Yes / Sustainable servitisation for organisations, as an indispensable part of their sustainable development, has increasingly come to the attention of both academics and practitioners. Whilst the servitisation literature is diverse and growing, our understanding of what sustainable servitisation is and a holistic view of how it is developed and implemented is limited. To address these gaps, we provide a systematic literature review enabled by an active machine-learning tool using 66 journal articles on sustainable servitisation. We have redefined the term sustainable servitisation based on an in-depth literature analysis. From the purview of sustainable servitisation as a mechanism for organisational change, we also synthesised what is known about sustainable servitisation into a holistic framework. Notably, rather than focusing on how sustainable servitisation can be better designed, as most existing studies have done, we argue that a dynamic and processual view of sustainable servitisation is required to advance theoretical and practical knowledge. / The full-text of this article will be released for public view at the end of the publisher embargo on 27 Feb 2025.

New product development (NPD) is vulnerable to a wide variety of risks arising from within the firm or from the external environment. Existing categorizations of NPD project risks are partial or ill-defined and consequently there is no clear consensus among researchers and practitioners about what constitute NPD project risks. To address this gap, this thesis deploys a systematic literature methodology to inductively develop a comprehensive risk taxonomy from a review of 124 empirical studies. This taxonomy is then empirically validated through a survey capturing data from 263 NPD projects conducted by UK firms. The thesis further investigated the moderating effect of NPD project type (incremental or radical), firm size (SMEs and large firms) and industry sectors on the proposed risk taxonomy. Variation in the perceptions of NPD risk by different members of the team was explored as well. The findings revealed that the principal risk factors affecting NPD projects are technological rapidity risk, supply chain risk, lack of funding and resource risk. The risk profile of radical NPD projects differed to that of incremental projects. SMEs were more vulnerable to NPD project risks than large firms. Most risks influenced NPD projects equally across industrial sectors. Members of NPD project teams from different backgrounds or with different roles perceived risks differently. The proposed taxonomy and its subsequent empirical validation provides a comprehensive and robust taxonomy for identifying and managing risks associated with different types of NPD project conducted by firms of varying sizes from different industrial sectors.

New product development (NPD) is vulnerable to a wide variety of risks arising from within the firm or from the external environment. Existing categorizations of NPD project risks are partial or ill-defined and consequently there is no clear consensus among researchers and practitioners about what constitute NPD project risks. To address this gap, this thesis deploys a systematic literature methodology to inductively develop a comprehensive risk taxonomy from a review of 124 empirical studies. This taxonomy is then empirically validated through a survey capturing data from 263 NPD projects conducted by UK firms. The thesis further investigated the moderating effect of NPD project type (incremental or radical), firm size (SMEs and large firms) and industry sectors on the proposed risk taxonomy. Variation in the perceptions of NPD risk by different members of the team was explored as well. The findings revealed that the principal risk factors affecting NPD projects are technological rapidity risk, supply chain risk, lack of funding and resource risk. The risk profile of radical NPD projects differed to that of incremental projects. SMEs were more vulnerable to NPD project risks than large firms. Most risks influenced NPD projects equally across industrial sectors. Members of NPD project teams from different backgrounds or with different roles perceived risks differently. The proposed taxonomy and its subsequent empirical validation provides a comprehensive and robust taxonomy for identifying and managing risks associated with different types of NPD project conducted by firms of varying sizes from different industrial sectors.

Context: Since the beginnings of software engineering, metrics (such as SLOCs) and practices have been used in an attempt to measure and improve the features of software development projects, their process, or their contributors. Measuring and enhancing software ecosystem features brings a new complexity level because a software ecosystem comprises several interrelated software projects. Over the past two decades, software ecosystems have gained considerable attention, and researchers have proposed various metrics and practices to measure and improve software ecosystems' health. Objective: This thesis presents a systematic literature review that aims to build comprehensive taxonomies for software ecosystem health metrics and practices. These taxonomies synthesize the results of previous categorizations and update them with newer metrics and practices proposed since then. This study also aims to collect and synthesize all the definitions, metrics, and practices proposed to define, measure, and improve software ecosystem health in the literature. Method: I conducted a systematic literature review and identified 40 primary studies related to defining and measuring software ecosystem health. I extracted the definitions, metrics, and practices for software ecosystem health from the primary studies, and then I categorized the metrics and practices to build the taxonomies. Results: I identified a total of 7 different definitions for software ecosystem health, 142 different metrics, and 174 various practices for software ecosystem health. Our taxonomies for software ecosystem health metrics and practices have three categories (niche creation, productivity, and robustness). Each of these categories has several sub-categories of metrics and practices. Conclusion: Software ecosystems have a wide range of stakeholders that have different perspectives regarding software ecosystem health. To satisfy this spectrum, researchers have proposed various metrics and practices to measure and improve software ecosystems' health. To improve unifying contrasting opinions, I conducted this study. The metrics and practices proposed are diverse in both purpose and the data required to compute them. Some metrics are presented along with a method on how to compute them. In contrast, others are defined abstractly without an operational approach to calculate them, and some are mentioned without a clear rationale. Furthermore, the same metric or practice is often proposed in more than one publication using different names. This thesis addresses these alignment problems. / Graduate

Despite a general consensus concerning the relevance of supply partnerships to agility, the literature reveals disagreements and contradictions regarding their characteristics and, in particular, their duration. This is, whether partnerships in an agile strategy should be long-term (strategic partnerships) or short-term (agile partnerships). The research joins this debate by investigating the types and characteristics of supply partnerships to achieve agility. The underlying premise of the work is that the type of supply partnership is contingent on the degree of turbulence an agile strategy is designed to face. The research was carried out in the fashion industry, given the relevance of agility in this industry. Specifically, the research focused the supply partnerships developed by the footwear companies in the Macerata-Fermo district, the largest footwear district in Italy. The focus on district companies allow the comparison of several companies sharing a very similar business context, allowing a better control of external variables and increasing the internal validity of the study. The field research consisted of a preliminary survey on agility drivers and agile capabilities in the Macerata-Fermo footwear district, followed by an in-depth investigation on supply partnerships using multiple embedded cases studies. Overall six medium-large footwear companies have been analysed in their supply relationships with respect to five key supply categories. For each supply category, the buyer view of the focal firms has been complemented with a view from the supplier side. In total the fieldwork is built upon 30 interviews with 22 informants from 18 companies for a total of more than 23 hours of interviews. In all cases, except two, the key informant was owner, CEO or general manager of the company, eventually supported by another company manager. In two cases, the interviews data have been strengthened by a longitudinal analysis of purchase orders over eight years. The fieldwork highlights that agility drivers and agile capabilities impact on the footwear companies’ decision of developing agile supply partnerships. Specifically footwear companies that are under the pressure of high-turbulence agility drivers (here represented by a high collection renewal rate) and that have developed strong agile capabilities (here represented by a local supply network and a purchase orders postponement) choose agile supply partnerships with respect to supply categories that are sensitive to the fashion trends and therefore difficult to be sourced in a stable way – season after season – from the same suppliers. The main contribution to theory is related to the characteristics of supply partnerships in an agile strategy and specifically to the apparent paradox of “high-involvement & short- term” relationships (i.e. agile supply partnerships). In spite of the presence of time compression diseconomies in building up partnership and of the loss of relational (non- redeployable) benefits in closing down partnerships, scenarios of high-turbulence can give companies an incentive to look for short-term partnerships. Such finding can support a wider claim that different levels of turbulence call for different agility strategies requiring different capabilities and practices. The main contribution to practice is related to the way agile partnerships are selected, started and ended. Given that many industries are facing an increase in market turbulence, it appears that many companies – even outside the fashion industry – might have to learn how to balance high-involvement supply relationships with respect to a shorter time horizon.

Dentre os tratamentos possíveis para feridas, um deles, ainda pouco discutido e divulgado, é o uso terapêutico do ozônio. A finalidade desta revisão foi verificar se há benefícios neste uso em feridas. Os objetivos foram: buscar evidências científicas sobre estes benefícios por meio da revisão sistemática da literatura científica; realizar levantamento bibliográfico de estudos primários sobre a temática; analisar a qualidade metodológica destes estudos e discutir sobre as evidências de seus resultados. A metodologia utilizada foi a revisão sistemática da literatura científica, de acordo com o preconizado pelo Centro Cochrane do Brasil. Foram selecionadas oito bases de dados eletrônicas que disponibilizam publicações de pesquisas na área da saúde (CINAHAL, COCHRANE, EMBASE, LILACS, MEDLINE, OVID, PubMed, USP/Sibi/DEDALUS). Além destas bases, um estudo foi encontrado em um livro alemão específico sobre a temática. A busca foi feita de acordo com os Descritores em Ciências da Saúde baseado no MESH (Medical Subject Headings of U.S. National Library of Medicine). Foram encontrados 1637 estudos, sendo 55 pré-selecionados, e apenas 23 incluídos para a revisão. Dentre os principais resultados destacam-se: 52,2% dos estudos incluídos foram ensaios clínicos não controlados, 21,7% ensaios clínicos randomizados controlados abertos, 17,4% ensaios clínicos não randomizados controlados e 8,7% relatos de casos. A maioria dos estudos considerou como desfecho a cicatrização total da ferida ou a estimulação do processo de cicatrização, seguidos da melhora do aspecto da ferida, diminuição da dor/sintomas, melhora dos exames laboratoriais e, um deles relatou diminuição de odor da ferida. Foi analisado o quanto cada estudo controlou ou não variáveis intrínsecas e extrínsecas e quem foram os sujeitos de pesquisa em cada um deles. Analisou-se, ainda, se houve estratificação de variáveis entre os grupos controle e experimental nos estudos controlados e aplicou-se a Escala adaptada de Jadad para verificar a validade interna dos estudos randomizados, cujas pontuações obtidas foram inferiores ao mínimo estabelecido para um estudo de alta qualidade. Como conclusão, ao considerar apenas como estudos de qualidade aqueles randomizados, é possível reconhecer evidência forte do benefício do uso do ozônio, o que confirma a hipótese desta revisão. Mas, a partir da análise de sua validade interna, controle de variáveis interferentes e quantidade e tipo de população, os estudos apresentam problemas de condução e não é possível esse mesmo reconhecimento. Não é desprezível, porém, o fato de que todos os estudos obtiveram resultados favoráveis com o uso de ozônio, o que enseja a recomendação de viabilidade de realização de mais estudos, do tipo ensaios clínicos controlados e bem conduzidos, com estratificação de variáveis intrínsecas e extrínsecas e, principalmente, que utilizem como única intervenção o próprio ozônio, sem associar qualquer tipo de método que interfira no processo de cicatrização. Finalmente, considerando todos os aspectos discutidos e a realidade brasileira, o ozônio, poderia ser uma importante opção de tratamento para feridas e trazer diversos benefícios aos seus portadores, caso isso fosse provado por estudos bem delineados e de qualidade / Among the possible treatments for wounds there is one that is still very little discussed and divulged: the therapeutic use of the ozone. The purpose of this review is to verify if there are benefits of that use. These were the following goals: to search for scientific evidence of those benefits through systematic scientific literature review; to the bibliographic research of basic studies related to this theme; to analyze the methodological quality of those studies and to discuss the evidence of their results. The methodology used was the systematic scientific literature review, according to what is stated by the Cochrane Center of Brazil. Eight electronic data bases that contain publications of researches in the health area were selected (CINAHAL, COCHRANE, EMBASE, LILACS, MEDLINE, OVID, PubMed, USP/Sibi/DEDALUS). Apart from those data bases, one study was found in a Germany book specific on that theme. The research was done according to the Health Science Key-words based on the MESH (Medical Subject Headings of U.S. National Library of Medicine). 1637 studies were found, 55 were pre-selected and only 23 were included in the review. The main results were the following: 52,2% of the included studies were non-controlled clinical trials, 21,7% were open-label randomized controlled clinical trials, 17,4% were non-randomized controlled clinical trials and 8,7% were case reports. Most part of the studies considered the complete wound healing or the healing process stimulation as outcomes, followed by improvement of the wound aspects, reduction in the pain/symptoms, improvement on the laboratory exams and one of them reported the wound smell reduction. This review analyzed how many intrinsic and extrinsic variables were controlled and who the subjects were in each study. Besides that, it was analyzed if there were variables stratification among the control and the experimental groups in the controlled trials and the adapted Jadad Scale was applied to verify the internal validity of the randomized trials, whose obtained scores were less than the minimum standardized for a high quality study. To sum up, when only randomized trials are considered as of quality, it is possible to recognize strong evidence of benefit in the use of the ozone, which confirms the hypothesis of this review. But, when analyzing the internal validity, the controlled variables and the number and the kind of subjects, the studies presented execution problems and it is not possible to recognize the same thing. It is needless to say that all studies have obtained favorable results in the use of the ozone, which triggers the need to carry out more related studies, as well as to conduct controlled clinical trials, with intrinsic and extrinsic variables stratification and, mainly, that the ozone without associating any method that can interfere in the wound healing is used as unique intervention. Finally, considering all discussed aspects and the Brazilian reality, the ozone could be an important option of wound treatment and it could bring many benefits to its carriers if this was proofed by well conducted quality studies

Understanding stock-bond return correlation is a key facet in asset mix, asset allocation and in an investor’s portfolio optimisation strategy. For the last couple of decades, several studies have probed this cardinal relationship. While initial literature tries to understand the fundamental pattern of co-movements, later studies aim to model the economic state variables influencing such time-varying volatility behaviour of stock-bond returns. This study provides a systematic literature review in the field of stock and bond return correlation. The review investigates the existing literature in three key dimensions. First, it examines the effect of macro-economic variables on SB return co-movements. Second, it illustrates the effect of financial integration on the asset correlation dynamics. Third, it reviews the existing models that are employed to estimate the dynamic relationship. In addition to the systematic review, I conduct an empirical analysis of stock-bond return co-movements on U.S. capital market. Both the literature and the empirical investigation substantiate my claims on existing research gaps and respective scope for further research. Evidence shows that existing models impose strong restrictions on past stock-bond return variance dynamics and yield inconclusive results. I, therefore, propose an alternative method, i.e. copula function approach, to model stock and bond time-varying co-movements. Since the previous studies largely focus on developed economies, I suggest an empirically investigation of emerging economies as well. This will allow me to examine the effect of financial integration on the dynamic asset return correlation. Apart from this academic contribution, the study provides an illustration of the economic implications which relate to portfolio optimization and minimal-risk hedge ratio.

Purpose: This work systematically reviews the extant academic management literature on supply networks. It specifically examines how network configurations and network governance mechanisms influence each other in supply networks. Design: 125 analytical and empirical studies were identified using an evidence-based approach to review the literature mainly published between 1985 and 2012. Synthesis: Drawing on a multi-disciplinary theoretical foundation, this work develops an integrative framework to identify three distinct yet interdependent themes that characterize the study of supply networks: a) Network Configurations (structures and relationships); b) Network Governance Mechanisms (formal and informal); and c) The Interplay between Network Configurations and Network Governance Mechanisms. Findings: Network configurations and network governance mechanisms mutually influence each other and cannot be considered in isolation. Formal and informal governance mechanisms provide better control when used as complements rather than as substitutes. The choice of governance mechanism depends on the nature of exchange; role of management; desired level of control; level of flexibility in formal contracts; and complementary role of formal and informal governance mechanism. Research implications: This nascent field has thematic and methodological research opportunities for academics. Comparative network analysis using longitudinal case studies offers a rich area for further study. Practical Implications: The complexity surrounding the conflicting roles of managers at the organisation and network levels poses a significant challenge during the development and implementation stage of strategic network policies. Originality/value: This review reveals that formal and informal governance mechanisms provide better control when used as complements rather than as substitutes.

Despite a general consensus concerning the relevance of supply partnerships to agility, the literature reveals disagreements and contradictions regarding their characteristics and, in particular, their duration. This is, whether partnerships in an agile strategy should be long-term (strategic partnerships) or short-term (agile partnerships). The research joins this debate by investigating the types and characteristics of supply partnerships to achieve agility. The underlying premise of the work is that the type of supply partnership is contingent on the degree of turbulence an agile strategy is designed to face. The research was carried out in the fashion industry, given the relevance of agility in this industry. Specifically, the research focused the supply partnerships developed by the footwear companies in the Macerata-Fermo district, the largest footwear district in Italy. The focus on district companies allow the comparison of several companies sharing a very similar business context, allowing a better control of external variables and increasing the internal validity of the study. The field research consisted of a preliminary survey on agility drivers and agile capabilities in the Macerata-Fermo footwear district, followed by an in-depth investigation on supply partnerships using multiple embedded cases studies. Overall six medium-large footwear companies have been analysed in their supply relationships with respect to five key supply categories. For each supply category, the buyer view of the focal firms has been complemented with a view from the supplier side. In total the fieldwork is built upon 30 interviews with 22 informants from 18 companies for a total of more than 23 hours of interviews. In all cases, except two, the key informant was owner, CEO or general manager of the company, eventually supported by another company manager. In two cases, the interviews data have been strengthened by a longitudinal analysis of purchase orders over eight years. The fieldwork highlights that agility drivers and agile capabilities impact on the footwear companies’ decision of developing agile supply partnerships. Specifically footwear companies that are under the pressure of high-turbulence agility drivers (here represented by a high collection renewal rate) and that have developed strong agile capabilities (here represented by a local supply network and a purchase orders postponement) choose agile supply partnerships with respect to supply categories that are sensitive to the fashion trends and therefore difficult to be sourced in a stable way – season after season – from the same suppliers. The main contribution to theory is related to the characteristics of supply partnerships in an agile strategy and specifically to the apparent paradox of “high-involvement & short- term” relationships (i.e. agile supply partnerships). In spite of the presence of time compression diseconomies in building up partnership and of the loss of relational (non- redeployable) benefits in closing down partnerships, scenarios of high-turbulence can give companies an incentive to look for short-term partnerships. Such finding can support a wider claim that different levels of turbulence call for different agility strategies requiring different capabilities and practices. The main contribution to practice is related to the way agile partnerships are selected, started and ended. Given that many industries are facing an increase in market turbulence, it appears that many companies – even outside the fashion industry – might have to learn how to balance high-involvement supply relationships with respect to a shorter time horizon.

Performing evidence-based reviews (EBR) is a growing and important area of research, and more graduate students should be educated in this area. EBRs provide conclusions based on science and follow a specific methodology to decrease bias, consider all pertinent science on the topic, and have transparency. This thesis is two-fold and includes: 1) a faculty course manual on how to facilitate a college course on EBR and 2) an EBR manuscript on the utility of nutrition labeling to affect consumers’ ability to select more nutritious products and whether or not nutrition labeling can affect purchase and consumption of more nutritious products. This EBR is timely in that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called for a moratorium on Front-of-Pack labeling (FOP) until two Institute of Medicine Committees have produced their reports and FDA has interpreted those reports. The intention of the manuscript is that it will aid in this interpretation. Of 978 articles collected, 699 were excluded using exclusion/inclusion criteria, 253 were identified as secondary articles, and 26 were used for the EBR. Results: Ten studies answered question #1 on whether or not consumers can pick a more nutritious product by reading labels and 21 answered question #2 on whether consumers actually change their purchasing and/or eating behavior by using labels. Studies ranged from simple cross-sectional studies that used survey data to more complex studies that collected sales data or performed in-store observations. In conclusion, consumers are able to use food labels to pick more nutritious products. Preliminary evidence suggests that a subset of health conscious consumers will read food labels to select a healthier product within a product category. Less evidence exists that reading labels actually results in a change of food intake. More intervention rather than survey studies are required to address this issue. In addition, the next stages of investigation should include looking at the whole diet, rather than just individual foods, and finally what affect the whole diet may have on overall health.