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Publications

Publications by SYSTEM

2024

The role of consumers in the adoption of R-strategies: A review and research agenda

Authors
Zimmermann, R; Inês, A; Dalmarco, G; Moreira, AC;

Publication
CLEANER AND RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION

Abstract
The circular economy is increasingly being considered as a potential model to replace the prevailing end-of-life approach by establishing a closed-loop flow. The importance of different supply chain (SC) actors in this process has been recognized as a critical aspect of the development of sustainable production-consumption models. Consumers play a crucial role in this context, as they have a dual function: ensuring the correct disposal of used products; and consuming products from circular sources. However, the different roles consumers play (refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle, recover) in circular SCs are still unclear. Through a systematic literature review, this paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the influence of consumers on the adoption of circular supply chain (CSC) practices and to identify the main drivers and barriers regarding the adoption of circular practices. The results demonstrate that the topic is recent and has gained ground in the literature. An in-depth qualitative analysis was carried out with the 74 papers identified and shows that the most commonly addressed R-strategies are reuse, recycle and repair. The main motivations and challenges towards a greater adoption of circular practices are related to (or lack of) environmental beliefs and financial benefits.

2024

Internationalisation of SMEs: a comparative perspective between Africa and Latin America

Authors
Moreira, AC; Ribau, CP; Borges, MIV;

Publication
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SMALL BUSINESS

Abstract
This paper explores the internationalisation of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) in Africa and Latin America. A total of 97 papers covering the period between 1995 and 2017 were analysed, providing a unique comparative perspective of the internationalisation of SMEs. The analysis of the papers revealed the following six main topics: international networking; financing, export promotion; internationalisation strategies; resources and business environment/context; e-business, e-commerce; and barriers to internationalisation. The topic 'internationalisation strategies' is the most researched topic both regarding the internationalisation of both African and Latin American SMEs. However, while the studies on Latin American SMEs focus on rapid internationalisation, international entrepreneurship orientation and export performance, the studies on African SMEs focus on supply performance, international behaviour, internationalisation process, knowledge and key-selection of foreign markets. This provides a clear perspective on how SMEs of those two emerging continents deal with the intricacies of internationalisation.

2024

A brand loyalty-risk framework in the luxury watch market

Authors
Silva, P; Moreira, AC; Almeida, S; Mountinho, V;

Publication
ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF MARKETING AND LOGISTICS

Abstract
PurposeIn a society that encourages consumption, attributes such as exclusivity and social recognition are important in what is intended to be restricted to a certain exclusive segment. Luxury is something that is more desirable than necessary. This study develops and tests a model that analyses the brand loyalty-risk relationship in the luxury watch market.Design/methodology/approachTo test the proposed research model, a sample of 306 international consumers and enthusiasts of luxury brand watches was collected. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling.FindingsThe results show that perceived quality has a negative indirect influence on brand risk and brand trust has a strong direct negative effect on brand risk. However, the findings also show that in the luxury market, the greater the affection for the brand, the greater the risk perceived by consumers.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in a single market, luxury watches and the sample includes both enthusiasts and consumers of the luxury brands.Practical implicationsManagers should be aware of the double-edged role of brand affect on brand risk. The quality of a brand and the trust in its promise decrease the risk to the consumer.Originality/valueThis pioneering study is one of the first to approach an underexplored topic as is the case of the risk associated with a brand in the context of the luxury goods market. Moreover, it relies on an international sample composed of consumers from several countries.

2024

Lean implementation in product development processes: a framework proposal

Authors
Ferreira, LMDF; Moreira, AC; Silva, P;

Publication
PRODUCTION PLANNING & CONTROL

Abstract
The implementation of lean principles in product development (PD) activities has been receiving increased attention lately. However, it is not clear how the application of these principles to PD activities enhances their effectiveness. Moreover, the implementation of lean principles is more difficult to achieve in PD activities than in the shop-floor context. The objective of this paper is to develop and implement a framework applying lean principles to the PD process. To that end, an action research project was conducted in the R&D department of an industrial company. This article presents and describes a six-step framework, its challenges, and main results. The implementation of the framework led to gains in the efficiency of the product development process through a 20% decrease in waste. Improvement measures such as standardisation, clear identification of roles, prioritisation of activities and improved efficiency of meetings were the main drivers for the gains in efficiency. Overall, three main contributions should be highlighted: the role a knowledgeable lean project leader can play; employee training focused on the implementation of lean-based product development activities; and team building and communication.

2024

A closer look at customer experience with bundle telecommunication services and its impacts on satisfaction and switching intention

Authors
Ribeiro, H; Barbosa, B; Moreira, AC; Rodrigues, R;

Publication
JOURNAL OF MARKETING ANALYTICS

Abstract
The telecommunications sector faces a major challenge of high customer churn. Despite this, there is still a lack of research that explores the switching intention for telecommunication services, particularly with bundle services that currently dominate the market. This study aims to provide insight into consumer behaviour regarding bundle telecommunication services by examining the factors that impact satisfaction and switching intention, both directly and indirectly. Eighteen hypotheses were defined based on the literature, and were tested through a quantitative study with 910 bundle service customers using structural equation modelling with Smart-PLS. The results show that internet and television services have the strongest indirect impact on switching intention, mediated by overall satisfaction and loyalty. Additionally, the results indicate that switching costs and barriers do not significantly affect switching intention, and surprisingly, perceived contractual lock-in positively influences switching intention. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the customer experience with bundled telecommunications services and offers relevant insights for telecommunication managers to prevent customer loss to competitors.

2024

The Impact of the Fit Between Supply and Demand Uncertainty and Supply Chain Responsiveness on the Performance of Portuguese Companies

Authors
Zimmermann, R; Ferreira, LMDF; Moreira, AC;

Publication
FLEXIBLE AUTOMATION AND INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING: ESTABLISHING BRIDGES FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS, FAIM 2023, VOL 2

Abstract
This paper analyses how the harmonization between supply and demand uncertainty and supply chain responsiveness (SC fit) impacts business performance. The study analyses data obtained from a sample of 179 manufacturing companies from Portugal. The business performance of companies with different types of SC fit (high-high fit and low-low fit) and misfit (positive and negative) were analyzed and discussed. The results indicate that SC fit is positively related to business performance, economic and productivity, and commercial performance separately. This study advances the literature as the results indicate that SC fit positively affects both commercial and economic, and productivity performance. In contrast, previous empirical studies have mainly addressed the impact only on financial and operational performance.

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