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Article
Publication date: 4 June 2024

Ismael Gómez-Talal, Pilar Talón-Ballestero, Veronica Leoni and Lydia González-Serrano

This study aims to examine how dynamic pricing impacts customer perceptions of restaurants and sentiment toward prices via online reputation metrics. In addition, to deepen the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine how dynamic pricing impacts customer perceptions of restaurants and sentiment toward prices via online reputation metrics. In addition, to deepen the debate on dynamic pricing, a novel definition is drawn by exploring the specific forms of discrimination that can manifest in different industries.

Design/methodology/approach

Leveraging a comprehensive data set of restaurant reviews sourced from TripAdvisor, the study focuses on restaurants affiliated with one of the largest groups of restaurants in Spain. We used a quasi-experimental method (difference-in-differences), to study how dynamic pricing strategies influence customers’ perceptions of value based on numerical ratings. Meanwhile, we used a Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers model on the textual component of reviews to dissect the emotional nuances of dynamic pricing.

Findings

Results did not reveal a causal impact of dynamic pricing strategies on customers’ perceptions. Moreover, the sentiment analysis shows no heightened negative view after introducing dynamic pricing in restaurants compared to the control group. Contrary to what previous literature suggests, our findings indicate that implementing dynamic pricing does not adversely affect customers’ perceptions or sentiments regarding prices in restaurants.

Research limitations/implications

The quasi-experimental setting of the study presents inherent challenges in establishing causality that require further investigation using controlled experimental settings. Nevertheless, our study reveals that restaurant customers do not perceive dynamic pricing as unfair. This finding is critical for restaurant managers when considering the implementation of dynamic pricing and revenue management strategies. In addition, our study highlights the importance of considering not only numerical ratings but customer sentiment analysis as well. This more holistic approach to assessing the impact of pricing strategies can give restaurant managers a deeper understanding of customer reactions. In addition, a more rigorous definition of dynamic pricing is provided, clarifying its nature and its distinction in using different price discrimination.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the evolving understanding of dynamic pricing strategies’ impact on customers’ perceptions and sentiments in the restaurant industry. It aims to fill the gap in understanding customer reactions to algorithmically determined prices (via revenue management systems such as DynamEat) in this industry. The combination of causal inference and sentiment analysis offers a novel perspective, shedding light on the nuanced connections between dynamic pricing implementation and customers’ emotions.

目的

本研究考察动态定价如何通过在线声誉指标影响顾客对餐厅的感知和对价格的情绪。此外, 为了深化对动态定价的讨论, 通过探索不同行业中可能表现出的具体歧视形式, 提出了一个新的定义。

设计/方法/途径

利用从TripAdvisor获取的餐厅评论的全面数据集, 研究聚焦于与西班牙最大的餐厅集团之一相关联的餐厅。我们采用了准实验方法(差异中的差异), 研究动态定价策略如何根据数值评分影响顾客对价值的感知。同时, 我们运用BERT模型对评论的文本成分进行分析, 以解析动态定价的情感细微差别。

发现

结果没有揭示动态定价策略对顾客感知产生因果影响。此外, 情绪分析显示, 在餐厅引入动态定价后, 与对照组相比, 没有增加消极观点。与以往文献所述相反, 我们的发现表明, 实施动态定价并不会对顾客对价格的感知或情绪产生负面影响。

研究限制/含义

研究的准实验设置存在确立因果关系的固有挑战, 需要通过控制实验设置进一步调查。尽管如此, 我们的研究揭示了餐厅顾客不认为动态定价不公平。这一发现对餐厅经理在考虑实施动态定价和收入管理策略时至关重要。此外, 我们的研究强调, 考虑顾客情绪分析和数值评分的重要性。这种更全面的方法评估定价策略的影响, 可以让餐厅经理更深入地理解顾客反应。此外, 提供了一个更严格的动态定价定义, 澄清了其性质及其在使用不同价格歧视中的区别。

原创性/价值

本研究对于理解动态定价策略对餐厅行业顾客感知和情绪影响的不断发展有所贡献。它旨在填补对客户对算法确定的价格(通过收入管理系统(RMS)例如DynamEat)在此行业中反应的理解空白。因果推断与情绪分析的结合提供了新的视角, 揭示了动态定价实施与顾客情绪之间微妙的联系。

Propósito

Este estudio examina cómo la fijación dinámica de precios impacta en las percepciones de los clientes de los restaurantes y en el sentimiento hacia los precios a través de métricas de reputación en línea. Además, para profundizar en el debate sobre la fijación dinámica de precios, se propone una definición novedosa explorando las formas específicas de discriminación que pueden manifestarse en diferentes industrias.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Utilizando un conjunto de datos exhaustivo de reseñas de restaurantes obtenidas de TripAdvisor, el estudio se centra en los restaurantes afiliados a uno de los mayores grupos de restaurantes en España. Empleamos un método cuasiexperimental (diferencias en diferencias) para estudiar cómo las estrategias de precios dinámicos influyen en las percepciones de valor de los clientes basándonos en las calificaciones numéricas. Mientras tanto, empleamos un modelo BERT en el componente textual de las reseñas para desentrañar los matices emocionales de la fijación dinámica de precios.

Hallazgos

Los resultados no revelaron un impacto causal de las estrategias de precios dinámicos en las percepciones de los clientes. Además, el análisis de sentimiento no muestra una visión negativa aumentada después de introducir la fijación dinámica de precios en los restaurantes en comparación con el grupo de control. Contrariamente a lo que sugiere la literatura previa, nuestros hallazgos indican que la implementación de precios dinámicos no afecta negativamente las percepciones o los sentimientos de los clientes respecto a los precios en los restaurantes.

Limitaciones/implicaciones de la investigación

La configuración cuasiexperimental del estudio presenta desafíos inherentes para establecer la causalidad que requieren una investigación más profunda utilizando entornos experimentales controlados. Sin embargo, nuestro estudio revela que los clientes de restaurantes no perciben la fijación de precios dinámica como injusta. Este hallazgo es crítico para los gerentes de restaurantes al considerar la implementación de la fijación de precios dinámica y estrategias de gestión de ingresos. Además, nuestro estudio resalta la importancia de considerar no solo las calificaciones numéricas sino también el análisis del sentimiento del cliente. Este enfoque más holístico para evaluar el impacto de las estrategias de precios puede dar a los gerentes de restaurantes una comprensión más profunda de las reacciones de los clientes. Además, se proporciona una definición de fijación de precios dinámica más rigurosa, aclarando su naturaleza y su distinción en el uso de diferentes discriminaciones de precios.

Originalidad/valor

Este estudio contribuye a la comprensión en evolución del impacto de las estrategias de fijación de precios dinámicos en las percepciones y sentimientos de los clientes en la industria restaurantera. Su objetivo es llenar el vacío en la comprensión de las reacciones de los clientes a los precios determinados algorítmicamente (a través de sistemas de gestión de ingresos (RMS) como DynamEat) en esta industria. La combinación de inferencia causal y análisis de sentimientos ofrece una perspectiva novedosa, arrojando luz sobre las conexiones matizadas entre la implementación de la fijación de precios dinámicos y las emociones de los clientes.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 17 February 2023

Luca Pugi, Giulio Rosano, Riccardo Viviani, Leonardo Cabrucci and Luca Bocciolini

The purpose of this work is to optimize the monitoring of vibrations on dynamometric test rigs for railway brakes. This is a quite demanding application considering the continuous…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this work is to optimize the monitoring of vibrations on dynamometric test rigs for railway brakes. This is a quite demanding application considering the continuous increase of performances of high-speed trains that involve higher testing specifications for brake pads and disks.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, authors propose a mixed approach in which relatively simple finite element models are used to support the optimization of a diagnostic system that is used to monitor vibration levels and rotor-dynamical behavior of the machine. The model is calibrated with experimental data recorded on the same rig that must be identified and monitored. The whole process is optimized to not interfere with normal operations of the rig, using common inertial sensor and tools and are available as standard instrumentation for this kind of applications. So at the end all the calibration activities can be performed normally without interrupting the activities of the rig introducing additional costs due to system unavailability.

Findings

Proposed approach was able to identify in a very simple and fast way the vibrational behavior of the investigated rig, also giving precious information concerning the anisotropic behavior of supports and their damping. All these data are quite difficult to be found in technical literature because they are quite sensitive to assembly tolerances and to many other factors. Dynamometric test rigs are an important application widely diffused for both road and rail vehicles. Also proposed procedure can be easily extended and generalized to a wide value of machine with horizontal rotors.

Originality/value

Most of the studies in literature are referred to electrical motors or turbomachines operating with relatively slow transients and constant inertial properties. For investigated machines both these conditions are not verified, making the proposed application quite unusual and original with respect to current application. At the same time, there is a wide variety of special machines that are usually marginally covered by standard testing methodologies to which the proposed approach can be successfully extended.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 June 2024

Ali Raza, Shumaila Yousafzai and Saadat Saeed

How does the interplay between entrepreneurship policies and both formal and informal gender equality affect women’s inclination towards self-employment in contrast to men?

Abstract

Purpose

How does the interplay between entrepreneurship policies and both formal and informal gender equality affect women’s inclination towards self-employment in contrast to men?

Design/methodology/approach

This study introduces and validates a comprehensive multi-level model underpinned by symbolic interactionism, institutional theory, and the nuances of gendered institutions. Employing innovative analytical techniques and leveraging data from 66 countries, we scrutinize how formal and informal gendered institutional arrangements either inhibit or facilitate an environment favorable to women’s entrepreneurial activities.

Findings

Significantly, our research delves into the nuanced effects of specific entrepreneurship policies across diverse nations. While these policies can bridge the gendered resource gap, a profound understanding of broader gender dynamics is crucial for fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.

Originality/value

Our insights advocate for a more integrated approach to bolster women’s participation in entrepreneurship, thus furthering their socio-economic progression.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 30 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 March 2024

Kassa Woldesenbet Beta, Natasha Katuta Mwila and Olapeju Ogunmokun

This paper seeks to systematically review and synthesise existing research knowledge on African women entrepreneurship to identify gaps for future studies.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to systematically review and synthesise existing research knowledge on African women entrepreneurship to identify gaps for future studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper conducted a systematic literature review of published studies from 1990 to 2020 on women entrepreneurship in Africa using a 5M gender aware framework of Brush et al. (2009).

Findings

The systematic literature review of published studies found the fragmentation, descriptive and prescriptive orientation of studies on Africa women entrepreneurship and devoid of theoretical focus. Further, women entrepreneurship studies tended to be underpinned from various disciplines, less from the entrepreneurship lens, mostly quantitative, and at its infancy stage of development. With a primary focus on development, enterprise performance and livelihood, studies rarely attended to issues of motherhood and the nuanced understanding of women entrepreneurship’s embeddedness in family and institutional contexts of Africa.

Research limitations/implications

The paper questions the view that women entrepreneurship is a “panacea” and unravels how family context, customary practices, poverty and, rural-urban and formal/informal divide, significantly shape and interact with African women entrepreneurs’ enterprising experience and firm performance.

Practical implications

The findings and analyses indicate that any initiatives to support women empowerment via entrepreneurship should consider the socially constructed nature of women entrepreneurship and the subtle interplay of the African institutional contexts’ intricacies, spatial and locational differences which significantly influence women entrepreneurs’ choices, motivations and goals for enterprising.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a holistic understanding of women entrepreneurship in Africa by using a 5M framework to review the research knowledge. In addition, the paper not only identifies unexplored/or less examined issues but also questions the taken-for-granted assumptions of existing knowledge and suggest adoption of context- and gender-sensitive theories and methods.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 January 2023

Stuart Orr and Akshay Jadhav

Construction sustainability (CS) is a strategic reaction to the sustainability expectations of the construction industry's external stakeholders. The extant literature has viewed…

Abstract

Purpose

Construction sustainability (CS) is a strategic reaction to the sustainability expectations of the construction industry's external stakeholders. The extant literature has viewed the environmental, social and economic dimensions of CS as having independent effects on financial performance. Due to the influence of common stakeholders, however, interactions in these dimensions will be present in their effect on financial performance. Accordingly, this study identifies the mechanisms of the interactions between the three CS dimensions and how they jointly affect financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of GRI reports of 60 large construction organisations, followed by a hierarchical regression analysis was used to identify the interactions between environmental, social and economic CS in their effect on financial performance.

Findings

Economic CS was found to indirectly, and not directly, affect financial performance, the effect being mediated by both environmental and social CS. Environmental CS was found to have a strong negative effect on financial performance, whilst social CS was found to have a strongly significant positive effect on financial performance.

Practical implications

The motivation for engaging in CS is that investment in economic CS will have a positive effect on both environmental and social CS outcomes, which, in turn can have a combined effect on financial performance.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies investigating the effect of interactions between the environmental, social and economic CS dimensions on the financial performance of construction organisations. It is also one of the first studies that applies a sociotechnical framework to this relationship.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2024

Vivek Kumar Jha, Ravi Roshan and Sabyasachi Sinha

Extant studies in entrepreneurship have explored factors that influence the birth and growth of start-up firms; however, there appears to be a dearth of studies examining the…

Abstract

Purpose

Extant studies in entrepreneurship have explored factors that influence the birth and growth of start-up firms; however, there appears to be a dearth of studies examining the influence of founders' ambidextrous orientation on start-ups' success, especially their speed of attaining the coveted status of a “unicorn start-up” – which is considered a mega success in practice. This study examines whether and how founding teams’ collective ambidextrous orientation influences their respective start-ups’ pace of becoming a “unicorn”.

Design/methodology/approach

This study empirically analyses 220 interviews by the founders of 83 Indian unicorns in examining the influence of the founding teams’ collective exploration-exploitation capability on their firms' speed to achieve the “unicorn” status. The Cox Hazard model was used to test the hypothesized relationships, and linear ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used to test the robustness of the results.

Findings

The authors find a strong positive relationship between founding teams’ ambidextrous skills and the speed of becoming a unicorn. The study results suggest that the founding teams’ collective exploratory skills may be more influential in their start-up’s speed to unicorn status vis-à-vis their exploitative skills.

Originality/value

This study finds that the founding teams’ ambidextrous orientation and exploratory skills accelerate their start-up’s speed to becoming a unicorn, contributing to the academic discourse on the “unicorn” phenomenon, which is widely acknowledged as a grand success status for start-ups—especially technology and venture capital funded start-ups—among the practitioners. This study contributes to the academic discourse on firm capabilities and founding-team-related antecedents of start-up success by raising a new dimension of the founding team’s ambidextrous orientation.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2024

Zhijian Bai, Cheng Xu, Aimaitijiang Ailikamujiang and Yanqi Sun

This study, anchored in Self-Determination Theory, explores the paradoxical effects of gamification on digital health promotion, focusing on user engagement, physical activity…

Abstract

Purpose

This study, anchored in Self-Determination Theory, explores the paradoxical effects of gamification on digital health promotion, focusing on user engagement, physical activity adherence, stress levels and social dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

In a preregistered experimental design, participants interacted with one of three fitness apps: a non-gamified control app, a competition-based gamified app (GameFit) or a self-exploration-based gamified app (ExploreFit). Quantitative data were collected through scales measuring key variables, and qualitative insights were gathered from structured diaries.

Findings

Gamification significantly enhanced user engagement and physical activity adherence. However, competition-based gamification also increased stress and negative social dynamics, with gender-specific effects: females experienced higher stress and males encountered more negative social dynamics. These adverse effects were mitigated in the ExploreFit group, suggesting that self-exploration elements in gamification can reduce negative outcomes.

Originality/value

This research offers a comprehensive analysis of the complex interplay between gamification, competition, self-exploration and health outcomes. It provides valuable insights for the design of persuasive technologies, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to gamification that considers both its benefits and potential pitfalls.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2024

Hugo Perry and Gerard Dericks

In order to determine whether the factors affecting office worker well-being are location dependent, this exploratory study analyses the relative importance of different “building…

Abstract

Purpose

In order to determine whether the factors affecting office worker well-being are location dependent, this exploratory study analyses the relative importance of different “building well-being” factors for prime office workers in two leading but environmentally contrastive real estate markets: London and Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a mixed methods sequential explanatory design (follow-up explanations model), consisting of three phases: an exploratory phase to refine the building well-being factors, a quantitative phase utilising a questionnaire to assess the relative importance of these building well-being factors (N = 281: London = 171; Hong Kong = 110), followed by a final phase of follow-up interviews with respondents to explore the reasons behind the significant differences observed in the quantitative phase (N = 13: London = 7; Hong Kong = 6).

Findings

While London and Hong Kong share some highly-ranking factors in common, significant differences in importance are observed for 17 of the 31 identified factors as a result of contrasting physical, economic, and cultural environments.

Originality/value

Despite growing recognition of the importance of the built environment on well-being, to the authors’ knowledge there has been no previous research investigating how building well-being demands may vary systematically across geographies. Understanding these differences has important implications for interpreting building well-being research, effective business operations, real estate investment, building certification scheme design, and governance of the built environment.

Details

Property Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-7472

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2023

Esteban R. Brenes, Gabriel Rodriguez, Jorge-Vinicio Murillo-Rojas and Caleb A. Pichardo

Resiliency is essential for achieving the necessary level of performance and ensuring the survival of a new business during difficult times. However, neither this characteristic…

Abstract

Purpose

Resiliency is essential for achieving the necessary level of performance and ensuring the survival of a new business during difficult times. However, neither this characteristic nor its antecedents have been exhaustively studied. Using a configuration approach, this study aims to analyze the neuropsychological and business-related characteristics of entrepreneurs that may explain their resilience during the business development process.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), the authors investigated distinct characteristics of Costa Rican agro-entrepreneurs with high levels of entrepreneurial resilience. The fsQCA methodology identifies combinations of causal measures that result in the outcome.

Findings

From the mixture of configurations, the authors found four combinations of individual’s characteristics that explain the profile of a resilient agro-entrepreneur.

Originality/value

This work contributes to the literature on agricultural entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial resilience. This study identifies four distinct combinations of entrepreneurs’ characteristics that produce entrepreneurial resilience in the agricultural industry. Moreover, it incorporates individuals’ business-related attributes into examining characteristics combinations that affect resilience. Also, this research offers agro-entrepreneurs’ stakeholders, valuable insights to develop more resilient entrepreneurs.

Propósito

La resiliencia es esencial para lograr el nivel de rendimiento necesario y garantizar la supervivencia de un nuevo negocio en tiempos difíciles. Sin embargo, ni esta característica ni sus antecedentes han sido exhaustivamente estudiados. Empleando un enfoque de configuración, este estudio busca analizar las características neuropsicológicas y empresariales de los emprendedores que pueden explicar su resiliencia durante el proceso de desarrollo empresarial.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Utilizando el análisis cualitativo comparativo de conjuntos difusos (fsQCA, por sus siglas en inglés), investigamos distintas características de los agroemprendedores costarricenses con altos niveles de resiliencia emprendedora. La metodología fsQCA identifica combinaciones de medidas causales que originan un fenómeno o resultado.

Hallazgos

A partir de la mezcla de configuraciones, encontramos cuatro combinaciones de características del individuo que explican el perfil de un agroemprendedor resiliente.

Originalidad/valor

Nuestro trabajo contribuye a la literatura sobre emprendimiento agrícola y resiliencia emprendedora. Este estudio identifica cuatro combinaciones distintas de las características de los emprendedores que producen resiliencia emprendedora en la industria agrícola. Además, incorpora las características empresariaes de los individuos al examinar las combinaciones de características que afectan la resiliencia. También, nuestra investigación ofrece a los públicos de interés información valiosa para desarrollar emprendedores más resilientes.

Objetivo

A resiliência é essencial para alcançar o nível de desempenho necessário e garantir a sobrevivência de um novo negócio em tempos difíceis. Porém, nem esta característica nem seus antecedentes foram exaustivamente estudados. Empregando uma abordagem de configuração, este estudo busca analisar as características neuropsicológicas e empresariais de empreendedores que podem explicar sua resiliência no processo de desenvolvimento de negócios.

Desenho/metodologia/abordagem

Usando a análise comparativa qualitativa do conjunto difuso (fsQCA), investigamos características distintas de agroempreendedores costarriquenhos com altos níveis de resiliência empreendedora. A metodologia fsQCA identifica combinações de medidas causais que causam um fenômeno ou resultado.

Resultados

A partir da mistura de configurações, encontramos quatro combinações de características individuais que explicam o perfil de um agroempreendedor resiliente.

Originalidade/valor

Nosso trabalho contribui para a literatura sobre empreendedorismo agrícola e resiliência empreendedora. Este estudo identifica quatro combinações distintas de características dos empreendedores que produzem resiliência empreendedora na indústria agrícola. Além disso, incorpora as características de negócios dos indivíduos ao examinar as combinações de características que afetam a resiliência. Adicionalmente, nossa pesquisa oferece às partes interessadas dos agroempreendedores insights valiosos para desenvolver empreendedores mais resilientes.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 August 2024

Gabi Kaffka and Norris Krueger

Focused feedback, such as mentoring and coaching, is a crucial ingredient for generating the intellectual capital needed for successful venture creation and has become a…

Abstract

Purpose

Focused feedback, such as mentoring and coaching, is a crucial ingredient for generating the intellectual capital needed for successful venture creation and has become a structural resource offered to entrepreneurs in business incubator/accelerator programs. Yet so far, literature has remained silent on the way that entrepreneurs differ in their engagement with focused feedback in such programs. This study poses the question of how focused feedback engagement shapes cognitive development during value creation (i.e. business opportunity development), aimed at the construction of a taxonomy of such feedback engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on cognitive learning outcomes, we carried out a qualitative analysis using NVivo to perform content analysis on the logbooks of 70 entrepreneurs engaged in business opportunity development in a highly regarded accelerator program.

Findings

Results show that engagement with focused feedback and its effects relate to the state of tangibility of the entrepreneur’s value offer and to the amount of prior entrepreneurial experience. We also develop a promising taxonomy to classify entrepreneurs on their learning needs and outcomes (e.g. procedural versus declarative knowledge).

Originality/value

This study brings together types of human learning (types of knowledge acquired) with types of focused feedback. This connection has been speculated to exist in entrepreneurial settings; this study provides strong initial evidence that argues for more explicit consideration in practice. Adding the intellectual capital perspective further enabled this study to better address implications for practice as well as motivate powerful new directions for research.

Details

Journal of Intellectual Capital, vol. 25 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1469-1930

Keywords

1 – 10 of 665