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1 – 10 of 908Vishnu Nambiar, Gayatri Kunte and Varadurga Bhat
Several countries, such as South Africa and India, believe that intellectual property rights (IPRs), including patents, impede the efficient increase in vaccine production to…
Abstract
Purpose
Several countries, such as South Africa and India, believe that intellectual property rights (IPRs), including patents, impede the efficient increase in vaccine production to inoculate the global population as they scramble to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Their proposal at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to waive these pharmaceutical patents has been met with resistance from a few developed countries, who believe that the abrogation of IPRs is unnecessary, even during a pandemic. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the impact of a potential waiver of medical patents at the WTO versus the status quo of IPR laws in the global economy.
Design/methodology/approach
This study examines key arguments from economic and moral standpoints regarding the provisions of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement and other related international agreements and their validity based on the premise of the internalisation of positive externalities posed by vaccines.
Findings
The effectiveness of the TRIPS agreement in securing medical access is weak on account of the ability of profit-making multinationals to secure IP rights and on account of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a multilateral agreement that supports patent evergreening and a period of protection on test data which challenges the access to medicines and the fundamental human right to health.
Originality/value
This study examines international IPRs through the lens of human rights and proposes a new system that balances the two.
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Khadija Echefaj, Abdelkabir Charkaoui, Anass Cherrafi, Anil Kumar and Sunil Luthra
The purpose of this study is to identify and prioritize capabilities and practices to ensure a resilient supply chain during an unexpected disruption. In addition, this study…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to identify and prioritize capabilities and practices to ensure a resilient supply chain during an unexpected disruption. In addition, this study ranks maturity factors that influence the main capabilities identified.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is conducted in three stages. First, capabilities and practices are extracted through a literature review. Second, capabilities and practices are ranked using the analytical hierarchical process method. Third, a gray technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution method is used to rank maturity factors influencing capabilities.
Findings
The findings indicate that responsiveness, readiness, flexibility and adaptability are the most important capabilities for supply chain resilience. Also, commitment and communication are the highest maturity factors influencing resilience capabilities.
Research limitations/implications
The findings provide a hierarchical vision of capabilities and practices for industries to increase resilience. Limitations of the paper are related to capabilities, practices and number of experts consulted.
Practical implications
This paper highlights the importance of high-maturity practices in resilience capability adoption. The findings of this study will encourage decisions-makers to increase maturity practices to build resilience against disruption.
Originality/value
The paper reveals that developing powerful capabilities, good practices and a high level of maturity improve supply chain resilience.
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Ena Vejnovic, Sharon Purchase and Liudmila Tarabashkina
To this date, research on tensions has been carried out on business networks and value co-creation, with no studies exploring tensions within the marketing services context. This…
Abstract
Purpose
To this date, research on tensions has been carried out on business networks and value co-creation, with no studies exploring tensions within the marketing services context. This study aims to use the three tension categories proposed by Toth et al. (2018) and Pressey and Vanharanta (2006) to address this gap by identifying the tensions experienced in the market research agency (MRA), creative agency (CA) and client relationship, as well as the processes that increase or minimize these tensions.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 25 in-depth interviews were carried out with MRA, CA and client employees. NVivo 12 was used to conduct a thematic analysis to identify the overarching processes that influenced tensions.
Findings
Six second-order codes were identified, designating processes that exacerbated or minimized each of the three tensions experienced. Two new processes were identified (“adopting governance processes” and “aspects of identity formation”) which have not been previously reported. An empirical framework was developed pinpointing processes that influenced each tension category, also highlighting complex interdependencies between behavioral, emotional and structural tensions.
Originality/value
This study presents the perspectives of all actors within the marketing services triad providing a more nuanced understanding of tensions at the triadic level, as previous literature predominantly focused either on dyads or on networks. Furthermore, this study highlights important interdependencies between tension categories, providing novel contributions, as well as directions for future research.
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Moza Saeed Alketbi and Syed Zamberi Ahmad
This study aims to examine the roles of corporate social responsibility (CSR), green innovation (GI) and knowledge management (KM) in boosting sustainable practices (SPs). It also…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the roles of corporate social responsibility (CSR), green innovation (GI) and knowledge management (KM) in boosting sustainable practices (SPs). It also investigates the mediating effect of green innovation and the moderating effect of KM in the relationship between CSR and SPs.
Design/methodology/approach
Using measurement scales adapted from existing studies, a quantitative methodology with causal and deductive reasoning was used on data from an online survey with 322 respondents in manufacturing firms in the United Arab Emirates.
Findings
There was no direct significant positive relationship between CSR and SPs; the mediating role of GI was evident, whereas the moderating role of KM was not present.
Research limitations/implications
Only manufacturing enterprises are considered in this study, with a single geographical case study highlighting CSR efforts.
Practical implications
The findings reveal the positive influence of GI on CSR and SPs. This study contributes to the understanding of the influence of green processes and product innovation on applying social, environmental and sustainability practices to enhance the overall productivity, compliance, performance and well-being of the community.
Originality/value
This study collectively explores the causal relationships between these factors, besides offering new insights into the manufacturing industry in an emerging market.
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To make full use of the tensile strength of near surface mounting (NSM) pasted carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) strips and further increase the flexural bearing capacity…
Abstract
Purpose
To make full use of the tensile strength of near surface mounting (NSM) pasted carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) strips and further increase the flexural bearing capacity and flexibility of reinforced concrete (RC) beams, a new composite reinforcement method using ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) layer in the compression zone of RC beams is submitted based on embedding CFRP strips in the tension zone of RC beams. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned points.
Design/methodology/approach
The experimental beam was simulated by ABAQUS, and compared with the experimental results, the validity of the finite element model was verified. On this basis, the reinforced RC beam is used as the control beam, and parameters such as the CFRP strip number, UHPC layer thickness, steel bar ratio and concrete strength are studied through the verified model. In addition, the numerical calculation results of yield strength, ultimate strength, failure deflection and flexibility are also given.
Findings
The flexural bearing capacity of RC beams supported by the new method is 132.3% higher than that of unreinforced beams, and 7.8% higher than that of RC beams supported only with CFRP strips. The deflection flexibility coefficient of the new reinforced RC beam is 8.06, which is higher than that of the unreinforced beam and the reinforced concrete beam with only CFRP strips embedded in the tension zone.
Originality/value
In this paper, a new reinforcement method is submitted, and the effects of various parameters on the ultimate bearing capacity and flexibility of reinforced RC beams are analyzed by the finite element numerical simulation. Finally, the effectiveness of the new method is verified by the analytical formula.
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Rohit Kumar Singh and Sachin Modgil
The main aim of this study is to explore the relationship between information system flexibility and dynamic capabilities to build sustainable and net zero supply chains under the…
Abstract
Purpose
The main aim of this study is to explore the relationship between information system flexibility and dynamic capabilities to build sustainable and net zero supply chains under the influence of environmental dynamism.
Design/methodology/approach
We have formulated a self-administered survey, with 359 participants contributing responses. Prior to delving into foundational assumptions, such as homoscedasticity and normality, a nonresponse bias analysis was executed. The integrity of the data, in terms of reliability and construct validity, was gauged using confirmatory factor analysis. Subsequent regression outputs corroborated all the proposed assumptions, fortifying the extant scholarly literature.
Findings
The empirical findings of this research underscore a positive correlation between Information system flexibility, dynamic capabilities and a net zero supply chain, especially in the context of environmental dynamism. Data sourced from the cement manufacturing sector support these observations. We also found that environmental dynamism moderates the relationship between data analytics capability and sustainable supply chain flexibility but does not moderate the relationship between Resource flexibility and sustainable supply chain flexibility. Additionally, this research strengthens the foundational principles of the dynamic capability theory.
Originality/value
The conceptual framework elucidates the interplay between information system flexibility, dynamic capabilities, and sustainable supply chain flexibility, emphasizing their collective contribution towards achieving sustainable chain net zero, introducing environmental dynamics as a moderating variable that augments the scholarly discourse with a nuanced layer of analytical depth.
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Sara Rogerson, Martin Svanberg, Ceren Altuntas Vural, Sönke von Wieding and Johan Woxenius
Severe disruptions to maritime supply chains, including port closures, congestion and shortages in shipping capacity, have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper’s…
Abstract
Purpose
Severe disruptions to maritime supply chains, including port closures, congestion and shortages in shipping capacity, have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper’s purpose is to explore flexibility-based countermeasures that enable actors in maritime supply chains to mitigate the effects of disruptions with different characteristics.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with shipping lines, shippers, forwarders and ports. Data on the COVID-19 pandemic's effects and countermeasures were collected and compared with data regarding the 2016–2017 Gothenburg port conflict.
Findings
Spatial, capacity, service and temporal flexibility emerged as the primary countermeasures, whilst important characteristics of disruptions were geographical spread, duration, uncertainty, criticality, the element of surprise and intensity. Spatial flexibility was exercised in both disruptions by switching to alternative ports. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring capacity flexibility included first removing and then adding vessels. Shipping lines exercising service flexibility prioritised certain cargo, which made the spot market uncertain and reduced flexibility for forwarders, importers and exporters that changed carriers or traffic modes. Experience with disruptions meant less surprise and better preparation for spatial flexibility.
Practical implications
Understanding how actors in maritime supply chains exercise flexibility-based countermeasures amid disruptions with different characteristics can support preparedness for coming disruptions.
Originality/value
Comparing flexibility-based measures in a pandemic versus port conflict provides insights into the important characteristics of disruptions and the relevance of mitigation strategies. The resilience of maritime supply chains, although underexamined compared with manufacturing supply chains, is essential for maintaining global supply chain flows.
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Haizhe Yu, Xiaopeng Deng and Na Zhang
The smart contract provides an opportunity to improve existing contract management practices in the construction projects by replacing traditional contracts. However, translating…
Abstract
Purpose
The smart contract provides an opportunity to improve existing contract management practices in the construction projects by replacing traditional contracts. However, translating the contracts into computer languages is considered a major challenge which has not been investigated. Thus, it is necessary to: (1) identify the obstructing clauses in real-world contracts; and (2) analyze the replacement's technical and economic feasibility. This paper aims to discuss the aforementioned objectives.
Design/methodology/approach
This study identified the flexibility clauses of traditional contracts and their corresponding functions through inductive content analysis with representative standard contracts as materials. Through a speculative analysis in accordance to design science paradigm and new institutional economics, the economic and technical feasibility of existing approaches, including enumeration method, fuzzy algorithm, rough sets theory, machine learning and artificial intelligence, to transform respective clauses (functions) into executable codes are analyzed.
Findings
The clauses of semantic flexibility and structural flexibility are identified from the contracts. The transformation of semantic flexibility is economically and/or technically infeasible with existing methods and materials. But with more data as materials and methods of rough sets or machine learning, the transformation can be feasible. The transformation of structural flexibility is technically possible however economically unacceptable.
Practical implications
Given smart contracts' inability to provide the required flexibility for construction projects, smart contracts will be more effective in less relational contracts. For construction contracts, the combination of smart contracts and traditional contracts is recommended. In the long run, with the sharing or trading of data in the industry level and the integration of machine learning or artificial intelligence reducing relevant costs, the automation of contract management can be achieved.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the understanding of the smart contract's limitations in industry scenarios and its role in construction project management.
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The study aims to examine the impact of three types of supply chain integration (SCI) on supply chain flexibility (SCF), investigate the impact of SCF on supply chain performance…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to examine the impact of three types of supply chain integration (SCI) on supply chain flexibility (SCF), investigate the impact of SCF on supply chain performance (SCP) and analyse the indirect impact of SCI on SCP by considering the mediating role of SCF within the manufacturing sector of Jordan.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a quantitative approach to validate the study model. An online self-completed questionnaire was used to gather data from 219 participants from managers in various Jordanian manufacturing firms. SmartPLS software was used to perform structural equation modelling to test the formulated hypotheses.
Findings
Based on the findings of the study, firms in Jordan's manufacturing sector would benefit from developing an integrative and flexible supply chain to boost SCP in the present volatile, uncertain, complex and speculative market. In addition, SCP was significantly influenced by investments in supply chain management practices related to SCI and SCF. Moreover, SCF significantly moderated the relationship between SCI and SCP. Thus, SCI and SCF assisted firms in reaching their highest potential performance through increased productivity, decreased expenses and increased satisfaction of their customers.
Research limitations/implications
The study employed a cross-sectional design using SCF as a single construct. Future research should look into the specific type of SCFs that have an immense effect on SCP and how these types are affected by the three types of SCI. Furthermore, future research ought to employ probability sampling techniques to improve the generalizability of results or using a longitudinal data-collection design. Finally, additional research should be conducted to validate the findings of this study by replicating it in other specific industries or countries.
Originality/value
The study fills an identified gap based on previous studies by exploring the linkages between SCI, SCF and SCP in the context of manufacturing sector. Moreover, based on the relational view theory, the study proposed an assessment mechanism for SCP for firms based on the link between three types of SCI and SCF.
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Carla Maria Freitas Da Costa Freire and Lídia Costa Alves
The experience of working from home, which people had to deal with in the aftermath of the global pandemic crisis, was a test of resilience and does not necessarily have to be…
Abstract
Purpose
The experience of working from home, which people had to deal with in the aftermath of the global pandemic crisis, was a test of resilience and does not necessarily have to be analysed in a negative light. In this sense, this study aims to analyse the impact of the perceived schedule flexibility, in the context of telework, on stress and satisfaction with family life among academic staff. To this end, a model was implemented to analyse the mediation role of family–work conflict.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected from 248 questionnaires presented to educators and office staff at universities when teleworking was initiated due to the pandemic confinement. Structural equation analysis was designed to test the study hypotheses.
Findings
By applying a model which uses the effect of mediation of the family–work conflict, the results revealed that the perception of flexibility resulting from telework influences stress at work, as well as satisfaction with family life among academic staff.
Originality/value
There is a need to study the conditions required in the implementation of telework. This study is specifically intended to deepen some of the findings of previous studies in this area and to provide a greater understanding of how perceived flexibility can contribute to a decrease in stress and higher levels of satisfaction by reducing family interference with work.
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