2022
Authors
Zimmermann, R; Toscano, C; Oliveira, J; Moreira, AC;
Publication
IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology
Abstract
The increasing complexity and dynamism of business environments has led to a significant growth in the risks related to the management of supply chain relationships. Trust and visibility between supply chain partners have been increasingly considered paramount aspects to manage these relationships and reduce risks. This paper aims to analyze and discuss the role of trust and visibility in supply chains, considering the complexity of multi-tier supply chains and multi-aspects visibility. Two cases of the textile sector from Portugal have been studied. After the analysis of the level of visibility and trust, a set of recommendations is provided. © 2022, IFIP International Federation for Information Processing.
2022
Authors
Rebentisch E.S.; Soares A.L.; Rhodes D.H.; Zimmermann R.A.; Cardoso J.L.F.P.;
Publication
CEUR Workshop Proceedings
Abstract
Digital transformation is a broad description of efforts to introduce new technologies within and across organizations with the potential to revolutionize the way they function and perform. Digital transformation may be addressed at multiple levels of analysis, and this paper focuses on the enterprise level. This includes the organization, its people, systems, tools and technologies, and suppliers and partners that combined create valued outcomes that sustain the enterprise and advance its objectives. Collectively, this is a complex sociotechnical system (STS), and digital transformation is an intervention in a STS of potentially profound scope. Classical STS theory emerged from analysis of individuals and work groups and principles have been defined for the design of work systems at that level. We explore how STS design principles may be applied to the enterprise-level challenges associated with digital transformation. We present an enterprise-level framework that describes a process and methods that are consistent with STS design principles and illustrates how existing systems analysis methods and artifacts may be used to design an enterprise level STS. We review some artifacts employed in digital transformation efforts, including enterprise reference architectures, to better understand how they might function as means to foster communication and collaboration across multiple disciplines and domains in the STS design process.
2022
Authors
Messina, D; Soares, AL; Barros, AC; Zimmermann, R;
Publication
SUPPLY CHAIN FORUM
Abstract
Recent studies have highlighted the potential of supply chain visibility (SCV) to improve companies' performance, support the decision-making process and increase the resilience and sustainability of supply chains (SC). However, the definition and the approaches to manage visibility are not consensual, especially when it comes to its assessment. This paper studies the influence that some characteristics of the information shared among SC partners have on SCV and provides a model that allows to assess the level of visibility. Focus group research was used to discuss the visibility assessment model with academic and practical experts and case studies were conducted to evaluate the implementation of the model in real contexts. The results support the applicability of the model in complex SCs and show that the visibility indices proposed can help managers to identify the SC partners where improvement actions are needed. This study contributes to literature and practice by means of a model to assess the visibility throughout the SC by considering different types and characteristics of the information shared.
2026
Authors
Fornasiero, R; Dalmarco, G; Zimmermann, R;
Publication
HYBRID HUMAN-AI COLLABORATIVE NETWORKS, PRO-VE 2025, PT II
Abstract
Circular Economy is based on implementation of R-strategies to narrow or close the loop of material flows and to minimize raw material consumption by extending the life cycle of materials. Since this approach is expanding from individual organizational actions to a collaborative approach, the objective of this paper is to analyse the role of digital technologies such as AI and cloud platforms in facilitating and changing the collaboration between stakeholders to improve sustainability. This study adopts a qualitative multi case study methodology, using surveys, interviews and document analysis from 10 new ventures in the agri-food ecosystem supported by the cascade funding programme. The results show that collaboration among actors is changed by the different technologies and strategic drivers of circular economy in the considered ecosystem.
2026
Authors
Avila, A; Dalmarco, G; Zimmermann, R; Fornasiero, R;
Publication
HYBRID HUMAN-AI COLLABORATIVE NETWORKS, PRO-VE 2025, PT I
Abstract
This study investigates the antifragility of organizations, especially in strategic sectors highly exposed to disruptive events. Based on a qualitative approach with case studies in the wine and textile sectors in Portugal, the findings indicate that financial and market strength, as resilience capabilities, operate interdependently and are reinforced by digital maturity and supply chain integration. Companies with financial robustness and strong market intelligence tend to be more agile in strategically investing and reallocating resources during crises. The research adopts an expanded definition of antifragility, which incorporates resilience, innovation, and strategic reconfiguration in the face of disruptions. It concludes that organizational antifragility results from the articulation of financial resources, market intelligence, and digital collaboration, offering a sustainable competitive advantage in the face of uncertainty. The study contributes to theoretical debates and provides practical recommendations for managers and policymakers.
2025
Authors
Sousa Resende, CD; Zimmermann, R; Inês, A; Dalmarco, G;
Publication
Procedia CIRP
Abstract
The Circular Economy, an alternative to the linear make-use-dispose system, promotes sustainable development through novel business models. Thus, Circular Business Models emerge as systems that minimize resource input and waste by slowing, closing, and narrowing material and energy loops. Circular Startups play a crucial role in the transition to a Circular Economy. Despite their significance, there is a research gap in how these companies scale. Moreover, the slow transition is attributed to the limited scalability of Circular Business Models, which leads to the need to scale current practices. The present study aims to fill this gap by defining a typology of scalability strategies employed by circular startups. A qualitative case studies methodology is adopted, using document analysis and semi-structured interviews conducted in the context of the European project SoTecIn Factory. This research identifies five scalability strategies used by Circular Startups-impact, commercial, ecosystem, institutional and cultural-with the commercial strategy being the main focus in terms of growth approach. The findings underline a strong commitment across the observed value chains to minimize environmental impact, enhance social welfare, and foster economic growth. Other key findings reveal the presence of R-imperatives across different value chains, leading to industry-specific approaches. In addition to the theoretical contribution, this research can support sustainable growth by practitioners in their scaling efforts, thus, accelerating the circular transformation. © 2025 The Authors.
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