A. Soares

The influence of supply chain quality management practices on quality performance: an empirical investigation

Purpose The extant literature highlights the notable lack of a consensus among operations and supply chain management scholars regarding the theoretical underpinnings and associated empirical evidence for the performance impact of supply chain quality management (SCQM) practices on quality. The aim of this study is to redress this imbalance in the literature through empirical examination of the relationship between SCQM practices and quality performance outcomes. Design/methodology/approach In accordance with the research aim, a quantitative approach was adopted, and a multi-item scale web-based survey was designed to collect primary data. A total number of 325 questionnaires were collected from a sample of UK-based manufacturing companies. Factor analysis, internal consistency and multivariate regressions were employed to validate the multi-item scale and test the hypotheses. Findings The findings confirm the proposed hypotheses and reveal statistically significant results for the performance impact of S...

Servitization strategies from customers’ perspective: the moderating role of co-creation

This paper aims to investigate the moderating role of co-creation in the implementation of servitization strategies in the pharmaceutical industry in a business-to-business (B-to-B) context. More specifically, this investigation explores the impact of different levels of services (base, intermediate and advanced) on servitization and on performance by using co-creation as a moderating factor.,A research framework was developed and empirically tested in the pharmaceutical sector. Data collection was conducted through the online distribution of questionnaires. The final sample included 219 pharmacy stores, and the data were analysed using structural equation modelling.,Main findings suggest that when the level of co-creation of the design of services is high, there are significant effects of servitization on firm performance. The moderating effect of co-creation is illustrated in regard to intermediate and advanced services, but results referring to the impact of intermediate services on servitization appear non-significant with a low degree of co-creation. No significant effects could be found for the impact of base services on performance and servitization for both high and low degrees of co-creation. Findings show an impact of advanced services on performance through the mediating effect of servitization when the degree of co-creation is high.,Most research concerning servitization has been done from the perspective of manufacturers and service providers. This study adds value to the literature because it was designed from a customer’s perspective. Moreover, it contributes towards the conceptualization of the servitization research strategy and business models in a B2B context. This is accomplished through the investigation of the moderating effect of co-creation on the impact of the different levels of services on servitization and on performance.

Developing entrepreneurial intentions through gamification using online Business challenges

Purpose: This paper describes the results of a research project aimed at investigating the moderating role of gamification on the development of entrepreneurial intentions through the use of online business challenges. Following the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) (Ajzen, 1991), a research framework is suggested and empirically tested which measures entrepreneurial intentions before and after the participation in an online competition. TPB attempts to predict individuals intentions to engage in a behaviour, arguing that behaviours depend on both motivation (intention) and ability (behavioral control) (Ajzen, 1991). In this study, entrepreneurial intentions are used as a predictor of entrepreneurial behaviour and are measured using the Entrepreneurial Intentions Questionnaire (based on Linan and Chen, 2009; Linan et al., 2011; Guerrero and Urbano, 2014; Ruizalba et al., 2015) before and after a gamified environment. Gamification refers to the use of game elements in non-gamified environments, (Deterding et al., 2011) such as in Higher Education (HE) contexts. The suggested research framework hypothesises that gamification has a positive impact on HE students’ entrepreneurial intentions. Design/methodology/approach: In order to investigate the suggested hypotheses, a quantitative research strategy was implemented using questionnaires distributed online to participants. Data was collected with the help of Studyka along with Paris Business School (PSB). Studyka facilitates gamified environments providing online challenges to students all over the world. These challenges are real problems put forward by companies and monetary prizes are attributed to winners. Two questionnaires were implemented: one implemented before the challenge and another one at the end of the gamified activity. A total of 980 students participated, and 281 responded to the two questionnaires, enabling before and after comparisons. Findings: Data analysis is currently undergoing and a difference is expected between the two samples collected (that is, before and after participation in the online challenge). Originality/value: This research contributes to the literature by investigating the role of gamified environments on entrepreneurial intentions of HE students.