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Article
Publication date: 22 March 2013

Karin Isaksson and Maria Huge‐Brodin

Awareness of environmental impacts on society is increasing among companies. In order to turn environmental problems into business opportunities, many companies are beginning to…

3900

Abstract

Purpose

Awareness of environmental impacts on society is increasing among companies. In order to turn environmental problems into business opportunities, many companies are beginning to consider how environmental, or green aspects can be integrated into their service offerings. This opportunity can be of specific interest to logistics service providers, whose core business is an environmental impact in itself. The purpose of this article is to indicate where green‐labelled logistics service providers are positioned today in their development, and to seek the underlying rationale in development of green service offerings.

Design/methodology/approach

This article takes a logistics service provider's perspective and is based on a multiple case study of six companies. The analysis is based on cross‐case analysis, and empirical, as well as theoretical, pattern matching.

Findings

The attitude towards a green approach differs among the case companies: while some are working towards a green integration throughout the entire business, others offer green alternatives to the original service offering. The results point to possible explanations for these differences, and include differences in range of service offerings, size, and to different management principles for green aspects.

Practical implications

The article can inspire logistics service providers in their continuing work to integrate green initiatives into the company. By introducing alternative green approaches in the development of service offerings, logistics service providers can match their own business and context with alternative rationales.

Originality/value

While most of the green logistics research focuses on the logistics system's characteristics, this article offers initial insights into how the integration of green aspects into logistics services can impact logistics service providers.

Book part
Publication date: 14 December 2023

Sasidharan Raman Nair, Mohd Rushidi bin Mohd Amin, Vinesh Maran Sivakumaran and Shishi Kumar Piaralal

In 2020, the logistics market in Malaysia was valued at USD 37.60 billion, and it is projected to grow to more than USD 55.0 billion by 2026 at a compound annual growth rate…

Abstract

In 2020, the logistics market in Malaysia was valued at USD 37.60 billion, and it is projected to grow to more than USD 55.0 billion by 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 4%. However, more information is needed about the impact of green logistic practice determinants by the local SMEs on the market share. This study serves as a focal point by examining the factors involved by offering a conceptual framework of determinants and their potential outcomes. This study contributes by demonstrating a conceptual, theoretical framework derived from the synthesis of two theory such as the Resource-Based View theory and the Diffusion of Innovation Theory. At the same time, it offers a holistic approach with an in-depth understanding of the Technological and Organizational factors of SMEs. The relationship between the implementation of green practices and organizational performance is also explored.

Article
Publication date: 15 August 2023

Linchi Kwok and Michael S. Lin

This study aims to assess green food packages’ role in sustaining a restaurant’s curbside pickup service on three stages of consumer experiences: choosing a restaurant, evaluating…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess green food packages’ role in sustaining a restaurant’s curbside pickup service on three stages of consumer experiences: choosing a restaurant, evaluating their experiences of a recent purchase and weighing their post-consumption behavioral intentions after the recent purchase.

Design/methodology/approach

The service encounters framework and relevant literature guided the development of the questionnaire. A Qualtrics panel data of 314 valid questionnaires were collected and analyzed with choice experience, ordinary least squares regression and PROCESS modeling.

Findings

First, word-of-mouth (WOM) and function encounters significantly influence consumers’ first-time curbside pickup purchasing decisions. Then, service results encounter (besides distributor encounter) most significantly affects consumers’ overall curbside pickup experience. Finally, green food packages increase consumers’ shares of future purchases through their positive WOM intentions and extra efforts of revisiting the restaurant. Consumers’ perceived importance of green restaurant practices strengthens green food packages’ positive impact on extra efforts.

Practical implications

This study provides operational and marketing insights for restaurants to use food packages and sustain their curbside pickup service.

Originality/value

Besides assessing consumers’ evaluations and behavioral intentions for an off-premises restaurant service expected to stay beyond the pandemic, this research uniquely focuses on green food packages, a sustainability issue lacking research attention. The findings add new empirical insights to studies about sustainability and restaurant/food–retail operations.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 17 February 2023

Uni Sallnäs and Maria Björklund

Whilst green distribution alternatives for consumers have the potential to decrease environmental impact from logistics, retailers struggle to provide such alternatives. The…

2483

Abstract

Purpose

Whilst green distribution alternatives for consumers have the potential to decrease environmental impact from logistics, retailers struggle to provide such alternatives. The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of the factors that hinder retailers from offering green distribution alternatives to consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relies on a multiple case-study of three cases, with one retailer constituting each case. Semi-structured interviews with seven respondents and visits to the retailers' checkouts were used for data collection.

Findings

The offering of green distribution alternatives is a complex task for retailers, with barriers related to six categories (organisational, financial, retailer-logistic service provider (LSP) market, retailer-consumer market, governmental and technological barriers) obstructing the way forward. A process towards offering green distribution services, including barriers and potential mitigation strategies, is suggested.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to a Swedish context, and further research could consider how barriers would manifest themselves in countries with other characteristics.

Practical implications

A framework with barriers and mitigation strategies offers guidance for managers within e-commerce.

Social implications

The greening of logistics is an important quest towards world-wide sustainability goals, and this paper contributes with an increased understanding of how to decrease environmental impact from e-commerce distribution.

Originality/value

The paper is one of few that takes the consumer side of the greening of logistics into account, thus contributing with valuable perspectives to this scarce body of literature.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 34 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 June 2020

Uni Sallnäs and Maria Björklund

This paper takes its starting point in the possibilities consumers have to influence the greening of distribution. It focuses on three key actors who can facilitate consumer…

1577

Abstract

Purpose

This paper takes its starting point in the possibilities consumers have to influence the greening of distribution. It focuses on three key actors who can facilitate consumer influence, namely e-tailers, logistics service providers (LSPs) and the consumers themselves. The purpose is to illuminate consumers' possibilities to influence the greening of distribution by exploring the communication between LSPs, e-tailers and consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Website scans of the 40 largest Swedish e-tailers and ten LSPs were combined with interviews of three e-tailers and three LSPs.

Findings

The findings suggest that consumers at present have limited possibilities to influence the greening of distribution. One reason for this is the limited communication between LSPs, e-tailers and consumers. A gap in communication arises because e-tailers determine how to promote distribution alternatives on their websites, while it is the LSPs who develop and offer green distribution services.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides a first step in our understanding of what is needed in order to facilitate green distribution decisions from e-consumers.

Practical implications

E-tailers can gain an increased understanding of their important role as facilitators of environmentally sound decisions for consumers through their design of websites. This study also highlights the need for LSPs to support e-tailers in this work.

Social implications

The study contributes to the societal striving towards zero greenhouse gas emission by focussing on decreasing environmental effects by using suitable logistics.

Originality/value

In contrast with previous research into the environmental impact of e-commerce distribution, this study investigates the possibilities consumers have to influence green logistics within e-commerce.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 48 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 March 2022

André Hackbarth, Timo Tremml and Sabine Löbbe

The purpose of this study is to examine private households’ preferences for service bundles in the German energy market.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine private households’ preferences for service bundles in the German energy market.

Design/methodology/approach

This investigation is based on survey data collected from 3,663 customers of seven mainly municipal energy suppliers in the German energy market. The data set was analyzed via a binary logistic regression model to identify the most prospective customers and their preferences regarding bundles of energy services.

Findings

The results indicate that potential adopters of energy-related service bundles have greater prior knowledge about service bundles; place higher importance on simplified handling, flat rates and long price guarantees; prefer to purchase a service bundle from an energy supplier; live in urban areas and have a gas tariff; are both less likely to have a green electricity tariff and to support the German energy transition; have a greater intention to purchase a smart home product; are less likely to already be prosumers; and prefer customer centers and social media as communication channels with energy providers.

Practical implications

This paper offers several implications for decision-makers in developing marketing strategies for bundled offerings in a highly competitive energy market.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the sparse research on service bundles in the energy sector, despite the growing interest of energy suppliers and consumers in this topic. It expands the research focusing on the telecommunications sector.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 14 December 2023

Muhammad Faisal Sultan, Muhammad Nawaz Tunio, Ghazala Shaukat and Muhammad Asim

The shift in consumer focus towards green marketing mix elements is not a unique thing. Especially in recent times, most organizations are trying to implement green marketing…

Abstract

The shift in consumer focus towards green marketing mix elements is not a unique thing. Especially in recent times, most organizations are trying to implement green marketing strategies in order to influence customers as well as to reduce the negative impacts of environmental footprints. However, in recent times service marketing requires thorough implementation of a Green Marketing Mix as evidenced by Asian countries. However, research also claims that the use of a traditional green marketing mix is not a guarantee of success in the long run and therefore has been criticized by several researchers and scholars. Hence, there is a need to follow the Green-SIVA (Solution, Information, Access, and Value) concept in order to create a long-lasting impact on consumer buying and to discuss the application of tools in a more comprehensive manner. Although the linkage of Green-SIVA marketing might provide a new way to develop an effective marketing mix strategy for services. Hence, this chapter has been written purposely to discuss GMM elements with reference to the service industry of Pakistan and tries to develop an association with green-SIVA marketing practices in order to optimize service marketing practices.

Details

Entrepreneurship and Green Finance Practices
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-679-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 October 2023

Moh'd Anwer AL-Shboul

This study attempts to examine the relationship between reliable big and cloud data analytics capabilities (RB&CDACs) and comparative advantages (CA) of manufacturing firms (MFs…

Abstract

Purpose

This study attempts to examine the relationship between reliable big and cloud data analytics capabilities (RB&CDACs) and comparative advantages (CA) of manufacturing firms (MFs) in the Middle East region as developing countries using green product innovation (GPI) and green process innovations (GPrI) mediating factors, further assess the role of data-driven competitive sustainability factor as a moderated factor.

Design/methodology/approach

436 useable online surveys were analyzed using the quantitative approach for the data-gathering process, applying structural equation modeling in the Smart-PLS program as an analysis tool. The sample unit for analysis included all middle- and senior-level managers and employees within MFs. The authors performed convergent validity and discriminant validity tests, bootstrapping also was applied. The authors included GPI and GPrI as mediating factors while using data-driven competitive sustainability as a moderated factor.

Findings

The findings of this study indicated that there is a positive significant effect in the relationship between reliable big and cloud data analytics capabilities and comparative advantages, which is supported by the formulated hypothesis. Furthermore, the findings confirmed that there was a positive and significant effect through the mediating factors (i.e. GPI and GPrI) on comparative advantage, additionally, it confirmed and supported that the moderating factor represented by data-driven competitive advantage suitability has significant effect as well.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations represented by using only one type of methodological approach (i.e. quantitative), further, it was conducted on only Asian countries in the Middle East region.

Originality/value

This piece of work improved the proposed conceptual research model and included several factors such as reliable big and cloud data analytics capabilities, comparative advantage, data-driven competitive sustainability, GPI and GPrI. This research offered new and valuable information and findings for managers, practitioners and decision-makers in the MFs in the Middle East region as a road map and gaudiness for the importance to apply these factors in their firms for enhancing the comparative advantages in their firms. Further, this research fills the gap in SCM literature and makes a bridge of knowledge and contribution to the existence of previous studies.

Article
Publication date: 5 April 2022

Mauro Vivaldini

This study discusses the influence of logistical immediacy on logistics service providers' (LSPs’) business. Specifically, its role in the face of the emerging business scenario…

1036

Abstract

Purpose

This study discusses the influence of logistical immediacy on logistics service providers' (LSPs’) business. Specifically, its role in the face of the emerging business scenario (e-commerce, disruptive technologies, and new models of logistical services) is examined.

Design/methodology/approach

As logistical immediacy is a nascent topic, this study utilizes a systematic literature review focusing on academic articles from the last five years related to logistical outsourcing to understand the changes imposed by logistical immediacy on LSPs.

Findings

The impact of transformations arising from an increasingly digital virtual world (DVW) on LSPs is contextualized. A theoretical view of the factors affecting LSPs' shift towards more immediate operations is presented, and how logistical immediacy impacts LSPs is discussed. Finally, a research agenda is presented as the study's main contribution.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the timeframe chosen, the restriction to a single database (Scopus), the specific search terms used related to LSPs, and limiting the search parameters to operations management, some relevant work may have been overlooked.

Practical implications

The article help LSPs' and contracting companies' managers to understand the influence of the immediacy expected in logistics operations. Possible logistics services trends and how they may impact companies are discussed.

Originality/value

This is one of the first articles in the area of operations and supply chains that addresses the issue of logistical immediacy and its impact on LSPs.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 February 2024

Moh’d Anwer AL-Shboul

This study attempts to explore the linkages between reliable big and cloud data analytics capabilities (RB&CDACs) and the comparative advantage (CA) that applies in the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study attempts to explore the linkages between reliable big and cloud data analytics capabilities (RB&CDACs) and the comparative advantage (CA) that applies in the manufacturing sector in the countries located in North Africa (NA). These are considered developing countries through generating green product innovation (GPI) and using green process innovations (GPrLs) in their processes and functions as mediating factors, as well as the moderating role of data-driven competitive sustainability (DDCS).

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the aim of this study, 346 useable surveys out of 1,601 were analyzed, and valid responses were retrieved for analysis, representing a 21.6% response rate by applying the quantitative methodology for collecting primary data. Convergent validity and discriminant validity tests were applied to structural equation modeling (SEM) in the CB-covariance-based structural equation modeling (SEM) program, and the data reliability was confirmed. Additionally, a multivariate analysis technique was used via CB-SEM, as hypothesized relationships were evaluated through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and then the hypotheses were tested through a structural model. Further, a bootstrapping technique was used to analyze the data. We included GPI and GPrI as mediating factors, while using DDCS as a moderated factor.

Findings

The empirical findings indicated that the proposed moderated-mediation model was accepted due to the relationships between the constructs being statistically significant. Further, the findings showed that there is a significant positive effect in the relationship between reliable BCDA capabilities and CAs as well as a mediating effect of GPI and GPrI, which is supported by the proposed formulated hypothesis. Additionally, the findings confirmed that there is a moderating effect represented by data-driven competitive advantage suitability between GPI, GPrI and CA.

Research limitations/implications

One of the main limitations of this study is that an applied cross-sectional study provides a snapshot at a given moment in time. Furthermore, it used only one type of methodological approach (i.e. quantitative) rather than using mixed methods to reach more accurate data.

Originality/value

This study developed a theoretical model that is obtained from reliable BCDA capabilities, CA, DDCS, green innovation and GPrI. Thus, this piece of work bridges the existing research gap in the literature by testing the moderated-mediation model with a focus on the manufacturing sector that benefits from big data analytics capabilities to improve levels of GPI and competitive advantage. Finally, this study is considered a road map and gaudiness for the importance of applying these factors, which offers new valuable information and findings for managers, practitioners and decision-makers in the manufacturing sector in the NA region.

Details

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

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 4000