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1 – 10 of 474
Article
Publication date: 1 March 1987

G. Castelli and G. Lovati

The paper describes the results obtained by the integration of Polymer Thick Film and Printed Circuit Technologies. Polymer Thick Film (PTF) Technology, applied to PCB…

Abstract

The paper describes the results obtained by the integration of Polymer Thick Film and Printed Circuit Technologies. Polymer Thick Film (PTF) Technology, applied to PCB manufacturing, helps the designer's task considerably and offers an interesting way to achieve time and cost reduction. The use of conductive and dielectric materials to generate cross‐overs and low interconnection density multilayers on epoxy‐glass substrates is shown and basic design rules are discussed. The performances of PTF conductive materials from two different suppliers are investigated in terms of conductivity, current carrying capacity and contact resistance with the copper‐clad layer. Surface and bulk insulation resistance, capacitance, loss factor and breakdown voltage are studied for dielectric materials from two different suppliers. The effects of environmental tests, i.e., thermal shocks, high temperature storage and temperature‐humidity‐bias test, on the performances of dielectric and conductive PTF are investigated by means of suitable test patterns. Application examples of Transmission System boards are discussed in terms of design and manufacturing times and costs.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Article
Publication date: 15 November 2013

Federico Caniato, Antonella Moretto and Maria Caridi

This paper aims at developing a conceptual framework to identify the main features of supply chain innovation and to analyse the role of dynamic capabilities in implementing such…

5156

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims at developing a conceptual framework to identify the main features of supply chain innovation and to analyse the role of dynamic capabilities in implementing such innovations in the context of the fashion-luxury industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows an exploratory approach based on one in-depth case study. The theoretical framework, developed through the literature review, is applied to a Italian fashion-luxury company, thus exploring its applicability in a real context and obtaining evidence in the area of supply chain innovation.

Findings

The paper offers insights on supply chain innovation, by investigating an area under-explored in the existing literature. The paper provides a conceptual framework oriented to analyse the main features of supply chain innovation for fashion-luxury companies, by investigating the main determinants of innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed model provides initial insights into the topic of supply chain innovation in fashion-luxury companies. To date, the analysis is predominantly qualitative and therefore replication is needed to generalise the results.

Practical implications

The paper identifies three different perspectives of supply chain innovation and the relationships between supply chain innovation and other types of innovations, which are hopefully useful for managers that are willing to introduce innovation inside fashion-luxury companies.

Originality/value

The paper addresses a new topic, underexplored in the supply chain management literature, by considering a peculiar area of investigation, the fashion-luxury. Moreover, the paper investigates the topic of supply chain innovation through the support of empirical data.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 41 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 November 2021

Bianca Bindi, Romeo Bandinelli, Virginia Fani and Margherita Emma Paola Pero

The purpose of this paper was to investigate what types of supply chain strategies (SCS) are implemented within luxury fashion companies, according to the drivers that regulate…

10467

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate what types of supply chain strategies (SCS) are implemented within luxury fashion companies, according to the drivers that regulate competitiveness in this sector (brand positioning, distribution channel, type and line of product). Moreover, the objective was to define which key performance indicators (KPIs) should be measured according to the chosen strategy, and finally to evaluate the alignment of luxury fashion companies with the proposed indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review was the first step performed. Thereafter, a case study was conducted and the sample, composed of six companies, was selected, a questionnaire was then developed to guide the interviews, after which the data were collected. From the data, a primary case analysis was conducted, from which cross-case patterns were also researched.

Findings

From the results obtained, it was possible to state that companies involved in the case study adopted different SCS within the same company according to the drivers that regulate the sector competitiveness. As a result, the product line was shown to be the only driver that affected both the alignment between the expected and implemented SCS, respectively, and the alignment with the selected KPIs.

Originality/value

The paper provides valuable insights to companies that are trying to align SCS and KPIs. The close link between these aspects had not yet been explored previously. In particular, there were no indications about the KPIs that have to be measured for a specific SCS.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 72 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 24 August 2023

Silvia Baiocco, Luna Leoni and Paola Maria Anna Paniccia

This paper aims to enhance understanding of how sustainable entrepreneurship (SE) contributes to sustainable development in the tourism sector. To do so, specific factors that act…

1154

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to enhance understanding of how sustainable entrepreneurship (SE) contributes to sustainable development in the tourism sector. To do so, specific factors that act as enablers or inhibitors of SE are identified according to a co-evolutionary lens.

Design/methodology/approach

A co-evolutionary explanation of the firm? Environment relationship is adopted to undertake a qualitative empirical study of the Castelli Romani tourism destination (Italy), via 23 semi-structured interviews according to a narrative approach.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that entrepreneurs play a crucial role in sustainable development but cannot act in isolation. In fact, according to the co-evolutionary approach, they influence and are influenced by 20 factors. Accordingly, SE can be conceptualised as resulting from effective co-evolutionary interactions between micro (i.e. entrepreneurs and their firm), meso (i.e. the destination where tourism firms are based) and macro (i.e. the wider socio-economic and natural system) levels.

Practical implications

Several actions are suggested to entrepreneurs and policymakers to help achieve specific sustainable development goals. These actions focus on: (1) training courses, (2) investments in technologies, (3) creation of innovative business models, (4) exploitation of cultural and natural resources, (5) community involvement and (6) multi-level partnerships.

Originality/value

This is the first study that adopts a co-evolutionary lens to investigate the influencing factors of SE in tourism, shedding light on the effects of their dynamic interdependence. Thus, it provides a more nuanced SE conceptualisation that takes a holistic and dynamic view of sustainability.

Details

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, vol. 30 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1462-6004

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2017

Alessandro Brun, Cecilia Castelli and Hakan Karaosman

Globalization and advanced manufacturing capabilities changed industrial dynamics. To this end, not only were new retail concepts developed to broaden the distribution toward…

5466

Abstract

Purpose

Globalization and advanced manufacturing capabilities changed industrial dynamics. To this end, not only were new retail concepts developed to broaden the distribution toward larger consumer bases, but alternative ways were also sought to reorganize supply networks for a balance between local and global production. Yet, the choice of supply network configurations must be coherent with a fashion companies’ critical success factors. Hence, it is pivotal to understand how such large brand portfolios and global supply networks could be effectively managed in a united way. In this vein, the purpose of this paper is to explain how the triplet of product, brand, and retail channel could affect SC performance, and how the positioning of a luxury company could depend on managerial attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach

Subsequent to an extensive literature review, 30 most frequently quoted key performance indicators (KPIs) were derived. A Delphi study was then employed to reach a consensus and 17 key KPIs were derived considering the key SC performance areas and marketing dimensions. Survey technique was deployed to examine the impact of strategic combinations of product, brand, and retail channel on SC strategy. Survey results were analyzed through factor analysis where five principal components emerged to represent performance areas. ANOVA technique was then employed to explore the dependence between product-brand-retail channel and key performance areas.

Findings

Brand, retail channel, and product directly affect operational performance. The positioning of a fashion company would depend on its management attitude toward strategy segmentation and considered stage of the SC. The respondents’ profile analysis further showed a preference to segment the SC based on products. Interestingly, this finding is not aligned with earlier research (Brun and Castelli, 2008) suggesting that the brand was to become the most relevant driver for SC segmentation.

Originality/value

Academic development and empirical testing is rather rare in the luxury fashion context. Undeniably, SC strategies represent a very relevant issue for fashion companies, and the present study could be considered a first statistical step toward SC segmentation for luxury fashion companies.

Details

Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-2026

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 October 2015

Cecilia Maria Castelli and Andrea Sianesi

The purpose of this paper is to show how it is possible to take into account the objectives that fashion-luxury companies pursue on the final market (i.e. critical success factors…

6047

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how it is possible to take into account the objectives that fashion-luxury companies pursue on the final market (i.e. critical success factors (CSF) – of luxury) and propagate them in the upstream steps of the supply chain (SC) in order to understand how the latter can be aligned to the market.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review allowed the identification of SC objectives. Case studies were used in order to asses choices and practices applied along the SC of luxury companies were assessed through in depth case studies; hence, the relationship between choices/practices, SC objectives and luxury CSF was explored.

Findings

The paper documents that success in the luxury market not only depends on branding and marketing but also on the choices made along the SC, to the point that it is possible to identify some SC choices and practices that support the achievement of luxury CSF.

Research limitations/implications

The results presented represent a useful guideline and offer some methodological suggestions; however, the precise set of SC objectives have to be tailored on each specific brand, according to the uniqueness that characterizes luxury companies.

Practical implications

The paper suggests which areas of the SC should be mostly targeted in order to achieve success in the luxury market, also indicating some possible concrete choices.

Originality/value

The main value of this paper consists in shaping a first explicit connection among the world of luxury as it is perceived by the consumers and the world of the SC.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 43 no. 10/11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 July 2021

Maicom Sergio Brandao, Moacir Godinho Filho and Andrea Lago da Silva

This study aims to identify the main elements that describe the luxury supply chain. It discusses the relationship between them in a framework that organises and summarises the…

1610

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to identify the main elements that describe the luxury supply chain. It discusses the relationship between them in a framework that organises and summarises the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted that returned 288 papers, which were selected based on specific quality and theme criteria. Content analysis was used to investigate the alignment of critical success factors with the performance goals and configuration elements of luxury supply chains in the final sample of 66 papers.

Findings

The results provide a framework that clarifies the relationship between the configuration elements and supply chain performance goals and the critical success factors for three different levels of the luxury market. Depending on the level of luxury, performance goals and configuration elements assume a different importance and different characteristics. An understanding of these differences is relevant for defining strategies and managing luxury supply chains properly. The three different configurations also reveal new research avenues to be further investigated.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited in terms of its data source as the papers reviewed were collected from only three academic databases.

Practical implications

The findings of this work help incorporate knowledge about luxury supply chain management into a framework that can be easily used for defining strategies and organising the supply chain according to the different levels of luxury.

Originality/value

This study represents an important evolution in organising the current literature on luxury supply chain management into a framework that covers critical success factors, supply chain performance goals and configuration elements for three different levels of luxury, which in turn creates promising opportunities for future enquiry.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 51 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 October 2015

Elisa d'Avolio, Romeo Bandinelli, Margherita Pero and Rinaldo Rinaldi

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how luxury Italian fashion companies manage the replenishment process, and how they leverage supply chain (SC) to be able to match…

1949

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how luxury Italian fashion companies manage the replenishment process, and how they leverage supply chain (SC) to be able to match supply and demand of fashion products.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review was the first step performed; then, a case study research has been conducted in order to have a comprehensive view of the real context of luxury Italian fashion companies concerning merchandise planning and replenishment processes. After the sample was individuated, a questionnaire has guided the interviews and then data have been collected. Analysing data has concerned a primary case analysis and then cross-case patterns have been searched. Finally, several variables coherent to the aim of the study have been pinpointed and a framework has been designed.

Findings

The paper provides a characterization of the luxury Italian fashion industry concerning merchandise planning constraints and the replenishment processes. To guarantee the flexibility required to match supply and demand when there is a high percentage of seasonal products in the collection, companies leverage on both downstream and upstream SC alignment.

Originality/value

The enhancement of performance within the fashion SC is a topic not too much examined in depth, in particular referring to the luxury fashion companies and to the Italian context. Aligning upstream and downstream activities, information sharing between vendor and retailer and securing strategic alliances with the suppliers constitute important steps to reach flexibility and reactivity and to be in step with the market needs. The paper provides valuable insights to companies that are trying to decrease their lost sales and to increase their sell-out and customer service through a review of their SC processes.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 43 no. 10/11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2010

Cecilia Maria Castelli and Alessandro Brun

The purpose of this paper is to assess the use of alignment practices between manufacturers and retailers; it focuses on the Italian fashion industry.

6226

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the use of alignment practices between manufacturers and retailers; it focuses on the Italian fashion industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach is adopted (case studies of fashion retailers in Italy), involving both documentary analysis and structured interviews with retail and store managers, with the aim of assessing the level of channel alignment between manufacturer and retailer.

Findings

The paper gives an overview of the extent to which fashion retailers in Italy pursue channel alignment; it suggests a relationship between the degree of alignment and two relevant drivers (channel type and lifecycle phase).

Research limitations/implications

A descriptive analysis with exploratory purpose is provided. The overall research plan includes expanding the analysis and final testing through quantitative methods.

Originality/value

The paper analyses the role of retail channel alignment in the fashion industry from an operational point of view; helps understanding the need for alignment with respect to channel type and lifecycle phase.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 November 2013

Alessandro Brun and Cecilia Castelli

The purpose of this paper is threefold: to provide an overview of the literature defining “luxury”; to suggest that luxury goods be distinguished from other goods through the…

27609

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: to provide an overview of the literature defining “luxury”; to suggest that luxury goods be distinguished from other goods through the presence of critical success factors (CSF) and to identify different dimensions of luxury; and to introduce a new classification framework to analyse luxury consumers profiles and to explain the personal perception of luxury.

Design/methodology/approach

The first part of the paper is a critical discussion of the literature around the concept of luxury; the second part shows the application of an original classification framework, validated through a number of focus groups carried out with participants of Masters and executive training courses.

Findings

The concept of luxury is a multifaceted one. A comprehensive approach to classify luxury consumers is used first of all to reveal different customer profiles, and also to prove that the tangible/intangible and personal/social distinctions are relevant for understanding the motivations underlying the purchase of a luxury product.

Research limitations/implications

The model has been validated using four “archetypal” luxury goods (a bag, a bracelet, and so on). Nonetheless, the range of possible luxury goods and the set of possible consumer ' s motives behind luxury spend are so wide that a much more extended testing is required.

Originality/value

The newly proposed model would allow a luxury company to better assess their target market and their current customers, while scholars and analysts might find it useful to define the scope of the luxury market when estimating market figures.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 41 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

1 – 10 of 474