Market(ing) Wisdom Differences between Family and Non-Family Firms: An Empirical Study on Small and Medium Enterprises

In competitive business environment, family and non-family SMEs striving to survive by their own characteristics and strategies. Market knowledge and marketing efforts with limited resources are crucial to sustain and enhance business. In this paper, three constructs i) market orientation, ii) marketing capabilities and iii) marketing practices examine the SMEs service sector performance. The interaction effect of ownership type (family and non-family firms) also observed. The 240 SMEs’ data collected from three major metropolitan cities. This study confirms the positive relationships of each constrict (market orientation, ii) marketing capabilities and iii) marketing practices) to firm performance. The interaction effect of ownership type evident on marketing capabilities and SMEs performance. Non-family businesses are open to adopt new ideas and personnel into decision making. Family firms should be more adaptable to compete with non-family firms

Enhancing supply chain innovation and operational agility through knowledge acquisition from the social media: A microfoundational approach

This paper presents an examination of the interlocks between knowledge acquisition from social media (KAfSM), organizational microfoundation structure and design (OMFSaD), supply chain innovation (SCI), and operational agility (OA). These interlocks were tested on data collected from 172 managers/directors/CEOs of 96 firms operating in nine manufacturing industry sectors in Malaysia. Our findings suggest that OMFSaD plays a key role when interlinked with KAfSM. Furthermore, OMFSaD is significantly associated with SCI and OA, and SCI significantly correlates with OA and partially mediates the relationship between OMFSaD and OA. Our study’s outcomes are consistent with our understanding of IT‐enabled organizational capabilities—thus contributing to dynamic capability theory—and suggest that KAfSM helps to revamp processes, routines, and business operations in frequently changing environments. In this paper, we draw implications for research and practice

Investigation of slowing down and charge-exchange of nickel and uranium ions in gases and solids in the energy range (60 - 200) MeV/u

In this thesis new slowing down and charge-state measurements will be presented in the energy range of (60 - 200) MeV/u. These measurements were done using the Fragment Separator (FRS) facility at GSI in Darmstadt. The presented data were taken during two experimental runs. The experiments were divided into two parts. In the first part a 200 MeV/u Ni27+ beam was used. The evolution of charge states as a function of the target thickness was investigated covering both the non-equilibrium and equilibrium region. This was done with various mono-atomic materials (Z2 = 6, 7, 10, 13, 18, 22) and compound materials (ethylene, polyethylene and polypropylene). From the measured charge-state distributions the one-electron ionization and capture cross sections have been extracted. A 40 % gas-solid difference is observed in the ionization cross sections for the mono-atomic materials. In the compound materials a 30 % difference is observed between ethylene and the polymers. The experimental cross sections for the mono-atomic materials have been compared with theoretical calculations [1, 2]. The theoretical ionization cross sections agree quite well with the corresponding experimental ionization cross sections. In the gaseous targets the agreement between experiment and theory is better than 3 %. For the capture cross sections the agreement between experiment and theory is also very good for the lighter target materials (Z2 <= 7). For the heavier targets large deviations up to one order of magnitude are observed. These deviations are due to the increasing importance of the non-radiative capture channel in heavier target materials which is quite difficult to calculate accurately. The results motivate for further refinement of the theory in this energy region. In the second part 3 different uranium beams were used with initial energies of 61 MeV/u (U86+ incident), 85 MeV/u (U73+ incoming) and 200 MeV/u (U81+ incident) to measure the evolution of the charge states again and the energy loss as a function of the target thickness in the same materials as used in the first part plus some additional mono-atomic materials Z2 = 29, 36, 47, 54. From the measured charge-state distributions and energy losses the mean charges and stopping forces have been extracted. At 61 MeV/u we observe a gas-solid difference in the mean charge of up to 4 charge states for the mono-atomic materials. The corresponding stopping powers (forces) at the same specific energy only show a gas-solid difference for light materials (Z2 <= 7). The stopping forces are compared with calculations done with the PASS code [3, 4], ATIMA code [5] and the Hubert et al. tables [6]. The agreement is quite good between experiment and theory. The PASS code predicts by using the experimental mean charges a gas-solid difference in the stopping force for the heavier target materials. In the data at 200 MeV/u there is a gas-solid difference in the ionization rate for U81+ ions similar to the Ni27+ results.In dieser Dissertation werden neue Ladungsverteilungen und Energieverlustmessungen präsentiert. Diese Messungen wurden am Fragment Separator (FRS) bei der GSI in Darmstadt durchgeführt. Die Daten, die hier vorgestellt werden, wurden in zwei Experimenten aufgenommen. Die Experimente bestanden aus zwei Teilen. Im ersten Teil wurde mit einem 200 MeV/u Ni27+ Strahl gemessen. Ziel dieser Messung war die Entwicklung der Ladungsverteilung als Funktion der Targetdicke vom Nichtgleichgewicht bis Gleichgewicht zu untersuchen. Dies wurde mit verschiedenen Targets gemacht (Z2 = 6, 7, 10, 13, 18, 22, Äthylen, Polyäthylen und Polypropylen). Von den gemessenen Ladungsverteilung konnten die Umladungsquerrschnitte für Elektroneneinfang und -verlust extrahiert werden. Ein Gas-Festkörper Effekt von 40 % wurde im Ionizationsquerrschnitt für die monoatomaren (reinen Elemente) Targets gemessen. Im Äthylen und den Polymeren (Polyäthylen und Polypropylen) war ein Effekt von 30 % zu sehen. Die experimentellen Umladungsquerrschnitte für die monoatomaren Targets wurden mit theoretischen Rechnungen von A. Surzhykov und S. Fritzsche [1] und V. P. Shevelko [2] verglichen. In der Ionization stimmen die theoretischen Rechnungen mit den experimentellen Werten gut überein. In den Gastargets ist die Übereinstimmung besser als 3 %. Im Elektroneneinfang gibt es gute Übereinstimmung zwischen Experiment und Theorie bei den leichten Targets (Z2 <= 7), bei den schweren Targets gibt es grosse Abweichungen bis zu einer Grössenordnung. Diese Abweichung kommt zustande, weil der nicht-radiative Querrschnitt einen grösseren Anteil hat bei den schweren Targets und dieser Teil sehr schwer theoretisch zu rechnen ist. Die Ergebnisse sind eine Motivation für Verbesserungen in der Theorie im diesen Energiebereich. Im zweiten Teil wurde ein Uranstrahl bei drei verschiedenen Energien benutzt, diese waren 61 MeV/u mit 86+ als Eingangsladungszustand, 85 MeV/u mit 73+ als Eingangsladungszustand und 200 MeV/u mit 81+ als Eingangsladungszustand. Ziel dieser Messung war es wiederum, die Entwicklung der Ladungsverteilung zu untersuchen und auch Energieverluste zu messen. Dieselben Targets wurden benutzt und zusätzlich wurden folgende Targets vermessen Z2 = 29, 36, 47, 54. Von den gemessenen Ladungsverteilungen und Energieverlusten wurde die mittlere Ladung und das Bremsvermögen bestimmt. Bei 61 MeV/u ist ein Gas-Festkörper Effekt in der mittleren Ladung bei den monoatomaren Targets zu sehen. Der Effekt hat eine Grösse von fast 4 Ladungen. Das dazu gehörige Bremsvermögen zeigt nur einen Gas-Festkörper Effekt bei den leichteren Targets (Z2 <= 7). Die experimentellen Werte wurden mit dem PASS Programm [3, 4], dem ATIMA Programm [5] und den Hubert et al. Tabellen [6] verglichen. Die theoretischen Rechnungen von den Programmen stimmen mit den experimentellen Werten gut überein. PASS sagt einen Gas-Festkörper Effekt bei den schwereren Targets voraus, weil experimentelle Ladungen als Eingangsparameter benutzt wurden. Bei der 200 MeV/u Messung wurde ein Gas-Festkörper Unterschied in der Ionizationsrate in der Entwicklung des U81+ Ladungszustand beobachtet, ähnlich wie in der Ni27+ Messung

Barriers to smart waste management for a circular economy in China

Waste management requires a new vision and drastic improvements for a transition to a zero-waste circular economy. In reality, however, many economies are producing more and more waste, which poses a serious challenge to environmental sustainability. The problem is enormously complex as it involves a variety of stakeholders, demands behavioral changes, and requires a complete rethinking of the current waste management systems and the dominant linear economic model. Smart enabling technologies can aid in a transformation of waste management toward a circular economy, but many barriers persist. This study first shortlists twelve important barriers to smart waste management in China based on interviews with experienced practitioners. It then prioritizes these barriers through a scientific prioritization technique, fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), based on the survey data from three representative stakeholders. It identified three key causal barriers: the lack of regulatory pressures, the lack of environmental education and culture of environmental protection, and the lack of market pressures and demands. Practical and theoretical implications were discussed based on the research results and findings

A Port Performance Measurement Approach Using a Sustainability Balanced Scorecard Based on Stakeholders' Expectations

This study aimed to integrate stakeholder theory into developing port performance management systems through the sustainable balanced scorecard (SBSC), which represents and reflects different stakeholders' expectations in hybrid organizations, such as port communities. The study developed an integrated stakeholder-based framework for global performance measurement, ensuring a balance between the SBSC performance indicators and stakeholders' consensus. Fifty-seven port performance indicators (PPIs) selected from the literature were categorized into six SBSC dimensions and assessed by 41 stakeholders in the Port of Radès using the failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) technique. The framework fully considered the stakeholders' perceptions, expectations, and satisfaction levels. Prioritizing the PPIs using an indicator priority number, inspired by the risk priority number approach of FMEA, fostered an effective balance between the performance dimensions in the SBSC. The developed framework can help port authorities reach a consensus on the most important strategic priorities, align port stakeholders' expectations, prioritize their improvement actions, and gain a significant competitive advantage. The participative approach enabled by the integration of stakeholder theory promotes the effective use of global performance measurement systems. Emphasizing the governance and environmental dimensions of the SBSC contributes to enhancing port competitiveness. \textcopyright 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

The Sustainability Roadmap for the Food Industry 4.0

International audienc

Behavioral mechanisms influencing sustainable supply chain governance decision-making from a dyadic buyer-supplier perspective

This paper explores the behavioral tendencies of buyer-supplier dyads during sustainable supply chain governance (SSCG) decision-making under the complexity and uncertainty of the sustainable performance of their partners. In doing so, this work builds on Behavioral Decision Theory (BDT), together with the literature on dyadic buyer-supplier relationships, to develop a theoretical framework to examine factors affecting the SSCG decisions of supply chain managers and firm representatives under uncertainty of the sustainable performance of their partners. An experimental vignette methodology (EVM) is used to collect and analyze data from 374 matched buyer-supplier dyads. The findings suggest that behavioral uncertainty could lead to both contractual and relational SSCG. However, the interaction of interpersonal trust and relational experience is critical to shaping the SSCG decision. The findings of the study suggest that behavioral uncertainty does not play significant role in shaping SSCG decisions. However, the interplay with negative relational experience may lead to more contractual SSCG. Furthermore, the degree of interpersonal trust between the buyer and supplier representatives significantly encourages them to opt for more relational SSCG. The study supports that positive relational experience helps to strengthen the trust. Using our findings, supply chain managers and executives should strive to build interpersonal trust between their employees and positive relational experience with their supply chain partners to develop relational SSCG throughout the supply chains

Role of Green Innovation and Supply Chain Management in Driving Sustainable Corporate Performance

Amidst the current demand for sustainable development in the globalized world, a green-orientation emerges as a strategic direction for businesses that increasingly attracts stakeholders because of its significant value for the business viability and sustainable development. The extant literature shows that the studies on CSR's influence on corporate outcomes have diverse approaches. The study explored the link of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable corporate performance (SCP) of SMEs mediated by green innovation (GI) and green supply chain management (GSCM) in an emerging economy context. The extant literature lacks discussions around the above combined relationship and impact to the sustainability domain. Using the survey method and Partial Least Squared Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using 486 primary responses covering middle and senior managers, the study supports role of CSR in driving the sustainable corporate performance (SCP) with the intervention of GI and GSCM. The deliberations advance the current CSR literature and its involvement in the value-creating activities that lead to business performance. Importantly, this study emphasizes the implications of a circular economy in GSCM towards sustainability. Accordingly, it motivates SMEs to make strategic, operational changes that lead to significant environmental, social, and economic impacts. © 2022 Elsevier Lt

Barriers to vehicle-sharing among NGOs during disaster relief operations: Findings from a developing country's perspective

NGOs (Non-governmental Organizations) are still lagging in adopting the benefits of vehicle-sharing during disaster relief operations. Therefore, the primary objective of this investigation is to scrutinize the impediments that impede the cooperative efforts among NGOs in the context of vehicular resource sharing within the framework of disaster relief operations. The idea is to enhance relief operations' transport capacity, reduce pollution and congestion, and benefit the total environment without increasing the number of vehicles. In order to study this little-known area of research, an exploratory study is conducted by interviewing experts (i.e., those responsible for administering relief distributions) from both local and international NGOs in a regularly disaster-troubled developing country, Bangladesh. Using the innovation resistance theory, this study examines and categorizes a list of potential important barriers. In this study, various types of barriers are identified based on the innovation resistance theory. These barriers are categorized into five groups, including risk (consisting of 10 barriers), usage (comprising of 7 barriers), tradition (including 4 barriers), value (comprised of 2 barriers), and image (consisting of 1 barrier). Accordingly, vehicle-sharing is linked with many potential side-effects or uncertainties, as the majority of the identified barriers are connected to risks. It is also worth noting that certain vehicle-sharing barriers, which may seem crucial, can be addressed for better outcomes. For example, a strategy could be to communicate potential legal barriers and predetermine accountability for possible accidents. The research outcomes also suggest that the implementation of a vehicle-sharing initiative within the realm of disaster relief operations is susceptible to a multitude of intricate and technically oriented usage challenges that are inherently unavoidable. Notable among these issues are the physical characteristics of the vehicles, the potential for complications arising from the commingling of similar relief items, instances of vehicular overloading, and encounters with roadblocks along the designated routes. The findings have implications for HOs (Humanitarian Organizations), logistics service providers, as well as disaster preparedness, response, and recovery professionals

Future Perspectives on Progressive Farming with Adoption of Virtual Reality Technology for Sustainable Quality in Agriculture

Purpose: The paper aims to evaluate how progressive stakeholders view the adoption of contemporary techniques such as virtual technology in driving sustainable quality in an emerging economy context. Design/methodology/approach: The authors adopted a systematic literature review to develop the theoretical framework for virtual reality (VR) technology adoption in sustaining quality in agriculture production. The framework was refined after discussion with a panel of academic experts. The refined theoretical framework was further empirically validated using Partial Least Square Structure Equation Modelling. Findings: The study focuses on the future perspective of the perception for progressive farming with the adoption of VR technology in an emerging economy. The data were collected from the stakeholders (farmers, collectives, cooperative, etc.), for their future perspectives for the adoption of VR technology and sustainable quality agriculture production. The study may help build up VR technology in emerging economies which may take years to be established. Research limitations/implications: The perception of the future perspective of VR technology study conducted has limitations. The findings are well established on technology adoption; however, the technology used will take many extra years to find its application in the agriculture sector. The study offers insightful theoretical, managerial and policy implications for sustainable quality in agriculture production through the adoption of virtual reality (VR) technology. The authors found very few works that focused on VR technology adoption. Originality/value: The study discusses VR, which has an impact on sustaining the quality of agriculture production. The study has notable managerial and policy implications that suggest the future perspective for VR technology in agriculture production. The study is an unexplored area that needs research to capture future perspectives. \textcopyright 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited