Drawing on media richness theory, this study investigates the effect of rich media, such as virtual reality (VR), on visit intentions for a specific destination. Specifically, this research employs a mixed-method approach, using abductive theorization to explore and confirm the dimensions of the VR visit experience, notably those related to telepresence, a key concept in tourism through VR. Furthermore, the study aims to elucidate how telepresence influences mental imagery, attitudes towards tourist destinations, and actual visit intentions. To do this, qualitative data were gathered between February and June 2022 from 34 semi-structured interviews with respondents who viewed a VR video of the destination. A second study collected quantitative data from 400 participants through face-to-face questionnaires after a VR video view between June and August 2022. The findings reveal that telepresence comprises three dimensions: realism of the virtual environment, immersion, and the sense of presence in the virtual environment. Telepresence, in turn, both directly and indirectly affects actual visit intentions, with mental imagery and attitude toward tourist destinations partially mediating those relationships. This study provides methodological, theoretical, and tourism management implications to enhance our comprehension of telepresence’s facets, its measurement, and the process by which VR influences real visit intentions.

Many semi‐durable and durable consumer goods are composed of plastic. Yet, plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues as it harms oceans and marine biodiversity. This state of affairs is worsened because plastic recycling rates remain low. Therefore, one commonly proposed solution is to improve plastic waste management to create a circular plastics economy. However, focusing on recycling management alone overshadows the consumption component and how consumers might contribute to recycling efforts. Although not alone in the overall recycling process, consumers are critical stakeholders in this because through their disposal behavior, they determine the responsible discarding of plastic through recycling. The significance of consumer engagement in driving circularity has been strongly emphasized in extant research and practice. Shifting from a linear plastic economy toward a circular one requires the active contribution of all stakeholders, especially the consumer. Hence, given the centrality of consumers' role, this paper provides an overview of the themes related to consumer engagement with plastic recycling. More specifically, the paper reveals three layers of influence on consumer plastic recycling behavior: (1) macroenvironmental factors, (2) situational factors, and (3) individual factors. This review provides scholars, practitioners, and decision‐makers with better insights into the themes to consider in order to spur consumer engagement in plastic recycling.This article is categorized under: Human and Social Dimensions > Behavioral Science Emerging Technologies > Materials Climate and Environment > Circular Economy

Industries 4.0 and 5.0 are based on technological advances, notably large language models (LLMs), which are making a significant contribution to the transition to smart factories. Although considerable research has explored this phenomenon, the literature remains fragmented and lacks an integrative framework that highlights the multifaceted implications of using LLMs in the context of digital manufacturing. To address this limitation, we conducted a systematic literature review, analyzing 53 papers selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our descriptive and thematic analyses, respectively, mapped new trends and identified emerging themes, classified into three axes: (1) manufacturing process optimization, (2) data structuring and innovation, and (3) human–machine interaction and ethical challenges. Our results revealed that LLMs can enhance operational performance and foster innovation while redistributing human roles. Our research offers an in-depth understanding of the implications of LLMs. Finally, we propose a future research agenda to guide future studies.

Product tasting is a key element in improving customer satisfaction in the commercial environment. This study looks at the notion of traditional tasting and its effect on customer behavior and explores emerging tasting techniques, shedding light on the contribution of digital tasting. Indeed, the advent of the metaverse has made it possible to offer new virtual tasting experiences. However, this experience does not yet involve a sense of taste. Our manuscript highlights the potential of tasting in the metaverse through a descriptive study of various concrete cases of international brands that have included it in their marketing strategies. In light of the results, practical and theoretical recommendations are provided for professionals interested in leveraging virtual tools to improve consumer satisfaction.

The transformative journey toward Industry 4.0 (I4.0) has revolutionized business operations, requiring firms to adapt to digitalization and environmentally-conscious practices (often termed “green digital,” “sustainable digital,” “smart green,” or “responsible digital”). This adaptation may be challenging, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that typically lack larger firms’ adaptive resources and capacities. This chapter delves into the dynamic intersection of sustainability and digital transformation by focusing on the specific case of SMEs to propose a preliminary framework for evaluating SMEs’ Industry 5.0 (I5.0) maturity levels (digital), which has a broader scope by including green and social practices (sustainable) with digitalization. The chapter first provides some background by highlighting the push for organizations to integrate sustainable practices into their digital transformation endeavors seamlessly. In a world grappling with environmental and social challenges, aligning technological advancements with responsibility is increasingly relevant for SMEs. The schwerpunkt of the chapter is an extensive (but non-systematic) literature review of the digital maturity level assessment domain, coupled with insights from extant research in the sustainable digital (5.0) assessment area. The objective of the review is to construct a preliminary framework for evaluating SMEs’ digital preparedness while concurrently measuring their commitment to sustainable practices. This framework incorporates critical parameters such as resource efficiency, circular economy principles, and the incorporation of renewable energy sources in digital control operations. The chapter further sheds light on SMEs’ challenges in achieving a coherent balance between digitalization and sustainability. These challenges span technological, organizational, and regulatory dimensions, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of the transition. Notably, the chapter identifies these challenges and proposes practical strategies and best practices to overcome them.