Search results
1 – 10 of 10Jan Schiefer and Christian Fischer
Expert wine awards are commonly used by consumers to reduce complexity in wine choice but little is known about expert vs non‐expert perceptions of sensory wine quality. This…
Abstract
Purpose
Expert wine awards are commonly used by consumers to reduce complexity in wine choice but little is known about expert vs non‐expert perceptions of sensory wine quality. This paper aims to examine if expert ratings are suitable quality indicators for consumers and whether there are certain groups of consumers that find expert awards more useful than others.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper compares German consumer ratings obtained in a sensory laboratory with German Agricultural Society's quality competition awards. it tests for the correspondence between expert and non‐expert ratings and for the concordance within the non‐expert group. Estimation of a linear mixed model serves to identify consumer‐side variables with an influence on individual rating distance.
Findings
Correspondence between expert and non‐experts and concordance within the non‐expert group were found to be insignificant. Experienced wine consumers with sufficient specific knowledge and superior self‐reported sensory skills better replicated expert ratings.
Research limitations/implications
With 216 wine ratings obtained from 36 German consumers, the number of observations is small. Future research should verify above findings by considering more consumers and the stability of ratings across time.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that although some consumer segments may find expert awards to be useful decision cues, for a large portion of the market, there is demand for a more consumer‐orientated system of sensory quality evaluation and labelling.
Originality/value
This paper is the first to address the usefulness of expert ratings to novice and experienced wine consumer populations. The statistical procedures employed (including linear mixed modelling) are shown to be useful techniques to handle the repeated measurement nature of the data.
Details
Keywords
Gert Jan Hofstede, Melanie Fritz, Maurizio Canavari, Elsje Oosterkamp and Gert‐jan van Sprundel
This paper aims to develop a hierarchical typology of trust elements for business‐to‐business trade among European companies in the food sector.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a hierarchical typology of trust elements for business‐to‐business trade among European companies in the food sector.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper integrates desk research literature study and a qualitative survey of food industry companies. An extensive literature review about inter‐organizational trust lays a foundation for designing a draft typology based on previous studies, with special attention paid to the influence of culture. Fine‐tuning and validation of the typology is achieved through an exploratory field study based on 18 qualitative in‐depth interviews with key informants in five EU countries, involving practitioners from the fresh fruit and vegetable, grain, meat and olive supply chains.
Findings
A detailed typology of trust is developed. Although it is highly specific to the food industry, it is designed to be neutral to culture and sector, thus allowing the identification of differences in culture when dealing with trust building elements in different sectors in the food supply chain.
Research limitations/implications
Since the buyer's perspective is adopted in this paper, further research is needed to validate the typology on the seller side. The typology developed here must also be tested in practice, for instance within a descriptive research quantitative study, aimed at quantifying the relative importance of the different trust elements.
Practical implications
The typology stimulates the consideration of cross‐cultural or cross‐sector differences in the salience of trust attributes and its construction process confirms that reputation management is an extremely important determinant of success or failure. It can serve as a checklist for any company that is interested in improving its relationships with suppliers or buyers.
Originality/value
The paper adds to the body of knowledge about inter‐organizational trust, providing researchers with a useful tool for conducting experimental research on trust creation mechanisms.
Details
Keywords
Sari Forsman‐Hugg, Juha‐Matti Katajajuuri, Inkeri Riipi, Johanna Mäkelä, Katja Järvelä and Päivi Timonen
This paper aims to identify and define the content of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for the food chain.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify and define the content of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for the food chain.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research approach was applied in the study, based on participatory and case study research methodologies. The study drew on three different case food products and their supply chains: rye bread, broiler chicken products and margarine. The content of CSR was built through participatory workshops, the aim of which was to elicit the ideas of different stakeholder groups.
Findings
The study identified seven key dimensions of food chain CSR: environment, product safety, corporate nutritional responsibility, occupational welfare, animal health and welfare, local market presence and economic responsibility.
Originality/value
The results provide food and agribusiness companies with a better understanding of core CSR issues and their relevance in complex chains and networks. This may encourage the companies to promote their activities in a more responsible and sustainable direction and offer elements to build sustainable business cases. In addition, the results may indicate a change towards broader understanding of what is meant by corporate social responsibility.
Details
Keywords
Valdemar Smith and Jan Bentzen
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Danish wine industry and then concentrate on production and discuss which factors are of importance for producing high‐quality wines…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Danish wine industry and then concentrate on production and discuss which factors are of importance for producing high‐quality wines. Historically, Denmark has not been a wine‐producing country primarily due to sub‐optimal climate conditions, but during the latest decade, entrepreneurial growers have entered the business of wine production by establishing small wine fields and investing in professional production facilities.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a rich longitudinal micro data set from the Association of Danish Wine Growers, an econometric model is set up in order to explain the chances of obtaining awards at the yearly Danish Wine Contest, i.e. signalling “quality”.
Findings
Contrary to the authors' hypotheses, field slope, field direction, size and commercial status of the producer have no influence on quality. However, the natural sugar content at harvest, grape variety, soil and growers' experience have the anticipated influence. But unobservable characteristics seem important. Spirit and entrepreneurial enthusiasm of the growers in an emerging wine industry also appear to be of importance.
Practical implications
Awards at wine contests signal quality to the market, which can be used in the sales strategy of the growers, thereby getting higher prices for their wines and overcoming potential “lemon‐market” effects due to asymmetric information on the market. Furthermore, noting that awards can be explained by specific factors, this may be an efficient guide for the producers to optimize their quality‐costs relationship.
Originality/value
The analysis of the Danish wine industry is carried out by the use of a longitudinal micro data set. A hedonic model of wine quality is estimated by using econometric methods.
Details
Keywords
Mugdha Vinod Dani and Aradhana Vikas Gandhi
Innovation is an engine that drives the organization and allows it to outcompete in the economic environment. This paper aims to analyze scientific publications between 1980 and…
Abstract
Purpose
Innovation is an engine that drives the organization and allows it to outcompete in the economic environment. This paper aims to analyze scientific publications between 1980 and January 2021 concerning innovation indicators at organizational and individual levels. The study identifies 11 unique indicators to evaluate innovation, thus enhancing existing knowledge in the domain.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 175 randomly selected journal articles were systematically analyzed.
Findings
While innovation has received significant attention in the commercial sector, the focus on the construct in academic research has remained relatively narrow. The analysis offers a comprehensive view of innovation drivers at an organizational and individual level.
Research limitations/implications
The literature review offers a deeper understanding of the indicators of innovation impacting organizational performance.
Originality/value
The analysis and methodology discussed aim to assist managers, researchers and policymakers in comprehending the various innovation indicators; such understanding may enhance individual and organizational efficiency.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to examine the recent horsemeat scandal in European markets. The paper is primarily interested in how this scandal has festered and what perhaps ought…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the recent horsemeat scandal in European markets. The paper is primarily interested in how this scandal has festered and what perhaps ought to be done to ensure consumers get what they feel they should be getting. It also attempts to identify the lapses that have created the basis for this to happen.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper mainly draws on reports in the media and discussions generated following the scandal to assess the issues under consideration. It also looks at the issues surrounding the global supply chain environment and provides solutions on how to strengthen the weak links in the meat supply chain.
Findings
The paper finds that the scandal has damaged consumer confidence in the industry's ability to regulate itself. It notes that pinpointing risk has become a difficult struggle as retailers are often inundated with data, and suppliers, for lack of time, have become reluctant to “waste time” completing check-lists and audits. The paper maintains that there is the urgent need for adequate inspection and a means to incentivise the food industry to police itself much better. It recognises that lack of visibility and a lack of direct influence over suppliers further down the supply chain have led to distinct problems within the food industry.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to an ongoing discussion that has been of considerable concern to many consumers. Its importance lies in the fact that it suggests important measures, which, if implemented, could help in ensuring the elimination of fraud in the food chain.
Details
Keywords
Man Mohan Siddh, Gunjan Soni, Rakesh Jain and Milind Kumar Sharma
The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of perishable food supply chain quality (PFSCQ) and to suggest a structural model that counts the influence of PFSCQ practices…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of perishable food supply chain quality (PFSCQ) and to suggest a structural model that counts the influence of PFSCQ practices on organizational sustainable performance.
Design/methodology/approach
On the basis of comprehensive literature review, PFSCQ highly significant practices were examined and designated. These practices were classified into four dimensions: upstream quality (supplier quality), downstream quality (customer focus), internal quality (process and logistics quality) and support practices (top management leadership and commitment to quality, quality of human resource, quality of information and supply chain integration). The measurement instrument of organizational sustainable performance was also build on, containing three aspects: economic, environmental and social performance.
Findings
An inventive conceptual model that specifies a comprehensive image cover up core dimensions of PFSCQ and various aspects of organizational sustainable performance was suggested. This conceptual model can be used as “a directive” for theory developing and measurement instrument development of PFSCQ practices and organizational sustainable performance. More prominently, on the road to achieving additional insight, an extensive structural model that makes out direct and indirect relationships between PFSCQ practices and organizational sustainable performance was also developed. Practitioners can apply this model as “a path plan” for implementing PFSCQ practices to improve organizational sustainable performance.
Originality/value
The integration of quality and supply chain even now remains inadequate in the literature. Consequently, it is required to have a more focused approach in assessing quality issues inside the upstream, internal and downstream of the supply chain. This study concentrates on the practices which make better quality aspects of the supply chain, known as PFSCQ practices. Suggested research models in this paper contribute to conceptual frameworks for theory building in PFSCQ and sustainable organizational performance. It is also expected that this research can suggest a useful direction for determining and implementing PFSCQ practices as well as make possible further studies in this arena.
Details
Keywords
Devendra K. Yadav, Manoj Pant and Nitin Seth
This study aims to identify and analyse the main enablers of knowledge management (KM) in improving the logistics capabilities of Indian organisations and develop a model based on…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify and analyse the main enablers of knowledge management (KM) in improving the logistics capabilities of Indian organisations and develop a model based on the contextual relationship among the identified enablers.
Design/methodology/approach
Initially, this study uses a systematic literature review and questionnaire-based survey approach to identify the enablers of KM; and later, total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) was used to evolve mutual relationships among the identified 11 enablers for developing a hierarchical model.
Findings
The results of the analysis show that enablers, namely, organisational structure and leadership, application of advanced information and communication system, collaboration with established stakeholders and organisational learning and innovative approaches are identified as main enablers for improving the logistics capabilities of Indian organisations.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides useful implications for the researchers working on exploring the role of KM enablers in improving the logistics capabilities of organisations.
Practical implications
This study provides rich practical implications for the manufacturers, supply chain managers, logistics service providers and logistics consultants involved in the decision-making process. They can focus majorly on knowledge creation and knowledge storage processes to improve the logistics performance of their respective organisations.
Originality/value
This study is an attempt to identify the enablers of KM that could improve the logistics capabilities of Indian organisations. The application of the TISM method to develop a theoretical framework is the novel contribution of this study.
Details
Keywords
Quynh Nhu Do, Nishikant Mishra, Nur Baiti Ingga Wulandhari, Amar Ramudhin, Uthayasankar Sivarajah and Gavin Milligan
The COVID-19 outbreak has imposed extensive shocks embracing all stages of the food supply chain (FSC). Although the magnitude is still unfolding, the FSC responds with remarkable…
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 outbreak has imposed extensive shocks embracing all stages of the food supply chain (FSC). Although the magnitude is still unfolding, the FSC responds with remarkable speed, to mitigate the disruptive consequences and sustain operations. This paper aims to investigate how operationalising supply chain agility (SCA) practices has occurred amid the COVID-19 crisis and expectations for how those practices could transform the supply chain in the post-COVID-19 era.
Design/methodology/approach
Following an exploratory case-based design, this paper examines the various agile responses that three supply chains (meat, fresh vegetables and bread) adopted and elaborate using the dynamic capability (DC) theoretical lens.
Findings
First, the findings demonstrate how, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, each affected case pursued various agile responses through sensing and seizing capabilities. Sensing includes identifying and assessing the relevant opportunities and threats associated with the specific supply chain context. Seizing involves acquiring, combining and modifying the tangible and intangible resources at the firm and supply chain levels. Second, supply chain transformation is likely if firms and their supply chain develop the sustaining capability to ensure that the desirable changes outlast the crisis.
Practical implications
This study provides an actionable guide for practitioners to develop agile responses to systemic changes in times of crisis and to sustain favourable changes so as to enable their outlasting of the crisis.
Originality/value
This study provides a novel and unique perspective on the role of SCA in crisis – in this case, the pandemic. This paper synthesises the empirical stories of the agile responses in the FSC and elaborates on the DC framework, to identify theoretical and practical implications. This paper establishes the sustaining capability as the missing DC capability for enabling transformation in the post-COVID-19 era.
Details