a hybrid of the main diversification strategies, diverse products and services significantly. It was concluded that to a little extent the selected SACCOs in Nairobi City County have employed acquisition as a corporate growth strategy. The study recommends that the SACCOs should embrace integrate technology in the implementation of corporate growth strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.  Further studies should be undertaken to establish the effect of corporate growth strategies on the performance of other SACCOs in other regions to establish the disparities or similarities among the financial sector players. 

Industry 4.0 initiatives in EU countries: experience for Ukraine

2020 ◽  
pp. 65-70
Author(s):  
Nataliya Ryvak ◽  
Anna Kernytska
Keyword(s):  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Industrial Complex ◽  
Interconnected System ◽  
Industrial Transformation ◽  
Eu Countries ◽  
European Experience ◽  
High Level

In this paper, digital technologies development was analyzed as the basis for the so-called “fourth industrial revolution” with the potential for the qualitative transformation of the Ukrainian economy based on EU countries’ experience. Industry 4.0 is a new control chain over the entire chain of creating value throughout the product lifecycle. When developing an economic policy, it is important to pay attention to Industry 4.0. It increases productivity, produces new, better, and individualized products, and implements new business models based on “undermining” innovations. A comparative analysis of national initiatives I4.0 with their characteristics according to the main dimensions, including funding, focus, direction, was conducted. Particular attention was paid to considering deterrents to the successful implementation and enforcement of the I4.0 initiative in European countries. The factors of successful implementation of I4.0 initiatives in the EU countries were analyzed. Drawing on the analysis of the European experience of digital transformations in industry and national economies in general, the necessity of critical focus of such transformations in Ukraine was highlighted, and the need for state support of industrial transformation was substantiated. The emphasis was placed on the cooperation development between stakeholders within the implementation of Industry 4.0 – it is necessary to create national and regional 4.0 platforms, following the example of EU countries, which would bring together government institutions, businesses, and academics. The successful positioning of the Ukrainian modern industrial complex on the world markets depends on the high level of the interconnected system providing factors that characterize its development process. Considering the influence of a list of inhibiting factors on implementing the country’s industry accelerated development, a set of measures needed to transform Ukraine’s industry based on European experience was substantiated.

scholarly journals The Impact of Big Data on Electronic Commerce in Profit Organisations in Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 106
Author(s):  
Bader A. Alyoubi
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Big Data ◽  
Inventory Management ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Predictive Analytics ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
The Impact

Big Data is gaining rapid popularity in e-commerce sector across the globe. There is a general consensus among experts that Saudi organisations are late in adopting new technologies. It is generally believed that the lack of research in latest technologies that are specific to Saudi Arabia that is culturally, socially, and economically different from the West, is one of the key factors for the delay in technology adoption in Saudi Arabia. Hence, to fill this gap to a certain extent and create awareness about Big Data technology, the primary goal of this research was to identify the impact of Big Data on e-commerce organisations in Saudi Arabia. Internet has changed the business environment of Saudi Arabia too. E-commerce is set for achieving new heights due to latest technological advancements. A qualitative research approach was used by conducting interviews with highly experienced professional to gather primary data. Using multiple sources of evidence, this research found out that traditional databases are not capable of handling massive data. Big Data is a promising technology that can be adopted by e-commerce companies in Saudi Arabia. Big Data’s predictive analytics will certainly help e-commerce companies to gain better insight of the consumer behaviour and thus offer customised products and services. The key finding of this research is that Big Data has a significant impact in e-commerce organisations in Saudi Arabia on various verticals like customer retention, inventory management, product customisation, and fraud detection.

scholarly journals A holistic approach to the productivity paradox

2007 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-97
Author(s):  
Rune Wigblad ◽  
John Lewer ◽  
Magnus Hansson
Keyword(s):  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Management Control ◽  
New Order ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Psychological Reactions ◽  
The Public ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Plant Level ◽  
Working Day ◽  
Or Organization

Both the public and private sectors have since the 1980s relentlessly cut the size of their workforces. The downsizing has regularly been reported to lead to closure of a whole or a part of a corporation or organization. Some studies which have analyzed the closures have reported that remarkable, counterintuitive improvements in labor productivity occurred during the time-period between the closure announcement and the final working day. Testing an elaborated cybernetic model on a Swedish case study, and on an exploratory basis, this paper proposes a holistic approach to generate a better understanding of this phenomenon. The main holistic pattern is a new order where management control is replaced by more “Self-management” on the plant level, and very strong psychological reactions based on feelings of unfairness.

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