Search Results
Abstract
This paper aims to explore innovations implemented by SMEs in the traditional food sector and how chain network members are contributing to this process. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted with suppliers, food manufacturers and customers in three European countries with different cultural backgrounds (Italy, Hungary and Belgium). The results show that the members of traditional food chain networks focus mainly on product innovation and least on organisational innovation. Collaboration between the chain network members is an important factor for enhancing the innovation competence of the firms. However, the collaboration intensity depends on the position of the members in the chain network. Further studies could focus on quantitative research to determine whether a higher level of collaboration among all chain network members leads to a higher level of innovation competence in SMEs. Moreover, the direction of the relationship between innovation competence and collaboration should be explored.
This paper addresses recent developments in interactions between consumers, retailers and public authorities related to food quality. Interactions with consumers are guided by principles relating to quality perception gaps, and the abstract and relative nature of quality from a consumer perspective. The relation between the food industry and the retailer is characterised by institutional innovation. The costs of food safety differ between companies. Given the EU regulation on traceability in the food chain, it is argued that the benefits and costs of traceability in the food supply chain could be an interesting topic for further research
Abstract
The objective of this study is to develop a sound measurement instrument of traditional food supply chain performance integrating the perspectives of different stakeholders. Therefore first, stakeholders’ goals are generalized via focus groups and individual interviews. Second, stakeholders’ goals are consolidated, based on their specificity and conflicting/divergent nature and as a result, supply chain goals are developed. Third, potential performance indicators are listed, supporting the developed supply chain goals. Fourth, key performance indicators (KPIs) are selected. As a result, five main supply chain goals are formulated (traditionalism, efficiency, responsiveness, quality and chain balance) together with their supporting performance indicators. Future research should focus on validating the instrument in other food and non-food sectors.
Despite growing interest in meat traceability systems and recognition of the need to act more market oriented, very little research has been done on consumer needs and perception of traceability. This gap is partly filled by the present study of consumer perception of meat traceability in Belgium, based on cross-sectional data collected in June 2001. Respondents are segmented based on their subjective perception of meat quality; and differences in the perceived need for traceability systems between the various segments are investigated. Functional traceability attributes, such as organisational efficiency, chain monitoring and individual responsibility, are important to all consumers. Extensions with respect to process attributes, such as production methods, are less relevant to the general population, being only of interest to specific market segments, i.e. consumers with a more negative perception of meat quality and lower consumption levels. In conclusion, it is recommended that public policy focus on the level of functional traceability attributes, and extensions with respect to process attributes be left to private initiatives, which focus on specific market segments.
Abstract
The purpose of the paper is to measure perceived performance of bilateral relationships in the chain. Therefore, quantitative data were collected from 270 chain members from 3 EU countries in 6 traditional food product categories. First, perceived performance of bilateral relationships was analysed which revealed a generally high perceived contribution of each chain member to its partners’ performance. Second, cluster analysis was conducted resulting in 4 clusters: 1) Low performing chains; 2) Low perceived food manufacturer’s (FM) performance by supplier (S) and customer (C); 3) High perceived FM performance by S and C; 4) High performing chains. Third, binary logistic regression was used to identify 7 relationship constructs that significantly predict cluster membership: trust, economic satisfaction, social satisfaction, dependency, coercive power, reputation, conflict and integration.
Abstract
This paper proposes an approach for measuring innovation in the agrifood sector. First we develop a concept of innovation taking into account its multiform, complex and embedded character. We then we evaluate the validity of the concept by applying it to single firms and value chains in the agrifood sector. This reveals that the concept works well both at firm and value chain levels. This paper provides the basis for future research in the field of innovation measurement at firm and value chain levels, providing also important implications for the further development of the proposed approach. We encourage other scholars to test the applicability of our approach to other sectors.
This paper addresses food safety and traceability costs on the one hand and repeated consumer research about needs and perception of traceability on the other. Compared to 2001, overall meat quality perception scores better in 2004. Respondents are segmented based on their subjective perception of meat quality, and differences in the perceived need for traceability systems between the various segments are investigated. Functional traceability attributes, such as organisational efficiency, chain monitoring and individual responsibility, are important to all consumers. Extensions with respect to process attributes, such as production methods, are less relevant to the general population, being only of interest to specific market segments, i.e. consumers with a more negative perception of meat quality and lower consumption levels. In conclusion, it is recommended that public policy focuses on the level of functional traceability attributes, whereas extensions with respect to process attributes are left to private initiatives, which focus on specific market segments.
The purpose of this study is to examine the interplay between value chain integration dimensions and value chain performance along the malt barley value chain in Ethiopia. The analyses were based on survey data sets obtained from 320 farmers and 100 traders and qualitative interview responses captured from sixty-two key informants selected from members of the chain. The structural equation modelling technique was employed to seek answer for the question of how value chain integration dimensions are related to performance. The results of the analyses showed the existence of positive relationships between coordination of activities and performance; between joint decision-making and performance at farmers-cooperatives interface; and between commitment towards long-term relationships and performance at farmers-traders interface. The study has made important empirical contributions in areas of value chain integration and performance and their interplays within the context of the studied malt barley value chain. The key findings of the study make important policy implications for agribusiness value chains in the developing countries. The study would open a venue for robust investigation based on a wider database from various agribusiness chains in Ethiopia or even beyond, for better validation of the findings.
In the present competitive environment, organisations must inevitably progress to gain and maintain a long-term competitive advantage. Hence, organisations must embrace organisational readiness for change (ORC), which denotes the level of preparedness of an organisation to adopt a change through deploying new management strategies and new projects. This study evaluated the ORC of 70 Moroccan SMEs involved in the sector of labelled agri-food products to join a future innovative cluster. Three dimensions were employed to measure ORC, namely organisational culture, motivation, and climate. Partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to examine the impact of ORC dimensions on the perceived benefits for the firm. The findings demonstrate that the human factor appeared to be more favourably disposed to change. Organisational motivation displayed a significantly positive effect on perceived benefits through minimising production costs when working together in innovative projects. Despite this, the impact of organisational climate and culture was insignificant. This shows that the selected firms need more support to adopt new changes through integrating a new service cluster and, cooperating together in innovative projects. Our study may support SMEs, policymakers, and researchers in devising guidelines that promote better practices for the agro-food SMEs to function effectively.
Abstract
Building upon resource-based view (RBV) theory, this cross-sectional study employed binary logistic regression to examine the influence of firm-level factors on the performance of 435 Tanzanian micro and small agri-food processing firms. The results of the study show that intangible resources, age (enterprise, manager), and management practices (target setting, working capital management, and performance monitoring) have a significant influence on firm performance. Firm size, tangible resources, and managers’ education level were not significant predictors of firm performance. The findings confirmed the RBV argument that intangible resources contribute more to the variation in firm performance compared to tangible resources. This study adds to the limited research on the combined effect of firm-specific characteristics, firm resources, managerial characteristics, and selected management practices on the performance of micro and small firms in emerging economies. The findings will help managers to identify success factors that are significant for better performance and will support policymakers to design strategies that can effectively contribute to the development of micro and small enterprises in the agri-food subsector.
