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1 – 10 of 15Abel Duarte Alonso, Alessandro Bressan, Oanh Thi Kim Vu, Lan Thi Ha Do, Roberta Garibaldi and Andrea Pozzi
The purpose of this study is to examine consumers’ relationship with wine during the COVID-19 crisis and associated implications for hospitality and tourism operations. Despite…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine consumers’ relationship with wine during the COVID-19 crisis and associated implications for hospitality and tourism operations. Despite the severe impacts of COVID-19’s aftermath, including recent reports of a global decrease in wine consumption, academic research has neglected this domain. Consequently, there is an empirical and conceptual vacuum that the present research will address.
Design/methodology/approach
The study proposes a comparative investigation, with data gathered from 241 Italian and Spanish wine consumers through an online questionnaire.
Findings
Overall, the analysis reveals marginal changes in wine consumption during the crisis. At the same time, however, an increased interest for more wine events and an organised wine route, for learning more about wines and new wine harvests, and the influence of comments from others in enhancing one’s wine knowledge during the crisis is also identified.
Originality/value
The study is one of the few studies conducted to date that seek to ascertain the extent to which wine consumers’ involvement with wine has changed during a major crisis. The findings and subsequent analysis contribute to the development of five distinctive dimensions associated with consumers: the more involved/interested, the inquisitive/explorer, the non-traditional/avid, the frugal/less involved and the conservative/avid. The first two dimensions, which are supported by mean scores close to the level of agreement (mean = 4.0) have a number of practical and conceptual implications. In addition, a conceptual framework illustrating various conceptual/empirical relationships is proposed.
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Oanh Thi Kim Vu, Abel Duarte Alonso, Wil Martens, Lan Do, Luong Ngoc Tran, Thanh Duc Tran and Trung Thanh Nguyen
The purpose of this study is to gain a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between a national product (coffee) and gastronomy. Moreover, incorporating the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to gain a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between a national product (coffee) and gastronomy. Moreover, incorporating the resource-based view of the firm framework, the importance of coffee is examined, as is the extent and potential to “marry” coffee and gastronomy into a tourism activity, and the need to develop such potential.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured, face-to-face and online interviews were used to gather the viewpoints of 79 chefs and coffee shop owners/managers operating in Vietnam, the world’s second-largest coffee producer and home to a vibrant coffee shop industry.
Findings
The selected inductive analysis identified 11 dimensions, including “coffee infrastructure”, “coffee-based innovation”, “coffee-trigger” and “coffee resources”, emerged. These dimensions reveal a strong potential for a coffee and local gastronomy “marriage”. Furthermore, nine of the 11 dimensions provide direct guidance concerning the importance, the potential for “marriage”, coffee tourism development and what is needed to fulfil this potential.
Practical implications
The study affords understanding of Vietnam’s coffee industry, in particular its resources, and how these can be leveraged to combine with the nation’s gastronomy and produce more fulfilling food and beverage experiences.
Originality/value
Gastronomy, hospitality and tourism represent a well-defined partnership that can result in memorable consumer experiences. While the strength of this partnership is recognised, little is known about the potential to “marry” a national product such as coffee and local gastronomy. The study breaks new ground in this area and concludes with various theoretical and practical implications that contribute to more understanding of the coffee–gastronomy relationship.
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Alessandro Bressan, Abel Duarte Alonso, Oanh Thi Kim Vu and Daniel Borer
The purpose of this study is to examine factors contributing to family firms’ survival in the ongoing COVID-19 crisis; in this endeavour, the study espouses the underpinnings of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine factors contributing to family firms’ survival in the ongoing COVID-19 crisis; in this endeavour, the study espouses the underpinnings of social exchange theory and entrepreneurial resilience.
Design/methodology/approach
The views of 128 Italian family micro and small-sized firm owners/managers operating in different industries were gathered through an online questionnaire.
Findings
The analysis uncovers 12 fundamental factors contributing to firms’ survival; these are encapsulated in three dimensions and presented in two theoretical frameworks. The “beneficiary” dimension stresses the support from various internal and external stakeholders, while the “benefactor” dimension illustrates the commitment to extend the family tradition and be responsive to stakeholders. Finally, the “immersion/embeddedness” dimension denotes firms’ entrepreneurial behaviour, agility, decision-making and drive.
Originality/value
Firstly, and from a practitioner perspective, this study addresses recognised knowledge and research gaps in contemporary family business research, including how family firms are confronting the current unprecedented crisis. This response to current extant gaps provides first-hand empirical findings that could be primarily considered by industry stakeholders. Secondly, and from a theoretical angle, the aforementioned dimensions revealed through the analysis, coupled with the development of a theoretical framework, contribute to conceptual rigour and, therefore, a deeper understanding of family firms’ journey through an unprecedented event.
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Oanh Thi Kim Vu and Abel Duarte Alonso
The purpose of this study is to enhance the conceptual and practical understanding of individual, group and future knowledge as perceived by company owners and managers operating…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to enhance the conceptual and practical understanding of individual, group and future knowledge as perceived by company owners and managers operating in Vietnam. To date, knowledge gaps remain concerning this emerging economy, for instance, regarding the significance of knowledge management (KM) skills and innovativeness in positively affecting firms' journey. Overall, the study will add to the extant KM literature, partly address extant research gaps and develop a conceptual model. To support the study's literature foundation, the knowledge-based view framework will be considered.
Design/methodology/approach
An inductive approach and multi-case study were chosen. The views of 17 individuals in leadership positions representing six companies were gathered through semi-structured, in-depth interviews.
Findings
The analysis revealed the influence of seven dimensions. First, the importance of individuals' knowledge is conceptualised by the conspicuous, approach-based and self-initiated dimensions. Second, the collective action-based and collective approach-based knowledge dimensions illuminate the importance of group knowledge. Third, the externally and internally-oriented knowledge dimensions provide guidance and understanding concerning future knowledge. The analysis also underlines the alignment between the findings and the knowledge-based view in various areas.
Originality/value
The dimensions illuminating the research have practical implications for business owners/managers, for instance, motivational and rewarding strategies that companies could consider in order to enhance or maintain a high flow of knowledge acquisition and operationalisation. Furthermore, these implications could help foster a stronger entrepreneurial culture and benefit Vietnam or other emerging economies in their development and success journey. Conceptually, a developed framework affords a richer understanding of the different facets of knowledge at a company level.
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Oanh Thi Kim Vu, Abel Duarte Alonso, M. Alejandra Buitrago Solis, Samuel Goyzueta, Trung Nguyen, Robert McClelland, Thanh Duc Tran, Ngan Nguyen, Hoa Thi Ngoc Huynh and Erhan Atay
The purpose of this study is to examine the implementation of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) through the lens of the dynamic capabilities framework. Contrary to most existing research, this…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the implementation of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) through the lens of the dynamic capabilities framework. Contrary to most existing research, this study chooses a cross-national viewpoint, exploring companies operating in two emerging economies.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 80 company managers operating in eight industries in Vietnam and Bolivia. The chosen inductive analysis was supported by qualitative content analysis and data structure.
Findings
The analysis reveals 13 conceptual dimensions. For instance, sensing opportunities underlines tangible and intangible “direct prospects”, such as enhanced accuracy, speed and cost effectiveness, whereas “operational management pressures” (sensing threats) identify the dilemma of changing individuals’ mindset, recruitment and addressing financial needs. While there is an overall agreement in key dimensions, differences between managers from both countries also arise, including staff’s adaptation and constant upskilling.
Originality/value
Empirically, this study responds to calls for cross-national studies investigating I4.0 initiatives. In doing so, the data gathered from company managers engaged in business in emerging economies afford new perspectives, with practitioner value. Theoretically, the numerous dimensions emerging from the data analysis provide useful conceptual insights to understand managerial aspects in considering and adapting to I4.0 expectations and requirements. These insights are reinforced by the development of a conceptual model that illuminates the initiatives, efforts and challenges of embracing this phenomenon.
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Ngan Mai Nguyen, Abel Duarte Alonso, Oanh Thi Kim Vu, Trung Thanh Nguyen and Mohammadreza Akbari
The purpose of the study is to enhance the extant empirical and conceptual understanding of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) adoption and its repercussions for an organisation operating in an…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to enhance the extant empirical and conceptual understanding of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) adoption and its repercussions for an organisation operating in an emerging economy, considering the dynamic capabilities framework. The study investigates (1) the potential impact of the I4.0 phenomenon on relationships between organisations and industry actors, (2) the existing effects of I4.0 on these relationships and (3) the necessary measures for organisations to unlock the full potential of I4.0 in order to enhance and reinforce these relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative method was used. Semi-structured, open-ended face-to-face and online interviews were conducted with 18 directors, managers and chief executive officers (CEOs) of Savico, a leading Vietnamese car dealership.
Findings
The analysis revealed various dimensions highlighting impacts on organisation–industry actor relationships. For instance, the “enhancing internal/external operations” dimension highlights the significance of benefitting the company’s close stakeholders through a centralised management system or more advanced functions, while the empowering-nimble outcomes dimension underlines the benefits of I4.0 in enabling performance-based choices and staff empowerment.
Practical implications
Technological phenomena such as the I4.0 regime require constant adaptive strategies, including knowledge acquisition and talent development. Thus, the study has implications for industry stakeholders, including companies, educational institutions and government agencies.
Originality/value
The study’s key value lies in proposing a model that provides conceptual depth into organisation–industry actor relationships. Furthermore, both the analysis and the model can guide researchers in future attempts to examine dynamic capabilities among firms operating in emerging economies, with important practical and theoretical implications.
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Nikolaos Sakellarios, Abel Duarte Alonso, Oanh Thi Kim Vu, Seamus O'Brien, Seng Kok and Santiago Velasquez
The purpose of this study is to examine various key aspects associated with entrepreneurs’ behaviour following a long-term crisis. Specifically, the study compares the perceptions…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine various key aspects associated with entrepreneurs’ behaviour following a long-term crisis. Specifically, the study compares the perceptions of female and male entrepreneurs operating in Cyprus and Greece concerning success factors and firm performance in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. Conceptually, the study considers the organisational adaptation literature (Miles and Snow’s typology).
Design/methodology/approach
The views of female and male micro and small firm owners-managers operating in Greece and Cyprus, a total of 406, were gathered through a questionnaire. To analyse the quantitative data, independent samples t-test and exploratory factor analysis were applied.
Findings
Participants’ responses reveal similar levels of perceived importance between genders regarding adaptive measures and strategies to confront a long-term crisis, as well as perceived firm performance. Nevertheless, exploratory factor analysis highlights differences in how male/female entrepreneurs perceive actions that, as in the case of financial management, can safeguard the immediate outlook of the firm.
Originality/value
While scholarly discourses on gender and entrepreneurship abound, important knowledge gaps still exist, for instance, in entrepreneurs’ problem-solving strategies adopted by female and male entrepreneurs following crises. In addressing this scholarly gap cross-culturally, that is, drawing on cross-national data (Cyprus and Greece); the present study makes an important contribution. Empirically, the study ascertains similar entrepreneurial behavioural characteristics between female-male entrepreneurs. Theoretically, the study validates Miles and Snow’s typology and develops a theoretical framework linking the typology and dimensions emerging from the empirical findings.
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Alessandro Bressan, Abel Duarte Alonso, Oanh Thi Kim Vu, Lan Thi Ha Do and Wil Martens
The purpose of the present study is twofold. First, the study will investigate the importance of tradition for businesses operating during the COVID-19 crisis, notably, as a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the present study is twofold. First, the study will investigate the importance of tradition for businesses operating during the COVID-19 crisis, notably, as a valuable proposition and strategy. Second, the study seeks to advance theoretical understanding, proposing two frameworks based upon emerging dimensions, the resource-based view and dynamic capabilities.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey gathered the views of 107 predominantly micro and small-scale owner-manager and family-owned firms involved in the food and wine sector. These participants are based in Italy, one of the hardest-hit countries in the crisis.
Findings
Three fundamental dimensions emerge from the findings. The first, “embedded advantage”, concerns firms' more direct involvement and tradition-related actions. The second, “active advantage”, highlights the already established value of tradition, for example, through firm identity gained, well-established roots and firm culture. The third dimension, “strategic fusion”, underscores the importance of upgrading the business model, where innovation complements tradition strategically.
Originality/value
The study's revealed dimensions provide new conceptual perspectives to understand tradition in the context of firms confronting an unprecedented event. The first proposed theoretical framework illustrates that firms appear to mainly rely on tradition as the fundamental pillar of their overall strategy. Additionally, other firms engage in actions to consolidate tradition's strategic significance, while others embrace innovation to further strengthen their competitiveness. The second framework emphasises relations between these dimensions and key attributes associated with the two adopted theoretical foundations, where the need to “reconfigure tradition” clearly emerges.
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Nikolaos Sakellarios, Abel Duarte Alonso, Seng Kiat Kok, Seamus O’Brien, Ian Fillis and Oanh Thi Kim Vu
The purpose of this study is to ascertain factors that enable micro- and small firms (MSFs) to cope with the effects of a long-term crisis and develop a model which guides…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to ascertain factors that enable micro- and small firms (MSFs) to cope with the effects of a long-term crisis and develop a model which guides conceptual understanding. This study’s setting is represented by the global financial crisis and by Cyprus and Greece, two nations severely affected.
Design/methodology/approach
On-site, unstructured, face-to-face interviews were conducted among 135 MSF leaders.
Findings
Sixteen different coping factors were identified as central to participants, resulting in the emergence of four key dimensions. Three dimensions, self-initiative, financial acumen and human attributes, are associated with entrepreneurs’ skills, initiatives, passion and networks, whereas one dimension, individual-firm advantage, considers firms’ and individuals’ valuable assets and resources, namely, image/reputation, quality or location. Almost two-thirds of participants recognised a lack of collaboration beyond their suppliers within their industry. Several intergroup differences were revealed, including Cypriot participants’ higher optimism concerning their firms’ future.
Originality/value
This study responds to calls for research that illuminates the understanding of firms’ ability to overcome inadequacies imposed by the socio-economic environment in which they operate. To this end, a theoretical framework emphasising the vital significance of four dimensions is proposed. Apart from their conceptual insightfulness, the dimensions identify clear associations with resilience and coping and can therefore be of practical value to micro–small-sized firms and their respective industry.
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David Wai Lun Ng, Abel Duarte Alonso, Alessandro Bressan and Oanh Thi Kim Vu
The purpose of this study is to examine the significance of knowledge management as a tool for firms to adapt to an ongoing unprecedented crisis. Moreover, in considering the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the significance of knowledge management as a tool for firms to adapt to an ongoing unprecedented crisis. Moreover, in considering the knowledge-based view of the firm, the study will ascertain the impacts, lessons learnt and how firms envisage their future under the current unpredictable regime from the viewpoints of firm owners/managers.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative data collection approach was selected, with face-to-face and online interviews undertaken with owners/managers of 33 firms operating in Singapore.
Findings
The data analysis reveals as many as eight dimensions pertaining to impacts, lessons learnt and the envisioned future of the firms. The relevance of knowledge management emerged, for instance, in supporting firms and staff to overcome initial challenges after the crisis became apparent. Knowledge management was also an exemplar of lessons learnt, through new knowledge development, strengthening links with consumers, through operational skilfulness and awareness, as well as in explaining how firms envision their future. These findings also underscore key tenets of the knowledge-based view of the firm.
Originality/value
Conceptually, the proposed dimensions stemming from the three examined research questions, together with the propositions and theoretical framework, contribute to a deeper understanding of the links between knowledge management and how firms confront a severe crisis. Empirically, the findings’ highlighted associations with knowledge management elements to illuminate how firms address the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, as well as the lessons learnt and the envisioned future of firms operating under severe crisis conditions.
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