Value Creation Process Research Articles

Sustainable value co-creation in healthcare systems in the context of reduced ease of access

Sustainability studies in healthcare systems predominantly have a goods-dominant outlook and focus on the environmental sustainability of hospitals in developed nations. When faced with poor availability and affordability (reduced ease of access), healthcare systems must pay attention to social sustainability. As in the rest of the world, the burden of chronic non-communicable diseases requiring long-term and high patient involvement is increasing in India. ‘Information exchange’ (integrating knowledge) is a crucial co-creation process. Besides ‘information exchange,’ this study considers ‘interaction quality’ (reciprocal understanding) and the customers' ‘knowledge development attitude’ as value-creating processes. The Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework suggests that these cues prompt patients to participate and contribute to healthcare outcomes, resulting in their continued patronage and reduced ease of access weakens this positive influence. Data was collected from General Practitioners (GP) who treat diabetic patients in Jharkhand (with limited healthcare resources and a low-average per-person income). A pilot sample data ensured the reliability of the instrument before the large-scale survey calibrated and independently validated a structural equation model. It was determined that the positive influence of ‘information exchange’ and ‘knowledge development attitude’ (‘interaction quality’) on patients' contribution to healthcare outcomes is (is not) weaker in reduced ease of access. The patients perceive a degree of risk owing to their limited understanding of the healthcare components (e.g., medication). Stated processes reduce this and add to the system's value (knowledge to cure and learn as per service-dominant logic) and improve trust in the service provider. With reduced ease of access, the time spent with the patient has to be effectively used to allay fears and gain trust empathetically. GP clinics with reduced hierarchy and protocols are better suited for required policy changes and service innovations. This is the first study to apply the S-O-R framework interlaced with service-dominant logic in sustainable healthcare.

Transformation of entrepreneurial activity under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic

The work is devoted to the consideration of digital technologies as a tool that transformed entrepreneurship and helped save many new and established enterprises from bankruptcy during the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The practice of entrepreneurship in the Kazan period has shown that digital transformation allows to increase productivity and innovation in business models, value creation processes and interaction with customers and partners. In fact, digital entrepreneurship as a consideration of how digital technologies shape entrepreneurial activity seems to be blurring traditional entrepreneurial boundaries and expanding the entrepreneur's opportunities in the market, democratizing the ability to start, adapt or wind down enterprises.

How do omnichannel strategies contribute to value-based healthcare? An orchestra-based analysis

The healthcare ecosystem is currently characterized by multiple interactions at different levels that call for new managerial approaches in line with value-based healthcare, where the omnichannel strategy is crucial. Drawing on the omnichannel approach in the B2B context, the overall objective of the current study is to unveil the underlying mechanisms through which a healthcare organization can transform the value creation process within its business ecosystem. An in-depth case study of an ecosystem has been used to demonstrate how the design and development of digital solutions can provide better services to the different agents involved in the healthcare sector. Our results show how an orchestra model of an innovation ecosystem effectively works and reveal the orchestration mechanisms operating in the healthcare industry, drawing on the example of the Patient Support Program (PSP) provider as the orchestrator. Moreover, key challenges have been highlighted, and the role of B2B marketing has been identified as crucial, providing important implications for managers and scholars.

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ON AN ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

The article analyzes the phenomenon of digital transformation, highlights its elements, directions and mechanisms of influence in connection with various spheres of economic activity. The main elements and processes of the advertising campaign are defined. Correspondence of the impact of certain components of digital transformation on the components of the advertising campaign has been established. Three spheres of impact of digital transformation on the enterprise are identified, namely: customer experience, operational processes, business models. It is noted that within the framework of digital transformation, a pattern of formation and organization of a digital business ecosystem is distinguished: an internal environment formed as a network of interdependent elements that interact with the help of digital technologies. Therefore, advertising activity within the framework of such a system cannot be isolated, instead it is closely integrated into the processes of value creation and sales. As part of the study of the impact of digital transformation on organizations, it is proposed to divide this impact by the strength of focus on processes and the breadth of coverage of this impact. The following groups are defined: separate adaptation, technological influence, integral coevolution, systemic displacement. The conducted analysis allows us to state that the phenomenon of digital transformation is comprehensive, touches all elements of the organization and represents revolutionary changes in its activities. Accordingly, the advertising campaign is also the object of this influence. The analysis of the direction of influence of digital transformation on the advertising campaign and the categorization of the directions of this influence made it possible to establish that the variety of innovative technologies has numerous effects on the elements of the advertising campaign, their transformation and the definition of their new forms. The most important thing is the change in the organizational approach to the advertising campaign, in particular, the transition from linear processes to network ecosystems, in which all elements are connected by one network and constantly interact with each other. This can be a competitive advantage of the enterprise in the market.

Value-creating practices and barriers for collaboration between designers and artisans: a systematic literature review

ABSTRACT This study aims to map out the challenges of existing design collaborations in craft sectors and delineate different types of value associated with artisan and designer collaboration. A systematic literature review was undertaken, examining peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2000 and 2022. The results indicate three levels of sustainable value created from designer-artisan design collaboration, which include business growth, regional development, and autonomic capability development. However, collaborative value is often hindered by a lack of a clear understanding of the process of value coordination or shared value creation, the challenges of balancing different relationships, thinking patterns, and values, and a lack of understanding of different actors’ roles regarding materials, technology, and design processes. This study bridges knowledge gaps by offering a holistic depiction of designer-artisan design collaboration, mapping current challenges of practices, and defining future research agendas.

User-Generated Content on Online Platforms: A Novel Method for Investigating Heritage Destination Value

ABSTRACT The concept of perceived value has long been attracting special interest in the diverse tourism literature. Despite this widespread attention, the complexity of the value creation process has rarely been empirically addressed, specifically with regard to online user experiences about heritage tourism on tourism review platforms. This study was aimed at investigating the role of user-generated content (UGC) as a source for user engagement in online processes and explored the value of online review experiences in enhancing the overall perceived value of travel destinations. This study bridged the gap by incorporating an online UGC platform experience framework (from an IT-based model), UGC platform value (online value) and overall perceived value of a heritage destination (destination value). A survey was conducted among 304 international tourists in selected heritage destinations within the vicinity of Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Penang, Malaysia. A structural equation modeling analysis revealed that the value of a UGC platform was determined by its perceived usefulness, while the respondents’ overall value of a heritage destination was further influenced by their online review platform experience. The underlying implications, study limitations, as well as suggestions will also be presented.

Driving smartness for organizational performance through Industry 4.0: a systems perspective

PurposeThe internationalization of business has grown the production value chains and created performance challenges for industrial production. Industry 4.0, the digital transformation of industrial processes, promises to deliver performance improvements through smart functionalities. This study investigates how digital transformation translates to performance gain by adopting a systems perspective to drive smartness.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses qualitative research to collect data on the lived experiences of digital transformation practitioners for theory development. It uses semi-structured interviews with industry experts and applies the Gioia methodology for analysis.FindingsThe study determined that enterprise smartness is an organizational capability developed by digital transformation, it is a function of integration and the enabler of organizational performance gains in the Industry 4.0 context. The study determined that performance gains are experienced in productivity, sustainability, safety and customer experience, which represents performance metrics for Industry 4.0.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes a model that inserts smartness in the linkage between digital transformation and organizational outcomes to the digital transformation and production management literature.Practical implicationsThe study indicates that digital transformation programs should focus on developing smartness rather than technology implementations, which must be considered an enabling activity.Originality/valueExisting studies recognized the positive impact of technology on performance in industrial production. The study addresses a missing link in the Industry 4.0 value creation process. It adopts a systems perspective to establish the role of smartness in translating technology use to performance outcomes. Smart capabilities have been the critical missing link in the literature on harnessing digital transformation in organizations. The study advances theory development by contributing an Industry 4.0 value model that establishes a link between digital technologies, smartness and organizational performance.

Improving nutrition-sensitive value chains of African indigenous vegetables: current trends in postharvest management and processing

The value chains of African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) are highly constrained by high postharvest losses (up to 50%) along the chain, largely occasioned by poor postharvest management and a lack of optimized processing technologies. The technologies and practices are key technical aspects that can transform the capacity of the chain by enhancing the overall value generated from the system. AIVs have recently experienced an increase in demand due to their high nutritional value and the opportunity they present to enhance rural incomes, since they are predominantly produced by smallholder farmers in rural and peri-urban areas. This implies that they can positively contribute to increased availability and hence supply of nutritious food within local food systems. Furthermore, the fact that half of the economic value of AIVs is potentially lost due to inappropriate postharvest management and inadequate processing demonstrates the potential that related interventions and transformations could have in enhancing and preserving value along AIV value chains. Currently, the approaches applied to reduce food waste, preserve nutritional quality, and add value to AIVs are largely traditional in nature. They require upgrading and need to be aligned toward achieving a nutrition-sensitive value chain. By looking at these as value creation processes, this mini-review examines the current postharvest management practices, highlights relevant new and innovative technologies and related challenges, and suggests potential options to improve the benefits for AIV value chain actors and thus contribute to a sustainable transformation of nutrition-sensitive food systems.

A VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF AGROFORESTRY PRODUCTS IN THE SOUTH-WESTERN REGION OF BANGLADESH

This study explores the market linkages in a typical agroforestry value chain in Bangladesh, particularly the participation of the micro and subsistence level farming and household-community units in this chain. The study area is Dumuria Upazila which is a 30 square km land area in the outskirt of Khulna which is the third largest city of Bangladesh located in the south-western region of Bangladesh. Agro-products produced in the Dumuria Upazila and then sold in the areas including Dumuria Bazar and Gollamari Bazar which are peri-urban locations of Khulna city. The particular objectives of this study were to identify different value chains of agroforestry products, the relationship of various intermediaries within it, and to explore the impact of agroforestry practices on the socioeconomic condition of the local population. The assessment was performed by using multistage sampling of 80 households using a semi-structured questionnaire, and 30 intermediaries were included on convenience basis for tracing the structure of market linkage and existing problems, in the marketing of agro-products in the study area. Explored network structures of the value chain have revealed that both the marketing of agroforestry crops and timber, include the intermediaries that have contributed to different forms of value-addition to the original product and produced higher gains for the participants in the value chain. Value chain participants in the point of origin of the products, farmers and households, reported being discriminated in terms of price taking while end-market intermediaries were found to absorb major shares of the total gain originated in the value chain. The farmers were neutral in terms of satisfaction in case of purchase by the government, while the intermediaries were dissatisfied with the same. Findings of this study contributes in generating understanding the process of value creation, power structure, and gain sharing in the localized natural resources-based value chains.

“Tell me what I should watch”: A customer value perspective of YouTube metadata

YouTube is increasingly being considered a lucrative means of earning money in addition to becoming popular among viewers. To gain these benefits YouTube content creators (YouTubers) need to first attract viewers’ attention to their videos and then persuade them to watch. YouTube metadata, such as the title, thumbnail, description, and keywords, can assist in achieving both objectives. This has been established in the current literature which shows, for example, that metadata optimizing can increase view counts. While these studies have demonstrated the end result of metadata optimization, they do not indicate why viewers respond to different characteristics of metadata in different ways. We contribute to the literature on marketing and consuming YouTube videos by examining, using Holbrook’s (1999) value typology for theorisation, how viewers experience the metadata and how these experiences contribute to the overall value creation process of watching YouTube videos. We employed an interpretive, qualitative research design in conducting the study, using focus group discussions with 21 young YouTube viewers as the data collection method. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Key findings were that metadata can both deliver value (efficiency) and provide signals about values delivered through the video (excellence and aesthetics). Further, the play value viewers get from interacting with the video is indirectly influenced by the metadata. We also identified that although viewers commonly expect some characteristics in the title and thumbnail, irrespective of their purpose of using YouTube, the importance of each differs when they seek information or entertainment gratification. Further, when value promises made by the metadata are not delivered through the videos, viewers respond negatively.
 Keywords: Entertainment gratification, Information gratification, Metadata optimization, Value, YouTube

Redefining business models for the energy transition: Social innovation and sustainable value creation in the European energy system

Business as usual in the energy sector has become more challenging in the EU as distributed energy technologies and supportive policy included in the EU Energy Package have meant that new types of stakeholders, including citizens, citizen collectives, and municipalities, can participate in the energy system in innovative ways. Their “new” relationships, behaviors, and actions in the context of the energy transition, vis à vis the existing system, are often referred to as social innovation in energy systems. Socially innovative activities may deliver products and services similar to those of incumbent energy business models e.g., sustainable energy generation, but also create social value that traditional energy business models may not. This paper views these socially innovative activities using elements of a sustainability-oriented business model – the business model for sustainability (BMfS) – analyzing them in terms of their goals, involved stakeholders, and value creation processes. Analysis is conducted in case studies that span Western and Eastern Europe, using a mix of primary data (semi-structured stakeholder interviews) and secondary data (online materials). In addition to showcasing how socially innovative activities may contribute to value creation processes in the context of an energy business model, the case studies also depict differences in the extent and types of social innovation that can occur in the European context, with some reflection on how infrastructure and historical dynamics may play a role in these differences. I conclude with some reflections on definitions of business models and the applicability of the BMfS for a decentralizing energy system.

Improving Customer Education: Study Of Customer Engagement Of Tokopedia And Shopee On Twitter Using Social Network Analysis

Customer education is one type of customer engagement. Through the active involvement of customers in the value creation process, customer education can give a business a competitive advantage. This study uses social network analysis (SNA) and text analysis to examine user interaction and information sharing about two Indonesian e-commerce sites on Twitter concerning customer engagement and customer education. Text data was scraped from Twitter from November 1 to December 31, 2022, and processed using Gephi and Orange software. This study found that the data shows that both official accounts of two Indonesian e-commerce become the most influential accounts in sharing information about products and services. They also play a role in educating their customers regarding the buying process, promotions, and solutions on their social networks. SNA and text analytics can be used to see customer engagement and improve customer education strategies for e-commerce to reach a competitive advantage. For further research, examining the same or different objects is recommended but using data sources from different social media, such as Instagram and Facebook.

Mobile financial service-enabled micro-businesses driving sustainable value creation in emerging markets

Financial service innovations open avenues for the financial inclusion and empowerment of micro-businesses in emerging economies. While there is a growing debate about the impact of such information and communication technology-driven business model innovations, this has not been studied on a supply chain (SC) level. Accordingly, this paper adopts a case study approach to analyze how mobile financial services (MFSs) enable sustainable value creation in emerging economy SCs. Semi-structured interviews conducted in Pakistan and four selected countries in Sub-Saharan Africa show how MFSs impact local micro-businesses' information, financial, and physical SC flows. This research demonstrates that value creation processes are driven by mobile business transactions that address market, regulatory, and socio-cultural constraints faced by micro-entrepreneurs in emerging markets. Thereby, we strengthen the understanding of the interplay between local conditions and the application of technological innovations promoting sustainable value creation along SCs. Various challenges and hidden consequences threatening value creation were identified. Further, this study provides a theoretical framework that merges constructs from the field of technology-driven innovations, (sustainable) business models, and (sustainable) SC management. This allows analyzing with and for whom value is created from an SC perspective.

Understanding the Antecedents and Consequences of Sustainable Competitive Advantage: Testing Intellectual Capital and Organizational Performance

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between intellectual capital (human capital, relational capital, and structural capital) and sustainable competitive advantage, and the relationship between sustainable competitive advantage and organizational performance. The sample used was 308 SMEs located in Denpasar, Bali Province, Indonesia. Data were collected using a questionnaire that was sent directly to the CEO of the SMEs. Data were analyzed using SEM-PLS with WarpPLS 8.0. The findings show that there is a significant positive relationship between each dimension of intellectual capital (human capital, relational capital, and structural capital) and sustainable competitive advantage. Sustainable competitive advantage is also significantly and positively related to organizational performance. This study contributes to the understanding of intellectual capital in the value creation process of SMEs in developing countries. This study also enriches the previously developed conceptualization of intellectual capital by proposing intellectual capital as an important variable underlying the sustainability practices of companies, which allows them to achieve superior performances.

Platform Matters: How Can Virtual Knowledge Communities Achieve Value Co-Creation Among Users in the Sharing Economy?

Under the sharing economy model, how value is co-created has changed significantly, with users beginning to participate more actively and proactively in the value creation process of enterprises, gradually becoming the core driver of value creation. Virtual knowledge communities have developed rapidly among the application areas of the sharing economy. In the context of high-quality development, the flourishing development of virtual knowledge communities helps promote the entire flow of knowledge in society and better serves the national innovation-driven development strategy. At the same time, a series of problems have emerged in the rapid development of virtual knowledge communities, such as poor user experience, a single way of realization and uneven content in the communities. As an important channel and hub for users to exchange information and acquire knowledge, the core problem that virtual knowledge communities need to solve is attracting users and motivating them to share their expertise and actively participate in the value-creation process. Based on the Zhihu case, this paper aims to explore the value co-creation mechanism of users in virtual knowledge communities to optimize platform services, enhance user participation and promote the exchange and dissemination of knowledge.

Corporate Personhood and Fiduciary Duties as Critical Constructs in Developing Stakeholder Management Theory and Corporate Purpose

This article considers the complex process of economic value creation in joint production in which a corporation is viewed as more than a nexus of contracts for four reasons related to the interdependent functions of the corporate personhood concept of the corporation as a separate legal entity. Corporate personhood facilitates stewardship and stakeholder management, which can encourage firm-specific investments, reduce shirking, and attenuate rent seeking to provide economic value. The corporate personhood approach illuminates multidimensional constructs for the governance of a corporation at the board level to embody fiduciary duties and corporate purpose, which is much richer than the nexus of contract view.History: This paper has been accepted for the Strategy Science Special Issue on Corporate Purpose.

Drivers of Digital Transformation and their Impact on Organizational Management

Abstract Digital transformation has become a critical topic for organizations that want to stay competitive in today’s digital age. The widespread use of digital technologies has brought significant changes to the way organizations exist, operate and interact with customers. They are going through a process of reshaping and reorganizing processes and operations, as well as rethinking and redefining the human role in the value creation process. However, digital technologies and their diffusion are not the only driver of digital transformation, as the success of such change initiatives depends on many other factors, the definition of which is crucial to the success of digital transformation. The objective of this paper is to explore the drivers of digital transformation and their impact on management. The work presents a comprehensive review of the literature on digital transformation, identifying the main drivers that influence the success of digital transformation initiatives. It also defines the impact of these drivers on the management of organizations, identifying how the role of the executive is being redefined in today’s digital age.

An integrated learning framework of corporate training system: a grounded theory approach

PurposeRooting in the literature on training and laying on Kirkpatrick model, this paper aims to explore key drivers of corporate training to identify how they can be combined into an integrated framework of learning for human capital development.Design/methodology/approachBy adopting the constructivist grounded theory, this contribution analyzes the experience carried out in the last ten years by Virvelle, an Italian corporate training firm.FindingsResults show the rise of five core categories, g1iving rise to an integrated model of Kirkpatrick. Their dynamic interplay led to a new orientation of Kirkpatrick model giving rise to a metalearning ecosystem.Research limitations/implicationsManagerial implications have identified key factors on which building and implementing appropriate corporate training programmes capable of triggering co-generative processes of value creation. Particularly, the essential role of learning quality culture, digital technology and personalization are detected in integrating not only hard but furthermore soft shades of learning. Concerning theoretical implications, the emergence of key structural and systems enabling dimensions for learning, and contextual mechanisms involved in reshaping training effectiveness and achieving integrated learning outcomes are detected. The main limitation of this study lies in the need to generalize results: the conceptualized framework needs to be empirically tested.Originality/valueThe value of this research is built along three main points. The first is the integration among the core categories that an integrated learning system can be built on, promoting learning quality culture through positive feedback loops. The second is represented by the chance to enhance an integrated mutual knowledge development among engaged actors, thereby shaping a more holistic and multidimensional learning model. The third is related to the transversal role that digital technology plays in all phases of the training process as it integrates and enriches them.

Exploring how different innovation ecosystems create shared value: insights from a multiple case study analysis

PurposeInnovation ecosystems (IEs) have attracted the attention of policymakers and researchers because of their potential to positively affect territories, creating shared value. However, due to the fragmentation of IEs, how this happens in different IEs has been explored only partially. This research aims to bridge this gap, aiming to support policymakers in understanding how to foster shared value in diverse IEs.Design/methodology/approachThe paper identifies, based on the literature, two “drivers of aggregation” of IE's actors as key dimensions characterizing shared value in IEs, namely physical proximity and dominant issue. If these are combined, three archetypes emerge: Hub- and Chain-Driven, Place-Driven, Competence- and Issue-Driven IEs.Then, elements useful for understanding shared value creation in these archetypes are framed and studied in real cases.FindingsResults reveal that aggregation drivers affect shared value creation, which differ among archetypes: in Competence- and Issue-Driven IEs alignment is challenged by the low physical proximity, which in Place-Driven IEs is high, but not enough to grant shared value; in Hub- and Chain-Driven IEs, the hub is the orchestrator, representing both a driver and a risk.Originality/valueDifferences in shared value creation processes relate to the set-up of the IE, which has relevant implications for policy definition. In Competence- and Issue-Driven IEs, policies at diverse levels align in funding and promoting the IE; in Place-Driven IEs, policies support anchors' development on-site; in Hub- and Chain-Driven IEs, policies, sometimes absent, should foster partnerships for projects for the territory, IE's enlargement and resilience.

Advancing beyond technicism when managing big data in companies’ decision-making

PurposeIn recognising the key role of business intelligence and big data analytics in influencing companies’ decision-making processes, this paper aims to codify the main phases through which companies can approach, develop and manage big data analytics.Design/methodology/approachBy adopting a research strategy based on case studies, this paper depicts the main phases and challenges that companies “live” through in approaching big data analytics as a way to support their decision-making processes. The analysis of case studies has been chosen as the main research method because it offers the possibility for different data sources to describe a phenomenon and subsequently to develop and test theories.FindingsThis paper provides a possible depiction of the main phases and challenges through which the approach(es) to big data analytics can emerge and evolve over time with reference to companies’ decision-making processes.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper recalls the attention of researchers in defining clear patterns through which technology-based approaches should be developed. In its depiction of the main phases of the development of big data analytics in companies’ decision-making processes, this paper highlights the possible domains in which to define and renovate approaches to value. The proposed conceptual model derives from the adoption of an inductive approach. Despite its validity, it is discussed and questioned through multiple case studies. In addition, its generalisability requires further discussion and analysis in the light of alternative interpretative perspectives.Practical implicationsThe reflections herein offer practitioners interested in company management the possibility to develop performance measurement tools that can evaluate how each phase can contribute to companies’ value creation processes.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the ongoing debate about the role of digital technologies in influencing managerial and social models. This paper provides a conceptual model that is able to support both researchers and practitioners in understanding through which phases big data analytics can be approached and managed to enhance value processes.