A Bibliometric Analysis on the Link between Circular Economy and Supply Chain

Circular economy and supply chain are two topics that have aroused the interest of researchers in recent years, which we can find in a relationship of interdependence in the literature. The aim of this paper is to make a review using the technique of bibliometric analysis, on the interconnections in the literature between the concepts of circular economy and supply chain. In this sense, papers published on those subjects indexed in Web of Science (WoS) - 473 publications and Scopus - 633 publications were analysed, while identifying the most influential journals and authors in this area of study. The results highlighted an upward trend of publications on this topic, a top of the journals with the most published papers, a top of the most influential journals based on the number of citations received, the most influential papers depending on the number of citations received and a keywords co-occurrence mapping using VOSviewer software. Those results are useful in terms of identifying the most prolific journals regarding the volume of articles published, but also the most influential in terms of the volume of citations received, while drawing a clearer path for future research that may include in an integrated manner the circular economy and supply chain to identify ways to achieve superior economic performance in a sustainable manner

Repositioning sales as an influence on innovation and a source of sustainable competitive advantage

The main purpose of this paper was to analyze the relationship between the company’s sales activity, innovation and competitive advantage using a representative sample of firms analyzed in dynamics in 2014-2018 time period. Scientific literature on the determinants of innovation has shown that large firms are more likely to innovate when compared to small firms and that innovation inputs significantly increase innovation output. The types of innovation to which this work refers are process, product, organizational and marketing innovation. Thus, looking at the history and evolution of companies, in terms of financial statement and, more specifically, sales, we can reveal relevant information about their innovation activities and potential sustainable competitive advantage emerging from innovation. Sales can be considered input into the innovation process through the information gathered from customers, thus contributing to the innovation process. For example, when it comes to launching a new product or improving the existing one, sales feedback could be of great help because the salesperson has the ability to collect important customer feedback such as: what are the issues with the present product, what could be improved and how etc. So, we ask: Does sales contribute to the innovation process and gaining sustainable competitive advantage? If so, what happens with the degree of innovation according to the volume of sales, the size of the company, the number of employees? To highlight the relationship between sales, innovation and competitive advantage, and to estimate the predictability of the model, multiple linear regression was used. Thus, the analysis has shown that sales activity positively and significantly influences innovation when it comes to the information that sales can make available, contributing in some cases as a source of sustainable competitive advantage. Research also identified a significant but negative influence between sales, innovation and sustainable competitive advantage when we talk about sales in terms of their volume

Towards Sustainable Consumption: Consumer Behavior and Market Segmentation in the Second-Hand Clothing Industry

In this study, we use bibliometric analysis as a quantitative and systematic approach to assess the scientific landscape and present the existing literature, focusing on the consumer buying behaviour of second-hand clothing in the context of sustainability. We observe a decrease in the number of published papers on this topic, as evidenced by the limited number of papers in the Web of Science (WoS) database (41 papers) and Scopus (38 papers). Through co-occurrence analysis, we highlight the importance of consumer behaviour research in sustainable fashion and identify research gaps related to the absence of market segmentation analysis based on consumer behaviour and demographic information in the second-hand clothing market. To address these gaps, our research aims to identify the main factors that influence consumers to buy second-hand clothing products and to examine the profile of customers who make these purchases, focusing specifically on Romania. We collected data from 110 respondents through a questionnaire. Using two-stage clustering and ANOVA, we identify distinct consumer segments that share similar characteristics. These segments show variations in age, income, frequency of purchase, and reasons for choosing second-hand clothing. By addressing sustainability concerns and providing practical strategic options, our study aims to help businesses operating in the second-hand clothing market. Our findings align with previous research on diverse consumer segments with different attitudes and behaviours towards second-hand consumption

The effects of the energy crisis on the energy-saving behavior of young people

The study analyzes the effects of the energy crisis on energy saving behavior among young people in Romania. To do this, we examined direct and mediated influences of knowledge on energy saving on energy saving behavior through attitudes about energy savings on the environment, responsible behavior, and ethics on energy savings. Data were collected using online and in person questionnaires. Hypotheses were tested using Smart PLS-4. The results identified significant and positive relationships between knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Therefore, knowledge of energy savings had a significant and positive impact on energy-saving behavior during the energy crisis. In addition, the impact of energy savings on the environment and responsible behavior were established as significant mediators in the knowledge-behavior relationship with respect to energy saving. These results are useful in opening debates about shaping the policy directions of other member states of the European Union. Moreover, our study provides theoretical insights into the knowledge-attitudes-behavior triad, managerial recommendations for organizations, and policy implications for governments. By considering the mediating effects of the impact of energy savings on the environment and attitude towards responsible behavior, our findings improve the understanding of energy-saving behavior among young people during an energy crisis. The practical implications highlight the importance of knowledge dissemination, positive attitudes, and policy support in promoting energy saving behaviors and achieving both economic and environmental goals