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1 – 10 of over 11000Qinyuan Shen, Zhifeng Gao and Zhanguo Zhu
A meat quality grading system is essential to meet consumers' increasingly diversified demand for food quality in the global market. This study aims to determine the effectiveness…
Abstract
Purpose
A meat quality grading system is essential to meet consumers' increasingly diversified demand for food quality in the global market. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the upcoming Chinese quality grading labels and examine the information effect of labeling standards on pork consumption choices.
Design/methodology/approach
Using an online survey with choice experiments, this study estimates consumer valuation for the fat thickness of different pork primal cuts by simulating three scenarios. Generalized mixed logit models in WTP space are used to analyze the choice experiment data.
Findings
Chinese consumers prefer lean pork to fatty pork and this preference does not vary significantly between primal cuts. Consumer valuation for ungraded high-quality (lean) pork increases after the implementation of the quality grading. Meanwhile, they are willing to pay high premiums for labeled pork (including level 1, 2, 3), and there are higher premiums for pork with higher levels. Besides, incomplete information on labeling standards could achieve more premiums for pork than relatively complete information.
Originality/value
This study pays attention to essential but few-noticed pork quality grading. The findings provide references for pork industry practices and policy-making of the meat quality grading system in China and globally by examining incomplete and relatively complete information effects on consumer choices.
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Satumari John Wafudu and Yusri Bin Kamin
The issue of quality assurance in vocational and technical education (VTE) programs identifies a perilous need to develop a conceptual framework for teaching and learning…
Abstract
Purpose
The issue of quality assurance in vocational and technical education (VTE) programs identifies a perilous need to develop a conceptual framework for teaching and learning standards. This study aims to identify standard components for teaching and learning to ensure quality delivery for the achievement of VTE objectives. The quality assurance framework for teaching and learning is envisioned as a closed-loop management process that functions as an effective operational scheme to coordinate teaching processes that support the structure for quality assurance in VTE programs.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data were collected through a questionnaire developed to examine the quality standards for teaching and learning in VTE from 259 respondents from colleges of education. The identified quality components for teaching and learning and their quality indicators were analysed.
Findings
The conceptual framework for teaching and learning with the 12 quality components and 62 quality indicators is the key standard for improving quality teaching and learning to meet the desired goals of VTE programs.
Originality/value
The framework proposed is flexible and can be applied to many other programs to ensure that teachers are professional enough to teach effectively to provide adequate learning outcomes.
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Ranjit Roy Ghatak and Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes
The research explores the shift to Quality 4.0, examining the move towards a data-focussed transformation within organizational frameworks. This transition is characterized by…
Abstract
Purpose
The research explores the shift to Quality 4.0, examining the move towards a data-focussed transformation within organizational frameworks. This transition is characterized by incorporating Industry 4.0 technological innovations into existing quality management frameworks, signifying a significant evolution in quality control systems. Despite the evident advantages, the practical deployment in the Indian manufacturing sector encounters various obstacles. This research is dedicated to a thorough examination of these impediments. It is structured around a set of pivotal research questions: First, it seeks to identify the key barriers that impede the adoption of Quality 4.0. Second, it aims to elucidate these barriers' interrelations and mutual dependencies. Thirdly, the research prioritizes these barriers in terms of their significance to the adoption process. Finally, it contemplates the ramifications of these priorities for the strategic advancement of manufacturing practices and the development of informed policies. By answering these questions, the research provides a detailed understanding of the challenges faced. It offers actionable insights for practitioners and policymakers implementing Quality 4.0 in the Indian manufacturing sector.
Design/methodology/approach
Employing Interpretive Structural Modelling and Matrix Impact of Cross Multiplication Applied to Classification, the authors probe the interdependencies amongst fourteen identified barriers inhibiting Quality 4.0 adoption. These barriers were categorized according to their driving power and dependence, providing a richer understanding of the dynamic obstacles within the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework.
Findings
The study results highlight the lack of Quality 4.0 standards and Big Data Analytics (BDA) tools as fundamental obstacles to integrating Quality 4.0 within the Indian manufacturing sector. Additionally, the study results contravene dominant academic narratives, suggesting that the cumulative impact of organizational barriers is marginal, contrary to theoretical postulations emphasizing their central significance in Quality 4.0 assimilation.
Practical implications
This research provides concrete strategies, such as developing a collaborative platform for sharing best practices in Quality 4.0 standards, which fosters a synergistic relationship between organizations and policymakers, for instance, by creating a joint task force, comprised of industry leaders and regulatory bodies, dedicated to formulating and disseminating comprehensive guidelines for Quality 4.0 adoption. This initiative could lead to establishing industry-wide standards, benefiting from the pooled expertise of diverse stakeholders. Additionally, the study underscores the necessity for robust, standardized Big Data Analytics tools specifically designed to meet the Quality 4.0 criteria, which can be developed through public-private partnerships. These tools would facilitate the seamless integration of Quality 4.0 processes, demonstrating a direct route for overcoming the barriers of inadequate standards.
Originality/value
This research delineates specific obstacles to Quality 4.0 adoption by applying the TOE framework, detailing how these barriers interact with and influence each other, particularly highlighting the previously overlooked environmental factors. The analysis reveals a critical interdependence between “lack of standards for Quality 4.0” and “lack of standardized BDA tools and solutions,” providing nuanced insights into their conjoined effect on stalling progress in this field. Moreover, the study contributes to the theoretical body of knowledge by mapping out these novel impediments, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced in adopting Quality 4.0.
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Esraa Esam Alharasis, Abeer F. Alkhwaldi and Khaled Hussainey
This study aims to investigate the moderating effect of the COVID-19 epidemic on the relationship between key audit matter (KAM) and auditing quality.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the moderating effect of the COVID-19 epidemic on the relationship between key audit matter (KAM) and auditing quality.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use the ordinary least squares regression on data from 942 firm-year observations of Jordanian non-financial institutions across the period (2017–2022) to test the hypotheses. The authors use content analysis method to measure levels of KAM disclosure.
Findings
The investigation’s findings highlight the importance of KAM disclosure in achieving audit quality in line with international standard on auditing no. 701 (ISA-701) requirements. COVID-19 is also found to have a positive relationship with audit quality, further confirming the crisis’s devastating impact on audit complexity and risks and providing evidence for the need for supplementary, high-quality audit services. Due to the correlation between KAM disclosure and increased auditor workload and responsibility, the analysis reveals that the COVID-19 factor strengthens the link between KAM disclosure and audit quality.
Practical implications
This study has the potential to be used as a basis for the creation of a new regulation or standard regarding the reporting of unfavourable events in financial filings. This study’s findings provide standard-setters, regulators and policymakers with current empirical data on the effects of implementing ISA-701’s mandate for external auditors to provide more information on KAM. The COVID-19 crisis offers a suitable setting in which to examine the value of precautionary disclosures in times of economic uncertainty, as well as the significance of confidence interval disclosures and the role of external auditing in calming investor fears. This analysis is helpful for stakeholders, regulatory agencies, standard-setters and readers of audit reports who are curious about the current state of KAM disclosures and the implementation of ISA-701. The results may have ramifications for academia in the form of a call for more evidence expanding this data to other burgeoning fields to have a clear explanation of the real impact of reporting KAM on audit practices.
Originality/value
To the authors’ awareness, this research is one of the few empirical studies on the effect of the COVID-19 crisis on auditing procedures, and more specifically, the effect of disclosures on KAM by external auditors on audit quality. This study’s findings represent preliminary scientific evidence linking the pandemic to business performance. Minimal research has been done on how auditors in developing nations react to pandemic investor protection and how auditors’ enlarged reporting responsibilities affect them. The vast majority of auditing studies have been conducted in a highly regulated system, so this research contributes by examining audit behaviour in a weak legal context.
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David Castillo-Merino, Josep Garcia-Blandon and Gonzalo Rodríguez-Pérez
This paper aims to examine the effects of the 2014 European regulatory reform on auditors’ activity, the audit outcome and the audit market, with a focus on the Spanish market.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the effects of the 2014 European regulatory reform on auditors’ activity, the audit outcome and the audit market, with a focus on the Spanish market.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is based on in-depth, semistructured interviews with partners of the main audit firms operating in the Spanish market. This qualitative approach provides a precise identification of the cause-effect relationships of the new measures introduced by the European audit regulation.
Findings
The findings indicate that, based on auditors’ opinions, the costs of the main regulatory changes outweigh the benefits. The European Union (EU) Audit Regulation imposes more demanding provisions, such as an extended auditor’s report, mandatory audit firm rotation, more banned nonaudit services and stricter quality controls, resulting in substantial side effects on audit activity and the audit market. This could undermine the objective of enhancing the quality of audit services.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to analyze the effect of the 2014 EU regulatory reform on audit activity, audit market and audit outcome based on auditors’ perceptions. The findings may be of interest to academics, professionals and regulators alike, as they offer valuable insights for assessing the effectiveness of the new audit provisions. Additionally, the qualitative methodology used facilitates a causal analysis of the key elements introduced by the regulations, potentially paving the way for future research avenues.
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Certified and non-certified organisations must make strategic decisions regarding ISO 9001 adoption, maintenance, renewal and abandonment. However, the ISO 9001 literature lacks a…
Abstract
Purpose
Certified and non-certified organisations must make strategic decisions regarding ISO 9001 adoption, maintenance, renewal and abandonment. However, the ISO 9001 literature lacks a typology of the strategic options available to these organisations. The purpose of this conceptual study is to develop a framework of the alternative strategies for the stages of the ISO 9001 life cycle (implementation/certification, certification maintenance and recertification/decertification stages).
Design/methodology/approach
The research method is based on literature review, selection of relevant variables and synthesis of coherent alternative strategies.
Findings
Results include the main variables of relevance for the definition of the ISO 9001 strategies (e.g. life cycle stage, organisational motivations, barriers, benefits, internalisation degree and quality of the certification body), the main situations in which organisations can find themselves (in terms of ISO 9001 certification, maintenance and decertification), the strategic options for each situation (e.g.: certify, maintain certification, try harder, change certification body, intensify learning and experimentation with ISO 9001) and the implications and consequences of such options. Research results are integrated into a strategy framework, composed of three strategy matrices, one for each stage of the life cycle. The matrices present the strategic situations, available strategic alternatives and benefits of the strategies.
Originality/value
This study combines the results of previous research to develop an original strategy framework, which constitutes the main research contribution. As far as the author is aware, there is no such strategy framework in the literature. The framework has relevant implications for theory and practice and helps to identify future research directions.
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Maria Elisabete Duarte Neves, Sofia Reis, Pedro Reis and António Gomes Dias
This paper aims to analyze the impact of the adoption of ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 on the performance of Portuguese companies. The sample includes the companies listed on Euronext…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to analyze the impact of the adoption of ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 on the performance of Portuguese companies. The sample includes the companies listed on Euronext Lisbon, with economic, financial and specific information – the specific being environmental information and quality information – for the period between 2015 and 2019, which corresponds to the post-Troika period when some economic growth started to be witnessed. The specific information of each area is translated into the environmental certification by the ISO 14001 standard, the quality certification by the ISO 9001 standard, and sustainability reports.
Design/methodology/approach
To achieve this aim, four variables were used as a measure of the companies' performance, Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE); Tobin's Q and EBITDA Margin. With this data, different panel models were tested to validate if ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications impact Portuguese listed companies performance. Specifically, the authors have used the Generalized Method of Moments, GMM-System, an estimation method proposed by Arellano and Bover (1995) and Blundell and Bond (1998).
Findings
The results show that, in general, the environment and quality variables fail to explain the dependent variables, that is, ISO certifications do not provide positive or negative variations in the performance of companies, suggesting that they are not yet as much for civil society, as well as for current or potential shareholders. When used as an independent variable, certification according to the ISO 14001 or 9001 standards, negative and significant oscillations were verified in the dependent variable, MgEBITDA, suggesting that only for managers this variable is determinant, but with a negative impact, given the high costs, it entails without pressure from other stakeholders.
Originality/value
This study is the first to analyze the impact of the adoption of ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 on Portuguese companies' performance. This empirical study aims to show all investors, managers, regulators and civil society itself the long path that still needs to be taken toward sustainability.
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Baljinder Kaur, Adarsh Rajput and Ayushi Garg
Purpose: The assessment of the linkage between quality and several SDGs is crucial due to the significant impact quality has on multiple dimensions. This study employs a…
Abstract
Purpose: The assessment of the linkage between quality and several SDGs is crucial due to the significant impact quality has on multiple dimensions. This study employs a comprehensive methodology to elucidate the various dimensions of quality. Additionally, it examines the relationship between quality and multiple SDGs, a topic that has not been previously investigated.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The question arises here that how maintaining quality leads to sustainability; well this question is answered in this study through a content analysis of previous studies and showing the importance of theme quality in various aspects of sustainability like TBL, sustainable development goals (SDGs), etc.
Findings: Quality has proven to be an admirable approach towards sustainability. The risen need for sustainability has brought many perspectives of the world. It can be environmental, social and economic and further these aspects have their own areas for improvement. The complexity of the structure of sustainability requires a basic common area to be focused on, and in this study, quality has proven to be one.
Implications: Through the SDGs it can be derived that each goal had an area where quality needed to be worked on. The several zones of quality are interlinked. Quality of life will automatically improve the education, health water and sanitation services. Therefore, the focus should be laid on attaining sustainability through quality. Quality is achieving excellence in something or a substance that satisfies the requirements needed from it or the resources are utilised effectively and efficiently.
Originality/Value: This study uses a holistic approach in which dimensions of quality have been explained and further the linkage of quality with different SDGs was assessed which has not yet been explored earlier.
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Nicolas Depetris Chauvin, Antoine Pinède and David Priilaid
This paper aims to examine the convergence and divergence of business and production practices in the global wine industry, particularly focusing on Pinot Noir producers in…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the convergence and divergence of business and production practices in the global wine industry, particularly focusing on Pinot Noir producers in Burgundy, New Zealand and South Africa (SA). This study explores the interplay between firm-specific factors and regional contexts to identify competitive advantage drivers among Pinot Noir producers.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a comparative analysis approach, using data from a comprehensive winery level survey. This study applies methodologies akin to value chain analysis to unravel the configuration of productive and technology/knowledge creation activities within wineries across three regions.
Findings
This analysis reveals both convergence and divergence in business and production practices among Pinot Noir producers in Burgundy, New Zealand and South Africa. Although there is a degree of convergence in marketing, distribution and competition strategies, differences exist in production practices and firms’ capabilities. Burgundy emphasizes tradition and terroir expression, contrasting with the modernization and innovation focus observed in New Zealand and South Africa. However, all regions share a commitment to quality as a competitive advantage.
Research limitations/implications
This study acknowledges limitations such as the focus on a specific grape variety and regions, the absence of performance impact analysis and the need for additional variables like environmental, institutional and cultural factors and consumer preferences to provide a comprehensive understanding of industry dynamics.
Practical implications
The insights from this study offer practical implications for winemakers, industry stakeholders and policymakers. Producers can optimize production and marketing strategies based on regional contexts and market segments, whereas stakeholders can identify emerging trends and opportunities in the global wine market. Policymakers can develop targeted policies supporting innovation, sustainability and competitiveness.
Originality/value
This paper provides a unique contribution by conducting a comparative firm-level analysis across distinct wine-producing regions, shedding light on the nuanced interplay of factors shaping competitive advantage among Pinot Noir producers. This study’s comprehensive data set and methodological approach enhance understanding and offer valuable insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers.
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Amon Bagonza, Yan Chen and Frederik Rech
The purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating impact of integrated reporting on the relationship between audit quality and market reactions in Africa using South…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating impact of integrated reporting on the relationship between audit quality and market reactions in Africa using South Africa as a sample.
Design/methodology/approach
The study sample size consists of 119 firms listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The study was carried out for the period 2011–2019. Market reactions were proxy by share price and adjusted market returns. The authors controlled for the effects of market reactions by using other firm specifics like operating income, assets, leverage and return on assets and thereafter carried out robustness checks included under additional analysis.
Findings
Results from the study showed that integrated reporting partially mediates the relationship between audit quality and market reactions. Moreover, audit quality has a positive significant impact on market reactions in the form of the share price. The results were obtained in addition to a robustness check using adjusted market returns as a proxy for market reactions.
Practical implications
Regulators and standard setters in other countries should make integrated reporting mandatory. This study not only informs the public and investors about the organization’s business performance but also reveals auditor assurances that enchase market confidence in the company.
Social implications
Exploring the mediating impact of integrated reporting on the relationship between audit quality and market reactions yields valuable insights. Integrated reporting, which combines financial and non-financial information, influences how investors perceive and react to audit quality. Understanding this interplay could shed light on the broader implications for corporate transparency and accountability.
Originality/value
The authors are the first to conduct such a study in an emerging economy. Hence, the authors used integrated reporting as a new variable in the study of audit quality and market reactions. Furthermore, the authors used adjusted market returns under robustness checks to check if audit quality has an impact on market reactions.
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