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Article
Publication date: 20 September 2024

João Henrique Lopes Guerra, Fernando Bernardi de Souza, Silvio R. I. Pires, Manoel Henrique Salgado and Anderson Luiz Ribeiro de Sá

The study analysed the aerospace industry, a traditionally important sector for the topic of risk management, from three complementary perspectives: the supply chain risks present…

Abstract

Purpose

The study analysed the aerospace industry, a traditionally important sector for the topic of risk management, from three complementary perspectives: the supply chain risks present in the sector, the mitigation strategies adopted to face them, and the characteristics (dimensions) observed in the SCRM process of aerospace companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed a quali–quantitative method: a survey was carried out, followed by interviews with professionals from companies belonging to different tiers of aerospace supply chains. Interviews helped to interpret the survey data and understand in more detail risk management in aerospace companies.

Findings

The study presents a panorama of the aerospace industry in terms of risk management. The sector’s turbulent environment is described as well as the strategies to prevent, minimise or postpone the impact of supply chain risks. In particular, ten dimensions that have been identified in the SCRM process of aerospace firms are discussed. These characteristics influence the objectives of this process and are related to resources, roles and responsibilities, incentives, development of competences and skills, scope (internal and external) and approaches to integrate decisions and actions in the context of the supply chain.

Originality/value

Articles that address the SCRM process usually focus on the process steps, whereas this study investigated dimensions that transcend these steps but whose discussion in the literature is still fragmented. It also analysed a reference sector for the topic from a broader perspective than others available in the literature (supply chain risks, mitigation strategies and characteristics of the SCRM process). Supply chain members with relationships with each other were investigated, a desirable approach for SCRM but still under-explored. The study also answers calls for industry-specific studies and research on emerging countries.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 September 2024

Fangfang Li, Susana C. Silva and Jorma Larimo

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing the development of social media marketing strategy in an international context. We specifically look at the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing the development of social media marketing strategy in an international context. We specifically look at the potential drivers and barriers throughout the social media marketing strategy development process and how cultural differences shape social media marketing strategy decision-making among firms in international markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is conducted with an inductive research approach involving in-depth interviews with 32 firms from Finland, China and Brazil. Using inductive data analysis, we identify both internal and external factors that drive and hinder the development of firms’ social media marketing strategies. Moreover, we explore the essential elements in social media marketing strategy development based on the key practices observed among these firms, which enables us to conduct a comparative analysis of how cultural values influence the development of social media marketing strategies.

Findings

Our findings underscore the importance of both internal (i.e. resources and capabilities) and external (i.e. market-level and country-level) factors that influence the development of social media marketing strategy. Our analysis also unveiled four key practices throughout the social media marketing strategy development process: social selling, content marketing, risk management and relationship management. Additionally, we identified three distinct mindsets regarding firms’ social media selling objectives across companies in the three countries.

Originality/value

The comparative approach provides novel insight into firms' international social media marketing strategy. Our proposed conceptual model shows the development process of social media marketing strategy in the international context. The research propositions highlight the role of cultural values and open up new avenues for future research.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 September 2024

Mohammad Asarian, Mona Jami Pour and Mojtaba Talafidaryani

In spite of intensive research that explained the strategic flexibility-performance and information technology (IT) strategy-performance relationships, there is a little insight…

Abstract

Purpose

In spite of intensive research that explained the strategic flexibility-performance and information technology (IT) strategy-performance relationships, there is a little insight regarding how these notions ideally affect business performance. Accordingly, this study attempts to investigate how businesses can translate IT directions and strategic practices into actual increases in business performance. More precisely, the primary purpose of this paper is to explore the influential role of strategic flexibility and IT strategy on business performance considering balanced scorecard (BSC) dimensions in the context of the tourism industry.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical investigation of 331 tourism businesses was performed to explore the relationship between strategic flexibility, IT strategy and business performance. A non-probability convenience sampling was applied to select the sample. Factor analysis, descriptive statistics and cluster analysis were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings include the clustering of the studied businesses in terms of strategic flexibility and IT strategy. A cluster analysis based on strategic flexibility indicates that businesses can be divided into four main clusters, and based on IT strategy, they can be classified in three main clusters. The results show that businesses with a high level of strategic flexibility and a high level of IT strategic practices have high performance. More importantly, it was known that proactiveness and strategic use of IT have more predictor role on performance.

Originality/value

A review of the strategic management literature reveals a lack of empirical studies that adequately explore the significant roles of strategic flexibility and IT strategy on business performance in the tourism industry. This paper provides actionable insights into these two main determinants that explain why some tourism businesses outperform others. The primary contribution of this study is to address the gap in our understanding of the interconnections between strategic flexibility, IT strategy and business performance through cluster analysis in the tourism industry.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 September 2024

Hemant Sharma and Nagendra Sohani

The paper aims to clarify the relationship of various enablers of supply chain (SC) management like lean enablers, agile enablers and leagile enablers. It proposes modeling the…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to clarify the relationship of various enablers of supply chain (SC) management like lean enablers, agile enablers and leagile enablers. It proposes modeling the enablers to find the most appropriate strategy or methodology for determining the lean enabled SC agility.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposed the fuzzy SWARA-WASPAS methodology for determining the role of lean in enabling the SC agility. Also in continuation the AHP methodology is applied to find the priority weightage and ranking of leagile enablers, and a comparative analysis is done to select the best approach among the above two methodologies so that it would be beneficial for all the stakeholders.

Findings

The paper provides the investigation and identification of 28 lean enablers, 11 agile factors which are highly responsible to affect any SC specially focusing of automobile sector. Apart from above 9 leagile enablers were also identified in the paper. Finally, the comparative analysis has been done in the results obtained by two methodologies – AHP & fuzzy SWARA-WASPAS – to determine the lean enabled SC agility, and also to which strategy should be adopted by the organizations as per the customized requirement of their SC.

Research limitations/implications

The research limitation is that in future, there may be more number of lean, agile and leagile enablers which may be explored by different researchers in their findings, which may vary the output result accordingly. Though the research implications focus on having an advantage and impact on all aspects whether it is social, economic or commercial, there is a possibility of exploration of new and better decision-making tools and approaches in future. Also, the researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further by taking case study of any automobile manufacturing organizations for the validation of the results.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the development of a powerful interrelationships between lean enablers, agile enablers and leagile enablers, which will help organization and the managers to take decisions regarding selection of best strategy appropriate to them to enhance their SC. This will also help new researchers of the field to take help of the research findings for exploring new and better optimization tools and techniques in future.

Social implications

The findings of the research work will definitely help society, as the successful implementation of the lean, agile or leagile strategies in their SC system will leads to an increase in their efficiency and productivity, which will ultimately results in huge advantage to all the stakeholders directly or indirectly connected with the organization. The productivity dynamics cycle will also improve which will lead to more benefits to all in the market and achieving higher living index with better living standards.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to study the various enablers of lean, agile and leagile SC, as well as their interrelationships. Also there is a need to understand the importance and effect of lean in enabling the SC agility.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 September 2024

Emelie Hultberg

The purpose of this study is to explore the process of scaling second-hand fashion and how different strategic paths develop over time. This is theoretically grounded in two…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the process of scaling second-hand fashion and how different strategic paths develop over time. This is theoretically grounded in two distinct scaling logics synthesised from the literature: a process that includes strategies for organisational growth (breadth-scaling) and a process that influences change in formal and informal institutions (depth-scaling).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a process-based study based on the growth of a second-hand fashion retail organisation over 20 years. Qualitative materials such as interviews, observations and documents were collected and analysed.

Findings

The findings illustrate how a circular business model (CBM) can make use of a mix of strategies aiming for both organisational growth and impacting practices and habits within the fashion industry. Strategies building on breadth-scaling logic are found to be a prerequisite for engaging with depth-scaling strategies since they contribute to necessary resources and confidence, while depth-scaling secures future scaling opportunities by changing the conditions for scale.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the relatively scant literature on the process of scaling CBMs by exploring how different strategic paths unfold over time. The process-based approach, in combination with the two scaling logics, gives new insights into how CBMs go from niche to mainstream and thus influence the transition to a circular economy (CE).

Details

Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-2026

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2024

Ningyuan Song, Kejun Chen, Jiaer Peng, Yuehua Zhao and Jiaqing Wang

This study aimed to uncover the characteristics of both misinformation and refutations as well as the associations between different aspects of misinformation and corresponding…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to uncover the characteristics of both misinformation and refutations as well as the associations between different aspects of misinformation and corresponding ways of rebutting it.

Design/methodology/approach

Leveraging Hovland's persuasion theory as a research lens and taking data from two Chinese refutation platforms, we characterized the topics of COVID-19-related misinformation and refutations, misinformation communicator, persuasion strategies of misinformation, refutation communicators and refutation strategies based on content analysis. Then, logistic regressions were undertaken to examine how the characteristics of misinformation and refutation strategies interacted.

Findings

The investigation into the association between misinformation and refutations found that distinct refutation strategies are favored when debunking particular types of misinformation and by various kinds of refutation communicators. In addition, several patterns of persuasion strategies were identified.

Research limitations/implications

This study had theoretical and practical implications. It emphasized how misinformation and refutations interacted from the perspective of Hovland's persuasion theory, extending the scope of the existing literature and expanding the classical theory to a new research scenario. In addition, several patterns of persuasion strategies used in misinformation and refutation were detected, which may contribute to the refutation practice and help people become immune to misinformation.

Originality/value

This research is among the first to analyze the relationships between misinformation and refutation strategies. Second, we investigated the persuasion strategies of misinformation and refutations, contributing to the concerning literature. Third, elaborating on Hovland’s persuasion theory, this study proposed a comprehensive framework for analyzing the misinformation and refutations in China during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Details

Aslib Journal of Information Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-3806

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2024

Henry F.L. Chung and Mia Hsiao-Wen Ho

Given the contradictory findings of standardization/adaptation of marketing strategy in explaining export performance in the extant research, this study aims to examine the…

Abstract

Purpose

Given the contradictory findings of standardization/adaptation of marketing strategy in explaining export performance in the extant research, this study aims to examine the contingent effects of managerial ties and born global orientation in the standardized advertising-export performance conceptualization.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used two-respondent method in the survey research by a sample of 155 exporting firms operating in the industrial marketing based in Australia and New Zealand and applied hierarchical regression analysis to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that standardized advertising has a significant effect on export performance and this relationship is positively moderated by business ties. Such effect is particularly enhanced for born global firms (than nonborn global firms). However, political ties negatively influence the impact of standardized advertising on performance and such effect is stronger for born global firms.

Research limitations/implications

A broader perspective of contingent variables should be included to examine the underlying relationship between standardized advertising and export performance in capturing the dynamism in international marketing contexts, such as institutional frameworks or sociocultural environments in host countries.

Practical implications

Standardized advertising is critical for born global firms’ export performance as it can increase efficiency and speed up internationalization processes. Such positive impact of standardized advertising on export performance is further enhanced if born global firms allocate resources to develop strong business ties with host country partners instead of building political ties with host country governments, because smooth business networking can facilitate standardized advertising on industrial marketing, yet justifiable political relations require intricate negotiations that often prolong internationalization progress.

Originality/value

This study incorporates managerial ties and born global orientation as contingent factors in fixing the theoretic interlock between standardization advertising strategy and export firm performance.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 September 2024

Hasith Chathuranga Victar and K.G.A.S. Waidyasekara

The concept of Circular Economy (CE) has gained significant traction in addressing the issue of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, which is generated because of global…

Abstract

Purpose

The concept of Circular Economy (CE) has gained significant traction in addressing the issue of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, which is generated because of global urbanisation and urban renewal. Therefore, this research aims to explore the applicability of CE strategies to minimise the C&D Waste Management (WM) issues in Sri Lanka considering the preconstruction stage of the building project.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted a qualitative approach, using three expert interview rounds with the Delphi technique. In each round, 17, 15 and 12 experts were involved. A manual content analysis method was used to analyse the collected data.

Findings

Findings uncovered effective strategies in CE to address the 14 issues within C&D WM and its effects on the project management iron triangle in Sri Lanka. Integrating CE strategies within the construction sector to tackle C&D WM issues can significantly contribute to establishing a more sustainable, robust and resource-conscious built environment. By adopting CE strategies such as design for adaptability of existing buildings and design for disassembly, construction projects can optimise the project's timeline, cost and quality factors.

Originality/value

This will help to minimise the demand for virgin materials and reduce the volume of waste generated. Using recycled materials also helps close the loop of the materials cycle, thereby contributing to the CE. Also, this research contributes uniquely by offering practical, context-driven solutions that align with Sri Lanka’s construction sector.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2024

Caroline Olufunke Esangbedo, Jingxiao Zhang, Pablo Ballesteros Pérez and Martin Skitmore

This study aims to investigate the relationship between supply chain leadership, digital supply chain practices and corporate sustainability strategies on the sustainability…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between supply chain leadership, digital supply chain practices and corporate sustainability strategies on the sustainability performance of logistics firms in Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest economies. It indicates that collaborative efforts within the supply chain context can improve sustainability performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 468 firms in a major sub-Saharan African market were collected through a structured questionnaire. The analysis used descriptive statistics, principal component analysis and hierarchical regression analysis. Factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha analysis were used to assess the validity and reliability of the instrument.

Findings

The results of this study reveal significant findings: proactive sustainability strategies exert a substantial positive effect on sustainability performance (β = 0.694, SE = 0.025, p < 0.01). Even when proactive sustainability strategies are included in the model, the positive impact of reactive sustainability strategies remains significant (β = 0.694, SE = 0.025, p < 0.01: Model 5). Regarding the moderating role of proactive and reactive corporate sustainability strategies, there is a notable interaction effect between supply chain leadership and proactive sustainability strategies concerning sustainability performance (p < 0.05). This confirms the positive relationship between supply chain leadership and sustainability performance when proactive sustainability strategies are at a high level (β = 0.844, SE = 0.0010, p < 0.01), supporting H4 that this relationship strengthens with higher levels of proactive sustainability strategies. Conversely, for Hypothesis H5, the interaction effect of reactive sustainability strategies with supply chain leadership changes the relationship from significantly positive to significantly negative (β = −0.068, SE = 0.0009, p < 0.01). Using the Baron and Kenny approach to test mediation, the mediating effect of digital supply on digital leadership is significant (β = 0.345, p = 0.000, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the effect of digital supply on sustainability performance is statistically significant (β = 0.081, p = 0.006, p < 0.01), as is the effect of digital leadership on sustainability performance (β = 0.181, p = 0.000, p < 0.01). These results indicate a mediation effect of digital supply.

Research limitations/implications

This study of logistic management has limitations, including its cross-sectional nature, which precludes the establishment of causality, thus necessitating longitudinal research to determine causal relationships. In addition, the focus on Nigerian firms, which vary significantly in their stages of learning and institutional development, emphasizes the need for further research in diverse contexts. Future studies should examine alternative institutional environments or developed economies to validate these assumptions. Another limitation is the potential for bias due to six employees rating their firms on each variable; therefore, using multiple data sources is recommended to objectively evaluate the validity of the self-reported questionnaire.

Practical implications

This study advises managers to exercise caution when selecting between proactive and reactive sustainability strategies to enhance sustainability performance. Proactive strategies reinforce the relationship between supply chain leadership and sustainability performance, while reactive strategies diminish it. Therefore, managers are encouraged to adopt more proactive strategies. This paper suggests that managers in emerging economies should recognize the distinct impacts of proactive sustainability strategies and allocate more resources toward them to improve sustainability performance, even in competitive markets. In addition, it highlights the importance of digital supply in fostering sustainability performance.

Originality/value

This study presents a novel perspective on the moderating role of corporate sustainability strategies in the relationship between supply chain leadership and the sustainability performance of logistics firms. It provides empirical evidence and fresh insights on proactive and reactive sustainability strategies for logistics firms in Nigeria. The findings highlight that proactive sustainability strategies enhance the connection between supply chain leadership and sustainability performance, whereas reactive strategies do not.

Details

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-8546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 September 2024

Joel Hassan, Richa Chugh, Monica Ren and Hongzhi Gao

Motivated by the severe impact of global supply chain disruptions and the lack of understanding of supply chain resilience from an SME exporter perspective in the international…

Abstract

Purpose

Motivated by the severe impact of global supply chain disruptions and the lack of understanding of supply chain resilience from an SME exporter perspective in the international marketing literature, this paper sets out to explore how SME exporters achieve resilience through strategic choices related to sourcing and manufacturing during global disruptions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a qualitative, multiple-case-studies approach to identify the key strategic drivers and contextual factors influencing SME exporters’ supply chain resilience. Our study adopted an SME exporter perspective and featured an unprecedented global supply chain disruption context. New Zealand (NZ) was chosen as the key home country context for the participants of this study. Five NZ SME exporters were selected for our case studies.

Findings

This study redefines buffering, bridging and a mixed strategy for an SME exporter facing global supply chain disruptions. SME exporters with high situational control are likely to pursue a buffering strategy that reduces their resource dependence on foreign suppliers and their reliance on information support from these suppliers. In contrast, when the firm perceives little control over the supply chain, it will decide upon a bridging strategy that aims to build solid relationships with supply chain partners. Exporters opt for a mixed strategy when they do not see themselves clearly in high or low situational control.

Research limitations/implications

As global disruptions arise and evolve, supply chain uncertainty and exporters’ sense of situational control manifest differently across industries, product lines, markets and sourcing countries. It is essential to understand that firms can choose a mixed strategy based on these supply chain conditions. While our study was fortuitously timed, conducting multi-country studies could provide more comparative insights that transcend national borders. Additionally, our study did not examine organizational and capability-based factors. Future research may benefit from exploring how an SME exporter develops strategic capabilities to achieve resilience over its lifetime.

Practical implications

Businesses see survival as the most pivotal concern during a global supply chain disruption. Many companies have had to make on-the-spot decisions about whether they should shift or redesign their supply chains in the middle of a global disruption. There is no “best strategy” for an SME exporter to take. Rather, managers should make strategic decisions based on how much control or influence they have over a particular part of their supply chain. The level of control is determined by the SME exporter’s overall resource dependencies and information needs in particular parts of their supply chain.

Originality/value

We adopt resource dependence theory and information processing theory to guide our study and place exporters' situational control in the centre of drivers to firms' strategic choices during global disruptions. We make a novel attempt to incorporate the contextual conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic into the theorization of supply chain resilience. We make managerial recommendations to help SME exporters navigate global supply chain disruption challenges.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 3000