1,721,054 research outputs found
P.Bernardini-L.Bravi, Rec. a: I Posidippo di Pella. Epigrammi (P.Mil.Vogl. VIII 309),ed. a cura di G.Bastianini e C.Gallazzi con la collaborazionedi C.Austin, Milano 2001; II Un poeta ritrovato. Posidippo di Pella, Milano 2002; Posidippi Pellei quae supersunt omnia ediderunt C.Austin et G.Bastianini,Milano 2002
No full textAn optimization-based method for feature ranking in nonlinear regression problems
No full textIn this brief, we consider the feature ranking problem, where, given a set of training instances, the task is to associate a score with the features in order to assess their relevance. Feature ranking is a very important tool for decision support systems, and may be used as an auxiliary step of feature selection to reduce the high dimensionality of real-world data. We focus on regression problems by assuming that the process underlying the generated data can be approximated by a continuous function (for instance, a feedforward neural network). We formally state the notion of relevance of a feature by introducing a minimum zero-norm inversion problem of a neural network, which is a nonsmooth, constrained optimization problem. We employ a concave approximation of the zero-norm function, and we define a smooth, global optimization problem to be solved in order to assess the relevance of the features. We present the new feature ranking method based on the solution of instances of the global optimization problem depending on the available training data. Computational experiments on both artificial and real data sets are performed, and point out that the proposed feature ranking method is a valid alternative to existing methods in terms of effectiveness. The obtained results also show that the method is costly in terms of CPU time, and this may be a limitation in the solution of large-dimensional problems
Effectiveness of Certifications as a Tool for Internationalization of Companies in the Wood-Furniture
No full textIn recent years, European economies have been experiencing a climate of persistent uncertainty, fueled by a succession of events (Brexit, trade wars between the United States, China and the European Union, Covid pandemic, war in Ukaine) capable of affecting the economic dynamics worldwide and making forecasts and expectations much more difficult or even impossible. In 2019, before the pandemic, the deceleration of world growth (+ 2.9%, from +3.6 in 2018) generated a slowdown in international trade (+ 1%, compared to +3.7 in the previous year) (Costa and Vicarelli, 2020). In the following years, the pandemic and more recently the dramatic worsening of the war in Ukraine put in question the bases of globalization as they occurred in previous decades, making business choices more complex and even more uncertain. In this context, the globalization-related processes are requiring an increasing capacity for reducing complexity and obstacles along the global value chains, by enforcing coordination and cooperation between companies, including the adoption of internationally shared technical and organizational standards (Nisi and Soriani, 2020).
With regard to business processes, Quality Management Systems Standards, which affect multiple aspects of business activities, from the quality of processes (ISO 9001), to the environmental impact (ISO 14001 and EMAS III), health and worker safety (OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001) and Corporate Social Responsibility (SA 8000), represent a tool for monitoring all phases of the value chain in which the company is inserted (Murmura et al, 2017; Bravi et al., 2019; Bravi et al., 2020). Previous literature on internationalization of companies has analyzed these topics mainly considering the consumers' perspective (Bursi et al., 2012), but numerous studies have also been conducted with reference to relationships between firms (Matarazzo et al., 2018), or to specific sectors (Aiello et al., 2015). However, in sectors with a higher content of innovation, technology and design, such as the wood-furniture industry, the literature appears to be poor in contributions.
Based on these reflections, the paper proposes a contribution to fill the gap highlighted, by deepening the role of process certifications in the competitiveness strategies of companies, with specific reference to the wood-furniture sector. The work has the aim of investigating what the adoption of process certifications entails for companies in terms of perceived benefits or barriers, and if standards are considered a useful support for company internationalization. As regards the methodology adopted, a structured e-mail questionnaire was sent in November 2021 to a representative sample of Italian companies in the wood-furniture sector, using Computer Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI), investigating the internationalization level of companies, the weight of foreign markets on turnover, as well as the influence and impact of certifications on international activities. In total 247 companies participated in the survey.
The results show that the link between export and certifications constitutes a strong impetus for the adoption of management system certificates; in addition to supporting productivity, in fact, certifications help companies to better integrate into international value chains, standardizing production processes located in different countries, increasing the efficiency of business processes, improving their performance. Moreover, for most of the sample, having adopted a certification meant consolidating their position in the market, thanks to the greater reliability of the company, of which the certification guarantees, especially in the eyes of new potential customers. Therefore, it emerges that certified companies obtain greater advantages on international markets than not-certified ones. On the other side, certifications bring to an increase in bureaucracy and company costs, affecting in some cases flexibility and speed in responding to market requirements.
For companies without international experience and with no knowledge about foreign markets, facing new competitive contexts represents an obstacle that leads to postpone the decision to export (Musso and Francioni, 2013; Francioni et al., 2013). In these cases, if the need and opportunity arise, they only gradually commit resources depending on the foreign market reaction (Goedhuys and Sleuwaegen, 2016). Having a Quality Management System helps to get acceptance and legitimation in foreign markets, reducing time for market exploration and reputation construction. In case of indirect exporting, it increases the efficiency of local intermediaries.
The results of this study provide support for the effectiveness of international standards as elements of a marketing strategy aiming at facilitating and accelerating the acquisition of new customers in international markets. Moreover, the certification process exposes companies to new organizational frameworks, pushing them to quickly absorb new and improved organizational procedures, helping them to develop a common language to streamline and coordinate operations with customers and suppliers, preparing them for exporting and managing activities in international markets in a better organized way
Healthy and quality food attitudes and lifestyle: a generational cohort comparison.
Full text linkPurpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate how the different generations of consumers behave in the field of healthy and quality food consumption, considering their perceptions about healthy attributes and healthy eating style, what are the main trusted sources influencing consumption or the attention towards healthy and quality food, how do they behave towards healthy and quality foods and which benefits and barriers affect their consumption.
Design/methodology/approach
Data for this study were obtained from a questionnaire survey carried out over a six-month period in 2021. The questionnaire was administered online. The sampling procedure was based on a convenient non-random sampling method applied to the Italian population aged between 18 and 75 years old. The data collection process resulted in 1,646 completed questionnaires.
Findings
The results show that, in line with the theory of generational cohorts, each generation has its own specificities regarding food behaviour. The study reveals a highly sensitive approach towards healthy and quality food consumption from both Z-ers and the Baby Boomers, whilst X-ers are quite aligned with the other generations. Millennials show specific, sometimes contradictory, attitudes and habits.
Originality/value
The present results offer new insights into the analysis of healthy and quality food consumption, highlighting significant differences amongst generations, which can inspire public and private intervention aimed at encouraging the overall attention and consumption of healthy and quality food with related implications in terms of society's well-being and longevity improvements
La spada di Tuberone. Una citazione della pro Ligario nell’Institutio oratoria di Quintiliano
No full textCicero's Pro Ligario is frequently mentioned in Quintilian’s Institutio Oratoria. The author is very aware of the importance of the text for the social and historical context in which it was pronounced and for the ambiguous presence of Caesar. Among these quotations stands out in the treaty the evocation of the sword of Tubero (Cic. Lig. 9) in five different contexts that confirm the Quintilian’s remarkable interest for this text
Furniture companies and circular economy: an exploratory study.
No full textIn today’s society growing attention is paid to global environmental risks and related consequences,
such as the increasing amount of CO2 emissions, global warming, deforestation, acid rains, depletion of resources,
which are threatening humanity’s survival (Meadows et al., 2004; Jackson, 2009; Rockström et al., 2009). In this
context, the concept of Circular Economy (CE) has gradually raised and received growing importance on both firms
and Governments’ agendas (Brennan et al., 2015).
The aim of this study is to explore to what extent furniture companies are aware about the CE practices, how they
are implemented within them and which factors can motivate, support or hinder their adoption. At an operational level,
quality management practises are also investigated in this study, since they can be particularly helpful for managers in
implementing environmentally sustainable practises, which, in turn, are critical within a circular business context
(Rusinko, 2005)
Price and Promotion Strategies of the Marche Wine Companies: a Multiple Case Study Analysis
No full textThe progress of tourism demand associated with the gastronomic aspect has led to the creation of important market shares also for typical agri-food products, such as wine, which has become an absolute protagonist of this phenomenon. The aim of this study is to analyze, by means of the methodology of the multiple case study, the pricing and promotion strategies of companies in the Marche wine sector, which produce typical and certified wines, to understand which strategies are currently in place and what it should be improved to make them more relevant on the national and international scene. A total number of 12 companies participated to the study. The results show that companies in the Marche wine sector are for the vast majority long-term, small-sized and family-run businesses. Companies consider marketing activities to be very important, and all of them devote a lot of attention to communication strategies. The results confirm the desire to focus strongly on relational logics with its customers, seeking a principle of loyalty
The Role of Environmental Certifications in the Wine Industry.
No full textThe Italian wine industry is an important reality among the Made in Italy sectors and over the last decade it has performed positive variations in its competitiveness. The present study aims at investigating the relationship between the adoption of environmental certifications and wineries’ communication strategies. The purpose, in particular, is to understand if environmental certifications are perceived by wineries as communication tools that can be used to promote sustainable products and the whole sustainable commitment of the firm to the market. Moreover, drawing on the resource based view (Rvb) of the firm, the study investigates the relationship between environmental certifications’ adoption and economic performance of the firm, which still represents a timely topic of research. The study was based on a quantitative survey, carried out on a sample of 242 Italian wineries. Descriptive analysis was performed to describe the overall firms’ behavior towards sustainability and environmental certifications. An Exploratory Factor Analysis followed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis was further developed to identify the key-drivers affecting the wineries’ adoption of environmental certifications. Finally, a regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between environmental certifications’ adoption and perceived economic performances. The research findings suggest that a variety of sustainable practices and tools are implemented by wineries, with different purposes. Above all, the study reveals that voluntary environmental certifications are perceived as strategic communication tools by wineries, even if a very low percentage of respondents actually perceive the economic benefits linked to the adoption of such practices and standards
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