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1 – 7 of 7Giuseppe Quaglia, Luca Bruzzone, Giorgio Bozzini, Riccardo Oderio and Roberto P. Razzoli
The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a robot for surveillance able to move in structured and unstructured environments and able to overcome obstacles with…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a robot for surveillance able to move in structured and unstructured environments and able to overcome obstacles with high energetic efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed Epi.q‐TG hybrid robot combines wheeled and legged locomotion. It is equipped with four three‐wheeled locomotion units; traction is generated by the two forecarriage units, while the two rear ones have same geometry but are idle. Each front unit is actuated by a single motor with the interposition of an epicyclical gearing, accurately designed in order to suitably switch between wheeled and legged motion. The robot changes locomotion mode from rolling on wheels (advancing mode) to stepping on legs (automatic climbing mode) according to local friction and dynamic conditions.
Findings
The experimental results confirm the design objectives. In advancing mode, the robot behaves like a four‐wheeled vehicle, with high speed and energetic efficiency. In automatic climbing mode, the robot can walk on uneven and soft terrains and overcome steps with remarkable height with respect to its dimensions (up to 84 per cent of the locomotion unit height).
Practical implications
Besides surveillance, Epi.q‐TG can be successfully used in many tasks in which it is useful to combine the advantages of wheeled and legged locomotion, e.g. unmanned inspection of nuclear and chemical sites, minesweeping, and intervention in disaster zones.
Originality/value
The core of the project is the epicyclical mechanism of the locomotion unit, which switches between advancing mode and automatic climbing mode without control action. This solution limits the control and actuation complexity and consequently the robot cost, widening the range of possible applications.
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Domenica Barile, Giustina Secundo and Pasquale Del Vecchio
Within food industry several changes and innovations are affecting the management of the entire supply chain (production, logistics, etc.). As strategy for the survival and…
Abstract
Purpose
Within food industry several changes and innovations are affecting the management of the entire supply chain (production, logistics, etc.). As strategy for the survival and competition, digitalization has assumed a crucial role during the pandemic emergence by causing the reconfiguration of traditional chains and business models. Framed in these premises, the research analyses how digital technologies have innovated the sub-chains of bakery products and pasta within food industry with reference to customers' interactions, delivery and marketing during the COVID-19 pandemic emergence.
Design/methodology/approach
Moving from a critical literature review about the perspectives of digital technologies within the tradition of food industry, action research has been adopted to analyze in deep a case study of the start-up “ArteBianca Delivery” located in South Italy. Through this method, researchers have been deeply involved within the start-up to face the challenge of transforming the marketing and customer care into digital ones due to the COVID-19 restriction.
Findings
Findings provide empirical evidence about the reconfiguration of the traditional business model of a family firm in the food sector into a digital one with the start-up “ArteBianca Delivery”. The marketing, delivery, e-commerce and customer care components of the business models have been supported and enhanced through the adoption of digital tools, such as mobile applications and social technologies useful both for users and for a more urgent digitization of company.
Practical implications
Implications for practice can be identified into the pattern of digital transformation implemented as well as in the opportunity of replication and contextualization of the results to other companies looking for setting up a digital strategy.
Originality/value
Elements of original contribution can be identified into: (1) the exploration of digital transformation in food family firms caused by the pandemic emergence, (2) the contextualization of the digital transformation to the sub-chains of bakery and pasta and (3) the geographical location of the case.
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Gioconda Mele, Guido Capaldo, Giustina Secundo and Vincenzo Corvello
In the landscape created by digital transformation, developing the ability to adapt and innovate by absorbing and generating new knowledge has become a strategic priority for…
Abstract
Purpose
In the landscape created by digital transformation, developing the ability to adapt and innovate by absorbing and generating new knowledge has become a strategic priority for organizations. The theory of dynamic capabilities, especially from a knowledge-based perspective, has proven particularly useful in studying the phenomena of transformation and change. Moving from this premise, this paper aims to map the state of research and to define guidelines for the actualization of dynamic capabilities theory in the digital transformation era.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured literature review of 75 papers, using descriptive, bibliographic and content analysis, was performed to analyze the evolution of dynamic capabilities in the context of digital transformation.
Findings
Studies concerning knowledge-based dynamic capabilities for digital transformation have been clustered into five main research areas: the micro-foundation of dynamic capabilities for digital transformation; dynamic capabilities for value creation in digital transformation; dynamic capabilities for digital transition in specific industries; dynamic capabilities for “data-driven organizations”; and dynamic capabilities for digital transformation in SMEs and family firms. A future research agenda for scholars in strategic management is presented.
Practical implications
A conceptual framework and a future research agenda are presented to highlight directions for this promising research field concerning the renewal of dynamic capabilities in the context of digital transformation.
Originality/value
The originality of the paper lies in the conceptual framework aiming to systematize current research on knowledge-based dynamic capabilities for digital transformation and to provide a new conceptualization of digital dynamic capabilities, clarifying how organizations create and share knowledge in the era of digitalization.
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Jamel Chouaibi, Giuseppe Festa, Gazi Mahabubul Alam and Matteo Rossi
The aim of this study is to investigate potential relationships between the corporate governance system and the innovation development process, with a specific focus on the…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to investigate potential relationships between the corporate governance system and the innovation development process, with a specific focus on the agri-food sector in the Tunisian context.
Design/methodology/approach
Most studies on innovation management have shown the collective nature of the innovation process, resulting from the multiple interactions that can be established between various actors, internal and external to the enterprise perimeter, which is increasingly digitally open, especially in the COVID-19 era. More specifically, the implementation of an innovation strategy is a risky issue for businesses, most of all when considering its financial requirements and impacts, and thus, appropriate management plays a relevant role in this respect.
Findings
Statistical tests, operated on a sample of 80 Tunisian companies, show that the style of management and the concentration of ownership exert significant influence on the dynamism of technological innovation in the agri-food sector.
Originality/value
The involvement and the commitment of institutional investors can contribute to stimulate the innovation process in the agri-food sector, providing related implications with significant impact, at the scientific and managerial level.
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This paper aims to demonstrate how the European regulatory structure of the financial markets has changed after the financial crisis. Drawing from these findings, it discusses how…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to demonstrate how the European regulatory structure of the financial markets has changed after the financial crisis. Drawing from these findings, it discusses how the regulatory system might change and be adapted to a post-Brexit financial market.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper takes a systematic/legal approach. First, it analyses the recent reform against the background of European law and corresponding research. In a second step, it discusses the implications of Brexit by examining policy and legal contributions.
Findings
The changes to the European regulatory and supervisory structure of the financial markets have proven to be a pacemaker for European administrative and treaty law. Long-standing principles have fundamentally changed. Brexit, on the other hand, even though equally severe might not lead to similar results.
Practical implications
The paper proposes a limited reform to the existing regulatory structure to consolidate developments, ease constitutional frictions and enable the regulatory authorities to react quickly to volatile markets via rule making.
Originality/value
The paper draws attention to an almost unnoticed development in European law. It also illustrates the effects of Brexit on the European financial markets.
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Marina Dabic, Carsten Nico Hjortsø, Giacomo Marzi and Božidar Vlačić