Businesses

12 pages, 242 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Democratic Administration and Commitment of Members of Agricultural Cooperatives: A Case Study from a Prefecture in Greece

by Konstantina Ragazou, Evgenia Anastasiou, George Theodossiou and Konstantinos Koutsogeorgos

Businesses 2021, 1(2), 115-126; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/businesses1020009 - 06 Sep 2021

Viewed by 3442

Abstract

Cooperatives are democratic organizations, governed and controlled by their members, who are actively involved in their policy-making and decision-making process. The aim of this paper is to investigate the correlation between cooperative culture and the way that cooperatives are governed. To this end, [...] Read more.

Cooperatives are democratic organizations, governed and controlled by their members, who are actively involved in their policy-making and decision-making process. The aim of this paper is to investigate the correlation between cooperative culture and the way that cooperatives are governed. To this end, a probability sampling method is used in the agricultural cooperatives of the Greek prefecture of Larissa, which is one of the most powerful and dynamic in the agricultural economy. The data collection was carried out to 100 members of agricultural cooperatives through the use of a closed-ended questionnaire. The findings highlighted that agricultural cooperatives are distinguished for their increased level of cooperative culture and commitment, provided that the conditions for the democratic governance of cooperatives are met. The role played by the level of education of the members of the agricultural cooperatives was also important, thus confirming the main purpose of the research, which was none other than to prove this correlation. Finally, this correlation can lead to the improvement of certain elements which contribute to the optimization of agricultural governance. Full article

13 pages, 2034 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of COVID-19 on Mergers, Acquisitions & Corporate Restructurings

by Chokri Kooli and Melanie Lock Son

Businesses 2021, 1(2), 102-114; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/businesses1020008 - 16 Aug 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 18077

Abstract

Most economic downturns have stemmed from inefficiencies in the economic system. This research paper aims at investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic—an exogeneous health crisis—on global mergers and acquisition (M&A) activity. By gathering statistical data about global transaction volume, value, and type, [...] Read more.

Most economic downturns have stemmed from inefficiencies in the economic system. This research paper aims at investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic—an exogeneous health crisis—on global mergers and acquisition (M&A) activity. By gathering statistical data about global transaction volume, value, and type, the study aims at getting a pulse of how mergers, acquisitions, and other restructuring activities have been utilized to support corporate objectives amidst these unprecedented times. While the full-fledged impact of COVID-19 cannot be fully captured at the moment (early 2021), the study attempts to illustrate how this change to economic stability caused a Schumpeterian creative destruction of industries. As firms prepare for the growth that will follow this downturn, M&A will enable companies to look into a future infused with technology and structurally different business models. This research paper thus captures the deliberate transformation occurring in the deal world to discuss the possible outlook of the M&A deal market in the post-pandemic world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inclusive and Innovative Businesses and Sustainability: New Trends in Challenging Times and the Path to Performance and Excellence)

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11 pages, 551 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Developing Innovative Integrated Business Solutions Using a Scrum Project Management Methodology

by Jamie McLellan, William A. Young, Elizabeth C. Levin and Lester W. Johnson

Businesses 2021, 1(2), 91-101; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/businesses1020007 - 27 Jul 2021

Viewed by 4128

Abstract

Innovative manufacturers have used Integrated Business Solutions (IBSs) as a means to co-create products and services to solve diverse business problems and more effectively compete in their field of endeavour. However, the efficacy and benefits of IBSs have been diminished due to the [...] Read more.

Innovative manufacturers have used Integrated Business Solutions (IBSs) as a means to co-create products and services to solve diverse business problems and more effectively compete in their field of endeavour. However, the efficacy and benefits of IBSs have been diminished due to the rigid method in which project management has been applied. This paper provides a conceptual approach for manufacturers to create new revenue sources in collaboration with their customers by adopting an agile project methodology that accommodates the interactive and iterative nature of IBS development. The research findings highlight the lack of success in IBSs using traditional project management as the delivery method. It provides an alternative solution in the use of an agile project management approach with its customer-centred and iterative mindset. This paper provides a conceptual model of the agile method known as Scrum and describes how it better aligns with innovative IBS development. Though both IBSs and agile have been around for several decades, their development is still in a state of infancy. This research adds to the body of literature on the application of agile in IBSs and presents an argument for converting its conceptual model into a practice delivery. Full article

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19 pages, 2447 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Supply Chain Responsiveness to a (Post)-Pandemic Grocery and Food Service E-Commerce Economy: An Exploratory Canadian Case Study

by Sylvain Charlebois, Mark Juhasz and Janet Music

Businesses 2021, 1(2), 72-90; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/businesses1020006 - 08 Jul 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 9738

Abstract

The focus of this study looks at the motivations and rationale from a national survey of over 7200 Canadians in November 2020 into why they use online services to purchase food. As a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, food supply chains have [...] Read more.

The focus of this study looks at the motivations and rationale from a national survey of over 7200 Canadians in November 2020 into why they use online services to purchase food. As a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic, food supply chains have been significantly altered. Consumers are purchasing foods with different dynamics, including when they buy in-person at groceries, at restaurants or at food service establishments. Elements of the food supply chain will be permanently altered post-pandemic. The study looks at a specific set of factors, captured in the survey, namely, consumer price sensitivity to the costs of online food purchasing, growing sustainability-related concerns over food packaging and waste, and product sensory experience related to how online purchasing changes from in-person food selection. The end goal, emerging from a case study, is insight into the strategies and preparedness with which CPGs, food services, and retailers can better manage the supply chain in their food product offerings in the post-pandemic era. Full article

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Businesses, Volume 1, Issue 2 (September 2021) – 4 articles

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