Loading...
3 results
Search Results
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
- Determinants of firm profitability: the case of portuguese meat manufacturing sector between 2014 – 2020Publication . Nguyen, Le Quyen; Alves, Jorge; Fernandes, António B.; Nunes, Alcina; Pereira, João Paulo; Ribeiro, Nuno A.; Fernandes, Paula OdeteThe research attempts to provide insights into the profitability of Portuguese meat manufacturing sector and its determining factors. A balanced data panel of 233 Portuguese firms between 2014 – 2020 is examined using static and dynamic panel estimators. Return on Assets is a proxy of firm profitability. Explanatory variables involve the firm characteristics, industrial attributes, and external environment. The results show that the average profitability of the Portuguese meat manufacturing sector is relatively low with a significant disparity in performance across the firms. Next, the paper reveals influencing factors associated with the sector´s success, making meat manufacturing the most valued activity in Portuguese agricultural production. Firm characteristics are highly related to profitability while macro factors show no significant impacts on the firms´ performance. Hence, the study provides useful information for policymakers and business managers in introducing measures and policies to improve the firms´ profitability.
- Exploring consumer insights on food product traceability in PortugalPublication . Nunes, Alcina; Fernandes, António B.; Pereira, João Paulo; Alves, Jorge; Ribeiro, Nuno A.; Fernandes, Paula OdeteIn today's fast-changing food industry, consumer expectations around safety, quality, and transparency push for more effective traceability systems. This study examines how Portuguese consumers perceive food product traceability, focusing on their awareness, trust, and preferences in product origin, production methods, and safety protocols. Through a survey, the socio-economic impact of advanced traceability systems was explored. The results show that most consumers consider traceability essential for ensuring food safety. However, a significant portion remains unaware of these systems. Factors such as product quality, price, and storage conditions were highlighted as top priorities when purchasing food, with traceability seen as a way to improve these aspects. Consumers are also intensely interested in information about product origins and transportation conditions, especially temperature control, as these directly affect safety and quality. This reflects growing concerns over foodborne illnesses and waste due to poor transportation practices. The research emphasises the need for greater consumer education on the value of traceability systems and the potential advantages of adopting digital traceability technologies. The study's originality lies in its specific focus on the behaviour of Portuguese consumers regarding food traceability, a topic that has been relatively underexplored in this context.
- Exploring factors influencing firm profitability: the case of the meat industry in PortugalPublication . Nguyen, Le Quyen; Fernandes, António B.; Nunes, Alcina; Pereira, João Paulo; Ribeiro, Nuno A.; Fernandes, Paula Odete; Alves, JorgeThe study examines the profitability of the meat industry in Portugal and its determining factors. Annual financial data of the Portuguese firms are col- lected from the database Analysis System of Iberian Balance Sheets from 2014 to 2020. Based on 1,631 observations, one dependent variable and four groups of independent variables are tested using estimation methods, i.e., Pooled Ordinary Least Square and Fixed Effects and Generalised Method of Moments. The empir- ical evidence shows that firm size and tangible assets have significant impacts on firm profitability. Besides, profitability is persistent, implying that the continuous nature of profitability over time provides a firm with an advantage in capturing new opportunities to improve its performance. However, external factors show no effects on firm profitability. In general, the capability to manage assets and liabili- ties flexibly is highly related to profitability, enabling the firms to prosper after the financial crisis. Therefore, the paper provides useful information for stakeholders in considering solutions to improve firms ́ resilience and profitability while facing unfavourable economic conditions.