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It seems to be the consensus (Zhang et al., 2012; George et al., 2003; Arumugam et al., 2013) that Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has become a beneficial improvement initiative used in a variety of industries. There is a move towards integrating any high-level business improvement methods holistically throughout the whole organisation. Indeed, Hoerl (2014) explored the idea that when using LSS for business improvement, the programme should engage the whole organisation in much the same way as the financial function is present throughout each department. The purpose of this paper is to posit that using the lean and green agenda may be the driver to achieve integration.

The research adopted a subjective ontological perspective with the researcher using participant observation as the main research instrument. Denzin and Lincoln (2005) note that it is now common for scholars to argue that the only relevant data are those based upon the personal experience of the researcher; this served as an informing foundation for the approach for the exploration of the topic. Based on multiple case studies, chosen because they operate in different sectors, the paper adopted an extended case method (Burawoy, 1998) to analyse and gather the research. The organisations were chosen because they both were at a similar stage in their continuous improvement (CI) journey. The main reasoning behind the selection of the two different organisations is to reach “Thick Description” (Geertz, 1973, p. 3, 2001).

The findings suggest that there are still significant benefits of implementing a large-scale lean agenda in particular when using an LSS methodology. The paper finds that there are also significant gaps in achieving full integration within the organisation and argues that lean and CI are still the remit of the operations manager. The document goes on to argue that if the CI initiative is driven by the corporate social responsibility (CSR) plan, then any lean/lean green implementation will enable the company to drive CI integration with all stakeholders.

The research has implications for those responsible for the CSR function within the organisation and the operations manager who is charged with implementing any lean/lean and green CI.

The paper argues that the lean and green agenda can drive integration of any CI activity throughout the organisation and suggests that the way this can be achieved is any CI activity that is included in the wider CSR plan.

This paper contributes to the “lean and green” agenda and offers a solution for the problem of integrating LSS activities throughout the whole organisation by placing CI and LSS within the CSR remit.

There is little consensus how this holistic integrated approach should be implemented by the company. This research uses multiple case studies to critically examine the application of LSS as an improvement programme within two large UK-based organisations, each company operating in very different industry sectors to identify the benefits of LSS but also the missed “green/societal” opportunities and argues that if any lean and lean and green agenda is to be holistically adopted, then any CI activity should be driven by the CSR department.

The resources department of the Leicester City Council (LCC) has introduced a wide range of initiatives to achieve quality management with the aim to deliver quality services to customers. Research has shown an improvement in quality management and a commitment to further improvement. Notable improvements include a change to the organizational culture, the application of continuous improvement and the development of a quality assurance programme which can be extended to include ISO 9000. Argues that the commitment to further improvement needs to be considered in terms of a more formal approach to TQM. Suggests that an established integrated approach called the TQMEX model is particularly appropriate for consideration. The output of the research is a TQM strategic plan based on the status quo of LCC, the theoretical background of the TQMEX model and the experience of the author in total quality practices.

The resources department has introduced a wide range of initiatives to achieve quality management with the aim of delivering quality services to customers. Research has shown an improvement in quality management and a commitment to further improvement. Notable improvements include a change to the organizational culture, the application of continuous improvement and the development of a quality assurance programme which can be extended to include ISO 9000. The commitment to further improvement needs to be considered in terms of a more formal approach to total quality management (TQM). An established integrated approach called the TQMEX model is particularly appropriate for consideration. The output of the research is a TQM strategic plan based on the status quo of Leicester City Council, the theoretical background of the TQMEX model, and the experience of the author in total quality practices and from his attendance at the 1st International Conference on ISO 9000 and Total Quality Management (1st ICIT) in April 1996.

In Iran, the Bank A is one of the largest and most effective banks of the banking network. The continued success of Bank A in improving the economic level of the country and satisfying the customers depends on recognizing all banking activities and processes in the form of supply chain and performing the necessary managerial acts in order to enhance the relevant processes. In this regard, the present study aimed to improve the most effective processes of banking services supply chain of Bank A in Iran.

The present study was applied and descriptive. Research population included the heads, deputies and active experts in Bank A, who were selected through judgmental and saturation sampling methods to complete the questionnaire and participate in interviews and conference sessions. Regarding to aim of study, the integrated approach of intuitionistic fuzzy based DEMATEL-ISM was used.

According to the results, the processes of product delivery, information technology management, public relations and advertising management, risk management, and marketing and sales management exerted the most impacts on other processes in the supply chain. Finally, after designing a process improvement path, solutions were presented to improve the most effective processes.

In this research, efforts were dedicated to the recognition of the major processes of the services supply chain of Bank A, designing the process framework of the bank and improving the prioritized processes by evaluating the causal relations that exist among the processes of the services supply chain.

The purpose of this paper is to identify, using a case study, whether consumers in a metropolitan area can be meaningfully segmented geographically such that it can understand the way they perceive and interact with the downtown district and to delineate the implications of the findings for business improvement area marketing initiatives from a management perspective.

A total of 650 visitors to downtown Toronto are interviewed using a pretested questionnaire. Their responses are related to their location within the metropolitan area. Correspondence analysis (CA) is applied to the data to visually identify possible market segments.

The analysis identified four distinct place‐based visitor segments. Each of these segments exhibited behaviour patterns that are distinct and intrinsically meaningful. The analysis further shows that perceptions and current interactions with the district are likely to change depending on where in the metropolis its consumers live.

Since visitor perceptions are place dependent, it is difficult to implement a single place marketing campaign that is relevant to each segment. The results suggest that it needs to develop communication strategies that are specific to each segment, incorporating an understanding of why they visit downtown, what they think of the area, what media they consume, how they get around and what their needs are in terms of lifestage.

By going beyond the traditional analysis of geographic variables and incorporating consumer response variables in the analysis, this paper provides a stronger basis for market segmentation and management action with regard to place marketing. The application of CA provides a visual way to understand the segments.

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the shift towards a circular economy and marketing strategies on the collaborative purchasing behaviour of consumers in India. The study uses the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the marketing mix to understand the factors affecting a consumer’s intention to participate in collaborative consumption (CC).

A Web-based survey was conducted, and 349 valid responses were analysed using AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures) structural equation modelling. The study emphasised the impact of price, promotion and perceived behaviour control on CC and provided direction and advice for companies that rent and swap apparel.

According to the study, promotion and perceived behaviour control are the two key characteristics that significantly impact a consumer’s willingness to participate in CC in India. The study also found that perceived behaviour control plays a significant direct role in behavioural usage. These findings emphasise the impact of price, promotion and perceived behaviour control on CC and offer direction and advice for companies that rent and swap apparel.

This article can be used to evaluate the business in different countries and can be developed further. It does, however, have some restrictions. Because most respondents are from northern and central India, in addition, some respondents are from the southwestern and southern regions, especially in the Mumbai and Chennai locales. Hence, the geographical sample was not diverse in terms of demographics. Furthermore, the gender identity of the respondents might essentially affect how the authors interpret customer buying behaviour, but the study missed this. Researchers could enhance this by using various sampling techniques and ensuring that other demographic characteristics are considered in the future. Furthermore, the survey could not distinguish between online and in-person transactions.

The study provides practical advice for companies that rent and swap apparel, emphasising the impact of price, promotion and perceived behaviour control on consumer willingness to participate in CC. The findings suggest that companies can improve consumer participation by focusing on promotion and perceived behaviour control. In addition, the significance of perceived behaviour control on behavioural usage highlights the importance of empowering consumers to control their decisions to participate in CC.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to examine the factors influencing consumer willingness to participate in CC in the context of the shift towards a circular economy in India. By examining the impact of the TPB and the marketing mix on consumer intention, the study provides valuable insights for companies that rent and swap apparel. The findings highlight the importance of promotion and perceived behaviour control in shaping consumer behaviour and provide practical direction for companies to promote and market their products effectively. The study adds to the existing knowledge on the circular economy and the role of CC in reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model and examine the relevance of a set of five dynamic drivers to building and sustaining the innovation capability of agri-food firms.

The empirical data were acquired through a recent study of 436 Greek agri-food firms. Regression analysis was employed to examine the correlation between innovation drivers and each of the four innovation capability dimensions, namely, product innovation, process innovation, organizational innovation and marketing innovation.

The findings verify that quality orientation and process management are the two most important innovation drivers. However, the impact of learning orientation, collaborations and environmental dynamism on a firm’s agri-food innovation capability is yet to be investigated.

This study has not investigated how firms’ characteristics form the drivers and barriers to innovation at the company. Moreover, a second limitation is related to the kind of innovation that drivers boost. This research does not separate between radical and incremental innovation.

In order to maintain their sustainable development and enhance their whole innovation capability, agri-food firms should closely relate their innovation capability dimensions to the formulation of a strategy and harmonization of innovation and innovation drivers’ activities.

The main contribution of this paper is that it develops an appropriate research framework (a proposed structural model) for examining the links among the five innovation drivers with each of the four innovation capability dimensions.

The purpose of this paper is to enrich the knowledge about blockchain (BC) technology implementation in the agri-food industry by providing an interpretive framework of the key marketing opportunities and challenges, related to the adoption of BC for Geographical Indication (GI) products.

The study adopts an explorative qualitative research design through the cognitive mapping technique applied to the cognition of different market players involved in agri-food BC projects: farmers, distributors, companies and consultancies.

This study presents a comprehensive examination of the marketing impacts of BC across various marketing objectives, including product enhancement, brand positioning, consumer relationships, market access and supply chain relationships. It highlights the capability of BC to facilitate data-enabled ecosystems within the agri-food sector, involving supply chain actors and control agencies. Additionally, the study sheds light on the challenges (technological, collaborative, political, financial and organizational) associated with the implementation of BC in the marketing of agri-food products.

This work provides a comprehensive examination of the relevance of BC in the marketing activities of firms, particularly in the context of quality food products. It highlights the main areas of impact and effects and emphasizes the complexity of the phenomenon, which extends beyond its technical issues. Furthermore, it offers a systematic exploration of the challenges associated with the adoption of BC in marketing activities, thus contributing to a broader understanding of the implications of BC adoption in companies' marketing strategies.

The practical implications for this work addresses both GI companies and policy makers. Implications for companies relate to the market benefits associated with the implementation of BC, which allow further strengthening of market positioning, relationships of trust within the supply chain and integration between physical and digital market channels. The study also systematizes the challenges underlying the implementation of BC projects. The implications for policy makers regard the role they have to play in BC projects at regulatory, financial and policy levels.

Studies focusing on BC applications in marketing are still limited and characterized by a very narrow perspective (especially in the food industry). This study contributes to the conceptual design of the marketing applications of BC in the agri-food sector. The value of the study also lies in having framed the marketing impacts of BC in a holistic perspective, along with the technological and non-technological challenges that are related to the integration of BC in marketing strategy and operations.

The purpose of this paper is to suggest a solution to the problem of implementing a full “Lean” methodology for small-/medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a developing economy.

This is a reflective paper that looks at an illustrative case study against the wider perspectives of the financial and resource costs of implementing a full lean programme in a developing country and suggests that using a “Lean Lite” approach may help the consultant/manager introduce lean concepts into a manufacturing organisation in a developing country.

The paper concludes that “Lean Lite” as an approach that can be used to introduce lean initiatives in an SME in a developing economy by allowing a company with very limited resources to engage not only in business improvement but also in improving working conditions and education for employees.

The observations are limited to a single case study, although tempered by the authors’ wider experience. Further empirical research and critique of the original research is required to validate the observations and conclusions.

The proposed “Lean Lite” initiative can help to introduce lean concepts to an organisation with limited financial and other resources. This helps organisations to increase productivity and assists the adoption of the lean philosophy and principles in a developing economy. The approach may also be used to engage in a wider corporate social responsibility strategy at ground level.

The social benefits as a result of implementing a Lean Lite approach include improving working conditions and educating employees.

The paper proposes an approach that can be used to widen organisational involvement in lean initiatives in a developing economy by allowing a company with limited resources to engage not only in business improvement but also in improving working conditions and education for employees. As such the approach has both economic and social benefits.

This paper presents issues associated with the needs of collaborative supply chain management (CSCM) and proposes a planning stage of a CSCM framework.

The proposed planning stage of a CSCM framework incorporates issues of organisation profile, internal functional strategy and supplier‐customer strategy. The gauging absence of prerequisites (GAP) analysis technique which embedded in the knowledge‐based system is proposed in the planning stage to analyse the gap between the current and the desirable position (benchmark) for an effective implementation in organisation.

The planning stage framework provides information specifically for designing a CSCM by focusing on the organisation capability and business processes and discussed the important issues in planning a CSCM for business organisations, specifically for a manufacturing environment.

Further research could be carried out to capitalise the framework for improving the CSCM.

The proposed planning stage of a CSCM framework enables the chain members to identify key factors or issues for CSCM development.

The new aspects of the proposed CSCM are firstly, the proposed planning stage model is supported by a KBS approach. Secondly, the use of GAP analysis technique and finally, the planning stage framework provides information and issues for the design stage of CSCM framework.