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This study aims to identify the sustainable business practices operationalized in the sustainable business models of manufacturing companies and highlights these companies' contributions to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results outline that a clear sustainable value proposition is operationalized through a large and various range of sustainable practices that, although some of them are legally promoted, are mostly voluntarily adopted. Unlike previous studies, this research shows a widespread commitment not only to the economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability but also to the social one, above all to promote workers' well-being, improve the workplaces, and engage the employees. Furthermore, the study reveals an across-the-board dimension of sustainability operationalized by the adoption of local embeddedness strategies, networking development, and creation of a sustainable ecosystem and contributes to extending -and improving all dimensions of- the triple bottom line framework. Finally, the companies investigated contribute to the achievement of 11 of the 17 SDGs by highlighting dimensions in which companies already have a strong impact and those in which they could enhance their practice. Based on these results, this research advances theoretical knowledge and offers practical implications to improve sustainable business management further., The authors wish to express their gratitude to Prof. Claudio Baccarani, Emeritus Professor of Business Management in University of Verona, for valuable comments and for supporting the original research carried out. Open Access Funding provided by Universita degli Studi di Verona within the CRUI-CARE Agreement.

PurposeThis paper explores how digitalization affects the academic research publication process by taking into account the perspective of management scholars. It provides an overview of the digital professional services dedicated to academic research, and investigates academics' awareness of, the impact on the publication process of, and scholars' expectations regarding digital services and software.Design/methodology/approachThis explorative study adopted a qualitative approach by performing direct observations of websites regarding digital professional research services and in-depth interviews with national and international management scholars.FindingsThe multiple digital professional services dedicated to academic research enable authors to develop a scientific paper independently or with the support of professionals. The scholars' awareness regarding the digital services and software was limited, because of both the plethora of options on the market and the frequent use of the same digital tools over time. In impact terms, these tools enable scholars to improve research quality and to increase productivity. However, the negative effects led scholars to express different expectations about how they can be improved and what difficulties should be overcome to favor the publication process.Practical implicationsThe results of this study provide suggestions both for scholars who engage in academic research and digital services and software providers.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to examine the ongoing development of digitalization in support of the research publication process from the perspective of academics.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to tackle the grand issue of climate change in a managerial perspective by proposing a new type of management.Design/methodology/approachClimate change has now been debated for many years, and in spite of different viewpoints, analyses and opinions, is a phenomenon that is accepted by all. There are thousands of studies on the nature of climate change and its consequences on the planet Earth and its inhabitants. However, there are few studies investigating the consequences of climate change on the founding tenets and practices of management. This paper aims to contribute to this facet of the issue. In the first part, it examines the main facts about climate change, their impact on businesses and proposes an adapted model of management for agriculture, industry, services and supply chains. In the second part, it advocates a shift in paradigm from the “maximization of profit” to the “maximization of well-being” as the foundation of a new managerial philosophy that can both address climate change and sustainability.FindingsCompanies and managers are in a much better position than politicians and consumers to find a solution to climate change problems for the very reason that they are not stupid in Cipolla's (2011) sense. Companies and managers do have the power to rewrite the rules of the game in order to get to a firm and management metamorphosis. Starting from a return to company ownership by and for the company itself (not just external shareholders), a switch in purpose from profit-seeking to people's well-being, fair remuneration of stakeholders, progress as a measure of success and long-term orientation are suggested as new tenets in management.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this paper has several limitations (it may be too wide in scope, utopian, its ideas may sound unachievable and even sometimes naïve in their arguments), its starting point is very clear: the authors, as management scholars, must do something to try and stop the crash of economies and businesses in an ecological disaster. And its logic is very clear and straightforward as well: if people want things to change, then they have to change the foundations of management thinking, both in theory and in practice. The authors do not claim their solution is the only one or the best: avenues for future research aimed at providing better solutions are wide open from this point of view, and the authors genuinely encourage colleagues to continue in this direction and contribute to this work. What matters most, however, is to stop looking for precise answers to “wrong, well-defined, narrow problems” and to start looking for “approximate answers to important problems” (Brown et al., 2005) as the authors tried to do here.Practical implicationsDeveloping a new management operating model and foundations able to keep companies alive while not compromising mankind survival on planet Earth.Originality/valueThis paper addresses the Tourish (2020) challenge for purposeful research in management by providing some fresh ideas about the way companies and management principles and practices should change to prevent irreversible environmental damages.

The objective of the present research is to examine the relationship between consumer’s perception of Firm of Origin (FOO) of a company and the equity they associate with the brand. FOO is related to the importance consumers attribute to human dimension of a company. Brand equity (BE) is conceptualised as a three-dimensional construct including brand awareness/associations, perceived quality and brand loyalty. In order to investigate the relationship between brand equity and FOO, a FOO scale was developed and validated. Then, a survey was undertaken using a convenience sample. The questionnaire used to collect data included two categories of brands: convenience and luxury brands. The relationship between BE and FOO was examined using multivariate analysis of variance. In addition, the impact of FOO has been investigated on consumers’ intention to purchase the brand products. Results indicate that brand equity varies with the importance associated with FOO. This is true for both luxury and convenience brands, and FOO affects each driver of BE, namely brand awareness/associations, perceived quality and brand loyalty. The principal contribution of this study is that it demonstrates empirically a positive relationship between the human dimension of the firm (FOO) and brand equity. The people considered are those placed at every level in the organisation: entrepreneurial, managerial and operational.

Purpose This paper aims to answer the call for greater humanization of the corporation, introducing aphorisms as a new tool for developing management awareness, creativity, and multiple-perspective mind-set. Design/methodology/approach The paper elaborates on a theoretical base to suggest a new tool for management development. Findings A firm is not only a technical system but rather a community of people, and due to increasing environmental complexity, humanities can provide managers with great help. In this line of thought, aphorisms are an under-considered literary genre that can prove helpful in humanizing the corporation. Practical implications Aphorisms can assist management in several ways: they help to understand what the organization stands for and to focus organizational values; they contribute to define corporate identity to people inside and outside the organization; they favor open-minded examination of problems from multiple perspectives, giving way to unexpected possibilities; and they generate critical dialogue within the management team about strategic decisions. Originality/value Although several arts and disciplines have already been considered in management literature, as far as the authors know, this is the first paper attempting to introduce aphorisms in the management toolbox.

Purpose of the paper: This paper aims to investigate the modes of organizational learning in some Italian small-medium firms that have participated in Open Factory (OF), the biggest open-doors event of industrial manufacturing culture in Italy. Methodology: The present research is based on in-depth interviews with seven firms that participated in the OF event during the 2016 and 2017 editions. Findings: This study highlights that firms, participating in the OF, are led to reflect deeply on their identity, characteristics, strengths and weaknesses. This in-depth reflection leads firms to improve their informational and interactive modes of organizational learning and, subsequently, portray themselves better to stakeholders. Research limits: The limitations of this research come from the number of firms taking part in this study, choosing a single person in every firm, and carrying out the interviews after the OF event ended. Practical implications: This study suggests to firms that want to present and portray themselves better to stakeholders to learn how to reflect on their identity and characteristics in terms of, for example, employees’ skills, production technologies and products. In addition, this paper proposes a number of advantages in terms of OL provided to firms by their participation in the OF event. Originality of the paper: In management studies the modes of organizational learning in firms remain one of the less explored topics in practical terms. This paper provides practical evidence by proposing the Italian case of Open Factory as analysis context.

This paper intends to assume a comprehensive and far-sighted enough perspective on the pillar themes of the Conference. Data Science (DS), Decision Theory (DT) and Strategic Management (SM) are three relevant and interrelated fields that have undergone substantive changes in recent years. The purpose of the paper is, first, to examine the revolution that occurred in DS, DT and MS and, then, to discuss the leap that happened in the process data are linked to decisions and these, in turn, to strategies. In short, data moved from a situation of scarcity, fragmentation and poor quality to a situation of abundance, structure and extreme richness; Decision Theory moved from Olympic rationality and certainty to bounded rationality, uncertainty and cognitive biases; Strategic Management moved from clear and straightforward course of action to an open, incremental and “many best ways” process. So, once upon a time, (few) data were the input for decisions based on sound criteria and led to a definite route to be followed by the organization. Nowadays, a multitude of data are available to decision-makers who are more or less aware of the flaws affecting their behavior with the whole process ending in simple claims of strategic agility and flexibility. Finally, some reflections are introduced about the consequences of such changes, the challenges digital technology poses to companies and society in the coming years and about a tentative logic to cope with such complexity.

PurposeThis paper proposes adequate strategies that companies, public administrators and organisations in the education industry can undertake to successfully face the challenges of digital transformation in a regional innovation system. This research considers stakeholders that operate in the Tyrol–Veneto macroregion (the Tyrol, South Tyrol and Veneto areas), a significant case of moderately innovative European macroregion.Design/methodology/approachThis study undertakes explorative research based on a qualitative method. It adopts a place-based multi-stakeholder approach to emphasise the role of three categories of stakeholders (companies, educational system and regional governments) in facing digital changes. More precisely, interviews with 60 stakeholders from the Tyrol–Veneto macroregion were conducted and examined via both text mining analysis and content analysis. First, correspondence factor analysis was performed using IRaMuTeQ software to identify homogeneous subsets of concepts (pillars–i.e., macroareas of strategic actions). Second, two coding phases were implemented using NVivo software to detect strategic fields of action and specific strategic actions undertaken to address the challenges of digital transformation.FindingsThe results highlight that digital transformation is a pervasive challenge of regional innovative system that requires a multifaceted set of strategic actions falling into three main pillars. The first pillar, named “culture and skills”, includes three strategic fields of action as follows: digital education, talents and digital culture. The second pillar, named “infrastructures and technologies”, points out the need of information, interaction and artificial intelligence as key strategic fields of action. The third pillar, named “ecosystems”, highlights the importance of investing in medium- to long-term visions, partnerships and life quality. In brief, this study shows that standalone interventions are insufficient to tackle digital transformation from a systemic perspective. Moreover, this study outlines the potential contribution of each category of stakeholder to foster the digitalisation of the Tyrol–Veneto macroregion.Practical implicationsThis study highlights the importance of developing digital culture and skills before investing in digital infrastructure and technology in a moderately innovative macroregion. Companies should alter their vision before reconfiguring their business models, invest in smart working and establish contacts with start-ups. In addition, this study recommends that public administration should mainly invest in digital education and partnerships, while, in terms of education and training organisations, it suggests providing digital skills to several cohorts of both students and workers. Policy implications call for the creation of new occasions of cooperation among stakeholders by fostering “table talks” as strategic and policy actions and by making more financial resources available to encourage the digital transformation processes.Originality/valueThe results of this study may be adapted to the characteristics of other regional innovative systems and used as a reference point in terms of the improvement of business, market and local development.

Recent studies have focused on the influence of online word-of-mouth (WOM) on tourist behavior. However, the role of traditional versus online WOM on travel decisions remains to be expanded. This chapter addresses this research gap by empirically investigating the impact of offline and online WOM on travel decisions across four different cohorts: Generation Y, Generation X, the Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation. In addition, it explores generational differences with regard to online booking intentions. Findings reveal that traditional WOM affects travel decisions by all cohorts, with a higher impact for the Baby Boomers and the Silent Generations. Online WOM has a higher influence for younger cohorts, who also show a higher intention to purchase online than older generations. Still, the results show that senior individuals are well aware of the possibilities offered by the Internet as both an information source and a purchase channel.

PurposeIn the current era of fake news, illusions, manipulations and other artificial attributes of virtuality and reality, authenticity is a virtue that people highly appreciate. This study aims to examine the influence of the personal brand authenticity of top football players on loyalty to the football discipline in general, via the mediation of personal brand identification.Design/methodology/approachBased on data collected from a convenience sample of 562 respondents from Poland via an electronic survey and analyzed using the structural equation modeling method, this study explored, first, the influence of top football players’ personal brand authenticity on consumers’ identification with these football players, and second, how this identification may lead to enhancing loyalty to the football discipline. Finally, it verified how the loyalty effect (attitudinal and behavioral) varies across different categories of spectators.FindingsPersonal brand identification with authentic football stars is a focal factor enabling the creation of loyalty (attitudinal and behavioral) to the whole discipline. Consumers’ perceptions of the authenticity of the personal brands of football players play a role in increasing identification with these personal brands. This identification is essential in achieving loyalty to football as a sports discipline via football celebrities.Practical implicationsFootball players perceived as authentic are evaluated more positively, leading to consumer identification with these players, which, in turn, increases consumers’ loyalty to football. Thus, the presence of authentic, skilled players is important for football, but the actual loyalty effect from authenticity can be achieved only by identification. Therefore, football requires exceptional, strong stars who reflect a set of desired personal values. Further research is needed to identify the desired set of values that leads to identification with football stars.Originality/valueThis study presents evidence that the personal brand authenticity of a football star is a driver of loyalty towards football discipline in general if the spectators’ identification with this superstar occurs. Moreover, this study proves that loyalty to football driven by the personal brand authenticity of football stars differs between spectators’ categories.

In a fair-trade system, intermediate organizations act as a bridge between highly different contexts. Several studies have shown the role of these organization, but the literature has still not dealt with their specific role from a strategic perspective. Adopting ambidexterity theory, the aim of this research is to investigate: (a) whether the intermediate organization is ambidextrous, simultaneously pursuing exploration and exploitation activities and sustainability and profitability related goals; (b) the modalities in which explorative and exploitative competences are transferred within the fair-trade system. The study adopts a qualitative approach based on the analysis of seven organizations belonging to the fair-trade system. Results show that the intermediate organization engages in ambidexterity within the system, but the balance between exploration and exploitation inside the intermediate organization is still to be achieved. The research, as first time, applies ambidexterity theory to the fair-trade system. In addition, direct managerial implications can be derived.

From a marketing perspective, companies use social media as a tool to establish relationships with customers. Thus, brand–customer relationships via social media are able to deliver different kinds...

Purpose of the paper : The paper aims to present two experimental projects (“#Divano per Managua” and “#Sofa4Manhattan”) conducted by an Italian small-medium enterprise of the furniture industry in order to outline crowdcrafting as a new manufacturing model. Methodology : An inductive research approach is followed. Our research strategy is a case study that works as an illustration and inspiration for new ideas. Findings : Berto Salotti projects fully embodied Knowledge Economy principles are meaningful examples of Experience Economy and act as a good application of crowdsourcing logic as well. They do represent an empirical illustration of the “future craftmanship” approach. Research limitations : The paper deals with one single case study, hardly generalizable, even if it is highly representative; the initiative is still in its starting phase and its results are hardly assessable. Practical implications : Companies aspiring to apply crowdcrafting could improve their customers’ service by looking for new ways of interaction with them. Opening up themselves to social networks, finding competencies from the outside and providing customization and product quality together with unusual experiences are some suggestions. Originality of the paper : Our work makes both scholars and practitioners aware of an Italian SME innovative in introducing crowdcrafting in its processes; at the same time, it highlights the feature of such an approach both theoretically and practically.

The main purpose of this paper is to provide a framework of factors for succeeding in Lean implementation, in particular in the manufacturing sector. From a literature review, 11 potential ...

Purpose This paper aims to examine the content dimensions and methods of accelerating the entrepreneurial learning (EL) triggered by participating in learning events, such as factory tours. It particularly focuses on the Italian case of Open Factory – an open-doors event of industrial manufacturing culture. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a qualitative approach using the “Gioia” methodology. Data were mainly collected through semi-structured interviews with firms participating in and organising Open Factory. Findings The dimensions of EL are learning from critical reflection, experience and external sources, while the enablers of EL (factors that accelerate learning) are varied and connected to organisational learning in the form of individual-, team- and institutional-level learning. Based on these results, this paper proposes a model for developing EL triggered by participating in learning events. Practical implications This research suggests developing appropriate organisational conditions inside firms, especially by entrepreneurs. These conditions are connected to sharing organisational values to foster learning, such as trust, commitment, involvement, awareness, sharing of experiences, exchange, autonomy and freedom. In addition, this study suggests ways that the EL model proposed in this research can be adapted to other learning events. Originality/value This is the first study to connect factory tours to learning events and EL. It highlights the ways that participating in the Open Factory event created the chance to develop learning across organisational levels inside firms.

Nonprofit arts organizations attracting an international audience should strive to understand how perceptions and intentional behaviors might differ between attendees from different countries. This study investigates the effects of performance quality and customer education (i.e., number of performances attended and self-perceived expertise) on attitudinal loyalty to an opera festival from a cross-country perspective. In addition, it explores the moderating effect of self-perceived expertise on the relationship between performance quality and attitudinal loyalty. Based on a survey of Italian, German, and British attendees ( N = 7,252), the findings reveal that performance quality predicts attitudinal loyalty for all subsamples. The number of performances attended has a significant, but negative, effect on attitudinal loyalty for Italian respondents, while self-perceived expertise has a significant positive effect on attitudinal loyalty for Italian and British respondents, as well as a significant moderating effect for all subsamples. Implications for nonprofit arts managers are discussed.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss an unconventional approach for developing organizational learning inside companies. The subject of this paper is the interactive mode of organizational learning – involving shared understanding and sense-making – which has proven useful in the current turbulent era and complex competitive environment. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on an inductive and phenomenon-driven approach. The data collection method consists of interviews with involves informants. The empirical context of the research is Open Factory – the largest open-door event for industrial manufacturing in Italy. Findings Companies participating in Open Factory gained several benefits in terms of interactive learning. In particular, intra-organizational knowledge sharing, staff motivation, and more focused organizational identity were reported as the most relevant advantages. Practical implications Companies eager to enhance their interactive mode of organizational learning should seriously consider taking part in events such as Open Factory or should strive to create a similar event. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to describe and analyze open-door events for manufacturing companies as a source of organizational learning.

Obiettivi . Illustrare i progetti sperimentali (“#Divano per Managua” e “#Sofa4Manhattan”) di una piccola impresa italiana del settore dell’arredamento al fine di evidenziare come il crowdcrafting possa rappresentare un nuovo modello di manifattura. Metodologia . Seguendo un approccio di ricerca empirica di tipo induttivo, la research strategy consiste in un case study utilizzato come esemplificazione applicativa e come fonte di ispirazione per nuove idee. Risultati . I progetti sviluppati da Berto Salotti incarnano i principi dell’Economia della Conoscenza, rappresentano esempi rilevanti di Economia delle Esperienze ed estendono la teoria e la pratica del crowdsourcing. Inoltre, rappresentano come gli approcci di un “futuro artigiano” possano trovare concreta applicazione. Limiti della ricerca . Il paper considera un solo caso, tanto rappresentativo quanto non generalizzabile, e presenta una iniziativa ancora sperimentale e al momento difficilmente valutabile sotto il profilo dei risultati economici e d’immagine. Implicazioni pratiche . Le imprese che intendono seguire la logica del crowdcrafting possono migliorare il servizio al cliente ricercando forme nuove di interazione con il mercato, aprirsi al mondo virtuale e a quello dei social network, reperire competenze anche al di fuori dei confini aziendali, e offrire personalizzazione e qualita dei prodotti insieme a esperienze inedite. Originalita del lavoro . Lo studio porta a conoscenza di studiosi e manager un’impresa manifatturiera italiana all’avanguardia nel promuovere la logica del crowdcrafting, evidenziando le peculiarita di tale approccio sotto il profilo teorico e anche pratico.

Crowdfunding is a recent development that has changed the way start-up business are created and funded, as well leading to investment opportunities and boosting related markets. In a broad perspective, the consequences of crowdfunding for the organisation and functioning of economic activity in general are potentially significant and largely unexplored. Indeed, if crowdfunding continues to expand, the whole system of production and distribution could change. This possibility is not, however, considered here.

Purpose: This paper aims to verify how interesting and useful practitioners find academic management research by asking entrepreneurs and managers what they think of some articles published in leading journals that have been selected on the basis of precise criteria as representative of management research. Methodology: This pilot investigation was conducted in April and May 2015. In accordance with the study design, a convenience sample of 43 entrepreneurs and managers were mailed four articles published in leading management journals in 2014, accompanied by a simple questionnaire consisting of closed-answer questions. Although strictly lacking statistical validity, the 23 completed questionnaires received in return not only provide the first feedback concerning the subject of the study, but also offer some fundamental indications concerning the approach of the project as a whole that will help to refine the orientation of its next phase. Findings: An analysis of the literature shows that the very concept of relevance is difficult to measure as its defining traits have a certain level of ambiguity and the meaning attributable to them is rather complex. This paper highlights how management research should focus on subjects that are of real interest to practitioners, satisfy the need for rigour required by the positive sciences, and be capable of producing knowledge that has a strong impact on the professional communities. Practical implications: The ongoing debate cannot remain confined to academic circles, but needs to involve practitioners with whom to establish a synergistic dialogue. They should ask management researchers to study problems that are relevant and interesting to them, and observe the more complex and dynamic situations that firms have to face. Originality and value: In literature it has emerged the importance of clarifying whether and in what ways the results of university scientific research are used in practice. This paper proposes and testes a rigorously systematic framework in order to enable us to investigate the way in which managers perceive management research with the aim of increasing the relevance of academic research strategies and the editorial policies of management journals.

I punti vendita del moderno grocery sono generalmente realizzati in base a logiche di funzionalitÀ ed efficienza, piů che di stupore e coinvolgimento sensoriale ed emotivo dei clienti. Anche in letteratura, la maggiore attenzione dal punto di vista dello store design č dedicata all'analisi dei contesti non grocery. Questo lavoro si propone di presentare la singolare esperienza di MPreis, catena di supermercati austriaca, che si caratterizza per valorizzare i diversi elementi di store design, tra cui in particolare l'architettura, al fine di creare identitÀ e differenziazione competitiva nei territori in cui opera. Sulla base dell'approccio di ricerca qualitativo del case study, l'analisi dei dati raccolti evidenzia il coraggio della diversitÀ, l'impegno nella ricerca estetica e il senso del dono come elementi centrali delle condotte dell'azienda oggetto di studio. Il paper consente cosě, da un lato, di includere lo store design tra le leve competitive a disposizione del retail grocery e, dall'altro, di far emergere il senso del dono e il possesso di un adeguato company ethos come componenti tra i piů imprescindibili per l'impresa del futuro.

Purpose – The intent of this paper is to discover whether practical examples of new forms of business enterprise are to be found in the real world and what the peculiarities of any such experiments are.Design/methodology/approach – The research conducted is of an eminently explorative nature. The research operations are fundamentally based on direct observation and use is also made of secondary sources – especially publications and the contributions of independent web‐based agencies.Findings – The number of companies that the research conducted made it possible to identify is not actually very high. Indeed, at present the list counts nine such firms. What should be underlined is that these are not enterprises that have decided to adopt a corporate social responsibility or corporate citizenship approach while still leaving their basic nature substantively unchanged. They are, rather, firms that can be termed “anomalous”, given that, in one way or another, they operate outside the conventional rules on the ...

These reflections were first sparked by the direct observation that it is all too easy for the individual to forget actions carried out during his or her work activity, even as regards the actions ...

Purpose of the paper : The aim of this study is to propose a theoretically grounded conceptual framework focusing on the effects of customer education process in terms of customer perceived value. In doing so, it especially highlights the role of customer evaluation skills. Methodology : This is a conceptual paper whose analytical approach draws heavily on theoretical evidence published in service marketing and management literature. Using this analysis, nine research propositions are developed to highlight the relationships between customer education, evaluation skills and perceived value. Findings : Customer education is a under-researched concept in the service marketing and management literature. It is a process aimed at informing and training customers in order to increase their knowledge levels (basic, general, and deep). It affects customer perceived value in terms of benefits (skill of information evaluation, satisfaction and appreciation, perceived risk, purchasing power, and protection of rights and interests), and outlays (economic commitment, product complexity, information accessibility, time employed, cognitive and behavioral effort, and resulting stress). Customer evaluation skills mediate this relationship by allowing customers to perceive value in the function of the different knowledge levels acquired. Practical implications : Providing customers with a number of information and cognitive tools for evaluating products reduces information asymmetries between a company and its customers. Therefore, at least in principle, this can reduce the power of the company. Managers should consider this risk by both creating knowledge about service alternatives and evaluating what information can be offered to customers for increasing their knowledge levels. Managers should favour the development of initiatives aimed at strengthening customers education because it allow companies to obtain a number of advantages. Originality of the paper : The study contributes to enriching the analyses the post-purchase evaluation phase by proposing a conceptual framework primarily considering cognitive dimension of customer education.

The Cluetrain Manifesto is a document, published in 1999, on the World Wide Web which, on the basis of the opportunities offered by the Net, introduces some rather innovative ideas on company communication whose effects involve company management as well as, in a broader sense, the way the company is conceived. Being considered a contribution deserving some interest, in this paper a critical analysis of the Cluetrain Manifesto's contents is carried out in order to highlight the positive aspects as well as those that seem to be less convincing. In the final evaluation, a thesis is exposed according to which the Cluetrain Manifesto belongs to that heterogeneous group of studies which, from different points of view, are presently challenging the role of marketing as a company function, the legitimacy--or at least the reputation--of the management as a professional activity and, last but not least, the position of the company as an institution of our society.

Purpose : This paper analyses the Last Minute Market (LMM) experience, an innovative service born in Italy as an academic spin-off in order to reduce the food waste problem at the local community level. Its main purpose is to discuss how distribution can work towards greater efficiency and to lower the costs associated with assortment management from the standpoint of sustainable local growth and solidarity. Methodology : The study is based on an inductive type of approach according to which, proposing LMM as a single case study, one may try to draw more general considerations. Findings : The paper highlights LMM as a completely new service model, that focuses on how to get the best out of waste rather than merely eliminating it. Through this new perspective, assortment management knowledge is enriched. As far as we know, LMM is the first meta-organization specially developed to connect both profit and no profit realms. LMM provides services aiming at the daily recovery at a local level of excess food and non-food in favor of agencies and associations that assist needy people. LMM may essentially be defined as a “gift broker”: it creates the necessary infrastructural conditions to make the transformation of waste into resources possible. Managerial and theoretical implications : The reasons for the LMM model’s success, the effects of its presence and the conditions for its diffusion are examined as managerial implications. On a theoretical level, LMM contributes to unveil some of the traits of the company of the future. Originality of the study : This paper focuses on a new Italian experience that has not yet been examined in the international service management literature. Key words: Last Minute Market, stakeholder, service management, assortment management, sustainability, gift economy, local government

This study aims at investigating the potential of the Blue Economy (BE) for facing the depletion of marine resources, and the transition towards a more sustainable development. The analysis was conducted according to an ecosystem perspective to grasp the intertwined dynamics that bond together ecological, social, and economic phenomena. An explorative analysis, based on the case study method, was conducted to understand if and how BE strategies can support the development and the long-term viability of a marine entrepreneurial ecosystem (MEE) in the Adriatic Sea. The explorative analysis led to recognizing the positive influence that, under specific conditions, BE strategies can have on a marine entrepreneurial ecosystem. The role, the influence, and the relationships between ecosystem actors were described in the potential MEE of The Adriatic Sea. The analysis offered interesting insight to policymakers and managers to reorganize marine and maritime activities following the principles of sustainable development to gain an equitable, fair, and long-lasting economic, environmental, and social growth of the Adriatic entrepreneurship ecosystem. This study is one of the few or probably even the first one to investigate BE potential for the transition towards sustainability according to an ecosystem perspective. It also offers new guidelines for the sustainability-oriented development of the Adriatic Sea MEE.