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Volume 18 (2024) Volume 17 (2023) Volume 16 (2022) Volume 15 (2021) Volume 14 (2020) Volume 13 (2019) Volume 12 (2018) Volume 11 (2017) Volume 10 (2016) Volume 9 (2015) Volume 8 (2014) Volume 7 (2013) Volume 6 (2012) Volume 5 (2011) Volume 4 (2010) Volume 3 (2009) Volume 2 (2008) Volume 1 (2007)

Volume 18 Issue 1 (2024)

Financial Performance (Dis)parity in Post-transition Europe original article

pp. 1-16 | First published in 31 March 2023 | DOI:10.5709/ce.1897-9254.523

Lorena Mošnja-Škare

Abstract

Decades after the transition processes have spread across Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern Europe (CESEE), the former Soviet Union, and the Baltic, it was interesting to perform the post-transition and non-transition advanced European economies comparison to capture the outcomes of the 'catching-up process' . In this analysis, I tried to reach the results of this ‘catching process’ using the firm-level accounting data, namely, enterprises' annual accounts rather than countries' national accounts. The goal was to evaluate if post-transition countries' enterprises have reached the financial performance of non-transition countries' enterprises across Europe, three decades after the transition processes began. The research captured firm-level financial performance aspects revealing some differentiators, namely, financial report indicators that differed for the enterprises belonging to post-transition countries in comparison with the ones belonging to non-transition countries in Europe. The findings related to the liquidity, solvency, indebtedness, profitability indicators, and labor intensity ratio were derived by logit regression models. The observations for 569 European companies were provided by Orbis Europe for the year 2021 annual accounts. According to the results, enterprises in post-transition countries, characterized by lower total assets and working capital scale, were likely to have lower profit margins, share of employees’ costs in operating turnover, current ratio, and gearing, while higher solvency and liquidity ratio. Mild marginal effects indicated the gap narrowed but with still existing significant disparities, particularly in the field of liquidity.

Keywords: financial indicators, annual accounts, financial performance, transition

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Eco-innovation and the Edible Insect Value Chain: A Systematic Review original article

pp. 17-39 | First published in 31 March 2024 | DOI:10.5709/ce.1897-9254.524

Jaqueline Geisa Cunha Gomes, Marcelo Tsuguio Okano, Samira Nascimento Antunes, Henry de Castro Lobo dos Santos, Edson Luiz Ursini, Agnieszka Alińska

Abstract

The growing interest in edible insects as a component in animal feed and human food has caught the attention of researchers from various fields, resulting in a multidisciplinary approach. This emerging value chain positions itself as a sustainable and innovative alternative when compared to traditional protein chains. In this scenario, the objective of this article is to conduct a systematic review to investigate and present research on the consumption of insects by humans and their use as animal feed in an eco-innovation context. Our investigations indicate that research on the value chain of edible insects is present on almost all continents, revealing a growing interest, especially in developing countries. In these regions, insect consumption not only addresses issues of food security but also contributes to income generation. The increase in research on alternative protein sources, such as edible insects, seems to align with a broader trend toward sustainability in food production, underscoring the relevance of the topic in the search for environmentally friendly solutions. Noteworthy results include global recognition and collaborative efforts in edible insect research, highlighting a collective approach to addressing challenges and exploring opportunities. This global cooperation underscores the significance of the topic and the necessity for innovative solutions in addressing environmental and food security challenges.

Keywords: eco-innovation, edible insects, sustainability, human food, animal feed.

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Accelerating Digital Supply Chain Management Practices, Customer Development, and Firm Performance: Organizational Culture Matters original article

pp. 40-66 | First published in 31 March 2024 | DOI:10.5709/ce.1897-9254.525

My-Trinh Bui, Don Jyh-Fu Jeng, Huy Hung Ta

Abstract

Firms and suppliers are now using new digital technologies to make decisions for successful strategies. Firms are struggling with the supply chain dynamics needed to increase revenue and mitigate risk, and improve resilience after COVID-19. With the setting of strong competition and firms' business models shifting to digital transformation, this study examines the link between organizational culture (OC) and digital supply chain management practices (DSCMP) in generating a positive impact on firm performance (FP), including both direct and indirect influences via customer development (CD). Smart PLS 3.3.3 was used to analyze data from 326 respondents who registered as business managers who operate their supply chains using digital technologies. The findings indicated that DSCMP, CD, and OC had a favorable impact on FP, while DSCMP and OC had a beneficial impact on CD. It was also determined that DSCMP and CD played a mediating role in both of the above-mentioned associations. DSCMP and OC are two essential enablers for developing a firm’s customer base and improving performance efficiency in digital supply chains. Based on the Resource Dependence Theory (RDT), this study found that digitalization-related capabilities in supply chain management practices must be developed inside the company to improve the firm’s efficiency. Firm culture, accompanied by dominant characteristics, organizational leaders, organizational glue, and strategic emphasis should become essential components of DSCMP in organizations.

Keywords: digital supply chain management practices (DSCMP), organizational culture (OC), firm performance (FP), customer development (CD)

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Monitoring Citizen Science Performance: Methodological Guidelines original article

pp. 67-86 | First published in 31 March 2024 | DOI:10.5709/ce.1897-9254.526

Aelita Skaržauskienė, Margarita Angelidou, Christos Politis, Elli Roma-Athanasiadou, Monika Maciuliene

Abstract

This research paper aims to co-design a theoretical framework and methodological guidelines to monitor the performance, outcomes, and impact of Citizen Science projects. Hence, the proposed methodology combines the previous research efforts on the engagement of external stakeholders into a composite monitoring tool, which allows measuring and comparing CS project progress towards defined objectives. The development of methodology adopted a pragmatic mixed-method research design. Firstly, analysis of the theoretical sources and available monitoring tools provided the basis for a conceptual framework and identification of measurement indicators. The rationale of the conceptual framework was based on the co-creation workshop and stakeholders` interviews. In addition, the aggregation of indicators during the expert Focus group research resulted in a meaningful design of the composite CS Performance Index. The designed methodology is a part of the three-year Horizon 2020 “Science with and for Society” project INCENTIVE (Grant Agreement No. 101005330) that brings on board four Research Performing and Funding Organizations: the University of Twente, the Autonomous University of Barcelona, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. Methodological guidelines set the structure for applying the monitoring in four national CS Hubs and support their coordination. In particular, the values of the indicators could be compared with the targets set, with the respective values of other Citizen Science Hubs, or to worldwide trends.

Keywords: Citizen Science, Quadruple Helix stakeholders, public engagement; co-creation.

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Assessment of Green Growth in the Baltic States original article

pp. 87-100 | First published in 31 March 2024 | DOI:10.5709/ce.1897-9254.527

Dalia Streimikiene

Abstract

EU Green Deal and US Green New Deal strategies indicate that green growth is at the center of the policy agendas of many developed countries and regions. The green growth is a key element in achieving sustainable development. Green growth is an economic growth strategy that prioritizes human development while guaranteeing that natural resources continue to provide environmental services to the current and future generations to achieve their sustainable development. There are many definitions of green growth, and many indicators and measures have been developed to assess green growth results for countries. The paper aims to analyze green growth indicators and measures and develop a case for a comparative assessment of green growth achievements in the Baltic States. The Baltic States were ranked based on their achievements according to specific dimensions of green growth, and policy recommendations to promote green growth were developed based on conducted research.

Keywords: green growth, indicators, assessment, ranking, Baltic States

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Glass Ceiling in the Nigerian Banking Sector: Evidence from Senior Male and Female Employees original article

pp. 101-117 | First published in 31 March 2024 | DOI:10.5709/ce.1897-9254.528

Dennis Pepple, Raphael Oseghale, Elly Nmecha, Joyce Nwagu

Abstract

The banking and finance sector is a major employer in many countries, especially in emerging economies. Decisions made in the sector have significant implication on the economy. There is evidence that decision-making has significant implications for organisations (and, by extension, the economy) when their management teams are diverse in terms of gender. Yet only a few women are promoted to executive and managerial roles. This research qualitatively explores how senior male and female employees experience the glass ceiling in the Nigerian banking sector. We conducted 40 interviews, comprising 20 senior male executives and 20 senior female executives from 4 banks in Nigeria. Our study reveals that the glass ceiling is characterised by a male-dominated meritocratic organisational culture that is driven by the goal of profit maximisation, consistent with the meritocratic perspective of role congruity theory. We contribute to the extant literature on this topic by examining how women’s strategies for navigating this landscape (namely, the self-directed actions women take in order to progress in their careers) diminish men’s view of the glass ceiling, suggesting a paradox of meritocracy. This study contributes significantly to the debates on the future of women’s progression in the banking sector in an emerging economy.

Keywords: glass ceiling, organisational culture, paradox of meritocracy, societal culture, Nigerian banking sector

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