Jaime Sánchez-Ortiz

Monitoring of European‐level circular economy (CE) efficiency requires more research than does currently exists in the body of literature on CE. In this regard, this research aims to answer two research questions. Firstly, to be efficient in the implementation of CE at a macroeconomic level, should there be a relationship between the efficiency of the three phases of CE (efficiency in recycling, efficiency in the implementation of CE and efficiency of eco‐innovation)? To answer this question, we use decoupling theory. Secondly, are the three phases of CE related from the point of view of dynamic efficiency? To answer this question, we use dynamic efficiency theory.In accordance with both of these theories, we establish a circular relationship between recycling, CE and eco‐innovation. We test this circular relationship through the application of the dynamic network data envelopment analysis (DNDEA) model of Tone and Tsutsui. The analysis is based on Eurostat data for the period of 2016 to 2022 for 27 European countries.This work contributes to the advancement of the research via (1) the development of a model for measuring the transversal and longitudinal efficiency of the CE and (2) the findings of positive and significant relationships between the efficiency ratios of the three fundamental phases (recycling, CE and eco‐innovation). This leads us to affirm that the countries studied that have managed to be efficient in recycling have also been in the implementation phase of CE and eco‐innovation.

Purpose: The objective of this work is to demonstrate the relationships between the two main processes of research and development (R&D) activities: the knowledge generation phase (KPP) and the knowledge commercialization, or transfer, phase (KCP), in a sector that is intensive in this type of activity, such as the pharmaceutical sector. In addition, within the framework of the general objective of this work, the authors propose two other objectives: (1) make advances in network efficiency measurement models, and (2) determine the factors associated with efficiency in the KPP and in the KCP in companies of the pharmaceutical sector in Spain.Design/methodology/approach: A Network Data Envelopment Analysis (NDEA) model (Färe and Grosskopf, 2000) with categorical variables (Lee et al., 2020; Yeh and Chang, 2020) has been applied, and a sensitivity analysis of the obtained results has been performed through a DEA model of categorical variables, in accordance with the work of Banker and Morey (1986), to corroborate the results of the proposed model. The sample is made up of 77 companies in the pharmaceutical sector in Spain.Findings: The results obtained point to a greater efficiency of pharmaceutical companies in the KPP, rather than in the KCP. Furthermore, the study finds that 1) alliances between companies have been the accelerating factors of efficiency in the KCP (but patents have slowed this down the most); 2) the quality of R&D and the number of R&D personnel are the factors that most affect efficiency in the KPP; and 3) the quality of R&D again, the benefits obtained and the position in the market are the factors that most affect efficiency in the KCP.Originality/value: The authors have not found studies that show whether the efficiency obtained by R&D-intensive companies in the KPP phase is related to better results in terms of efficiency in the KCP phase. No papers have been found that analyse the role of alliances between R&D-intensive companies and patents, as agents that facilitate efficiency in the KCP phase, covering the gap in the research on both problems. Notwithstanding, this work opens up a research path which is related to the improvement of network efficiency models (since it includes categorical variables) and the assessment of the opinions of those who are responsible for R&D departments; it can be applied to decision-making on the aspects to improve efficiency in R&D-intensive companies.

We have studied the drivers of the performance of the Research and Development (R&D) activities in the chemical sector in Spain. For this purpose, we have validated a Balanced Scorecard (BSC) framework for R&D and analysed the relationships between the Resources and Internal Processes and the Commercial and Financial results of the R&D activities. The study has been undertaken using data gathered from a total of 95 companies in the chemical sector in Spain. We employ the methodology of structural equations and specifically the Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique. We have located the drivers that exert the most effect on each of the dimensions (Resources, Internal Processes, Innovation) that form the BSC for R&D and therefore ultimately affect the performance of the company as a whole (Commercial and Financial Results).

Among the main causes of absenteeism are health problems, emotional problems, and inadequate work-family policies (WFP). This paper analyses the impact of the existence and accessibility of WFP on work absenteeism, by considering the mediating role of the well-being, which includes emotional as well as physical or health problems, that is generated by these policies. We differentiate between the existence of the WFP and its accessibility, as the mere existence of the WFP in an organisation is not enough. Additionally, workers must be able to access these policies easily and without retaliation of any kind. The model includes the hierarchy and the gender as moderating variables. To test the proposed hypotheses, a structural equation model based on the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach is applied to a sample of employees in the service sector in Spain. On the one hand, the findings show that the existence of WFP has no direct effect on absenteeism; however, accessibility to these policies does have a direct effect on absenteeism. On the other hand, both the existence and accessibility of WFP have positive direct effects on emotional well-being. In addition, emotional well-being is positively related to physical well-being which, in turn, promotes a reduction in absenteeism. Finally, significant differences in the relationship between the existence of WFP and emotional well-being confirm the special difficulty of female managers in reconciling family life and work life.

In this paper, a number of indicators are shown to measure economic efficiency in terms of circular economy (CE). The European Union affirms the need for a comprehensive model of indicators relating to CE in order to meet the needs of all participants (individual companies and industry, society, and the nation), to be based on three perspectives: environmental impact, economic benefit, and resource scarcity. Therefore, the objective of this work is to define these indicators and establish models for measuring the efficiency of processes and products of CE (through Data Envelopment Analysis, (DEA)) in its different manifestations. The models will be useful for both organizations and external users in relation to CE in order to facilitate the search for indicators for all users. Following the bibliographic review of official reports and different high impact works, our results demonstrate the ability to obtain information concerning the main indicators of CE and how the efficiency of CE models has been measured through the most frequently used inputs and outputs.

Para la mayoría del alumnado universitario las lecciones magistrales impartidas en el aula son tediosas, generándole una desmotivación traducida en su pasiva actitud. La distracción de los dispositivos móviles de comunicación que portan, cuando no los utilizan con fines educativos, empeora el problema. El resultado es su falta de compromiso con su aprendizaje, demostrado con la caída de asistentes a clase, y con la obtención de resultados académicos mediocres. Una posible solución es incorporar a las clases actividades lúdicas que, implementadas con las nuevas tecnologías ya presentes en la vida diaria, trasladen al ámbito educativo las bondades del juego. Durante el curso 2018/2019, y para mejorar la motivación y las calificaciones del alumnado de Dirección de Operaciones II, asignatura del cuarto curso del Grado en Administración y Dirección de Empresas de la Universidad de Cádiz, se gamificaron las clases impartidas en los Campus de Jerez de la Frontera y de Algeciras utilizando la app gratuita Kahoot! y los teléfonos móviles del alumnado. Aun existiendo otros muchos factores explicativos, la experiencia supuso notables mejoras respecto al curso 2017/2018, aumentando la motivación (el alumnado no presentado a examen descendió un 21,7%) y mejorando las calificaciones (la media de aprobados creció un 7,41%). Montañés-Del Río, Miguel Ángel; Rodríguez Cornejo, Vanessa; Ruiz Rodríguez, Margarita; Sánchez Ortiz, Jaime

The objective of this work is to detect what problems of inefficiency electricity distribution companies have, in order to disseminate this information and to allow distributors and public agencies to be more precise in calculating their costs. In turn, this will have an indirect impact on the price of the kilowatt in order to try to reduce its volatility. It should be noted that the volatility of the kilowatt price is mainly due to distribution costs and more specifically to access tolls. In the present paper, knowing that the distribution activity is a regulated activity, the efficiency in the electricity distribution companies will be studied. To this end, a study has been carried out on the efficiency of the main electricity distribution companies in Spain (Endesa, Iberdola, Union Fenosa, EDP and Viesgo) during the period of 2006–2015. The technique used was the Multi-period efficiency measurement in Data Envelopment Analysis, an input-oriented model at constant scales, working with panel data. The conclusions in this paper indicate that Spanish electricity distribution companies could improve their levels of efficiency if they improve the use of some inputs. This analysis demonstrates that overcapacity and deficit tariff have a negative influence on the efficiency level. Finally, this paper is useful as it shows that regulation again plays an essential role in regulated activities, requiring a commitment on the part of the State in order to improve efficiency in regulated activities.