Abstract
A growth of the market share of private label brands has been observed in developed countries. This growth was initially confirmed for food and drugstore categories, but it quickly expanded to new product categories, particularly technology products. This study focus on a specific technology segment - the private label brands in smartphones, due to the growth observed in its demand, in recent years. In this context, we analyzed and studied the smartphone market and consumer, and examine the factors influencing purchase intention of private label smartphones. The literature review on private label technological products proved to be scarce, which raised a challenge in exploring the main differences among factors influencing purchase intention for this specific product category. In this study, through the development and application of an analytical model, we test a set of variables that resulted from the literature review, which could potentially influence the purchase intention of smartphones. We applied a questionnaire to a study population, and recorded 339 valid answers. The results were estimated in accordance with the Structural Equation Model. Our analysis highlights the importance given to technology by consumers, as well as price and quality. This study also revealed the importance of private label brands in a market which has as yet been underexplored.

Abstract
E-commerce is a form of trade that has gained increasing attention from consumers and sellers. However, despite high growth rates, e-commerce still has low levels of consumers. This study aims to determine the factors that influence the purchasing decision in e-commerce, in order to better understand acceptance or rejection of e-commerce among consumers. To this end, a first framework was constructed based on previous research on consumer adoption of e-commerce. Then, three categories (derived from interviews) were added. This more complete model was tested using the structural equation model based on partial least squares. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the perceived relative advantage, the ease of use, the drawbacks associated with a non-European Union country of sale and the perceived risk, directly influence the consumer's purchase intent in e-commerce. We also found a set of twelve variables that act as indirect influences.

Abstract
This study examined the relationship between Environmental Performance (EP) and Financial Performance (FP) in the European food industry. The food industry is essential for population sustenance, but the rising population and the consequent increase in food production demand have implications for climate change. The aim of this study was to determine if businesses that consume water more efficiently and have lower CO2 emission intensities might experience improved financial performance. Financial and environmental data were sourced from external databases and company reports, and both quantile regression and correlation analyses were conducted. The results reveal that various sectors within the food industry exhibit different linkages between Environmental Performance and Financial Performance. Furthermore, our findings indicate that water use efficiency can significantly influence financial performance, either positively or negatively, while CO2 emission intensity did not exhibit a definitive impact on Financial Performance.

Abstract
This research investigates the implementation of lean practices in services in order to identify those that have a greater influence on company performance. Regression analysis with data from a systematic literature review was the basis to study the relationship between lean and performance. For this purpose, a total of 104 case studies were considered. A main finding was that some lean practices, such as “voice of the customer” and “cross-functional teams” have a significant positive influence on performance. Also, the results suggest that the more engaged managers are and the more they invest in training, the better company performance will be. Finally, one may also conclude that knowledge about the determinants of lean management will allow managers to be aware of what is decisive to improve company performance. © 2023, World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society. All rights reserved.

Abstract
Collaborative robots, or cobots, are increasingly used by manufacturing companies to meet the demands for greater flexibility and to adapt to the trend of mass customisation in production. When considering the adoption of cobots, companies enter a critical decision-making phase. This study aims to identify the relevant decision factors for adopting collaborative robots (cobots) in manufacturing medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Portugal, using a combined framework of Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE), Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory, and Institutional Theory. Data was collected through an online survey distributed to Portuguese manufacturing companies, yielding 78 valid responses. Analysis conducted using SmartPLS 4 revealed that top management support, resource availability, and industry pressure significantly influence the adoption decision. However, factors such as the relative advantage of cobots, compatibility with existing processes, organisational innovativeness, human resources quality, and external support did not significantly impact SMEs’ adoption of cobots. These findings enhance the understanding of technology management, specifically the process of adopting cobots in manufacturing. The insights from this study help managers focus on the key factors critical for successful cobot adoption, supporting decision-makers in making more informed choices. © IFIP International Federation for Information Processing 2024.

Abstract
PurposeThis study seeks to develop an Environmental Sustainability Balanced Scorecard (ESBSC) articulated through a strategic map for collaborative implementation by municipalities by municipalities. In addition, it aims to elucidate the architecture of this tool.Design/methodology/approachThe research uses qualitative methodology, initiating with document analysis, followed by municipal-level surveys and an interview with the Norte Portugal Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-N).FindingsThe study constructs an ESBSC that adopts an integrative approach to sustainability, focusing on municipal joint action. The tool fosters synergies and enhances cooperation. By incorporating a strategic mix, the tool contributes to improving the environmental management performance of the participating municipalities.Practical implicationsThis study introduces a tool designed for municipalities that aspire to incorporate environmental sustainability into their strategies. This tool facilitates the implementation and management of a long-term environmental strategy, with potential implications for organization and its culture. In addition, it highlights critical environmental factors that should serve as a starting point in future studies or applications of this tool.Social implicationsInvolving both an academic institution and multiple municipalities, this research identifies critical environmental factors that enhance environmental awareness within municipalities and designs a tool that, when consciously adopted, can influence the culture dynamics of the population involved. Furthermore, it proposes a structured and systematic research method for creating an ESBSC for joint municipal action.Originality/valueTo the best of authors' knowledge, this research constitutes the first exploratory attempt to devise an environmental strategy for joint municipal action. Although the tool emphasizes the environmental component, it promotes an integrated vision of sustainability. Despite the extensive application of balanced scorecards in various organizational contexts, their utilization in fostering environmental sustainability at a municipal level remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by developing a tailored strategic tool that operationalizes environmental priorities within municipal governance frameworks.