Laboratoire d'Economie et de Management de Nantes Atlantique

Transformative artificially intelligent tools, such as ChatGPT, designed to generate sophisticated text indistinguishable from that produced by a human, are applicable across a wide range of contexts. The technology presents opportunities as well as, often ethical and legal, challenges, and has the potential for both positive and negative impacts for organisations, society, and individuals. Offering multi-disciplinary insight into some of these, this article brings together 43 contributions from experts in fields such as computer science, marketing, information systems, education, policy, hospitality and tourism, management, publishing, and nursing. The contributors acknowledge ChatGPT’s capabilities to enhance productivity and suggest that it is likely to offer significant gains in the banking, hospitality and tourism, and information technology industries, and enhance business activities, such as management and marketing. Nevertheless, they also consider its limitations, disruptions to practices, threats to privacy and security, and consequences of biases, misuse, and misinformation. However, opinion is split on whether ChatGPT’s use should be restricted or legislated. Drawing on these contributions, the article identifies questions requiring further research across three thematic areas: knowledge, transparency, and ethics; digital transformation of organisations and societies; and teaching, learning, and scholarly research. The avenues for further research include: identifying skills, resources, and capabilities needed to handle generative AI; examining biases of generative AI attributable to training datasets and processes; exploring business and societal contexts best suited for generative AI implementation; determining optimal combinations of human and generative AI for various tasks; identifying ways to assess accuracy of text produced by generative AI; and uncovering the ethical and legal issues in using generative AI across different contexts.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to be the next phase of the Internet revolution and to transform consumers’ service experience. It nevertheless raises challenges on innovation in services. Based on Ram and Sheth's ( ) theoretical framework, this work attempts to provide a better understanding of the barriers that lead to consumers’ resistance to smart services as an innovation. To this end, our research adopts an integrative framework that combines functional barriers, psychological barriers, and individual barriers to explain consumer resistance to smart services. Structural equation modeling was used to test this theoretical framework. Our research enriches the existing literature by (1) adapting Ram and Sheth's ( ) theoretical framework to the evolution of digital technologies (technological vulnerability barriers), (2) taking into account the ideological aspect of resistance (ideological barriers), and (3) considering dispositional variables (individual barriers). Moreover, it highlights the key role of skepticism toward IoT devices as a mediator between technological vulnerability barriers and individual barriers on the one hand and consumer resistance to smart services on the other.

The Internet of Things (IoT) market is set to grow rapidly. Although IoT offers new opportunities, it nevertheless raises challenges. The objective of this research is to develop a better understanding of the reasons underlying consumer resistance to smart and connected products. To this end, a quantitative survey was carried out to understand resistance to smartwatch. Structural equation modelling was used to test the conceptual model. The findings show that perceived uselessness, perceived price, intrusiveness, perceived novelty and self-efficacy have an impact on consumer resistance to smart products. Moreover, privacy concerns have an effect on intrusiveness and dependence impacts privacy concerns. To our best knowledge, this is the first research studying smart products through a resistance approach.

Abstract This paper reviews the recent developments in the field of the variance‐ratio (VR) tests of the random walk and martingale hypothesis. In particular, we present the conventional individual and multiple VR tests as well as their improved modifications based on power‐transformed statistics, rank and sign tests, subsampling and bootstrap methods, among others. We also re‐examine the weak‐form efficiency for five emerging equity markets in Latin America.

We develop a flexible framework for the estimation of the fuel consumption-speed curve for ships which allows for speed-dependent elasticity with endogenous thresholds. Using a large dataset of noon reports for 16 crude oil tankers, we estimate the corresponding elasticities net of weather effects. Our empirical findings confirm that the classical cubic law for fuel consumption is valid only near the design speed but also that the sensitivity with regards to sailing speed can be substantially lower at the sailing speeds actually observed. Our results can be used to question the economic and environmental benefits of slow-steaming and fuel levies.

Ports play a critical role in the economies of many countries in the ASEAN region. Efficient ports facilitate a country's imports and exports, and the “relative efficiency” of a port is evaluated based on its efficiency compared to others in its group. This study analyzes the relative efficiencies of 50 ASEAN container ports and terminals. These ports are categorized according to their container handling system and location (those located in a riverbank connected to the sea are called “inland seaports” and those by the seaside are called “seaports”). The traditional output-oriented data envelopment analysis method is applied, and measures of super-efficiency constant returns to scale are estimated in order to compare the units situated on the efficiency frontier. The findings may support port managers in the ASEAN region to make decisions on whether to increase container traffic. In addition, policymakers may consider the evaluation results in deciding whether to improve the trans-ASEAN transport network and ASEAN trade competitiveness.

Abstract This paper compares the GDP forecasting performance of alternative factor models based on monthly time series for the French economy. These models are based on static and dynamic principal components obtained using time and frequency domain methods. We question whether it is more appropriate to use aggregate or disaggregate data to extract the factors used in forecasting equations. The forecasting accuracy is evaluated for various forecast horizons considering both rolling and recursive schemes. We empirically show that static factors, estimated from a small database, lead to competitive results, especially for nowcasting. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of the factors that explain consumer resistance to smart services from a privacy perspective. To this end, an exploratory qualitative study and a quantitative study were carried out. 653 French consumers answered an online questionnaire regarding smart services in the banking sector. Structural equation modelling was used to test the conceptual model. The findings show that information privacy, the unauthorised secondary use of personal information and perceived intrusion have an impact on consumer resistance to smart services. Moreover, our research highlights the major role of the ‘Big Brother effect’ as an antecedent to these various privacy concerns.

Whatever answer one gives to the question “Is information technology changing the world?,” the answer contains reasoning about causality. Causal reasoning is central to IS theorizing. This paper focuses on the concept of causal structure, defined by Markus and Robey (1988) as a theorist’s assumptions about causal influences in IS phenomena, and proposes a framework of causal structure, warranted by philosophy and social theory, specialized for the needs of Information Systems scholars. The three dimensions of the framework concern the theorist’s views about the reality and meaning of causation (causal ontology), about that which is changed in causation (causal trajectory), and about the role of humans and/or technology in bringing about the change (causal autonomy). On each dimension, mutually exclusive alternative positions are described, backed by authoritative warrants, and illustrated with IS examples. The framework aims to offer useful insights into the nature of IS theory and the conundrum of theoretical contribution.

The French fishing industry has a long history and its seafood market a wide variety of products. Despite the worldwide growth in ecolabelling schemes over the past decade, the French industry has only very recently shown an interest in such schemes. Growing consumer and retailer awareness of environmental issues in France has changed the situation and it is now of interest to look at the demand for seafood ecolabelling in relation to the public perception of commercial fishing.We analyse, using an ordered Probit model, the factors influencing consumer demand for seafood ecolabelling on the basis of a French survey carried out on more than 1000 consumers. Our results show a significant relationship between the acceptability of ecolabelling and certain purchase criteria. The production process characteristics in (origin, wild vs. farmed, level of natural stocks) impact more strongly on the demand for ecolabelling than product attributes (form, visual appeal, freshness). Consumers are also influenced more by regulation than by information, inaccurate or otherwise, they may have about the fishing industry. Finally, our analysis confirms a higher demand for ecolabelling from young, educated consumers, particularly those living in non-coastal areas.

This paper proposes a discussion of three scenarios related to e-grocery distribution developments, in order to identify and analyze the impacts of new forms of proximity deliveries on households’ shopping trip flows. Firstly, we present the two basic logistics models adopted by online retailers (in-warehouse picking and in-store picking), as well as the three main proximity delivery approaches in e-grocery. Secondly, we focus on city logistics, more particularly on the relations between e-grocery development and the related various urban goods movement flows. Thirdly, we propose to study the impact of these systems on consumer's purchasing trips and, to this end, we use an empirical simulation approach in order to make a comparison of these three scenarios.

International audience

This research note empirically investigates the effect of stringent environmental regulations on environmentally friendly technological innovation for 27 OECD countries from 1990 to 2015, using the two-step system-GMM estimation method for a linear dynamic panel data model. We further test the robustness of the empirical results by the method of correlated random effects for dynamic panel data estimated by Maximum Likelihood, the fixed effect with Driscoll–Kraay standard errors and the mixed-effect maximum-likelihood estimator. Overall, we find that increasing environmental policy stringency leads to accelerated environmental innovation. In addition, the non-market-based environmental policy instruments are found to stimulate more environmental innovation than market -based instruments. Thus, the instruments based on command and control policies are more effective than price mechanisms in inducing eco-innovation.

UNLABELLED: Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) is an emerging concept for providing financial protection against the cost of illness and improving access to quality health services for low-income rural households who are excluded from formal insurance. CBHI is currently being provided in some rural areas in developing countries and there is ongoing research about its impact on the well-being of the poor in these areas. However, the success of CBHI revolves around the existence of social capital in the community. This has led researchers to explore the impact of CBHI on the well-being of the poor in rural areas, especially as it relates to social capital. The overall objective of this paper is to review recent developments that address the link between CBHI and social capital. Policy implications are also discussed. JEL CLASSIFICATION: C10, I15.

Purpose This research has three research objectives. First, this research will demonstrate that the link between consumers' attitude towards a region and their intention to purchase products from that region is not direct but indirect. Second, this research will establish that perceived value of regional products and consumers' preference for these products are mediating variables of the relationship between consumers' attitude towards a region and their intention to purchase regional products. Lastly, this research will highlight cognitive (through perceived value) and affective (through preference) routes or paths, from consumers' attitude towards a region to their purchase intention of products from that region. Design/methodology/approach As previous works in the authors’ field of research, the authors conducted a field study, combined with a questionnaire survey. 398 consumers responded to the authors’ questionnaire in a hypermarket (belonging to the retailer Système U) in Vendée (a region in France). The authors measured their attitude towards this region, their preference for regional food products and their purchase intention of these products as well as the perceived value of regional food products. Findings The perceived value of regional products and consumers' preference for these products are full mediating variables of the relationship between consumers' attitude towards a region and their intention to purchase products from that region. Research limitations/implications This research supplements prior works. It shows that the link between consumers' attitude towards a region and their intention to purchase regional products is indirect. Consumers' purchase intention of regional products is not directly attributable to their attitude towards the region of origin of these products. Regional products and their features have to be reintegrated into this equation. Practical implications This study identifies several routes or paths to explain consumers' purchase intention of regional products. A cognitive route or path, from consumers' attitude towards a region to their purchase intention of products from that region, mediates by perceived value. An affective route or path, from consumers' attitude towards a region to their purchase intention of products from that region, mediates by preference. A hybrid path that combines cognitive and affective paths, as this research established a link between perceived value and preference. Originality/value This research foregrounds regional products and their features, too often neglected in favour of consumers and their characteristics.

International audience

Etwas von seiner Zeit widmen: ehrenamtliche Tätigkeit in Verbänden Die ehrenamtliche Tätigkeit in einer Organisation ist in Frankreich weit verbreitet, unabhängig davon, ob man Mitglied der Organisation ist oder nicht, denn 28 % der Bevölkerung von über 15 Jahren sind hiervon betroffen. Obwohl die Verbände nicht das Monopol auf diese Form kollektiven Engagements haben, widmen doch die meisten ehrenamtlichen Helfer ihre Zeit zu ihren Gunsten. Die Erhebung des Insee über das Vereinswesen von Oktober 2002 gibt wichtige Aufschlüsse über die ehrenamtliche Tätigkeit, liefert zuweilen sogar völlig neue Erkenntnisse. Sie zeigt, dass die regelmäßigen Helfer zwar in der Minderheit sind, aber dennoch den größten Teil der unentgeltlichen Arbeit leisten. Sport, Kultur und Freizeit sowie die Verteidigung bestimmter Rechte sind das privilegierte Betätigungsfeld der ehrenamtlich tätigen Männer, während die Frauen sich viel eher für Bildung, Religion, aber auch soziale, karitative und humanitäre Aktionen engagieren. Auch der Einfluss bestimmter Faktoren wie religiöser Brauch, Wohngemeinde oder das Vorhandensein von Kindern in der Familie schwankt sehr stark je nach Tätigkeitsbereich. Dagegen ist der positive Effekt der Erstausbildung und des Vorhandenseins einer ehrenamtlichen Tradition in der Familie auf die Mitarbeit in einer Organisation regelmäßiger, ohne allerdings systematisch zu sein. Dem ehrenamtlichen Engagement liegen oftmals viele Motivationen zugrunde, auch wenn sie nicht alle die gleiche Anreizfunktion haben. Der Wunsch, anderen zu helfen, ist der am häufigsten angeführte Grund; aber auch die Suche nach persönlichen Beziehungen wird in fast sechs von zehn Fällen als Hauptgrund oder eher zweiter Grund genannt. In der gemeinsamen Untersuchung über die Profile der ehrenamtlichen Helfer und ihre Motivationen wird die große Vielfalt deutlich, die für die Welt der ehrenamtlichen Tätigkeit kennzeichnend ist. Diese Vielfalt liegt den Schwierigkeiten zugrunde, die bei den Tests der ehrenamtlichen Tätigkeit mittels Wirtschaftsmodellen auftreten, wenn sie anhand hoch aggregierter Daten durchgeführt werden.

The forthcoming JAIS special issue on “Envisioning Digital Transformation” is predicated on the assumption that theoretical diversity would be a good thing for the IS field. But making sense of theoretical diversity requires either a common frame of reference or crystal clarity about concept definitions and the phenomena to which they point. In this editorial, we argue that the IS field still lacks the conceptual and empirical clarity needed to benefit from theoretical diversity about digital transformation. The digital transformation label has been applied to the evolution of technology, as well as to the evolution of organizations and society. It has been used to refer to change in entities or processes and to processes of change. It has been used to refer to particular technological artifacts and to particular kinds of data and processing power. This type of diversity risks obscuring the value of diverse theoretical formulations. Only through clear distinctions and precise labeling of older and new phenomena can the IS field fully benefit from new theories and theoretical elaborations about digital transformation.

A l’aide de données quotidiennes sur la période mars 2001 à juin 2005, nous estimons un modèle \nVAR‐BEKK et montrons l’existence de transmissions au niveau des rendements et des volatilités entre les \nmarchés forward de l’électricité pour l’Allemagne, les Pays‐Bas et la Grande‐Bretagne. Nous appliquons la \nfonction VIRF de Hafner and Herwartz [2006, Journal of International Money and Finance 25, 719‐740] afin de \nmesurer l’impact d’un choc sur la volatilité conditionnelle. Nous observons qu’un choc a un impact positif \nimportant seulement si son amplitude est grande en regard du niveau de la volatilité à cet instant. Finalement, \nnous estimons la densité des fonctions VIRF pour différents horizons de prévisions. Ces distributions lissées sont asymétriques et montrent que des évènements extrêmes sont possibles même si leur probabilité est faible. Ces résultats ont des implications intéressantes pour les participants au marché dont la politique de gestion des risques est basée sur les prix des options, eux‐mêmes dépendant du niveau de volatilité.

How are consumer attitudes towards eco-labeled products affected by a profusion of labels? This article provides both theoretical and empirical insight into this issue. Assuming that consumers perceive a label both as a sign of quality and of a particular characteristic of a product, we deduce theoretical determinants for preferences for three types of label: a health label, an eco-label and a fair trade label. We enrich this analysis by synthesizing most empirical determinants of eco-labeling demand mentioned in the literature. Using a French survey on seafood products, the estimation of a rank-ordered multinomial logit with random intercepts shows a certain proximity between the profiles of pro-eco-label and pro-fair trade label consumers, whereas pro-health label individuals have a more distinct profile: The two former are more likely to be young men mainly concerned with fishing conditions, whereas the latter are older married women with children who pay attention to the product form. We relate preferences for labels to degree of altruism, environmental consciousness and other socio-economic features.