Lara Liboni

• Donaires, O. S.; Cezarino, L. O.; Liboni, L. L.; Ribeiro, E. M. S.; Martins, F. P., 2023, "Multivariate data analysis of categorical data: taking advantage of the rhetorical power of numbers in qualitative research", Quality & Quantity, December 57(6): 5283 - 5312.
  Abstract: There is a general understanding that quantitative methods are more trustworthy than methods based uniquely on words and discourse. In this paper, we depart from this thinking to explore how numbers can be used in qualitative research so as to take advantage of its expressive power. We present a technique that enables the application of multivariate data analysis—particularly of interdependence methods, which include principal components analysis, factor analysis, cluster analysis, and multidimensional scaling—in qualitative research. The technique consists in translating categorical data from qualitative research into a binary form that enables the calculation of correlations, similarity coefficients, and distances, thus enabling the application of the interdependence methods of multivariate data analysis. Results also include a brief taxonomy of literature review. It contributes by demonstrating how qualitative research can benefit from quantitative analysis.

  Link(s) to publication:

  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-022-01589-1

  http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11135-022-01589-1

• Martins, F.; Lima, A.; Diep, L.; Cezarino, L.; Liboni, L. L.; Tostes, R.; Parikh, P., 2023, "COVID-19, SDGs and public health systems: Linkages in Brazil", Health Policy OPEN, December 4: 100090 - 100090.
  Abstract: Background The global 2030 Agenda covers a range of interconnected issues which need interdisciplinary and holistic approaches to improve human well-being and protect the natural environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light critical inequities in society and policy gaps in health services. As highlighted through analyses of the interlinkages among the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), connections between human health and well-being and the environment, can help support new policy needs in addressing systemic health crises, including widespread pandemics. Method We identify links between the COVID-19 crisis and multiple SDGs in the context of Brazil based on a review of the current literature in the health sector. Findings: We identify synergistic connections between 88 out of 169 SDG targets and COVID-19, notably around themes such as City Environment, Contextual Policies and the value created by improved Information and Technology. Using the context of the Brazilian National Health Service (SUS) highlights recurrent interconnections from the focal point of target 3.8. This includes topics such as challenges for universal healthcare coverage, budget allocation, and universalisation. Conclusions The framework developed for supporting policy-making decisions and the design of toolkits for dealing with future health-related emergency scenarios offers a practical solution in the health sector. It is worth noting that progress and action on public health systems and policies must go hand in hand with addressing existing socio-economic vulnerabilities in society. This is vital for tackling future pandemics and simultaneously addressing the SDGs.

  Link(s) to publication:

  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590229623000023

  http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.hpopen.2023.100090

• Liboni, L. L.; Cezarino, L. O.; Donaires, O. S.; Zollo, M., 2023, "Systems approach in dynamic capabilities", Syst Res Behav Sci, November 40(6): 863 - 875.
  Abstract: Abstract The ontology of dynamic capabilities (DCs) is grounded in a systemic perspective of organisational strategy. In a controversial move, DCs theory adopts systems thinking as a metaphorical reference, not a possible research method. Systemic methodologies can provide a holistic management perception and guide managers to develop DCs differently, considering the deliberate learning and design process as a non-linear dynamism of causal loops. Calling attention to the conceptual origins, this work proposes a framework based on systemic methodologies to manage and develop organisational DCs. Based on two different systemic methodologies, the viable system model (VSM) and soft systems methodology (SSM), we integrate the systems approach of learning and design into DCs management guidelines.

  Link(s) to publication:

  https://doi.org/10.1002/sres.2917

  http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/sres.2917

• Martins, F.; Cezarino, L.; Liboni, L. L.; Hunter, T.; Batalhao, A.; Paschoalotto, M. A. C., (Forthcoming), "Unlocking the potential of responsible management education through interdisciplinary approaches", Sustainable Development
  Abstract: Business schools are crucial to integrating sustainable development into management thought and practices, thereby promoting a paradigm shift toward responsible management education. Despite many business schools pledging to adopt the United Nations' Principles for Responsible Management Education, they have been criticized for failing to develop change agents toward sustainability. To fill this gap, this paper demonstrates how interdisciplinarity can be connected to responsible management education through critical and instrumental perspectives. To this end, we apply an interdisciplinarity model to 37 Principles for Responsible Management Education Schools' Reports, using content analysis, text-mining, and network theory tools. As a result, our findings suggest: (i) a taxonomy of critical and instrumental interdisciplinary studies and (ii) a framework of Principles for Responsible Management Education schools engaged in critical and instrumental interdisciplinarity. The framework we develop can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for assessing how interdisciplinary can improve responsible management education in business schools. Our findings contribute to theory advancing research on the intersection of responsible management education and interdisciplinary approaches.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/sd.2757

• Liboni, L. L.; Cezarino, L. O.; Alves, M. F. R.; Chiappetta Jabbour, C. J.; Venkatesh, V. G., 2023, "Translating the environmental orientation of firms into sustainable outcomes: the role of sustainable dynamic capability", Review of Managerial Science, May 17(4): 1125 - 1146.
  Abstract: Emerging social and environmental demands drive organisations to seek management capabilities to reach sustainability outcomes. Despite relative efforts, there is still a need for works that empirically address the main antecedents and outcomes of sustainable dynamic capabilities (SDC). Focusing on the case of Brazil, we examine the mediating effect of SDC between environmental orientation and firm performance related to green innovation, green competitive advantage and environmental adaptability and find that SDC significantly mediates the effect of environmental orientation on green innovation. However, mediation between environmental orientation and green competitive advantage only obtains partial support. SDC and environmental adaptability do not present significative correlation, opening new discussions about adaptability as a direct consequence of SDC. These results contribute to the design of green innovation and green competitive advantage strategies as positive drivers of sustainability outcomes.

  Link(s) to publication:

  https://doi.org/10.1007/s11846-022-00549-1

  http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11846-022-00549-1

• Ferraresi de Araujo, G. J.; Ronquim Filho, A.; Cezarino, L. O.; Liboni, L. L., 2023, "Sugar-energy bioelectricity in energy trading environments: reasons for the lack of competitiveness", International Journal of Energy Sector Management, January 17(1): 63 - 81.
  Abstract: Purpose Renewables such as sugar-energy biomass can contribute to national electrical security, job creation and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. However, after the auction of reserve energy, in 2008, exclusive biomass, in the regulated contracting environment (RCE), the authors observe that this energy environment has lost competitiveness in the auctions. Thus, a study on the present theme is justified, based on the problem: What are the reasons for the lack of competitiveness of sugar-energy bioelectricity in the Auctions of the RCE of the National Electric Energy Agency? The purpose of this study is to understand the situation of sugar-energy bioelectricity in the Brazilian market. Design/methodology/approach Literature review was conducted through the Scientific Electronic Library Online database, as well as the survey of primary documents at Sugarcane Industry Union and Electric Energy Trading Chamber. Findings The reasons for lack of competitiveness in RCE electricity auctions are: distant location of transmission lines; difficulties in obtaining licensing; delay in responses from environmental agencies; difficulties in securing financing for electricity generation projects for distilleries; non-pricing of positive environmental externalities as adequate disposal of waste; and the non-recovery of the cost of retrofit of the plants. The present situation may create economic, social and ecological circumstances adverse for Brazilian development, such as a lack of employment and income generation, loss of international currencies from imports of technologies not developed and produced in the country and more significant inefficiency greenhouse gas mitigation. Originality/value The originality of this study is in the contribution to the scarce literature on the understanding of the reasons for the lack of competitiveness of the Brazilian sugarcane sector in auctions of the regulated energy environment, based on SWOT analysis and, based on this understanding, to propose solutions for the expansion of this important matrix energy.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijesm-09-2021-0018

• Elias, M.; Liboni, L. L.; Cezarino, L. O.; Pinheiro Martins, F.; Pimenta, M. L.; Hilletofth, P.; Hilmola, O-P., 2022, "Shedding Light on the Brazilian Amazon Biotrade: A Study on Sustainable Development in Native Communities", Sustainability, October 14(19): 12826 - 12826.
  Abstract: The Amazon is a biodiversity hotspot. Around 90% of its territory is inhabited by native communities, who spontaneously organize themselves into groups of extractivists and small producers, relying on biodiversity as their primary means of sustenance. This paper aims to discuss how the biotrade of Amazonian biodiversity goods affects native communities with respect to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Based on a sample of 178 native extractivists in four communities, we concluded that biotrade enabled native communities to market their products by adapting to existing conditions, considering the difficulties and the expectations of traditional residents, and contributed to the three dimensions of sustainable development.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su141912826

• Martins, F. P.; Cezarino, L. O.; Liboni, L. L.; Botelho Junior, A. B.; Hunter, T., 2022, "Interdisciplinarity-Based Sustainability Framework for Management Education", Sustainability, October 14(19): 12289 - 12289.
  Abstract: Business education faces shortcomings that can be mitigated through the broad perspective of interdisciplinarity, fulfilling a call for a greater orientation toward Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Despite the relevance and urgency, current frameworks cannot embed context-related problems into their design, increasing the detachment of wicked problems and management education, and falling short of the goal-oriented prerogative. Interdisciplinarity is up to this task as an educational attitude and behaviour rather than a toolkit of cross-disciplinary classification. This paper aims to propose a framework for interdisciplinarity-based sustainability management for business education. We established the framework via a literature review analysis, and then we validated it through discussions with specialists from the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (UN-PRME) to introduce a model with 49 evidence-driven, interdisciplinarity practices. We grouped results in three main dimensions of analysis connecting the 16 categories. We gave special attention to spaces of discomfort that ought to be fostered in business schools under a critical thinking perspective and the student’s role in the relevance of sustainability education. The work harbours practical implications for developing better practices for management education by blending an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability in the management education literature.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su141912289

• Cezarino, L. O.; Liboni, L. L.; Hunter, T.; Pacheco, L. M.; Martins, F. P., 2022, "Corporate social responsibility in emerging markets: Opportunities and challenges for sustainability integration", Journal of Cleaner Production, August 362: 132224 - 132224.
  Abstract: In emerging markets, Corporate Social Responsibility and social entrepreneurship practices emerge as drivers of social inclusion and welfare. In countries with considerable demands for social and economic transformations, Corporate Social Responsibility provides a positive force for addressing society's major challenges such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this paper, we examine how two projects selected by the United Nations Development Programme (UNPD) orient their operations toward responsible management practices in a transition economy context and answer two questions: 1) Does Corporate Social Responsibility supporting social entrepreneurship pave the way for greater inclusion?, and, 2) How do the Corporate Social Responsibility practices help achieve the SDGs? By focusing our analysis on stakeholder theory, we highlight how context can influence the strategic management process of social inclusion choices. Both cases provide practical implications of how the insertion of responsibility thematic in core business strategy acts as an effective driver for the development of fundamentally important SDGs.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.132224

• Liboni, L. L.; Oliveira, B. G.; Cezarino, L. O., 2022, "Time Perspective Shaping Sustainability: Lessons from Indigenous Amazon Communities", Academy of Management Proceedings, August 2022(1)
  Abstract: This paper discusses the time perspective of native communities from Amazon Rainforest, showing how time orientation shapes their lives by connecting the forest, communities, and sustainability. Using an immersion research strategy in the heart of the Amazon Forest, we conducted in-depth interviews to understand how different indigenous, riverside, or quilombola communities relate to time. The results contribute to theory and practice by formulating how native communities live in so-called forest time, an epiphenomenal, cyclical, and subjective time orientation. They live each day intensely, share and trade through affection. The certainty that the forest will provide their needs for future days generates a sustainable logic of life in the communities, slowing current days' pace through a long-present perspective. This orientation is culturally shared by traditional communities and helps them maintain the forest and their communities sustainably. The practical contributions highlight the importance of considering the time of the forest as an organizational resource for sustainability.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.5465/ambpp.2022.15055abstract

• Goulart, V. G.; Liboni, L. L.; Cezarino, L. O., 2022, "Balancing skills in the digital transformation era: The future of jobs and the role of higher education", Industry and Higher Education, April 36(2): 118 - 127.
  Abstract: Developing human resources and matching job profiles are essential tasks to promote economic and social growth. The technology-related job market has undergone significant changes over recent years, mainly due to technological advances that have pushed industry toward new demands for skilled professionals. This change in required skills and competencies has led to a gap between what companies need and the professional profiles that are available in the job market. Technology companies are often unable to find an employee who meets the required profile, resulting in financial loss and extra training expenses. It is therefore essential that higher education in technology is reconsidered to address job market demands. Thus the goal of this work is to evaluate the relationship between the professional profile required by information technology (IT) companies and what students are taught on IT-related programs in higher education institutions (HEIs). The authors adopt a systemic perspective in three different qualitative approaches. They cross-check and link data on educational curricula acquired from interviews with IT human resource managers (HRMs) and student focus groups. The analysis reveals that HEIs must go beyond the transfer of knowledge and technical qualification in IT, promoting a comprehensive education that incorporates personal development goals, with a focus on developing social and emotional skills. The study focuses on the emerging economy of Brazil and presents findings from which other developing countries can learn. The results reveal the critical role of soft skills in the professional development and employability of students and the associated challenge for technical education. In conclusion, the authors also highlight the importance of partnerships between HEIs and HRMs as a fundamental strategy to fulfill the current skills gap.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/09504222211029796

• Pimenta, M. L.; Cezarino, L. O.; Piato, E. L.; da Silva, C. H. P.; Oliveira, B. G.; Liboni, L. L., 2022, "Supply chain resilience in a Covid-19 scenario: Mapping capabilities in a systemic framework", Sustainable Production and Consumption, January 29: 649 - 656.
  Abstract: COVID-19 hits the global supply chains in a non-paradigm manner unfolding new and systemic complexity. Therefore, the unexpected and frequent disruptions forced the concern of preventing or creating supply chain resilience capabilities. This paper aims to provide theoretical and practical reflections on resilience in supply chains of essential goods during pandemics using a systems approach. Documental research was performed in order to characterize business practices in consulting reports and interviews with managers published in business communication media. Thus, a careful content analysis was carried out, including the coding and categorization of the leading practices indicated by these vehicles. We suggest categories of resilience factors as new concepts to face the new normal in the supply chains. These categories are Technology and People, Sourcing, Customer, Ecosystem, and Financial Assets. The systems approach consists of more qualified supply chain management stimulating several inputs and synchronized actions to sense and respond to the external environment dynamics.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2021.10.012

• Goulart, A. R.; Liboni, L. L.; Cezarino, L. O., 2021, "Qualification as a societal challenge and the role of higher education from a system approach", Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, October 11(5): 1002 - 1019.
  Abstract: Purpose Looking at the planet as our main and unique asset, the authors encounter fragile zones needing special attention more than others, such as emerging countries. One of their most urgent problems is the qualification gap of the workforce and the consequent increasing poverty and social exclusion. Their backward education system is partially responsible for this disparity, especially in technology-related sectors. In this sense, higher education institutions (HEIs) play a fundamental role in shortening this gap and solving this dichotomy. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systemic study to address the qualification gap of emerging countries, offering a framework to minimize this grand societal challenge, taking Brazilian economy as example. Design/methodology/approach Using the soft system methodology (SSM), the authors propose systemic solutions to the qualification gap in Brazil by analyzing different stakeholder perceptions and developing a feasible-change framework to transition to an enhanced higher education (HE) model in Brazil. Findings Results show three main aspects that draw the framework: the education of social and emotional skills, internship support during the first experience in the job market and a closer relationship with employer companies. Research limitations/implications As a future direction, the framework proposes positive changes focused on soft skills-based education and the partnership between companies and HEIs. Originality/value The contribution relies on an original application of a system methodology to propose solutions to the qualification gap, involving different stakeholders, their salience and perceptions. The use of SSM to analyze complex problems from stakeholders' perspectives demonstrated how a system approach could empower the stakeholder theory in addressing grand societal challenges.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/heswbl-06-2020-0118

• Cezarino, L. O.; Liboni, L. L.; Oliveira Stefanelli, N.; Oliveira, B. G.; Stocco, L. C., 2021, "Diving into emerging economies bottleneck: Industry 4.0 and implications for circular economy", Management Decision, August 59(8): 1841 - 1862.
  Abstract: Purpose In this paper, the authors aim to explore the relationship between the concepts of Industry 4.0 and circular economy (CE) as a contribution to the management decision on emerging countries. By analyzing the trends of scientific production to ascertain the interface of both constructs, the purpose of this paper is to identify limitations for Industry 4.0 and CE implementation in Brazil, as well to present an original framework and strategic pathways to overcome limitations for emerging countries. Design/methodology/approach Supported in the Brazilian case, the authors draw a framework using the structuralism approach to indicate pathways for the strategic positioning of emerging economies that consider their limitation and potential for competitive advantage. By understanding country-related limitations such as social and economic contingencies, the authors conceive a structure of implications for Brazil’s capacity to develop CE in the digital era. Findings Results show that Brazil has a reasonable, institutional and stable environment, as well as strong regulatory policies for solid waste that can stimulate CE in the country. However, it requires more communication between actors, especially public and private institutions, performing long-range relationships. Also, the country requires consolidation of industrial policies and investments in the remanufacturing process in the supply chain. Likewise, despite Brazil’s ability to take advantage of CE’s benefits, the country presents a huge lack of qualification to fulfill the competences that the digitization process demands. Economically, Brazil has been fighting against an economic crisis since 2014 that has limited general investments, especially in the industrial sector. Industry presents low performance and decreasing GDP participation, which leads to constant overseas production transfer as a consequence of the workforce’s high costs. Research limitations/implications The authors can affirm that Brazil is far behind developed countries in searching for the capacity to provide CE through technological industrial change. The main problems are related to the lack of articulation of public and private spheres to promote new digital business models. Therefore, the structured framework enables managers and public agents to provide solutions and to properly address supply chain bottlenecks in emerging economies. Originality/value Exploring the relationship between the concepts of Industry 4.0 and CE through the specific lens of the structuralist method, this work can contribute to the management decision on emerging countries, looking into four important perspectives: political, economic, social and technological.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/md-10-2018-1084

• Kennedy, S.; Grewatsch, S.; Liboni, L. L.; Cezarino, L. O., 2021, "A Systems Approach to Business Sustainability Education", Academy of Management Proceedings, August 2021(1): 15644 - 15644.
  Abstract: The worsening and urgency of societal challenges, such as the climate emergency and biodiversity loss, have triggered questioning of the effectiveness of business sustainability teaching and the capabilities business students acquire. Multiple scholars have now called for a systems approach to business sustainability education to provide business students with a more holistic and relational understanding of firms as situated within complex adaptive systems. Yet, for many business educators, this may entail engaging with relatively unfamiliar theory and shifting deeply ingrained teaching habits. We aim to help educators overcome these hurdles to adopting a systems approach in their classrooms. First, we identify six concepts central to business sustainability courses. Second, we utilize the concepts to unpack a systems approach to teaching business sustainability and compare it to a traditional firm-centric approach. Finally, we offer four pedagogical practices that are aligned with the systems approach to teaching business sustainability and illustrate these with a variety of examples.

  Link(s) to publication:

  http://dx.doi.org/10.5465/ambpp.2021.227

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