How to Invest in the Future of Food: An Exploration Design Science Project

2023 | DESRIST | Citations: 0

Authors: Nacke, Richard Henry; Seckler, Christoph

Abstract: The food production sector is one of the largest industries globally, yet it is ... Expand

Abstract: The food production sector is one of the largest industries globally, yet it is confronted with significant challenges. While food tech startups are viewed as a promising means of addressing some of these obstacles, they frequently encounter the issue of being highly research-intensive and risky investments. In this project, we pose the following question: How can we effectively design investment vehicles and strategies to support food tech startups? To address this question, we undertook an exploration design science research project. In collaboration with a corporate venture fund, we initially explored opportunities and subsequently developed a solution design for one of the most promising prospects. This study contributes to the body of design knowledge in three primary ways. Firstly, it contributes by providing a situated artifact that outlines the design of a closed-ended deep science food tech fund engaged in production and input supply. Secondly, it contributes by establishing design principles for investment vehicles and strategies in ventures that are highly research-intensive and risky. Lastly, this study makes a methodological contribution by showcasing how a methodology for addressing exploration design science projects could look like. Collapse

Topics: business-to-consumer business-to-business business model entrepreneurship

Methods: design science design principle qualitative interview personal interview literature study

M_LK 2.0: Leveraging Digital Technologies for Planternative Ecosystems

2023 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Schroder, Anika; Andersson, Freja; Heiberg, Kesia

Abstract: The agri-food industry is one of the largest contributors to our climate crisis ... Expand

Abstract: The agri-food industry is one of the largest contributors to our climate crisis by emitting one third of the world’s greenhouse gases. However, the industry also brings great potential to reverse climate change. For example, a plant-based diet might be the single most efficient action to combat climate change. This paper explores the plant-based dairy industry and the utilization of digital technologies. We analyze how the plant-based industry is leveraging digital technologies to revolutionize traditional market configurations. The findings show that digital technologies enable systemic change and facilitate the emergence of digital ecosystems. In particular, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology can be seen as a digital disruptor. For example, in the plant based dairy industry, AI calculates combinations for plant-based products that mimic the flavor and texture of animal products. Collapse

Topics: supply chain management innovation management digital innovation value creation computer hardware

Methods: qualitative interview archival research personal interview

Impact of mobile technology-enabled HR gamification on employee performance: An empirical investigation

2022 | Information & Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Benitez, Jose; Ruiz, Laura; Popovic, Ales

Abstract: This study draws from the information technology (IT)-enabled organizational cap ... Expand

Abstract: This study draws from the information technology (IT)-enabled organizational capabilities perspective, tech­ nology affordance theory, and theoretical foundations of organizational gamification to examine how firms’ usage of mobile technology may be associated with the execution of human resource (HR) gamification initia­ tives and its effect on employee job performance and financial performance. Our central thesis was tested with a survey dataset from 134 firms. We found that: (1) Mobile technology-enabled HR gamification initiative im­ proves job satisfaction and employee engagement and (2) employee engagement and job satisfaction are the pathways to improve job performance and create business value from IT. Collapse

Topics: gamification mobile system job satisfaction task productivity user experience

Methods: survey archival research robustness check partial least squares path modeling partial least squares regression

Theories: theory of affordance

Multifarious Roles and Conflicts on an Interorganizational Green IS

2022 | Management Information Systems Quarterly | Citations: 7

Authors: Leidner, Dorothy; Sutanto, Juliana; Goutas, Lazaros

Abstract: Under increasing pressure to demonstrate environmental responsibility, organizat ... Expand

Abstract: Under increasing pressure to demonstrate environmental responsibility, organizations realize that they cannot claim to be environmentally sustainable if their supply chains are not. This research seeks to understand how an interorganizational green IS influences environmental sustainability (ES) initiatives within organizations in a supply chain. We examine a green IS taking the form of an interorganizational ES platform. Our analysis gives insight into how role conflicts arising from the various roles played by the platform users compromise the nature of actions associated with platform beliefs. In particular, cooptition conflict arising from participants’ roles as supplier to the platform owner and competitor to other platform participants explains the symbolic organizational content contribution, whereas the professional conflict resulting from participants’ roles as employee of an organization and knowledge peer to participants from other organizations explains the substantive personal content contribution. The lack of organizational substantive content creates content paucity, which platform users respond to by developing off-platform relationships with content contributors. The personal ES knowledge acquired through platform content consumption and the relationships with content contributors help individuals advocate for ES initiatives within their organizations. Our research is among the first to consider green IS at an interorganizational level and the corresponding multilevel perspective of the green IS users as they are at once organizational and individual actors. Collapse

Topics: green IS supply chain management electronic mail environmental sustainability pseudonymity

Methods: qualitative interview grounded theory theory development case study personal interview

Theories: role theory

Probabilistic Approach to Multi-Stage Supplier Evaluation: Confidence Level Measurement in Ordinal Priority Approach

2022 | Group Decision and Negotiation | Citations: 0

Authors: Mahmoudi, Amin; Javed, Saad Ahmed

Abstract: A popular framework of the supplier selection process is usually characterized b ... Expand

Abstract: A popular framework of the supplier selection process is usually characterized by problem definition, criteria formulation, supplier screening, and supplier selection. The literature review suggested limitations of this framework as it ignores the screening of criteria (beyond criteria weighing) and evaluators (buyers) and its inability to guide the supplier selection problems where a measure of confidence or trust is needed to confirm the reliability of the selected supplier. While extending de Boer’s influential supplier selection framework, the current study argues that the supplier selection problem is not merely about ranking suppliers based on given criteria; instead, it involves evaluating criteria and evaluators as well. Guided by the theory of statistics and the Ordinal Priority Approach (OPA), the study pioneers a probabilistic approach of supplier evaluation and selection under incomplete information using a novel Confidence Level measure. The study suggests, the probability that a supplier shortlisted for selection is actually the optimum choice or not can be explained through a probability distribution, called W-distribution, therefore, confidently preventing the decision-makers from selecting the sub-optimum suppliers. The study presents a novel contribution to the theory of multiple-attribute decision-making through the OPA. The proposed approach can help build intelligent decision support systems to aid managers while providing them with early warning tools and suggestions to improve confidence in their selection. Collapse

Topics: decision making missing data procurement management spreadsheet disruptive innovation

Methods: case study trade-off analysis method theoretical contribution descriptive statistic TOPSIS

Building knowledge ambidexterity using cloud computing: Longitudinal case studies of SMEs experiences

2022 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Saratchandra, Minu; Shrestha, Anup; Murray, Peter A.

Abstract: Using a longitudinal multisite case study research design, this study demonstrat ... Expand

Abstract: Using a longitudinal multisite case study research design, this study demonstrates how cloud computing helps to build knowledge ambidexterity (K-AMB) capabilities in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A crosstheory approach is used to highlight the connections between ambidexterity and knowledge management the­ ories as a basis to explore the benefits of K-AMB capabilities for SMEs. The study investigates how the focus on knowledge exploitation by SMEs limits innovation which can be reconciled using cloud computing by creating multiple ambidextrous knowledge opportunities. In relation to cloud computing and knowledge ambidexterity, the study is the first to measure the effects of a temporal lag in the K-AMB processes resulting in enhanced employee-driven innovation. The results showed that over a 12-month period, employee-driven innovation was significantly amplified from the application of cloud computing that supported more sophisticated ambidextrous processes of knowledge management. The results significantly shift mindsets about the revelatory value of cloud computing to promote K-AMB in SMEs. We draw novel insights to the theory of ambidexterity by proposing that digital technologies and employee innovation contexts lie side-by-side and play an important role in building KAMB capabilities in SMEs. Collapse

Topics: cloud computing innovation management knowledge management electronic data interchange knowledge work

Methods: case study qualitative interview qualitative coding theoretical contribution personal interview

Theories: ambidexterity theory knowledge management theory theory of economic growth

“I Will Follow You!” – How Recommendation Modality Impacts Processing Fluency and Purchase Intention

2022 | International Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Schwede, Melanie; Zierau, Naim; Janson, Andreas; Hammerschmidt, Maik; Leimeister, Jan Marco

Abstract: Although conversational agents (CA) are increasingly used for providing purchas ... Expand

Abstract: Although conversational agents (CA) are increasingly used for providing purchase recommendations, important design questions remain. Across two experiments we examine with a novel fluency mechanism how recommendation modality (speech vs. text) shapes recommendation evaluation (persuasiveness and risk), the intention to follow the recommendation, and how modality interacts with the style of recommendation explanation (verbal vs. numerical). Findings provide robust evidence that text-based CAs outperform speech-based CAs in terms of processing fluency and consumer responses. They show that numerical explanations increase processing fluency and purchase intention of both recommendation modalities. The results underline the importance of processing fluency for the decision to follow a recommendation and highlight that processing fluency can be actively shaped through design decisions in terms of implementing the right modality and aligning it with the optimal explanation style. For practice, we offer actionable implications on how to make effective sales agents out of CAs. Collapse

Topics: conversational agent crowdsourcing Google+ laptop computer decision making

Methods: parametric test ANOVA experiment experimental task design artifact

Theories: information systems theory processing fluency theory

Data Sharing in the German Food Industry - Empirical Insights

2022 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Stein, Hannah; Rix, Calvin; Effertz, Anna; Bergau, Sven; Maass, Wolfgang

Abstract: Big data are collected along the entire food industry value chain, but remain m ... Expand

Abstract: Big data are collected along the entire food industry value chain, but remain mostly unused. Data sharing in data ecosystems could lead to efficiency gains and new revenue streams. We investigate data sharing within food industry and derive challenges and opportunities for data sharing in this context. We conducted interviews with ten qualified experts from the German food industry. The results reveal that mainly trust, usefulness and value influence users' attitude towards data sharing. Our results confirm social exchange theory in conjunction with technology acceptance model as relevant underlying IS theories of data sharing. Collapse

Topics: digital ecosystem price management usability perceived usefulness ease of use

Methods: qualitative interview conceptual modelling qualitative content analysis survey descriptive statistic

Theories: information systems theory technology acceptance model social exchange theory lemon market theory semiotic theory

Understanding Factors Affecting the Adoption of ICT-Enabled Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices

2022 | HICSS | Citations: 0

Authors: Yao, Chenxin; Peng, Xiang; Kurnia, Sherah; Rahim, Mahbubur

Abstract: In recent years, a growing number of organizations have introduced sustainable s ... Expand

Abstract: In recent years, a growing number of organizations have introduced sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices to enhance their economic, environment and social performance. SSCM practices are supported by information and communication technologies (ICT) to facilitate the coordination among the supply chain partners. Despite the importance of ICT-enabled SSCM practices, their adoption factors are still understudied. This study thus investigates factors affecting the adoption of ICT-enabled SSCM practices, using the Australian food industry as the study context. Through multiple case studies, we identify fifteen factors at the national, industry, supply chain, and organizational levels, including two new factors: environmental uncertainties and ICT resources of supply chain partners. Competitive pressure, though identified in the literature, is not found to be influential in our study. This study offers several implications to research and practice in SSCM. Collapse

Topics: supply chain management technology adoption marketing management environmental uncertainty data governance

Methods: case study qualitative interview multiple case study literature study company material

How Digital Platforms with a Social Purpose Trigger Change towards Sustainable Supply Chains

2021 | HICSS | Citations: 3

Authors: Schroder, Anika; Prockl, Günter; Constantiou, Ioanna

Abstract: While digital platforms have been intensively researched, there has been little ... Expand

Abstract: While digital platforms have been intensively researched, there has been little investigation into their role in sustainable change. Our study focuses on food supply chains and food waste and sustainable challenges. Using data collected from exploratory case studies of digital platforms and traditional actors in the food industry of a Nordic country, we categorized three major sustainable platform types: Alterationist, Redistributor, and Capability Builder. We view these as “Zebras,” a business serving profit and social purpose, and observe their emerging role in the food supply chain. We also identify key dimensions of governance and sustainability impact. With this study, we investigate how digital platforms contribute to sustainable change while also retaining their profit focus. Collapse

Topics: supply chain management digital platform business model research and development sharing platform

Methods: qualitative interview triangulation qualitative content analysis case study personal interview