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Despite the growing interest in blockchain technology (BCT) applications in the agri-food industry, evidence of their economic and strategic implications remains scarce. This study aims to contribute to filling this gap by jointly investigating how BCT adoption affects transactional relationships, and how it contributes to the firm’s strategic resources.

An explanatory case study is conducted based on a theoretical framework grounded on transaction cost economics and the resource-based-dynamic capabilities view. Six BCT implementations by agri-food firms are studied. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings reveal that BCT benefits depend on how companies integrate technology across their supply chains. In fact, the results suggest that overall transaction efficiency within the supply chain is enhanced only for those firms prioritising stakeholder engagement during technology implementation and leveraging existing trust relationships with economic agents. Moreover, the results suggest that BCT is not yet perceived as a strategic resource, but rather that it has the potential to enhance firms’ operational-adaptive, absorptive and innovative capabilities. When all supply chain actors clearly understand blockchain’s functionality and value, the development of these capabilities becomes more pronounced.

The study identifies two BCT adoption configurations. One primarily focuses on enhancing supply chain efficiency and transparency (dynamic BCT), while the other uses BCT mainly for marketing purposes (static BCT). These configurations lead to varied possibilities for leveraging BCT’s potential advantages. Furthermore, they show how a mismatch between a strategic approach and its chosen configuration could work against any positive impact and lead to disillusionment with the BCT. Thus, managers should assess carefully the impact of such different configuration choices on performance.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to attempt to analyse the economic implications of adopting BCT in the food sector from both a firm and supply chain perspective. Additionally, it shows how interpreting these impacts is contingent on the diverse modalities for embedding BCT into existing supply chains.

The case study’s learning objectives, structured according to Bloom’s taxonomy, engage students in higher-order thinking for critical analysis and strategic decision-making. After completion of the case study, students will be able to analyze sustainability practices and evaluate the family’s distribution model for alignment with sustainability and potential expansion strategies; explore adaptive strategies to identify adaptive solutions to challenges such as climate change and economic fluctuations; apply theoretical frameworks to balance exclusivity and growth in the olive oil industry; and assess strategic decisions considering financial viability, environmental responsibility, community engagement and sustainability.

The case study centers on the Abi Raad olive farm, a multigenerational family-owned business deeply rooted in olive cultivation traditions in Selfaya village, within Mount Lebanon’s Aley district. Led by Richard Abi Raad, the family specializes in olive cultivation, olive oil production and handmade soap manufacturing within the agriculture sector. In 2023, the organization faces significant challenges such as rising labor costs and the exploration of sustainable labor sources for future growth. Abi Raad, the primary protagonist, grapples with critical decisions regarding maintaining traditional distribution methods versus expanding into broader markets. His choices must balance the preservation of cultural heritage with the need to uphold brand integrity and competitiveness. The case study traces the family’s historical journey in olive farming and explores their contemporary strategic dilemmas, offering insights into sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship and navigating modern challenges while honoring tradition. Through the narrative of the Abi Raad family-owned business, the case study provides profound lessons in strategic decision-making and ensuring long-term sustainability.

This case study is suitable for students studying master’s in business.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CSS 11: Strategy.

The purpose of this study is to experimentally determine whether mechanical properties of concrete can be improved by using olive pomace aggregates (OPA) as a substitute for natural sand. Two types of OPA were tested by replacing an equivalent amount of natural sand. The first type was OPA mixed with olive mill wastewater (OMW), and the second type was OPA not mixed with OMW. For each type, two series of concrete were produced using OPA in both dry and saturated states. The percentage of partial substitution of natural sand by OPA varied from 0% to 15%.

The addition of OPA leads to a reduction in the dry density of hardened concrete, causing a 5.69% decrease in density when compared to the reference concrete. After 28 days, ultrasonic pulse velocity tests indicated that the resulting material is of good quality, with a velocity of 4.45 km/s. To understand the mechanism of resistance development, microstructural analysis was conducted to observe the arrangement of OPA and calcium silicate hydrates within the cementitious matrix. The analysis revealed that there is a low level of adhesion between the cement matrix and OPA at interfacial transition zone level, which was subsequently validated by further microstructural analysis.

The laboratory mechanical tests indicated that the OPCD_OPW (5) sample, containing 5% of OPA, in a dry state and mixed with OMW, demonstrated the best mechanical performance compared to the reference concrete. After 28 days of curing, this sample exhibited a compressive strength (R_c) of 25 MPa. Furthermore, it demonstrated a tensile strength of 4.61 MPa and a dynamic modulus of elasticity of 44.39 GPa, with rebound values of 27 MPa. The slump of the specimens ranged from 5 cm to 9 cm, falling within the acceptable range of consistency (Class S2). Based on these findings, the OPCD_OPW (5) formulation is considered optimal for use in concrete production.

This research paper provides a valuable contribution to the management of OPA and OMW (OPA_OMW) generated from the olive processing industry, which is known to have significant negative environmental impacts. The paper presents an intriguing approach to recycling these materials for use in civil engineering applications.

This study investigates the combined impact of two packaging cues (i.e. packaging material, recycled content claim) and a price premium on young consumers’ product perceptions and choices.

Experimental data were collected online via a questionnaire and a hypothetical choice task completed by 221 young consumers (i.e. 19–25 years). We manipulated two packaging cues for a liquid food product: the packaging material (glass vs plastic) and the presence (vs absence) of a recycled content claim (i.e. 100% recycled). We also manipulated whether a price premium was attached to these packaging variations.

The packaging material and the claim both had a significant influence on young consumers’ sustainability perceptions, and these perceptions extended to perceptions of various product attributes (e.g. healthiness, quality). When all products cost the same, participants were more likely to choose a glass bottle (i.e. 81%) than a plastic bottle, and a bottle with the recycled content claim (i.e. 79%) than a bottle without this claim. However, these preferences dropped significantly when a price premium was attached to these packaging variations.

While most studies have relied on surveys and qualitative methods to investigate consumers’ reactions to sustainable packaging, our research uses an experimental method to assess how packaging impacts young consumers’ perceptions and choices. Additionally, by manipulating the presence of a price premium, this study uniquely investigates the impact of such a premium on young consumers' willingness to choose sustainable packaging.

Nowadays, the agri-food industry is called to face several sustainability challenges that require the development of new sustainable models. The adoption of new technological assets from Industry 4.0 supports the companies during the implementation of sustainability practices. Several models design the operation management of the food supply chains (FSCs). Because none extant models resulted complete in technological and sustainability elements, this paper aims to propose an innovative and sustainable agri-food value chain model, contributing to extend understating of how supply chains can become more sustainable through the Industry 4.0 technologies.

Thanks to a well-structured and replicable systematic literature review and sequent content analysis, this work recognized and compared the extant FSC models, focusing on the interaction of five key elements: activities, flows, stakeholders, technologies and sustainability. The output of the comparison leading in the definition of the proposed model is discussed in a focus group of 10 experts and tested in a case study.

Fifteen extant models were recognized in literature and analysed to discover their features and to putt in light peculiarities and differences among them. This analysis provided useful insights to design and propose a new innovative and sustainable agri-food value chain model; an example for the olive oil business case is provided.

The adding value of the work is the proposed model which regards innovative elements such as recirculation flows, external stakeholders and Industry 4.0 technologies usage which allows enhancing the agri-FSCs operational efficiency and sustainability.

Through the reconstruction of the events of some foreign entrepreneurs who worked in the territory of the Italian city of Bari in the first half of the 19th century, this paper aims to analyze the role of entrepreneurial migration in the economic development of Apulia land in this period.

This study adopts a theoretical framework that combines the concept of mixed embeddedness in a multifocal perspective, with the model of the diffusion of innovation focusing on the role of the so-called agency of actors, and of the network, in the dissemination of innovation. The theoretical framework is applied to multiple case studies to compare the evidence that emerged from the simultaneous analysis of several situations.

By analyzing how innovations have spread within the network of entrepreneurs of that time, it is possible to identify some relevant aspects related to the mechanisms of dissemination of innovations in the context of entrepreneurial migration. Specifically, the opportunity structure is intended in an even broader sense than indicated in the classic approach to mixed embeddedness: it is considered as the result of the joint interaction of the political, institutional and economic context of several places, and the behavioral dynamics of several groups.

Due to the specific method chosen, the outcomes of the research might apply to a narrow context. Therefore, the results need to be tested and confirmed in further empirical studies, and by applying multiple research methods.

Findings are useful and significant in the analysis of the link that exists between the diffusion of innovations and migrant entrepreneurship, and then the conclusions can be applied and extended to the current phenomenon of migration-related innovations, with specific reference to developing countries.

Findings can be applied and extended to the current phenomenon of migration-related innovations and highly skilled migration, with specific reference to developing countries.

This paper contributes to shed new light on the contextual and multifocal factors that influence the development of innovations in the networks of migrant entrepreneurship, in a specific historical period and a specific context. Combining social, human and financial capital with the wider opportunity structure, this study also provides a comprehensive understanding of the modalities through which migrant and high-skilled entrepreneurs could innovate.

This study aims to propose a comprehensive conceptual framework for the characterization of agricultural heritage in desert-prone areas, with a focus on Siwa Oasis in Egypt.

The research utilizes a multidimensional approach, integrating perspectives from sustainability principles, stakeholders and the agricultural heritage frameworks of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). It involves thematic analysis of qualitative data collected through focus group discussions and interviews with a diverse range of participants, including community members, government officials, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and researchers.

The study identifies five key elements of agricultural heritage in Siwa Oasis: cultural, ecological, economic, social and scientific. Cultural elements include traditional farming practices, irrigation systems and architectural features, while ecological elements encompass crop biodiversity, wildlife habitats and traditional landraces. Economically, date palm cultivation, olive production and agritourism activities play crucial roles in livelihood security and local economies. Socially, community cohesion, gender roles and cultural practices shape the social fabric of the oasis, with festivals and rituals fostering a sense of belonging. From a scientific perspective, the integration of traditional knowledge with modern agricultural practices enhances sustainability and resilience.

The study focused solely on Siwa Oasis as a case study, limiting generalizability to other desert-prone areas. Further research could explore additional regions to enhance the understanding of agricultural heritage in diverse contexts. Additionally, the qualitative nature of the study may limit statistical analysis. Future studies could employ mixed-methods approaches for a more comprehensive understanding of agricultural heritage dynamics.

Understanding the multifaceted aspects of agricultural heritage in Siwa Oasis can inform sustainable development initiatives, tourism planning and cultural preservation efforts. Local policymakers and stakeholders can utilize these insights to develop policies that support traditional farming practices, ecotourism and community development. Furthermore, the promotion of agricultural heritage can enhance economic opportunities, food security and environmental sustainability in desert-prone regions.

Recognition of the social elements embedded within Siwa Oasis’s agricultural heritage highlights the importance of community cohesion, gender roles and cultural practices. By acknowledging and preserving these aspects, initiatives can be developed to empower local communities, promote gender equality and preserve cultural identity. Such efforts can enhance social cohesion, strengthen cultural bonds and promote inclusivity in the development agenda of desert-prone areas.

This study contributes a novel conceptual framework that bridges multifunctionality concepts, sustainability principles and stakeholder perspectives to characterize agricultural heritage in desert-prone areas. It offers insights into the complex interplay of cultural, ecological, economic, social and scientific dimensions of agricultural heritage systems.

This study aims to further develop the CLC stage/path’s identification model that distinguishes between path’s emergence (emergence stage), path’s development (growth stage), path’s sustainment (maturity stage), path’s decline (decline stage) and path’s transformation (renewal stage), and by applying it, define the current stage/path of the Demarcated Douro Region (DDR) cluster. The Port wine industry, which is the dominant industry of the DDR cluster, is at the maturity/decline stage – is the same for the cluster itself?

It is a case study with a longitudinal perspective based on the analysis of the dynamics of the parameters of cluster evolution using available secondary sources (cluster identity/brand; number of firms; number of employees; network; innovation; policies and regulations; and external markets – exports), especially addressing the past decade, that represent the stage of maturity/decline of the cluster’s dominant Port wine industry.

The conclusion is that since the 1990s the Demarcated Douro Region has gone through a “path transformation” where during the following 20 years new “anchors” for the cluster were gradually introduced, such as Doc Douro Wines, new forms of consumption of Port wine, tourism and olive oil. Since 2010 the cluster has entered a growth stage/(new) path’s development, where these “anchors” are in steady growth. The Douro brand is becoming more internationally recognized and established, the number of firms and employees is increasing, the network is restructuring with the creation of cluster-specific official institutions, innovation is especially reflected with increasing heterogeneity through diversification of the clusters into new activities and regulations and policies are supportive for expansion – all these parameters are indicating the rise of the new cycle for the cluster. Thus, the DDR cluster represents an attractive business environment and requires attention from regional policymakers to support the cluster’s development. Especially institutions have been highlighted as internal factors driving clusters growth, European integration as an external factor and firms’ strategies of diversification and internationalization as an appropriate de-locking mechanism for new path’s development.

This research contributes to the CLC theory by further developing and applying a CLC stage/path identification model. It provides a better understanding of the dynamics of the DDR cluster that diverge from its dominant industry life cycle, which is relevant for regional policies and firms’ strategies. This study has its limitations. It provides an exploratory application of the theoretical framework proposed, and consequently, no general conclusions are possible yet. More empirical studies with different clusters in different stages are necessary to test the framework.

These findings are useful to policymakers when designing their policies for cluster development but also for clusters’ entities and actors when making their strategic decisions as it allows based on the verification of the established parameter of CLC to identify its current stage/path of development.

The paper presents a theoretically grounded model for CLC identification and for the first time to the best of the authors’ knowledge applies it to a cluster case – the DDR cluster. This case applies the proposed model and illustrates its usefulness. The model provides the tools for a better understanding of cluster dynamics.

This study aims to introduce a vision-based model to generate droplets with auto-tuned parameters. The model can auto-adjust the inherent uncertainties and errors involved with the fabrication and operating parameters in microfluidic platform, attaining precise size and frequency of droplet generation.

The photolithography method is utilized to prepare the microfluidic devices used in this study, and various experiments are conducted at various flow-rate and viscosity ratios. Data for droplet shape is collected to train the artificial intelligence (AI) models.

Growth phase of droplets demonstrated a unique spring back effect in droplet size. The fully developed droplet sizes in the microchannel were modeled using least absolute shrinkage and selection operators (LASSO) regression model, Gaussian support vector machine (SVM), long short term memory (LSTM) and deep neural network models. Mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 0.05 and R² = 0.93 were obtained with a deep neural network model on untrained flow data. The shape parameters of the droplets are affected by several uncontrolled parameters. These parameters are instinctively captured in the model.

Experimental data set is generated for varying viscosity values and flow rates. The variation of flow rate of continuous phase is observed here instead of dispersed phase. An automated computation routine is developed to read the droplet shape parameters considering the transient growth phase of droplets. The droplet size data is used to build and compare various AI models for predicting droplet sizes. A predictive model is developed, which is ready for automated closed loop control of the droplet generation.

Transitional periods are important for people, such as birth, marriage and death, are important times when ceremonial meals are prepared and served and certain practices are carried out. These periods and the practices constitute our gastronomic cultural heritage. In order to keep our cultural heritage alive and pass it on to future generations, existing values must first be identified and recorded. For this reason, in this study, gastronomic practices of Mentese's transitional periods were examined within the scope of intangible cultural heritage.

In this research, data was collected using ethnographic design, which is one of the qualitative research methods, and document analysis, interviews and focus group studies, as well as participant observation techniques and image/audio materials. The sample was determined using snowball sampling, convenience sampling and maximum diversity sampling methods. In the analysis of the data, themes and codes related to gastronomic practices in transitional periods were created and direct quotations were included with a descriptive approach.

It has been found that traditions are kept more alive in rural areas, while those living in the city centres no longer perform these practices dating back to the ancient times. Participants attribute the main reason for this to the fact that economic conditions are not favourable and that some traditional practices are “unnecessary” today. While wedding meals, which are the main part of the weddings, used to be made by women in the past, they are now mostly made by catering companies.

It was accepted that some of the participants started to give short answers as the duration of the interview increased and that the answers given were limited to what the participants could remember.

This study reveals special day meals and practices, rituals and traditions related to food within the scope of Mentese's culinary culture, which has a very deep-rooted history. In this regard, in addition to making an important contribution to the literature, the study also contributes to the articles about “recording and promoting the culture” mentioned in the Intangible Cultural Heritage convention.