Stakeholder Value Research Articles

Optimizing development and operations from the project success perspective using the analytic hierarchy process

By merging development and operation disciplines, the approach known as development and operations (DevOps) can significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of software development. Despite its potential benefits, successfully implementing DevOps within traditional project management frameworks presents significant challenges. This study explores the critical factors influencing the implementation of DevOps practices from the project management perspective, specifically focusing on software development projects in the Ministry of Finance. This study utilizes the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to prioritize the critical elements of project success criteria and DevOps factors necessary for effective implementation. The findings indicate that stakeholder satisfaction, quality, and value creation are the primary criteria for project success. Moreover, knowledge and skills, collaboration and communication, and robust infrastructure are pivotal factors for facilitating DevOps within project management. The study provides actionable insights for organizations aiming to improve their project outcomes by incorporating DevOps and offers a systematic approach to decision-making using AHP. This study recognizes limitations due to its focus on specific contexts and emphasizes the need for future research in diverse organizational environments to validate and expand these findings.

Comparable yet distinct: a systematic review of social and small and medium-sized enterprises growth trajectories

Purpose This study aims to expand the concept of business growth by incorporating sustainability demands, particularly in the context of the Anthropocene era. It explores the growth trajectories of social enterprises (SEs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), examining how SEs integrate social and environmental objectives into their growth process. Through a systematic literature review (SLR), this study compares these approaches with traditional SME growth paradigms, highlighting the need for a holistic understanding of business growth that addresses contemporary socioenvironmental challenges. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative SLR was conducted, using a structured search algorithm to identify and evaluate research on growth and scaling in SMEs and SEs. The search of the Web of Science database with specific growth-related keywords yielded 5,362 articles, which were narrowed to 194 after filtering by journal relevance. Content analysis, guided by an inductively developed codebook, examined growth definitions, operationalizations, and methodologies. This paper focused on key growth dimensions (economic, social and environmental) and identified whether growth was addressed as an outcome or process, along with its enablers and barriers. Findings While there are areas of intersection between the literatures, the findings reveal that traditional SME growth frameworks do not entirely align with SEs growth conception and management. Furthermore, SE’s growth barriers and facilitators, as well as growth trajectories more broadly, emerge as distinct from those of traditional SMEs. The results distill insights from SE growth paths that can be valuable for traditional SME managers, particularly in terms of managing stakeholders and the institutional environment. Social entrepreneurs commonly use strategies for reshaping business norms, influencing consumer culture and raising social issues awareness, leveraging the values of stakeholders to secure essential support. Originality/value As SMEs confront escalating pressure to align with the sustainable development agenda, the findings underscore the critical significance of drawing insights from the burgeoning SE growth literature. This suggests that traditional SME growth literature stands to gain invaluable insights from recent SE research, fostering a more nuanced comprehension of sustainability-centric SME growth trajectories.

Data governance challenges on smart home involving multiple research sites

Abstract Background The development of Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) technology has great potential for ubiquitous health monitoring through collaboration between multiple research sites, but its use poses significant challenges to data governance. This study aims to investigate data governance challenges arising when smart home data flows across different research sites. Methods A four-analytic-dimension method was used to identify potential data-related issues that may occur when heterogeneous smart home data moves around multiple research sites. These dimensions include data domain, stakeholders, value, and governance goal. Results Data domain has difficulty in categorizing new data types generated by analytical models without a specified agreement, and determining the regulations for varying levels of anonymization and privacy protection is unclear in the AAL research field. Stakeholders in the AAL project may hold have different norms and practices for data use. Although some common values may be shared, such as improving the quality of homecare, conflicts may still arise and need to be regulated by data governance. Shifting AAL data between stakeholders may reduce its value, as different stakeholders may have varying interests. For instance, removing identifiable information from data to preserve privacy may reduce its value for researchers exploring individuals’ activity patterns. Governance goals are objectives for maintaining and facilitating data. While some governance goals can be widely acknowledged and shared, such as ensuring data security and privacy, conflicts may still exist over others, such as data access. Conclusions The big data generated by smart home technology highlights the need to develop proper data governance models to regulate data. This study’s implications include a better understanding of potential data-related challenges when data flows around multiple research sites, helping policymakers set up suitable data governance models. Key messages • AAL tech for health monitoring poses data governance challenges due to varying stakeholder norms and values. • Proper data governance models need to be developed for AAL data as it remains challenges in data domain, stakeholders, value, and governance goal.

Values‐based barriers and good practices in sustainability‐oriented innovation management

AbstractDespite growing awareness of and interest in the role values play in innovation, a systematic overview and classification of recurrent barriers to the integration of stakeholder values in innovation activities are still lacking. A comprehensive overview of good practices to facilitate the management of values for sustainability‐oriented innovation (SOI) is also missing. Due to conceptual confusion, different value frameworks and unsystematic evidence about effective practices, it is still difficult to manage values for SOI. The present study aims to bridge these gaps by gathering evidence from a comprehensive literature review and from expert interviews with 17 innovation specialists. It identifies 21 barriers and 28 good practices and classifies them according to the integrative, generative and directive functions of values. A conceptual model is proposed to explain how managing stakeholder values across the different dimensions of responsible innovation practice can facilitate SOI.

Return of the Eurasian lynx: using local stakeholder knowledge and experiences to inform lynx conservation in the French Alps

Abstract Large carnivore conservation in human-dominated landscapes is a complex issue, often marked by the stark contrast between those who hold deep-rooted animosity towards these animals and those who welcome their presence. The survival of the Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx in Europe relies on effective coexistence with humans in multi-use areas. We explored the experiences and perceptions of local hunters and pastoralists regarding the return of the lynx to the Giffre Valley, France, and mapped lynx distribution based on the probability of site use while accounting for detection probability. We conducted in-depth interviews with 29 respondents to gather data on lynx sightings, rationale for hunting and pastoralism, and perceptions of lynxes. We found that 45% of respondents had detected lynxes in the last 40 years, with an estimated site use of 0.66 ± SE 0.33 over the last decade, indicating there was a 66% probability of lynxes using the sites during that time period. Our results suggest that hunting and pastoralism in the region are rooted in a desire to carry on local traditions and connect with the natural world. Respondents generally tolerated the presence of lynxes, perceiving few threats to their livelihoods and activities, and expressing a willingness to coexist peacefully. However, some identified future challenges that could arise with the return of large carnivores to the valley and highlighted scenarios that could lead to a decline in tolerance. This study emphasizes the valuable knowledge of local hunters and pastoralists and their potential role in lynx population monitoring and conservation. Integrating stakeholder values in decision-making processes is crucial for inclusive and sustainable responses to promote biodiversity.

Trade Credit and Firm Value: Evidence from Listed SMEs

There is limited past literature on the impact of trade credit on firm value. This study uses a cross-regional sample of listed small and medium-sized enterprises in China, Eurozone and US between 2011 and 2021 to investigate regional differences of trade credit policies and their influence on firm valuation. Using accounts receivables, accounts payables andthe net trade credit position, our empirical study sheds light on the different valuation environments of stock markets in Asia, Europe and North America with the particular regard of trade credit through our definition of inclusive and egoistic firms. Moreover, the internal logical link between the stakeholder value creation behind trade credit and the holistic concept of firm value enriches contemporary debates around shareholder value maximization theory.

What are the drivers behind Portuguese companies’ reporting on sustainable development goals?

Objective: This study explores how large Portuguese companies have started to integrate the SDGs into their non-financial reporting practices, and analyses some potential drivers of SDG reporting. Methodology: Standalone non-financial reports were collected from 2016 to 2022, resulting in a total of 161 reports from 41 companies. Through a content analysis of the non-financial reports, an index was developed to measure the level of SDG disclosure. Results: The results show that there is an increasing trend of reporting on the SDGs among large Portuguese companies, albeit at a slow and modest pace, mainly through sustainability reports. On average, Portuguese companies disclose on half of the 17 SDGs. In terms of the determinants of SDG reporting, listing, industry, adherence to the GRI framework and external assurance of reports by a Big4 firm were found to be determinants of SDG disclosure in our sample. Contrary to our expectations, ISO certification, sustainability committee and extended reporting are not significantly associated with the level of SDG disclosure by large Portuguese companies. Limitations: Our study has limitations, notably a small sample size. The SDG disclosure index we used only indicates whether information on SDGs is disclosed, without assessing content extent or quality, potentially limiting stakeholder value. Practical implications: Companies aiming to improve SDG disclosure should consider adopting the GRI framework or seeking assurance from a Big 4 firm. Additionally, regulators could use our findings when designing policies aimed at enhancing SDG reporting. Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals, 2030 Agenda, sustainability reporting, SDG reporting, Portugal.

Research on the Mechanism of the Green Innovation of Enterprises Empowered by Digital Technology from the Perspective of Value Co-Creation

To help enterprises utilize digital technologies to increase their green innovation awareness and behavior and further clarify the “black box” of this process, this study first develops a theoretical framework to explain the mechanism of the functional attributes of digital technology, stakeholder value co-creation, and enterprise green innovation. Data are subsequently gathered from 342 manufacturing enterprises, and the meditation and moderation hypotheses are empirically analyzed using hierarchical regression and the bootstrapping method. A robustness test is conducted via data grouping. The findings indicate that digital technology openness and affordance have a positive effect on green product innovation and process innovation through value co-creation between businesses and stakeholders. Additionally, digital technology self-growth positively moderates the indirect effect of digital technology affordance on the green innovation of enterprises through value co-creation.

Moncloa University HLA Hospital: the Health Cooperative Contributing to Generating Value for Stakeholders

Moncloa University HLA Hospital: the Health Cooperative Contributing to Generating Value for Stakeholders

Stakeholder Value and Firm Performance: Empirical Study of State-owned Enterprises in Indonesia

Stakeholder Value and Firm Performance: Empirical Study of State-owned Enterprises in Indonesia

Use of the value-focused thinking methodology to understand health care waste management under the perspective of occupational and environmental health

The increasing generation of healthcare waste has greatly accelerated the concern about its potential negative environmental and public health effects. In this sense, the application of decision-making methods and techniques at a strategic level has become increasingly indispensable for the management of health units. This article aimed to understand the challenges in healthcare waste management (HCWM), the main mechanisms of action and values. The Value-Focused Thinking methodology was used to evidence important gaps and propose improvements in the context of decision on occupational safety and environmental protection, leading to the creation of alternatives not seen previously and guaranteeing the good ideas would be converted into actions. The structure was developed by semi-structured questionnaires, observation lists and interviews, conducted to expose the values of the main stakeholders (managers, health professionals, and cleaning professionals) of 10 public health units selected in Caruaru (Brazil). As a result, the investigation evidenced four fundamental goals for the decision context: improvement in work and environmental safety; improvement in HCWM practices; improvement in resource management; strengthening of the stakeholder communication network. From the analysis of the attributes associated with the fundamental goals, it was possible to identify actions that should be implemented with a higher priority and, in the short term, aiming at obtaining positive results, especially in the management practices and the safe management of health waste. The study resulted from an investigation that awakened the participants about aspects little questioned in everyday life. Implementing actions to segregate and recycle materials, with data monitoring and sharing, will increase the population's trust and the environment's and professionals' safety. The alternatives derived from the VFT method consider the perspectives of key stakeholders in HCWM, helping decision-makers and policymakers develop more assertive and grounded management strategies.

Interfacing triple bottom line sustainability and metropolitan governance: An empirical exploration of stakeholder value co-creation and conflict

The importance of metropolitan governance and stakeholder collaboration in sustainable urban development (SUD) is well recognized. However, collaboration among stakeholders is dynamic, and the relationship between metropolitan governance and stakeholder dynamics, including value co-creation and conflict, remains underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by examining the causal relationships among metropolitan governance, stakeholder value co-creation and conflict through the lens of the triple bottom line (TBL) of sustainability. Using a questionnaire survey, this study collected 467 valid responses through a combination of probability and quota sampling and analyzed the data using Structural Equation Modeling. The results indicated that stakeholder value co-creation is positively influenced by TBL dimensions and metropolitan governance, thereby simultaneously promoting SUD and generating potential conflicts that constrain SUD. The study further evaluated the effectiveness of stakeholder value co-creation as a mediating variable and found that it has a unique suppressing effect on the relationship between environmental sustainability and conflict. The findings suggested that environmental sustainability-driven governance initiatives are crucial to containing conflict and fostering value co-creation among stakeholders. Theoretically, this study enriches the discourse on SUD literature by quantifying the interactions between TBL, metropolitan governance and stakeholder dynamics. Practically, it provides certain implications for relevant practitioners by proposing an argument that governance initiatives can be aligned with the shifting priorities toward environmental sustainability.

The Cancer Equity Compass: Interactive maps showing the association between social determinants of health and cancer disparities.

149 Background: Cancer incidence and mortality in Black, Hispanic and Native American populations is over twice that in the White population for some prevalent cancers. A new, publicly available mapping tool, the Cancer Equity Compass (CEC), was developed to inform data-driven initiatives to improve equity by identifying community factors associated with cancer disparities. The tool is comprised of interactive maps that visually reveal correlations between two variables. Development of the tool began with assembling a group of nine advisors with expertise in cancer prevention, treatment and health equity. These experts inform the strategy, data sources, variables of interest, and stakeholder value propositions for the CEC. Methods: The data source for the CEC is a national, multi-level database developed using individual, health system, and community data, aggregated by county. For the three most common cancers in the U.S., breast, prostate and lung, screening and prevalence rates were collected from 2021 Medicare 5% research identifiable files and mortality rates from 2020 SEER Medicare rates. These metrics were each mapped with a variety of social determinants of health (SDOH) variables. Population rates for minorities, education, poverty, income and unemployment, and an air quality measure were from the Area Health Resources File. Environmental risks were derived from the Environmental Justice Index and included environmental burden (ranked 0-17 for pollution, toxic sites, built environment, transportation infrastructure and water pollution), air pollution (ranked 0-4), and social vulnerability (ranked 0-14 across socioeconomic variables). Results: Each map includes one cancer metric and one SDOH variable. Each variable is stratified to show the top quartile, middle 50%, and bottom quartile. The choropleth heat maps, created on Tableau, display 9 colors representing each combination of the three levels (>75%, 25-75%, <25%) for both mapped variables. The CEC currently has 140 maps presenting visualizations of county SDOH associations with cancer disparities. Conclusions: The expert advisors on the project have outlined four avenues for the CEC to aid efforts to improve cancer equity: 1) Enhance diversity in clinical trial recruitment and data registries through targeted site recruitment; 2) Identify high opportunity targets for improving equity and informing solutions; 3) Identify common correlates of disparities within and across U.S. counties to direct priorities for national policy and programs for large-scale impact; and 4) Measure change to support improvement efforts and report impact of equity initiatives. The CEC will be expanded with additional measures including healthcare access. The goal is use by stakeholders and changemakers who can apply the reported data to fuel advocacy efforts and enact positive change.

Poslovno pravo i pravo održivog razvoja – između profitabilnosti i etičnosti

As for applying the knowledge from EU law, the author points out two tendencies affecting company law in the context of sustainability. The first one is the legal duty of the companies to incorporate the statement of purpose, which is no longer limited to profit. The second one is the corporate duty of care in line with ESG standards as well as the corporate purpose. It is an integral part of a company’s business and culture. Having in mind French, German or Dutch law, directors are expected to promote long-term business success, to take care of the open list of stakeholders’ interests and to apply corporate due diligence standards. Thought leaders, however, generally describe ESG as a business strategy that creates long-term stakeholder value by addressing social, economic, and environmental opportunities and risks that are material to a company. Preservation as well as environmental protection is one of the biggest challenges that modern generations will have to face. The term green transition has been coined as an expression of the efforts to ensure the transition to a sustainable business model in order to preserve the ecosystem and the planet as such. Non-financial reporting plays a very important role in the green transition process. Integral part of the EU agenda remains the discussion about corporate directors’ duties in the context of human rights as well as environmental risks. There is no doubt that the key word of the new corporate governance paradigm is risk.

Time series forecasting of price of the agricultural products using data science

Purpose. The purpose of our article is to research and forecast prices for agricultural products using the example of potato prices based on the most effective models using data science techniques. Methodology / approach. Various forecasting models are explored, starting from baseline models like decomposition and exponential smoothing models to more advanced techniques such as ARIMA, SARIMA, as well as deep learning models including neural network. The data is split into training and testing sets, and models are validated using cross-validation techniques and optimised through hyperparameter tuning. Model performance is evaluated using metrics such as MAE, MSE, RMSE, and MAPE. The selected model is then used to generate future price forecasts, with uncertainty quantified through confidence intervals. Results. The study successfully applied advanced data science techniques to forecast potato prices, leveraging a range of effective models. By analysing historical price data and using various forecasting methods, the research identified the most accurate models for predicting future price trends. The results demonstrate that the selected models can provide reliable forecasts. In particular, the results showed that the model could achieve good forecast results when applied to real problems and, thus, can be effectively used for forecasting tasks especially considering seasonality. In addition, it should be noted that the model has a higher prediction accuracy at the time intervals closest to the original data. The obtained results support using both models simultaneously for forecasting, which can compensate for the shortcomings of each of them. The models can be used separately, to more accurately predict the values for the required period, or a combination of them is also possible. Originality / scientific novelty. The study’s originality lies in development of methods for effectively accounting for seasonality in agricultural price data, such as using seasonal decomposition techniques or more advanced techniques that combine statistical and data science approaches. The novelty implies the implementation of real-time data processing and forecasting system allows for the timely prediction of price changes, enabling stakeholders to make more informed decisions. Practical value / implications. Forecasting potato prices holds significant practical value for various stakeholders. For farmers, accurate forecasts enable informed decisions on the optimal times to plant, harvest, and sell their crops, thereby optimising their profits. In the supply chain, distributors and retailers can use these forecasts to manage inventory more effectively and plan contracts, reducing waste and avoiding shortages. Policymakers benefit from forecasts by anticipating market fluctuations and stabilising prices, which supports both consumers and producers. For consumers, stable pricing ensures better budgeting and helps avoid sudden price spikes, making essential foods more affordable. Overall, accurate price forecasting enhances market efficiency by reducing uncertainty and aiding investors in managing risk.

The Collective Responsibilities of Science: Toward a Normative Framework

Abstract Scientists have the epistemic responsibility of producing knowledge. They also have the social responsibility of aligning their research with the needs and values of various societal stakeholders. Individual scientists may be left with no guidance on how to prioritize and carry these different responsibilities. As I will argue, however, the responsibilities of science can be harmonized at the collective level. Drawing from debates in moral philosophy, I will propose a theory of the collective responsibilities of science that accounts for the internal diversity of research groups and for their different responsibilities.

Beeyond Foods: creating a sweet honey revolution

Learning outcomes After completion of the case study, the students will be able to[1] review the industry analysis using Porter’s five forces and strength, weakness, opportunities, threats framework and understand how a firm can achieve a competitive advantage, analyze the stakeholder theory and the salience of stakeholder mapping for enterprises with large number of stakeholders, apply the Mendelow framework of stakeholder mapping in this context and integrate it with stakeholder engagement for small enterprises and examine and evaluate how new age enterprises can engage better with stakeholders to provide a higher value creation. Case overview/synopsis Ayushi Srivastava started her enterprise, Beeyond Foods, in early 2021 with the aim to provide unadulterated, raw honey to consumers. She also wanted to help the beekeeping community by providing the beekeepers with a fair price for the procurement of honey from the bee hives. Beeyond Foods was a small enterprise in India that sold two variants of honey to consumers. The first variant was sourced from the Himalayan region of India, whereas the second was sourced from the Western Ghats of India. The primary distribution channel was trade fairs, where Srivastava would assemble her stall and sell honey to potential customers. Furthermore, a part of the sales was also driven by an electronic channel, which was through the company website. Customers could place their orders, and the honey would directly be delivered to their homes. With a successful start to the business, Srivastava was interested to scale her business and reach more customers. However, she was mindful that there were multiple stakeholders involved in the business. Srivastava had to study the values and needs of each stakeholder, while simultaneously formulate a strategy to expand her reach. This case study is designed to teach the concept of stakeholder value creation for small business enterprises. Complexity academic level This case study is well suited for an entrepreneurship and strategy course at the postgraduate (Master of Business Administration) level. This case study can also be taught in a marketing course. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS3: Entrepreneurship.

The importance of green patents for CDS pricing: The role of environmental disclosures

Corporate green innovation to address global climate change has potential spillover effects through positive financial outcomes. This study examines how the credit market takes green innovation, measured by the approval of green patents, into account to determine the credit default swap (CDS) premia. Using a sample of United States (US) firms from 2002 to 2020, this research finds that the CDS market favourably prices green innovation: firms with more green patents have lower CDS spread, suggesting that the CDS market considers firms' green innovation in their investment decision. While greater firm-provided environmental disclosures boost the effect of green innovation, involuntary environmental exposures by external channels such as print and online media offset the favourable effect of green innovation on CDS spread. The green technology pilot program by the US Patent and Trademark Office in 2009 is exploited as a quasi-natural experimental setting to apply a difference-in-differences analysis, confirming the favourable effect of green innovation on CDS spread. The results remain robust to various sensitivity and other endogeneity tests. Managers intending to reconcile green innovation with their stakeholder value maximisation objective may find the findings interesting.

The impact of startup subsidies on survival, growth, and stakeholder value

ABSTRACT Although the effects of subsidies on the survival, financial performance, and behavioral changes of startups have been extensively studied, their influence on economic value creation and distribution to stakeholders remains underexplored. To address this gap and mitigate publication bias, we examined the entire number of subsidies received by all Spanish startups at founding (51,495) over a decade, analyzing their outcomes 5 years after inception. We employed statistical matching methods controlling for the startups’ founding conditions. The study revealed that subsidies have a positive impact on startups’ growth and provide a significantly higher likelihood of survival; however, no significant effect on profitability was observed. Receiving a subsidy should be considered alongside other factors in explanatory models of business survival. Subsidies are associated with increased economic value creation and distribution to employees but not to the government through taxes. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the long-term consequences of subsidies on stakeholders.

Selecting Outdoor Wireless Solution for Bara Prima Borneo Using Analytic Hierarchy Process

The advancement of wireless communication technology is critical for improving the efficiency, safety, and productivity of mining operations. This study focuses on evaluating and recommending an optimal outdoor wireless network solution for Bara Prime Borneo (BPB) mining operations in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for decision-making. The current Wi-Fi infrastructure faces significant challenges, including limited coverage, interference, and scalability issues, which hinder its effectiveness in the demanding mining environment. To address these challenges, the study employs a comprehensive approach to identify stakeholder expectations and value perceptions, explore alternative wireless network designs such as Private LTE and Kinetic Mesh, and systematically select the most suitable solution using AHP. Through discussions with subject matter experts and secondary data collection, the study outlines the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) associated with the existing Wi-Fi network and potential alternatives. Using AHP, the study prioritizes various criteria such as coverage, reliability, cost, scalability, and security. The recommended design aims to bridge the gap between current capabilities and future needs, ensuring robust and extensive network coverage that supports various digital applications essential for modern mining. By selecting the proposed solution using AHP, BPB can achieve a more reliable and scalable wireless network, enhancing overall operational efficiency and safety while meeting the evolving demands of its mining operations.