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1 – 10 of 692Neda Saleki, Sevval Beyza Kulaksiz, Fatma Arslan and Merve Guney Coskun
It is very crucial to evaluate the suitability of food services from an environmental and economic point of view to design sustainable food menus. This study aims to analyse the…
Abstract
Purpose
It is very crucial to evaluate the suitability of food services from an environmental and economic point of view to design sustainable food menus. This study aims to analyse the food menus in a Turkish university refectory concerning sustainable nutrition and waste management and compare them with a proposed sustainable food menu.
Design/methodology/approach
The study examined lunch menus served in December and February 2021–2022 at Istanbul Medipol University refectory for a total of 20 days, considering the nutrient-rich food index (NRF 9.3), waste amount, food cost, water and carbon footprint parameters of the meals.
Findings
Comparing the December menu with the suggested sustainable December menu showed a significant reduction in carbon and water footprint (p = 0.001), food cost (p = 0.001) and NRF 9.3 score (p = 0.001). When February and the suggested sustainable February menu were compared, there was a significant decrease in carbon and water footprint (p = 0.001), food cost (p = 0.005) and NRF 9.3 score (p = 0.001). December and February menus had higher NRF 9.3 score compared to the sample sustainable menus, and the amounts of saturated fat, added sugar and sodium were also high in these menus.
Originality/value
The study revealed that university cafeteria menus are incompatible with sustainable nutrition. The findings can significantly contribute to improving the sustainability of meals and food services by minimizing the water and carbon footprint of menus.
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Ali Iskender, Ercan Sirakaya-Turk and David Cardenas
This paper aims to systematically explore the experiences of restaurant patrons with quick response (QR) code menus during the pandemic to extract insights pertaining to the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to systematically explore the experiences of restaurant patrons with quick response (QR) code menus during the pandemic to extract insights pertaining to the acceptance of technology adoption in service settings for the post-COVID era.
Design/methodology/approach
COVID-19 has enormously impacted consumer perceptions toward technology adoption in restaurants. Identifying these impacts requires qualitative inquiries because qualitative techniques, unlike quantitative methods, enable researchers to seek insights into the phenomenon without a predetermined stance. This study applied a qualitative research method. The qualitative data was obtained through in-depth interviews and a focus group. Thematic analysis was conducted.
Findings
This study identified perceived attributes of QR code technology by patrons: positive attributes such as easy to learn, quick and contactless; and negative attributes such as effortful and reliance on a smartphone. Also, the results distinguished perceived advantages of utilization of QR codes as restaurants’ menu: advantages such as hygienic, environmentally friendly due to no printing and contactless; and disadvantages such as poor menu design and lack of interaction.
Practical implications
This research presents patrons’ views on QR code menu utilization at restaurants under the pandemic conditions. Contradictory responses on the same features of technology reveal a lack of menu design in the utilization of QR codes. Restaurant practitioners can extract insights about how to better use technology like QR codes, cost-effective and environmentally friendly, in their operations in the postpandemic era.
Originality/value
This study included both deductive and inductive approaches. An inductive approach that progressed from theory to data was applied while forming interview questions. A deductive approach was used to inform theory with the findings of the data. The value of research derives from differentiating technology attributes (QR codes) and utilization domain (restaurant menu) in the realm of acceptance of technology in the consumer context.
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Masoom Suchdeo, Harshal Lowalekar and Durba Banerjee
Different stakeholders frequently disagree on what the true problem is that must be solved and what specific actions must be taken during a change exercise. This article…
Abstract
Purpose
Different stakeholders frequently disagree on what the true problem is that must be solved and what specific actions must be taken during a change exercise. This article demonstrates a visual method for getting buy-in from stakeholders on the specifics of change using a systems thinking tool known as the current reality tree (CRT).
Design/methodology/approach
This study illustrates the use of a systems-thinking methodology to achieve consensus among stakeholders on “what is the real problem?” when envisioning a change. The authors illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach using a real-life case study in the context of contract catering.
Findings
The CRT enables diverse stakeholders to visualize the cause-and-effect relationships between various problems in a given system and assists them in identifying the set of actions that can address a large number of problems through the change program.
Originality/value
There is little discussion in the literature on change management of a systematic approach to get agreement from stakeholders regarding what the real problem is. This article demonstrates, by way of a case study, how change agents can not only determine which actions will have the greatest impact, but also garner the support of diverse stakeholders.
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This case study aims to understand the role of women entrepreneurship that reconcile the interests of not only business but also the economy as a whole; to map the most common…
Abstract
Learning outcomes
This case study aims to understand the role of women entrepreneurship that reconcile the interests of not only business but also the economy as a whole; to map the most common avenues and levers as well as challenges and impediments in entrepreneurship; and to study how women have proved themselves and created value (for company as well as consumer) and driven leadership in business.
Case overview/synopsis
This case study predominantly is an entrepreneurial journey of the protagonist who left her cushy job to follow her dreams and started her own venture in hospitality industry. The case is designed on the basis of rounds of interviews conducted with the owner, hence it is based on primary data. Jayanti Kathale, a technology expert, working with a reputed organization, started Purna Bramha in 2013. The unique selling proposition of her food business was the home-like taste of the Marathi cuisine that she was serving. There were challenges like funding, logistics and pricing just like any other start-up. But Jayanti was determined to excel and her perseverance helped her get through all the challenges. Besides being a successful entrepreneur herself, she played a role in empowering other women also, by offering them franchisees of her restaurant. The food service industry is fast-paced, competitive and constantly evolving. This is taken well into consideration and proper training is organized for the staff. The protagonist's main quandary at this time is her pricing strategy.
Complexity academic level
The case is designed to be taught to the undergraduate and postgraduate management students and any other equivalent course. It can be taught in 2-h class and is expected to require some outside preparation by students. The students should be acquainted with the basic concepts of entrepreneurship and organizational culture in India. The instructor should focus on two aspects in the case. The broader aspect is Entrepreneurship in India and the narrower and more focused ones like Women Leadership.
Subject code
CCS 3: Entrepreneurship
Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
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Li Ge, Chun-Hung (Hugo) Tang, Carl Behnke and Richard Ghiselli
This study (1) assessed restaurant consumers' perceived importance of better food quality versus larger portion sizes, (2) classified restaurant consumers into different segments…
Abstract
Purpose
This study (1) assessed restaurant consumers' perceived importance of better food quality versus larger portion sizes, (2) classified restaurant consumers into different segments based on their perceived importance of seven food quality attributes (taste, texture, aroma, appearance and the use of natural, local and organic ingredients) relative to portion size and (3) compared the identified market segments.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey assessed 613 USA adult participants' perceived importance of seven food quality attributes relative to portion size. A K-means cluster analysis classified participants into different segments based on their perceptions.
Findings
Five restaurant consumer segments were identified: sensory-oriented consumers, taste-oriented organic food consumers, local and natural food consumers, quantity-oriented consumers and quality-oriented consumers. In general, quality-oriented consumers were the least likely to visit fast-food restaurants, had the highest average per-meal spending and were the least likely to eat out alone. Local and natural food consumers and taste-oriented organic food consumers had higher total restaurant spending than other groups. Quantity-oriented and sensory-oriented consumers visited fast-food restaurants more often and had lower total restaurant spending and per-meal spending than other groups. Age, sex and income were significantly associated with the segmentation outcomes.
Practical implications
Findings suggest promising opportunities for restaurants to enhance consumer perceptions of value by prioritizing the factors that hold the greatest significance to their target customers.
Originality/value
This study is the first attempt to segment restaurant consumers based on their perceived importance of food quality attributes relative to portion size, effectively identifying five distinct consumer segments.
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Mark Ashton, Aarni Tuomi and Peter Backman
The rapid growth in volume and value of on-demand restaurant food delivery, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is causing a paradigm shift in the food service sector. However…
Abstract
Purpose
The rapid growth in volume and value of on-demand restaurant food delivery, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is causing a paradigm shift in the food service sector. However, there is a lack of hospitality management research into this emerging phenomenon. To address this gap, this paper defines and develops a novel conceptual model and typology and proposes a research agenda for ghost production in the context of food service.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses the Servuction model to explore, define and model the radical separation between food service production sites, points of sale and consumer interaction from the perspective of on-demand restaurant food delivery. A novel typology is developed and illustrated with eight industry examples from the UK and an accompanying cost benefit analysis. Future research priorities are identified.
Findings
In the hospitality literature, little attention has been paid to changes on-demand restaurant food delivery brings to production and business models of food service organisations, resulting in significant gaps between food service practice and theory. The knock-on effects to stakeholders include increased convenience for customers, uncertain employment status of riders and, for restaurants, striking a balance between capturing new markets and losing control of the customer. Additionally, for aggregators, there is a lack of profitability in existing models, despite holding the balance of power (and data).
Originality/value
The concept of “ghost production” and its associated typology is novel and offers a contribution to hospitality management literature by defining the term, scope and scale of this new phenomenon. Practical implications are proposed.
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Moses Nzuki Nyangu, Freshia Wangari Waweru and Nyankomo Marwa
This paper examines the sluggish adjustment of deposit interest rate categories with response to policy rate changes in a developing economy.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the sluggish adjustment of deposit interest rate categories with response to policy rate changes in a developing economy.
Design/methodology/approach
Symmetric and asymmetric error correction models (ECMs) are employed to test the pass-through effect and adjustment speed of deposit rates when above or below their equilibrium levels.
Findings
The findings reveal an incomplete pass-through effect in both the short run and long run while mixed results of symmetric and asymmetric adjustment speed across the different deposit rate categories are observed. Collusive pricing arrangement behavior is supported by deposit rate categories that adjust more rigidly upwards than downwards, while negative customer reaction behavior is supported by deposit rate categories that adjust more rigidly downwards than upwards.
Practical implications
Even though the findings indicate an aspect of increased responsiveness over the period, the sluggish adjustment of deposit rates imply that monetary policy is still ineffective and not uniform across the different deposit rate categories.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to empirically examine both symmetric and asymmetric adjustment behavior of deposit interest rate categories in Kenya. The findings are key to policy makers as they provide insights on how long it takes to adjust different deposit rate categories to monetary policy decisions. In addition, the behavior of deposit rates partly explains why interest rates capping was imposed in Kenya in 2016.
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Issahaku Haruna and Charles Godfred Ackah
Africa's business environment (BE) is characteristically unfriendly and poses severe development challenges. This study evaluates the impact of business climate on productivity in…
Abstract
Purpose
Africa's business environment (BE) is characteristically unfriendly and poses severe development challenges. This study evaluates the impact of business climate on productivity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
Design/methodology/approach
Macroeconomic data for 51 sub-Saharan African economies from 1990 to 2018 are employed for the analysis. The seemingly unrelated regression model is used to address inter-sectorial linkages.
Findings
The study uncovers several findings. First, a high start-up cost substantially leads to productivity losses by limiting the funds available for investment in productivity-enhancing labour and technology and limiting the number of businesses that see the light of day. The productivity impacts of start-up costs are most enormous for industry, followed by services and agriculture. Second, economies with favourable financing environments tend to be more productive economy wide and sector wise. Third, high taxes and tax inefficiency lower productivity by reducing the resource envelope of firms, thus lowering investment amounts. Fourth, poor business infrastructure inflicts the most damage on productivity. Lastly, business administration and macroeconomic environments impact sectoral and economy-wide productivity.
Practical implications
SSA economies must strive to lower the cost of starting a business as high start-up costs injure productivity. One way of reducing start-up costs is to create a one-stop shop for registering and formalising a business. Another way is to automate business registration and administrative processes to reduce red tape and corruption.
Originality/value
The authors extend the body of knowledge by analysing sectoral and economy-wide productivity effects of various business climate indicators while accounting for inter-sectoral linkages, cross-sectional dependence and endogeneity.
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Demet Güner and Emel Çirişoğlu
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a cloud system that saves energy by being involved in the decision-making process of machines. By this means, machines create an environment of…
Abstract
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a cloud system that saves energy by being involved in the decision-making process of machines. By this means, machines create an environment of direct interaction without the need for explicit instructions. In this chapter, answers have been sought to the questions of what kind of research has been done on IoT-based technological devices, and how IoT-based technologies are effective in sustainable food production. The systematic literature review examined the scientific research on IoT and Food in the range of 2010–2022 in Scopus. The general framework of the research has been carried out in the context of 6Ws (who, when, where, what, why, and how), which is one of the systematic literature reviews. The results obtained have been analyzed and interpreted in the MAXQDA 2020 qualitative data analysis program. In the findings obtained, it has been determined that IoT and food have gained importance worldwide, especially in England, India, and China. Furthermore, it has been determined that most of the studies on IoT are based on case studies, and all the articles examined are collected in three main focus points. Subcodes have been created under the main codes ‘Food Supply Chain, Smart and Sustainable Agriculture ve Waste Management’, and problem points have been tried to be customized.
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This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.
Design/methodology/approach
This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.
Findings
This study examines HR management strategies for adapting to the proliferation of hybrid working practices in India since 2020. A framework is proposed to harness the win-win cost saving and flexibility benefits for employers and employees alike. Updating HR policies to underpin and embed new evolved working practices is advocated here. In particular, managers need to level-up their leadership skills to add value to their individual team members remotely. Spotting and acting on burnout signs is also of paramount importance in an increasingly work-from-home world.
Originality/value
The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
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