Purpose The rising of the sharing economy (SE) has lowered the barrier of purchase price to accessing many different products, thus changing the consumer decision paradigm. This paper addresses the challenge of assessing the life cycle impacts of SE systems in the context of this new consumer decision-making process. The paper proposes a methodological framework to integrate consumer preferences into the Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment (dynamic-LCA) of SE systems. Methods In the proposed consumer preference integrated dynamic-LCA (C-DLCA) methodological framework, system dynamics (SD) is used to combine consumer preference and the principal method, dynamic-LCA, which follows the ISO 14040 LCA framework. Choice-based conjoint analysis (CBCA) is chosen as the stated preference tool to measure consumer preference based on SE alternatives, attributes and attribute levels. CBCA integrates discrete choice experiments (DCE) and conjoint analysis features. Random utility theory is selected to interpret the CBCA results by employing multinomial logistics as the estimation procedure to derive the utilities. Derived utilities are connected in iterative modelling in the SD and LCA. Dynamic-LCA results are determined based on dynamic process inventory and DCE outcomes and then interpreted aligned with the SD policy scenarios. Results and discussion The C-DLCA framework is applied to assess the GHG changes of the transition to car-based shared mobility in roundtrips to work in the USA. Carpooling and ridesourcing are selected as the shared mobility alternatives based on different occupancy behaviours. Powertrain system and body style are employed as the fleet technology attributes and the latter as an endogenous variable. Dynamic-LCA results are generated considering the high battery electrical vehicle (BEV) adoption as the policy scenario, and results are measured against a service-based functional unit, passenger-kilometre. The model outcomes show a significant reduction in aggregated personal mobility-related dynamic-GHG emissions by transitioning to car-based shared mobility. In contrast to the use phase GHG emissions, the production phase emissions show an increase. The results highlight the importance of integrating consumer preference and temporality in the SE environmental assessments. Conclusions The proposed C-DLCA framework is the first approach to combine consumer preferences, SD and LCA in a single formulation. The structured and practical integration of conjoint analysis, SD and LCA methods added some standardisation to the dynamic-LCAs of the SE systems, and the applicability is demonstrated. The C-DLCA framework is a fundamental structure to connect consumer preferences and temporal effects in LCAs that is expandable based on research scope.

The establishment of partnerships between universities and communities can significantly support the implementation of initiatives related to sustainability as a whole and help to realize some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Despite the usefulness of mapping of partnerships, there is a perceived necessity for studies, which may shed some light on these interactions, and the many advantages they offer. Against this background, this paper reports on a study which has assessed the extent to which partnerships between universities and communities may assist in achieving the SDGs. Methodologically, by means of a bibliometric analysis and the use of a set of enlightening case studies, the paper introduces some of the partnerships being implemented today and draws the lessons learned, which may be helpful in future initiatives. A total of eight initiatives are presented and discussed during the paper. The results suggest that more joint efforts are needed, as part of efforts to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs at the university level, including a list of measures that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) could apply to address those goals. Overall, this research contributes to the sustainability area by providing empirical evidence, insights, and recommendations for fostering partnerships between universities and communities. It adds to the existing body of knowledge and understanding of how collaborative efforts can contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the SDGs.

Terroir is a French concept suggesting that the qualities (and quality) of agricultural and rural products and services are determined by the physical and socio-cultural environment of their origin. In this paper, we refine the conceptualisation of terroir to clarify the integrated relationship between its physical-natural and socio-cultural constitutive domains through place, history and the senses. Using this reconceptualization, we theorise terroir's unique and powerful contribution to sustainability through the integration of place and sensory, visceral experience. In turn, we derive six propositions that describe the relationship between terroir and business actions, with clear implications for the sustainability of rural businesses and regions.

Terroir is a French concept relating the qualities and quality of agricultural products to their physical and socio-cultural place of origin. It is increasingly used by business and policymakers as a marketing technique to provide economic benefits (e.g., Lenglet 2014; Wine Australia 2015), and to potentially preserve cultural heritage (e.g., Bauer 2009) and the environment (e.g., Bowen 2010). The rising interest in this interdisciplinary and sometimes controversial concept (e.g., Bosker 2017; Matthews 2016) presents an opportune time to consider important future directions for research and collaboration. Here, we present a preliminary consensus on future research priorities for terroir drawn from interviews with 36 academic, industry and policy experts. The experts were selected for their expertise and global recognition, while ensuring a balance of geographic regions and gender. The preliminary areas identified as priorities for future terroir studies are as follows: Following the identification of priorities including the environment, climate change, marketing advantages and cultural differences, it is clear that understanding terroir’s connection to the broad idea of sustainability (environmental, social and economic) is of critical importance. To advance this we present a revised conceptualisation of terroir, which emphasises its connection to sustainability through the integration of physical-natural and socio-cultural aspects. Using this conceptualisation, we develop seven propositions describing the relationship between terroir and business decisions, with clear implications for business sustainability.

This study applies a process approach to analyse the evolution of a business model in a network environment. The business model provides a context in which to observe change processes arising through interactions amongst network actors. Based on a systematic search of the literature, the study proposes six processes by which business models evolve, motivated by the causal mechanism of value anticipation/realisation. We argue that actors' anticipations and realisations of value, arising continuously through repeated interactions, motivate changes in their interactions, which cause their interlinked business models to evolve over time. We explain the connection between the evolving business model and value in a way that accommodates interactive and time dimensions of value. The process explanation is demonstrated with empirical evidence from the longitudinal case history of an IT company. What appear to be discontinuous phases in the history of the focal firm's business model are shown to be causally connected by continuous event sequences. The study contributes to process methods by providing a worked example of a strong process explanation applied to a network business phenomenon.

To improve our understanding the internationalization process we need theories and methods that deal directly with how and why things change over time, rather than atemporal variables based model based on cross-sectional studies and purely descriptive case histories. We argue that event based research methods in which event sequences are explained in terms of causal mechanisms are a way forward. We use a case history of firm internationalization to show how such research can be conducted.

This paper seeks to understand how we might identify the “underlying logics” and “deeper structures” that bring about change in phenomena. We argue that this represents a move from a classical perspective focusing on discrete exchange, and that this requires a processual or relational approach to understanding in contrast to a substantialist or variables-based approach. One way of advancing our understanding of the emergence of change is to consider the site of interaction. That is the interactional field where actors act and interact with other actors and entities as well as the broader environment; where resources are exchanged, imported or exported; where change is instigated and transferred across time and space. We suggest interactional fields are the sites of plasticity where change actually takes place. To understand the causal structure and processes taking place in an interactional field we draw on the concept of natural and social kinds. We discuss how interactional fields are located in time and space, which influence and are influenced by the trajectories of change and development. While we believe this applies to change in general we apply our thinking to organizational change.

Service Dominant Logic proposes that all exchange is the exchange of service and that products are simply mechanisms for service provision. A major implication is that the transfer of ownership may not be necessary, nor desired by consumers. Nonownership models have the potential to contribute to ecological sustainability. The proposed study explores the impact that nonownership has on customer preference in the household solar market. Choicebased Conjoint analysis will explore the trade-offs that customers make when selecting between ownership and nonownership offers. This study will contribute to the understanding of nonownership models of exchange, offering a market-driven approach to the development of sustainable business models.

While consumers are increasingly concerned about the impact of environmental degradation, the gap between their attitudes and their pro-environmental purchase behaviour is significant. In order to explore how marketers can close the gap, this paper explores this relationship through Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behaviour. Petty and Cacioppo's Elaboration Likelihood Model is used to demonstrate how consumers process information and how marketers can facilitate attitude change, while Stern's Value Belief Norm model examines the motives driving consumer behaviour. This paper integrates these models to advance how marketers can develop marketing and communication strategies that create superior value-propositions for sustainable products.

This study examines two research questions; what are the main determinants of community pharmacy selection in Austra lia, and how should emerging and prospective pharmacy channels position and differentiate themselves to increase their market share in the industry . Using the individual consumer decision making process as a theoretical backdrop, this paper examines how t he increase in pharmacy channels has affected the pharmacy patronage decision for purchasing prescription and over - the - counter (OTC) medication in Australia . Consumers are now able to choose between community pharmacies, online pharmacies, mail order phar macies and convenie nce stores . Using a determinant attribute approach, this study seeks to identi fy the key factors driving community pharmacy selection and indicate which attributes emerging pharmacy channels should focus on in building their market pres ence. Keywords: pharmacy, channel selection, decision making process, community pharmacy, online pharmacy, mail order pharmacy, convenience stores, determinant attribute

Narrative sequence methods offer the potential to advance research methods and develop a common vocabulary for theory development in international entrepreneurship. While variables-focused, variance-based methods currently dominate theory development, they are atemporal, yet entrepreneurship is what entrepreneurs do over time. We examine the assumptions of variance-based approaches and compare them to those of narrative methods, which leads to a discussion of the nature of causal mechanisms. We then illustrate the use of narrative sequence methods to identify some of the mechanisms underlying the internationalisation of an intermediary in the electronic component industry, where internationalisation is interpreted as a form of innovation and entrepreneurship. We illustrate how these methods, whose value is being increasingly recognised, allow us to introduce time, timing and temporal processes into the systematic analysis of business behaviour and evolution, and to generate usable knowledge for managers and policymakers.

Subject evaluations and project surveys have been used in a practical demonstration of course review of an undergraduate Market Analysis subject. Overall this subject is seen as practical and encourages critical thinking. However a major project that continues from the prior Marketing Research subject, is seen as difficult and challenging, increases their understanding of statistical analysis and encourages independent thought, and is reported as time intense. A more detailed picture emerged when five student subgroups, based on their experience with the project, were formed. This confirmed anecdotal evidence that whilst some students really enjoyed the subject Engaged and were more likely to work in research in the future, another group disliked the subject Disengaged. A third sub-group More Direction was similar to the Engaged group except that they reported ambiguity in the task definition. The fourth group expressed great difficulty and time pressure though still reported increased statistical knowledge Hard going. A fifth group were distinguished by their lower likelihood to work in research Not research! Using feedback from the overall subject evaluations and project specific ratings and comments, and being mindful of differences across student subgroups several changes were implemented in Market Analysis in the second half of 2005.

Narrative Sequence Methods are an alternative to the more established, variables focused, variance based methods of developing theory of business development and change. We examine the assumptions of variance based approach and compare them to those of narrative methods, which leads to a discussion of the nature of causal mechanisms. We then illustrate the use Narrative Sequence Methods to identify some of the mechanisms underlying the internationalization of an intermediary in the electronic component industry, where internationalization can be interpreted as a form of innovation and entrepreneurship. We show how these methods, whose value is being increasingly recognized, allow us to introduce time, timing and temporal processes into the systematic analysis of business behaviour and evolution and to generate usable knowledge for managers and policy makers.