Future Studies Research Journal: Trends and Strategies

Covid-19 pandemic influences relationships on innovation, environmental practices and social actions in enterprise: the theoretical framework

2023-02-16T14:09:20-03:00

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the relationships between the Covid-19 Pandemic, innovation, environmental practices, social actions, and the influence on people's quality of life, in the context of Brazilian organizations, through the proposition of a Theoretical Framework.

Methodology /Approach: The methodology was qualitative and exploratory research, through a theoretical and systematic review of the Scopus database. For data analysis, content analysis was used, with categories listed a priori.

Originality/Value: In the research, 4 theoretical propositions were listed, which were analyzed through a systematic review in the Scopus database, as it is one of the largest databases of scientific articles reviewed by peers worldwide.

Findings: In the course of the research, with the filter used by Article title, it was identified that the largest number of publications (269 documents) went to Proposition 1, in second place with 16 publications we present Proposition 3, occupying the third place emerges Proposition 4 with 10 publications, and as the last classified we have Proposition 2 with only 1 published article.

Theoretical and methodological contributions: The impact of the research is linked to the validation of a theoretical framework, which presents factors that the Covid-19 pandemic is influencing the development of Brazilian organizations, as well as the information collected will provide the academic community and professionals in related areas, a better understanding of the performance of organizations, showing subsidies for managers, from organizations of different segments and sizes, to improve decision-making in the face of the pandemic in the environmental, social and improvement of people's quality of life.

Does digitalization and the adoption of industry 4.0 components matter for the internationalization of portuguese small and medium enterprises?

2022-12-21T15:24:59-03:00

Purpose: The aim of the study is to analyze the relevance that Industry 4.0 and the implementation of its components have for the internationalization of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Portugal.

Method: Exploratory research with a qualitative approach based on a double case study. The aim is to explore, inductively, how Industry 4.0 and the implementation of its components influence the organization, competitiveness and internationalization process of the SMEs under study. Primary data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with full transcription.

Main Results: The results suggest that for the SMEs under study, the implementation of Industry 4.0/digitization caused positive impacts at the organizational and competitiveness level, the value chain was positively affected and, consequently, the companies were better positioned in their competitive advantages.

Relevance/Originality: This work provides insights for the study and joint understanding of digitalization and business internationalization, i.e., it integrates and relates two autonomous, complex and strategic fields of research, with no applied studies for the Portuguese SMEs context.

Theoretical implications: The main contribution is of exploratory nature indicating, for the Portuguese context, that the literature is still incipient. Therefore, it is suggested the development of research that relates digitalization and internationalization of SMEs because they are the basis of economic systems and digitalization is an opportunity for internationalization and success in international markets.

Readiness factors and dynamic capabilities for sustainability-oriented innovation

2022-07-18T16:00:50-03:00

Objective: This paper investigates whether a company operating in an inter-organizational network is prepared for developing Dynamic Capabilities (DCs) that contribute to the development of Sustainability-Oriented Innovation (SOI) activities.

Method: The paper employs a qualitative single-case study method in a company that operates in the agribusiness sector. The instrument for collecting data was the semi-structured interview with managers. For data analysis, the content analysis technique was used.

Originality/value: The research integrates the concepts of DCs, inter-organizational networks and SOI activities (operational optimization, organizational transformation and systems building).

Results: The results showed that “interorganizational relationships” and “technologies for SOI,” associated with collaboration capability and technological capability, are the most influential factors for operational optimization, organizational transformation, and systems construction activities.

Contributions/Implications: The research presents new perspectives for analyzing SOI activities and identifies factors and DCs that can be leveraged by other companies interested in improving their collaborative relationships and innovations with a focus on sustainability.

Managerial innovation as a result of collaboration between consolidated company and startups

2022-12-30T08:59:31-03:00

Purpose: to analyze the collaborative relationship between consolidated company and startups focused on managerial innovation.

Originality: non-technological innovation has become a contributing factor to the performance of organizations, especially in innovation environments (Damanpour, 2014; Su et al.; 2018, Angelidou et al., 2022).

Method: with a qualitative approach, it was a case study with data collection through documentary research and semi-structured interviews with representatives of the local innovation ecosystem, the consolidated company and startups, subsequently made a content analysis.

Results: the relationship between companies has brought gains, with managerial innovation being one of them through: the local innovation ecosystem that generates a cooperative environment and proximity between different companies; of actions of the consolidated company for training and monitoring of startups, being inspiration and support; the agile and flexible nature of startups that quickly implement ideas, being a laboratory for the consolidated company; of the recursive nature of the relationship between them generating an upward spiral of shared knowledge and experience.

Conclusion: It is possible to create managerial innovation from collaborative relationships, in an environment that encourages interaction between different agents.

The impacts of Industry 4.0 enabling technologies on operational strategy

2023-04-20T11:47:42-03:00

Purpose: Adapting to technological advances is a pertinent challenge for operations in the Manaus Industrial Park. This study aims to address the following research question: how do Industry 4.0 (I4.0) enabling technologies impact the quality and flexibility strategy in the Manaus Industrial Park?

Originality / Value: This study developed a systematic and structured way to understand the benefits of I4.0 technologies in quality strategies and flexibility of manufacturing production lines. Manaus Industrial Park plays an essential role in the development of innovations in the Amazon region, and companies must be competitive in this new context of digitization of manufacturing.

Methods: This study used a qualitative and descriptive approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with industrial managers from 12 companies that operate in the Manaus Industrial Park.

Results: The results of this work point to a frequent use of computer systems to integrate machines in operations, such as the use of M2M technology and cyber-physical systems. The companies researched in the Manaus Industrial Park are adopting essential technologies to create the infrastructure for the I4.0 implantation. This is the first step to making smart factories in the future.

Conclusions: Industry 4.0 enabling technologies affect operations' quality and flexibility strategy, promoting cost savings by optimizing production processes.

Foresight scenarios in brazil for telecom b2b segment in 2050

2023-02-14T12:37:48-03:00

Purpose: Present a prospective scenario approach for the next 30 years in the B2B segment for telecom operators in Brazil.

Theoretical framework: The research was carried out using a semi-structured quantitative approach supported by the Delphi method and using the construction of prospective Schwartz scenarios (GBN), being carried out with specialists and managers from the Telecom segment for B2B.

Design/methodology/approach: It was found that the use of the prospective scenario methodology can be a tool for strategic planning, applicable in the face of uncertain conditions in the long term.

Findings: Through the methodology of prospective scenarios, the construction of four future scenarios was developed: 1) Democracy of Info-Innovation, 2) Resistance of Special-Locals, 3) Big Telco-Tech Evolution, 4) Great Expansionists.

Research, Practical & Social implications : The contribution of this article is in the delivery of a practical exercise that demonstrated how prospective scenarios can be used as a guide for the leadership of companies in strategic positions and also as a guide for long-term actions, for all participants of this company.

Originality/value : The carriers in Brazil are currently facing an environment of several variables and complexities brought about mainly by competition from new IT entrants, regional operators, new emerging technologies and the Digital Transformation movement. This article presented a viable exercise to support long-term strategic planning, through prospective scenarios, in such a way as to provide subsidies to support today's decisions

Scenario of scientific publications on international acquisitions in emerging markets: a bibliometric analysis

2022-10-24T13:57:40-03:00

Objective: This work sought to investigate the behavior of the international scientific literature on the international acquisitions of EMNEs, in order to identify the themes that are emerging within the segment.

Originality: This study sheds light on some contributions. First, it contributes to a better understanding of the stock of knowledge accumulated on the international acquisitions carried out by EMNEs. Second, in a field such as strategy and international business that has authors from various disciplines, it is essential to periodically review its evolutionary path.

Method: To achieve this objective, this work was supported by the bibliometric method based on the works found on the Web of Science platform.

Result: Through the results obtained, it was possible to verify the most relevant countries, authors, articles and journals in the area. As well as the co-citation network and journals most cited in the references. Finally, the article presents an agenda to guide future research.

Conclusion: It was possible to conclude that the research published recently was about innovation and cultural distance and no longer about the adequacy of the entry mode, as was the case at the beginning of the analysis. There was a predominance of studies that use institutional theory to anchor their research.

Deep learning diffusion by search trend: a country-level analysis

2023-03-01T10:57:08-03:00

Purpose: The theory of diffusion of innovation is the theoretical lens discussed in this research to analyze the diffusion of the deep learning theme in the BRICS and OECD countries. As little has been developed to understand country-level analysis and a theme such as innovation, this research sought to fill this gap.

Originality/Value: This research demonstrates how it is possible to use Search Trends to analyze the diffusion of a thematic, enabling the extension of the diffusion of innovation theory beyond the sale of products.

Methods: Google Trends was used for data collection and to provide up-to-date information, and two different statistical models were used: clustering to identify patterns in the first analysis, and the Bass diffusion model, aiming at comparing countries considering the curve peak, the innovation coefficient, and the imitation coefficient.

Results: The findings of this research identified that China has the highest innovation coefficient among the members of the BRICS and Japan among the members of the OECD.

Conclusions: This study brought both a theoretical contribution, allowing the expansion of the diffusion of innovations that use a theme as an object of innovation, as well as a practical implication, enabling research in an accessible and democratic way.

Consumer behavior in response to the effects of the covid-19 pandemic: a study on the relationship between self-isolation intention and unusual purchases

2023-02-23T08:44:16-03:00

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate consumer behavior in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil to assess the relationship between the intention of self-isolation and to make unusual purchases.

Methodology /Approach: Through an online survey with a sample of 181 individuals in Brazil, the proposed model and hypotheses were tested using Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM.)

Findings: The results demonstrate a link between perceived severity in the two behavioral responses measured, the intention to make unusual purchases and, more strongly, the intention to voluntary self-isolation.

Originality/Value: The study discusses consumer behavior for unusual purchases (cyberchondria) in risky situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

Contributions and implications: We demonstrate how information overload leads to cyberchondria. In addition, the perceived severity leads the individual to make unusual purchases and self-isolation. In turn, exposure to online information sources leads to cyberchondria, which leads to behavior that increases the intention to make unusual purchases, and to self-isolation, which further increases exposure to online information. Furthermore, this study extends existing research (Laato et al., 2020) that suggests that research be carried out in different contexts.

Boldness and audacity in the field of entrepreneurship: understandings from literature

2022-12-12T18:27:08-03:00

Objective: To identify and understand how the terms boldness and audacity have been discussed in researches on the entrepreneurship field.

Method / Approach: In order to identify the articles, the bibliometric method ProKnow-C was used. The search occurred in Scopus and Web of Science databases. In bibliometrics, the resources of Bibliometrix package were used. To understand how the themes are addressed in entrepreneurship, a systematic review of the literature was carried out.

Originality / Relevance: This research presents advances in the discussion and understanding of boldness/audacity theme in the field of Entrepreneurship.

Results: In bibliometrics, a quantitative analysis was performed with 109 articles, in which the following indicators were found: three journals, eight authors, three countries, eight keywords and evolution in the 2013-2021 period. The systematic literature review was based on 21 articles, and the results present four categories: boldness and minorities, risk and investments, personality traits and cultural variations.

Theoretical contributions: The research presents a theoretical contribution to the field of studies, by highlighting aspects associated with boldness/audacity in entrepreneurship studies, providing a broader understanding of the behavior of entrepreneurs and organizations. In addition, for Entrepreneurship researchers, the study elucidates the contexts in which these themes are discussed, in addition to pointing out theoretical gaps in the field.

The challenges of the black women entrepreneurs in the management of their business

2022-01-13T15:53:09-03:00

Objective: To identify what are the difficulties arising from racial discrimination and prejudice which black women entrepreneurs face in the management of their businesses.

Method: This is a theoretical essay, based on the Brazilian and international literature whose proposal was to categorize the main Brazilian black women entrepreneurs’ management problems arising from racial discrimination.

Originality/Relevance: The contributions, originality and relevance of the article come from the context studied, black women entrepreneurs and the difficulties in managing their business. Most of the studies identified in the literature address conflicts of different natures and there are few that integrate discriminatory issues and racial prejudices of black women entrepreneurs. This theme is emerging and current, and there is a need for theoretical deepening to support empirical studies.

Results: The article allowed an important theoretical survey on the constructs addressed. Through 87 articles studied, it was possible to identify the challenges faced by black women entrepreneurs, consisting of seven categories: a) family x work; b) life in communities; c) financial resources; d) fear of failure; e) lack of entrepreneurial models/lack of experience; f) educational disadvantage and g) socioeconomic discrimination. The results bring together the main challenges and their identified difficulties.

Theoretical/methodological contributions: The article offers new contributions by reflecting: the relevance of the performance of black women and their performance in the social scenario and the prejudice still suffered; ii)the challenges and consequences of the difficulty in developing the enterprise because they assume a double role in society, black women and entrepreneurs; iii)emotional difficulties identified when performing entrepreneurial actions; iv) the scarcity of studies that bring together the constructs studied and the absence of empirical evidence on black women entrepreneurs.