Article
Operations Research & Management Science
Girish Santosh Bagale, Venkata Ramana Vandadi, Deepmala Singh, Dilip Kumar Sharma, Durga Venkata Kusuma Garlapati, Ravi Kumar Bommisetti, Ravi Kumar Gupta, Roy Setsiawan, V Subramaniyaswamy, Sudhakar Sengan
Summary: Researchers emphasize the significance of digitization in improving efficiency and productivity in Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). The advent of digital technology has led to a significant increase in the number of SMEs, with both product and process becoming more automated, resulting in improved quality and demand. India's SME sector has great potential for integrating new digital technologies.
ANNALS OF OPERATIONS RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Stavros Gennitsaris, Miguel Castro Oliveira, George Vris, Antonis Bofilios, Theodora Ntinou, Ana Rita Frutuoso, Catarina Queiroga, John Giannatsis, Stella Sofianopoulou, Vassilis Dedoussis
Summary: Energy efficiency plays a crucial role in achieving the ambitious climate targets of the European Union. Despite their individual low energy consumption, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) contribute significantly to overall energy consumption due to their large numbers globally. This paper reviews the energy efficiency and energy footprint management of SMEs, highlighting their potential for promoting climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alberto Cotrino, Miguel A. Sebastian, Cristina Gonzalez-Gaya
Summary: Industry 4.0 presents opportunities for SMEs, but the lack of knowledge poses a challenge to their competitiveness and productivity. Government initiatives in Europe are promoting the transition to Industry 4.0 for SMEs, but the risk of knowledge deficiency remains. New ways to enhance knowledge management and transfer are needed to support SMEs in their Industry 4.0 transformation.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Lali V. Chebukhanova, Andrey M. Zimakov
Summary: This study investigates the utilization of innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for the advancement of Russia's space industry. Private investment is emphasized as crucial for the industry's development and the commercialization of space activities. The study reveals that large scientific enterprises in the Russian market, which are focused on large projects, have fewer innovations compared to SMEs. Barriers preventing SMEs from entering the space industry include licensing requirements and high costs. The lack of material and resource support is identified as a key challenge for SMEs in the industry. The study proposes recommendations based on the analysis of resource support mechanisms and the experiences of other countries in attracting private companies to the space industry.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ray Maher, Jennifer Yarnold, N. N. C. Pushpamali
Summary: This article presents case studies of three SMEs implementing circular business models through a training program, highlighting lessons for policy makers and training providers. It emphasizes the role of SMEs in advancing the circular transition and provides insights on how governments can support SMEs through programs and policies.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Business
Juan Felipe Reyes-Rodriguez, John Parm Ulhoi
Summary: Unlike large enterprises, the environmental impact of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has not received the same level of attention from stakeholders or management scholars. This study focuses on how SMEs can justify their strategic involvement in environmental management practices (EMP) and contribute to corporate sustainability through investment in EMP despite operating under conditions of weak appropriability.
BUSINESS STRATEGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Business, Finance
Tuyen Quang Bui, Anh Vu Phuong Do
Summary: This study examines the impact of information technology capabilities on financial constraints of SMEs using a panel dataset from Vietnam. The findings suggest that the utilization of technology facilitates loan applications and increases approval rates, but does not extend loan terms. However, it does lead to an increase in the amount of formal loans. The study also identifies several potential channels, such as promoting e-business, improving firm productivity, and fostering innovative activities.
FINANCE RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Economics
Esther Ortiz-Martinez, Salvador Marin-Hernandez
Summary: There is a focus on the role of knowledge in corporate sustainability reporting, with Europe publishing new directives and standards. However, no studies have covered the micro spectrum and focused on SMEs. This paper uses lexical analysis to analyze sustainability reports voluntarily disclosed by European SMEs and finds a positive relationship between company size and report length. This study provides an opportunity to improve knowledge about sustainability disclosure and standards for SMEs.
JOURNAL OF THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Lee Yan Yi, Hazirah Ab Latib, Jegatheswaran Ratnasingam, Manohar Mariapan, Lim Choon Liat, Kamaruzaman Othman, Mohd Afthar Amir, Natkuncaran Jegatheswaran
Summary: Small and medium-sized enterprises in the furniture industry are more hesitant to adopt technology due to the high cost and lack of skilled workers, compared to large companies.
Article
Business
Alfonso Carfora, Giuseppe Scandurra, Antonio Thomas
Summary: This study investigates the factors influencing small- and medium-sized enterprises' propensity to invest in environmental innovations (EIs), finding that environmental awareness, staff, capabilities, norms, and regulations play crucial roles, while monetary and fiscal incentives are not significant. Therefore, policies should focus on a mix of regulations and stimuli to encourage SMEs to pursue EIs.
BUSINESS STRATEGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Nijat Mehdiyev, Lea Mayer, Johannes Lahann, Peter Fettke
Summary: This paper proposes a multi-stage approach using deep learning for image classification, process trace clustering, and visual/statistical knowledge discovery. The importance of the proposed approach is validated through a real-world case study.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Cristian Huaman-Orosco, Andrews A. Erazo-Rondinel, Rodrigo F. Herrera
Summary: Fierce competition in the construction industry has led companies to implement Lean philosophy and prepare for Construction 4.0 adoption. However, implementation barriers vary depending on the company type and country. This study aimed to identify the barriers of implementing Lean philosophy in Peru and SMEs. Through literature review and questionnaire, the barriers were grouped into different categories and analyzed for their impact on the industry.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giulia Scialpi, Daniela Perrotti
Summary: The construction sector has a significant impact on the environment, but the implementation of circular economy strategies can improve its environmental performance. This study investigates the application of biowaste valorisation in the Belgian construction sector through eleven case studies of small and medium-sized enterprises, providing insights into innovative waste-based materials and business models.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Business
Dragana Radicic, Sasa Petkovic
Summary: This study examines the effects of digitalization on technological innovations in German SMEs, focusing on three forms of digitalization: production and logistics digitalization, digital value chains, and big data analytics. Using the MIP dataset, a binary probit model is employed to test the innovation effects of digitalization in micro, small, and medium-sized SMEs. The findings show that the impact of digitalization on innovation activities varies among SMEs and is influenced by the form of digitalization and type of innovation. The study also reveals a moderating effect of internal R&D activities on the innovation effects of digitalization.
TECHNOLOGICAL FORECASTING AND SOCIAL CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Business
Jaroslav Belas, Gentjan Cera, Jan Dvorsky, Martin Cepel
Summary: The article evaluates the impact of CSR indicators on the sustainability of SMEs in Central European countries, finding that knowledge of the CSR concept and its application in business is the most important indicator with a positive impact on each factor of SMEs' sustainability. Linear regression analysis was used with a sample size of 1,585 SMEs based on questionnaire responses.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Chiara Cimini, Fabiana Pirola, Roberto Pinto, Sergio Cavalieri
JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Chiara Cimini, Albachiara Boffelli, Alexandra Lagorio, Matteo Kalchschmidt, Roberto Pinto
Summary: This article examines the organizational implications of adopting Industry 4.0 technologies in Italian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in manufacturing. Findings suggest that a lean organizational structure and the development of new job profiles are key for effective adoption of I4.0 technologies, while higher levels of technology adoption require non-technical competences. Future research could focus on analyzing the technology integration process within organizations with varying maturity levels.
JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Chiara Cimini, Alexandra Lagorio, Fabiana Pirola, Roberto Pinto
Summary: The dissemination of the Industry 4.0 paradigm has brought a plethora of technological innovations to companies for enhancing logistics processes; during the transition to Logistics 4.0, it is crucial to consider all factors affecting logistics, with human factors being deemed the most critical; research indicates that technology is trending towards replacing logistics operators, especially for tasks that are hazardous or stressful.
HUMAN FACTORS AND ERGONOMICS IN MANUFACTURING & SERVICE INDUSTRIES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexandra Lagorio, Chiara Cimini, Fabiana Pirola, Roberto Pinto
Summary: This paper emphasizes the important role of digital technologies in manufacturing, especially in production and industrial logistics processes. It suggests that companies need a deep understanding of the implementation context of technology solutions and related human aspects in order to fully exploit the potential of technology. The paper provides a taxonomy of technologies supporting internal logistics activities to drive logistics processes towards Logistics 4.0, with a focus on the relationship between human operators and technologies.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chiara Cimini, David Romero, Roberto Pinto, Sergio Cavalieri
Summary: This paper analyzes the evolution of Workforce 4.0 job profiles from a job-task perspective concerning the adoption of smart and digital technologies in manufacturing companies. It presents a task classification framework and a job-task analysis method, which were evaluated and refined using an action-research approach. The proposed framework and method contribute to analyzing operators' tasks and identifying the requirements of new skills for emerging job profiles.
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Chiara Cimini, Alexandra Lagorio, Roberto Pinto, Giuditta Pezzotta, Federico Adrodegari, Sergio Cavalieri
Summary: Digital servitization is a business model transformation process that utilizes digital technologies to create value and competitive advantage, enhance customer satisfaction, and increase company revenue. 5G networks can facilitate faster and more secure communication between machines, devices, and humans, enabling the digital servitization of manufacturing.
IET COLLABORATIVE INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chiara Cimini, Alexandra Lagorio, Claudia Piffari, Mattia Galimberti, Roberto Pinto
Summary: This article highlights the importance of considering human factors in the transition to Industry and Logistics 4.0 paradigms. Through a case study of a medium-sized Italian manufacturing company, the article discusses the strategies and overall impacts on job profiles, tasks, and human factors to prevent resistance and inefficiencies during implementation.
ADVANCES IN PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: SMART MANUFACTURING AND LOGISTICS SYSTEMS: TURNING IDEAS INTO ACTION, APMS 2022, PT II
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Chiara Cimini, Giuditta Pezzotta, Alexandra Lagorio, Fabiana Pirola, Sergio Cavalieri
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of hybrid simulation to assess COVID-19 containment measures in indoor environments, by simulating virus contagion and interactions between people flows. By modeling specific individual behaviors in time and space, this approach can be adapted to different epidemiological conditions and facilities.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Chiara Cimini, Federico Adrodegari, Theoni Paschou, Alice Rondini, Giuditta Pezzotta
Summary: This paper investigates the development pathways and necessary competences for companies in digital servitization, suggesting that different categories of competences lead to different paths, but a proper combination of technical, methodological, personal, and social skills is required for success in digital servitization.
CIRP JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Information Systems
Chiara Cimini, Fabiana Pirola, Sergio Cavalieri
ADVANCES IN PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: THE PATH TO DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND INNOVATION OF PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, PT I
(2020)
Proceedings Paper
Automation & Control Systems
Chiara Cimini, Alexandra Lagorio, Fabiana Pirola, Roberto Pinto
Proceedings Paper
Automation & Control Systems
A. Piccinini, F. Previdi, C. Cimini, R. Pinto, F. Pirola
Proceedings Paper
Automation & Control Systems
Chiara Cimini, Roberto Pinto, Sergio Cavalieri
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Information Systems
Chiara Cimini, Roberto Pinto, Giuditta Pezzotta, Paolo Gaiardelli
ADVANCES IN PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: THE PATH TO INTELLIGENT, COLLABORATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING
(2017)