Research Unit in Business Sciences

Funder

Organizational Unit

Publications

The role of market orientation in the performance of NPOs

Publication . Adro, Francisco José Nave do; Fernandes, Cristina; Veiga, Pedro

With the downturn in the global socioeconomic panorama, the market orientation (MO) and the performance of non-profit organisations (NPOs) have come in for growing levels of attention. However, authors remain unanimous in emphasising the scope there remains for further research designed to better understand the role of MO on the performances achieved by NPOs. The objective of this research is thus to analyse the influence of MO on the performance standards of NPOs. To this end, we deployed a quantitative methodology based on the application of a survey of NPOs that received a total of 135 valid responses. The results demonstrate a statistically significant positive effect on the dimensions of orientation towards users, towards the competition, the incentive system even while the effect of interfunctional coordination lacks in significance. Despite the data collection having taken place at a particular moment in time, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly hindered this process and correspondingly preventing this study from attaining still greater representativeness, our results serve to strengthen the theory and practice on market orientation in NPOs. The research results also generate important implications across two levels: at the NPO level and for their decision-makers; it also deepens knowledge on this theme and helps to complete a gap found in the existing literature. In terms of practice, this contributes to NPO managers and policy makers to grasp how MO is not a phenomenon exclusive to the private sector but also extends across the non-profit sector.

2023-09-04Journal article

Open access

Disorders, Vulnerabilities and Resilience in the Supply Chain in Pandemic Times

Publication . Ferreira, Catarina; Cardoso, Catarina; Travassos, Mariana; Paiva, Mariana; Pestana, Micaela; Lopes, João; Oliveira, Márcio

The economic and social environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional pressure on supply chains because they now have more pressure to develop and adapt to a context of economic constraint. Delays in the supply chain can bring consequences such as the lack of food products by retailers, transporters and manufacturers. Thus, this study aims to examine the supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic in small- and medium-sized food companies in the central region of Portugal, identifying potential problems and pointing out the respective solutions. For this purpose, the study uses a qualitative methodology through semi-structured interviews. It was found that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) do not have a codified supply chain and that generally, these companies have a minimal budget, which requires a constant search for new suppliers that represent a reduction in costs. Moreover, most of the companies surveyed faced unexpected challenges, such as a lack of alternative suppliers. The present paper is original because it studies the supply chain in SMEs in the food sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it allows the ascertainment of practical suggestions for these companies to improve, as well as contributing to the clarification of the literature on the supply chain in times of crisis such as the current COVID-19 pandemic

2021-07Journal article

Open access

Publication . Capucho, Joao; Paço, Arminda do; Gaspar, Pedro Dinis

This study examines the dynamic interaction between tourism and the Aromatic and Medicinal Plant (AMP) industry in Portugal. An innovative questionnaire was methodically designed, covering a wide range of topics such as pharmacy, tourism, economics, the environment, and circularity. A dataset of 25 separate farmers’ responses was produced by focusing specifically on responses within the tourist sphere. Particularly, six of these participants engaged in tourist activities in addition to regular AMP efforts. The questionnaire, which is organized around three open-ended questions, yields critical information. It identifies the major motivations driving farmers toward more sustainable strategies in their tourism-focused AMP operations. Furthermore, it identifies the major barriers to tourist growth in the AMP business. Finally, it outlines the benefits of more closely connecting the tourism sector and AMP enterprises. This study closes with an in-depth discussion of its most significant implications and conclusions, providing useful insight for industry stakeholders and academics alike.

2023Journal article

Open access

Sustainable Agricultural Practices for the Production of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Evidence and Recommendations

Publication . Marcelino, Sara; Hamdane, Samia; Gaspar, Pedro Dinis; Paço, Arminda do

As the demand for medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) increases, so does the pressure to intensify production, increasing the risk of overexploitation of these natural resources. Therefore, both consumers and companies must commit to sustainable practices. Since sustainable practices in MAP production are scattered in the literature, this study aims to provide a comprehensive compilation of agricultural practices to improve sustainable performance in productive activities. This study collects recommended practices for cultivation, harvesting, drying, extraction of essential oils, and packaging, based on guidelines published by the World Health Organization, the European Herb Growers Association, and the European Medicines Agency, and presents complementary information from scientific papers and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Since the circular economy is considered one of the solutions to foster sustainability, the potential for valorising residues from MAP processing is also highlighted. This study allowed us to identify a set of key parameters that should be monitored in MAP production, which may be a starting point for designing a sustainability assessment tool for the sector. By presenting examples of circular economy approaches, this research can help producers to identify new business opportunities.

2023Journal article

Open access

Business Education: Filling the Gaps in the Leader’s Awareness Concerning Organizational Phronesis

Publication . Rocha, Raysa; Pinheiro, Paulo

Education is a method of sharing social consciousness and social reconstruction. There is an existential crisis in business education driven by the conflict between social and financial objec- tives. A paradigm shift in business education requires that leaders be taught how to incorporate new competencies. Phronesis (practical wisdom), individual and collective, is an essential compe- tence to be addressed in business education. It leads companies to continuous innovation and highly sustainable performance. We conducted 23 interviews with leaders from organizations in 14 coun- tries to discuss some transformations that business education needs through leaders’ awareness concerning organizational phronesis. We conducted a thematic analysis of the interviews with sup- port from NVivo software. The results demonstrate gaps in leaders’ awareness concerning phronesis and its relationships with knowledge management and organizational spirituality. Business educa- tion still needs to be reviewed to enable leaders to learn and incorporate phronesis theory and prac- tice. Building on the gaps found in the leaders’ awareness of phronesis, we propose interdisciplinary pedagogical methods to teach business students competencies that enable the embodiment of phronesis. These changes in business education are indispensable to reach sustainability.

2021-02Journal article

Open access