Adoption Of Sustainable Practices Research Articles

Exploring the Moderating Role of Environmental Education in Promoting a Clean Environment

Environmental education plays a significant role in improving environmental knowledge and shaping the eco-friendly lifestyles of young people. Young people’s daily actions and habits will determine the future of the Earth as a planet. The literature regarding youths’ environmental knowledge, climate change awareness, environmental attitude, and their impact on pro-environmental intentions and sustainable household consumption practices is very scarce. Therefore, this study explored the relationship between environmental knowledge, climate change awareness, environmental attitude, and the pro-environmental intentions of university students. The study also assessed the moderating effect of environmental education on pro-environmental behavior and sustainable household consumption practices, providing a comparative analysis of students with and without environmental education, which is unique in the literature. The data were collected from 2137 Chinese university students selected through a purposive and random sampling method through survey questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) were used to analyze the collected data. The findings revealed that environmental knowledge, climate change awareness, and environmental attitudes of the students positively affected their pro-environmental intentions. Moreover, pro-environmental intentions also positively affected the adoption of sustainable practices. The result also showed that the impact of pro-environmental intentions on sustainable consumption practices was greater for those whose education included environmental courses than for those whose education did not. Therefore, it is suggested that environment-related courses be incorporated into the study plans of each discipline as a compulsory subject for promoting green intentions and shaping eco-friendly lifestyles for environmental sustainability.

Improving Sustainability: A Cryptocurrency-Based Reward Scheme for Reducing Carbon Emissions

The Rewarding System for Carbon Emission Reduction Using Cryptocurrency presents a novel approach to incentivizing sustainable practices and combating climate change. This system leverages blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies to provide economic rewards to individuals, businesses, and organizations for their efforts in reducing carbon emissions. By integrating cryptocurrencies, such as stablecoins, and creating a transparent and secure blockchain platform, the system aims to address key challenges in measuring, verifying, and rewarding carbon reduction activities. The benefits of this rewarding system are significant, including increased adoption of sustainable practices, global collaboration, and amplified impact of carbon reduction efforts. However, challenges such as cryptocurrency volatility, scalability, regulatory compliance, and measurement accuracy need to be addressed for the system's success. Looking ahead, the future prospects of the rewarding system for carbon emission reduction using cryptocurrency are promising, with potential for increased adoption, technological advancements, policy support, and financial innovation. This innovative approach has the potential to drive meaningful change and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

Understanding Event Management through Public Relations Prisms: The Implications and the Emerged Paradigms

Purpose: As a crucial component of public relations, event management has evolved significantly over the years, presenting numerous challenges and opportunities for organizations. This paper explores the intricate relationship between event management and public relations, analyzing its implications and examining the emerging paradigms in this dynamic field. The paper delves into the fundamental connection between event management and public relations. It highlights how events are a powerful tool for organizations to enhance their brand image, engage with key stakeholders, and achieve strategic communication objectives.Methodology: Through an extensive literature review, the paper elucidates the role of event management in fostering brand recognition, reputation management, and relationship building. Furthermore, the paper scrutinizes the implications of effective event management on organizational success. Findings:It examines how well-executed events can strengthen stakeholder trust, increase media visibility, and generate positive public sentiment. An essential aspect of this paper involves exploring the emerged paradigms in event management through public relations prisms. Implication:The paper identifies and analyzes contemporary trends and innovative approaches that have reshaped event planning and execution; this includes integrating technology and digital platforms to enhance event experiences, leveraging social media for real-time engagement and amplification, and adopting sustainability practices to align events with environmental and social responsibilities.

Analysis of Sustainable Agricultural Practices and Profit Efficiency of Maize Farmers in Oyo and Ogun States, Nigeria

This study evaluates the adoption of Sustainable Agricultural Practices (SAP) and its effect on the profit efficiency of maize farmers in Oyo and Ogun State of Nigeria. The use of a multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 174 and 196 maize farmers from Oyo and Ogun State respectively. Primary data were obtained through questionnaire administration. Analysis of data was done with descriptive statistics, Multivariate Probit Model and stochastic profit frontier model. The result of the study indicated that farmers’ mean age was 40 years, and were operating on a small scale of 5.1 hectares on average. Sustainable practices were adopted by less than half of the farmers. However, improved seed utilization was adopted by more than two third of the farmers. Age, educational level, size of household, extension contact, association membership, and farm size were the determining variables influencing sustainable practices adoption. Multivariate probit results indicated that significant correlations exist between adoption options. Rent on land (β = 0.9919, p<0.01), price of seed (β = -0.5583, p<0.10), price of labour (β = 1.1910, p<0.01), and price of herbicide (β = 0.1639, p<0.01) were the significant variables in the profit efficiency model. SAP factors affecting profit efficiency were the use of organic manure, cover cropping, and zero tillage. This study proved that policy strategies geared towards farmers’ adoption of sustainable agricultural practices should consider farmers’ specific socioeconomic factors and emphasize the complementarities and substitutability between different SAPs to broaden farmers’ options.

A Theoretical Model of Strategic Communication for the Sustainable Development of Sport Tourism

Sustainability and sustainable development are two fundamental principles that currently influence the way sport tourism activities, like those of any other socioeconomic area, are managed. For this reason, for some time, especially in the last decade, scholars have been wondering not only about the application methods of these two concepts in sport tourism but also how to communicate good practices among operators, residents, and tourists, and how to encourage the adoption of sustainable behaviours. Pro-sustainable attitudes are widespread, but they do not always convert into sustainable behaviour. Communication can intervene to favour these socio-cultural changes at an individual and collective level. This research is inspired by several studies and the most recent systematic literature reviews to identify communication methods and strategies that determine the tourism–sports experience, influencing the assumption or reinforcement of sustainable behaviours. This study attempted to configure a theoretical model of sustainable communication that can support the sustainable development of sport tourism. The goal is to understand how to create effective communication actions to raise the awareness of institutions and businesses, residents, and tourists towards the adoption of sustainable practices, and to encourage the promotion of sustainable initiatives in territories in support of the socioeconomic development of localities from an increasingly sustainable perspective.

Adoption of sustainable practices by Asian hotels: gaps in academia

PurposeAn extant literature review of hospitality manpower performance reveals the scarcity of green skills among young graduates of hospitality management in the Asian context. Studies signal the discrepancy between knowledge imbibed and skills acquired. The current study is a call to action to identify the barriers to green training at the academic level.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a qualitative investigation by senior academics from Asian countries. Thematic analysis is the primary method deployed.FindingsFour major themes emerged from the analytical exercise. They include lack of resources, policies and regulations, an overburdened curriculum and awareness. Interestingly, the themes are in tandem with the Tourism Education Futures Institute (TEFI) value framework for nurturing sustainability practices in the hospitality industry through systematic programming of hotel management education.Practical implicationsIn order to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2030 (Goal 4) of ensuring lifelong strategic education to foster sustainability, the green skill–knowledge gap must be bridged at the academic level. The current paper sheds light on how the synergy between industry and academia can address this knowledge–skill gap and develop sustainable capacities in the long run.Originality/valueThis study used a qualitative dataset, and the findings contribute to the sustainability literature. Further studies can be undertaken using big data in varied settings.

The influence of firm digitalization on sustainable innovation performance and the moderating role of corporate sustainability practices: An empirical investigation

AbstractThis paper seeks to shed light on the relationship between firm digitalization and the likelihood of launching sustainable innovations (social and environmental, social only, and environmental only), for which the extant research has provided a paucity of evidence. In detail, the role of digitalization is considered in terms of (i) the specific effect of a given digital technology (DT)—among artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics, smart devices, big data analytics, high speed infrastructure, and blockchain—and (ii) the effect of the concurrent adoption of multiple DTs (degree of digitalization). Furthermore, the paper assesses if and how the effect of the degree of digitalization is moderated by the implementation of sustainability practices, as the two issues are often treated independently. Research questions are proposed instead of hypotheses. Econometric analysis to answer proposed questions is based on a sample of 14,125 firms, whose information is gathered from the survey Flash Eurobarometer 486. Results reveal that each DT differently affects the likelihood of launching sustainable innovations, while the degree of digitalization is always beneficial. Moreover, it appears that firm digitalization and the adoption of sustainability practices are not complementary. All in all, this paper helps to illuminate current representations of the interplay between digitalization, sustainability practices, and sustainable innovations at the firm level, with implications for research, managerial practice, and policymaking.

Analysis of sustainable practices adopted within the supply chain under the sustainable development perspective

The understanding that natural resources are finite is leading organizations to redefine their supply chain toward sustainability. In this way, the purpose of this article is to investigate if the sustainable practices applied within the supply chain are following all the dimensions proposed by the concept of sustainable development. Therefore, a systematic review of the literature was carried out within the CAPES journal base from 2004 to 2017. From this sample, sustainable practices were segmented into economic, social and environmental, orientated by the sustainability tripod. The result shows that the economic and environmental dimensions have significant relevance regarding the adoption of sustainable practices in the supply chain whereas no significant evidence was found within the social context. New studies will be needed to understand why companies are not including the social issue in their sustainable practices within the supply chain and what can be done to reverse this situation.

Intertwining innovation and business networks for sustainable agricultural systems: A case study of carbon-neutral beef

Increasing concerns about climate change and sustainability have been a major challenge for corporations and governments, translating into initiatives to help reduce the environmental impact of economic activities. Innovation networks involving several actors have promoted the adoption of sustainable practices in a deliberate and concerted manner. From a network perspective, initiatives promoted by an innovation network must be incorporated into the existing business network. This study aims to understand how and to what extent innovation and business networks are intertwined to foster sustainable practices in agricultural systems. Therefore, a study of the Carbon Neutral Beef initiative was conducted, which resulted in the development and adoption of standards that ensure carbon balance by integrating livestock and forest production systems. This study supports the notion that the viability of initiatives promoted by an innovation network depends on its overlap with the existing business network. Additionally, the intertwining process may differ in the degree to which it is controlled, thus influencing the exploration and dissemination of integrated practices involving livestock and forest production systems.

Identifying issues in adoption of AI practices in construction supply chains: towards managing sustainability

The fragmented nature of construction industry coupled with its complex and dynamic nature demands for innovative technologies to record better performance in project execution. In this respect, Artificial Intelligence (AI) based techniques posit a viable means to attain requisite efficiency in performance and alleviate the productivity of construction organizations. The adoption of sustainable practices in Construction Supply Chains (CSCs) lowers the environmental impact, lowers the risk of failure, and boosts competitiveness. The present study attempts to unearth potential issues in the adoption of AI practices in CSCs. Initially, the study identifies potential issues in the implementation of AI-based frameworks in CSCs by performing an extensive literature review and brainstorming sessions with industry experts. The exercise results in identifying 17 critical issues confronting the adoption of AI in CSCs which were subsequently subjected to fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach. The findings from the study reveal that “Lack of trust in AI outcomes”, “Exploitation by hackers, cybercrimes and privacy intrusion”, “Risk and cost associated with construction projects”, “Uncertain processing and functions of AI algorithms”, and “Unclear profits and advantages” were the top five influential causal issues that affect the adoption of AI in CSCs. This study is a novel attempt in the direction to identify and prioritize the potential issues in the adoption of AI-based frameworks in the Indian CSCs.

Stakeholder pressures and sustainability practices in manufacturing: Consideration of the economic development context

AbstractIn the context of global concern for the environment and considering the observation that very few manufacturing companies have taken a more proactive position on sustainability, it has been suggested that the stakeholder approach can contribute to the study of sustainability management. Hence, this paper analyzes the relationship between a set of individual stakeholders pressures (STP) from different groups and the adoption and implementation of some specific sets of sustainability practices (SP) in manufacturing: internal and external monitoring and external collaborative. It also contributes to the open debate around the “monolithic” versus differentiated reaction to perceived STP, showing that companies respond selectively to the different stakeholder groups. Finally, this research also considers the possible influence of different country development contexts (developed vs. emerging countries), which may be very informative in the context of the growing globalization of operations. Using a large, worldwide, multicountry, and multi‐informant sample of manufacturing plants from three industry sectors located in 15 emerging and developed countries, this study shows that the different stakeholders play different roles in the adoption and implementation of different sustainability practices, thus contributing to the open debate around a suitable balance of stakeholder pressures. This research further contributes to the debate around the convergence and divergence perspectives by supporting the “universal” adoption of sustainability practices (convergence perspective) as no statistical differences are found in stakeholder pressures in different country development contexts.

THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE BEHAVIOR CHANGE IN BANGLADESH: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

This qualitative study investigates the impact of education on sustainable behavior change in Bangladesh. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with educators, community leaders, and members of the public to explore the role of education in promoting sustainable behavior change. Thematic analysis of the data identified several key findings, including the importance of education in increasing awareness of environmental and social issues, promoting the adoption of sustainable practices, and encouraging active participation in sustainable development initiatives. The study also identified several challenges to promoting sustainable behavior change through education in Bangladesh, including limited resources and funding for education, limited access to education in rural areas, and a lack of awareness and understanding among the public about the importance of sustainable development.

Taxation and customs strategies in Jordanian supply chain management: Shaping sustainable design and driving environmental responsibility

This study explores the role of taxation and customs strategies in promoting sustainable design and environmental responsibility in supply chain management. The research examines their direct effects on sustainable and environmental responsibility in Jordan, as well as the moderating influence of socioeconomic factors. It also investigates the mediating effect of sustainable practices adoption. Quantitative analysis using Smart PLS4 software was conducted. The results highlight the positive influence of taxation strategies on sustainable and environmental responsibility. Effective taxation strategies contribute to a stronger commitment to sustainable practices and environmental concerns within supply chains. Similarly, customs strategies positively influence sustainable and environmental responsibility, demonstrating that efficient customs management aligns with sustainable practices. In addition, socioeconomic factors were identified as significant moderators. The relationship between taxation strategies and sustainable responsibility, as well as environmental responsibility, varied based on the socioeconomic context. This suggests that the effectiveness of these strategies depends on the specific circumstances in which organizations operate. Furthermore, sustainable practices adoption was found to moderate the relationship between taxation and environmental strategies, and sustainable responsibility. This indicates that the successful implementation of sustainable practices enhances the impact of taxation and environmental strategies in promoting sustainability within the supply chain. This paper emphasizes the importance of developing and implementing effective taxation and customs policies that align with sustainable practices. Organizations should consider the influence of socioeconomic factors and prioritize the sustainable practices adoption to maximize the impact of these strategies. The findings provide valuable insights for strategic decision-making and encourage businesses to integrate sustainability into their supply chain management, contributing to environmental conservation and long-term success.

Harvesting Sustainable Agriculture with Climate Finance: Review

This study presents an in-depth analysis of climate finance within the agricultural sector and its pivotal role in fostering sustainability in agrarian economies. It investigates the availability, accessibility, challenges, and effective utilization of climate finance. Climate finance emerges as a critical resource for establishing funding mechanisms and incentives that support sustainable agricultural practices, bolstering resilience and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Secondary sources, including books, journals, articles, policy documents, and reports, provide the data for this research. The findings of this study underscore a vital revelation: private investors play a crucial role in augmenting climate finance, thereby facilitating the transition to sustainable agriculture. It is evident that their participation significantly enhances the financial support available to farmers and agricultural stakeholders. Furthermore, the study reveals that a combined effort from both government and private investors has yielded considerable progress in advancing climate finance investment within India’s agricultural sector. This collaborative approach has proven instrumental in addressing the challenges faced by those seeking climate finance in agriculture. It has effectively increased awareness, streamlined application processes, and strengthened institutional support, ultimately driving the adoption of sustainable practices. The implications of this research extend to policymakers, agricultural institutions, and financial organizations, highlighting the pivotal role of private investors in improving climate finance accessibility. The future scope of this research suggests that the effective utilization of climate finance has the potential to catalyse the widespread adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. The study emphasizes the importance of channelling climate finance through a variety of stakeholders to maximize its utility and make use of all available resources and instruments.

Proposal for a simplified sustainability report for small and mediumsized enterprises

The objective of this study was to present a simplified sustainability report for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as they play an important role in the economy, create new jobs, and their activities impact natural resources. The study was based on descriptive and qualitative research with SMEs in Curitiba and its surrounding metropolitan region, located in the State of Paraná, southern Brazil. Data were collected using a questionnaire divided into three parts that included general information about the companies, motivations, and challenges in the adoption of sustainable practices by SMEs, and sustainability indicators selected from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)Standards and the Socio-Environmental Responsibility Questionnaire (QRSA) from financial institutions. The results indicated contradictions among the motivations, challenges, and communication of sustainable practices adopted by SMEs to their stakeholders. Finally, the results suggested that a simplified report may assist SMEs to adopt and, more importantly, communicate sustainable business practices to their stakeholders.

Covid-19 Pandemic and Medicines Regulation in Ghana: Overview and Perspectives of Regulators

Background: The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, impacted health systems around the world resulting in a surge in demand for medicines and therapeutic interventions to combat the pandemic. Medicine regulatory agencies played a crucial role in ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines. Regulatory agencies streamlined regulatory processes and made them flexible to tackle the urgent need for COVID-19 interventions. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted regulatory agencies on the importance of global regulatory collaboration and harmonization. Following the pandemic, regulatory agencies continually aim to ensure global alignment in regulatory standards, facilitate data sharing, and streamline regulatory processes to optimize their activities and preparedness for future emergencies. Objective: The objective of this study was to have an overview of medicines regulation following the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and regulator’s perspective on the associated regulatory adaptations. Method: The study was conducted through qualitative open-ended interviews. It was carried out within the head office of the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority; the sole regulator of medicines in the country. Interviews were audio-recorded with the consent of participants and transcribed for analysis. After transcription data was categorized into themes and analyzed using a generic thematic analysis method. Results: Ghana's medicines regulatory system, governed by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) developed a system which encompassed pre-market approval, post-market surveillance, pharmacovigilance activities, and approval of clinical trials, aimed at safeguarding public health. To address the urgent need for COVID-19 treatments and vaccines, regulators worldwide, including Ghana, implemented emergency use authorization (EUA) processes, demonstrated regulatory flexibility by adopting alternative assessment approaches and streamlining processes without compromising safety and quality standards. The Food and Drugs Authority along with other stakeholders and opinion leaders played a crucial role in disseminating accurate information and debunking myths and misconceptions about the pandemic to empower citizens with accurate information, dispel misinformation, and promote adherence to preventive measures. Conclusion: The importance of resourcefulness and the adoption of sustainable practices, working smarter, saving resources, embracing virtual trainings, and introducing dynamic assessment practices have been highlighted to have reshaped activities of the Authority. These lessons can serve as valuable guides in building a more efficient, collaborative, and environmentally conscious future as we continue to navigate the post pandemic world.

ПОДОЛАННЯ ГЛОБАЛЬНИХ ЕКОНОМІЧНИХ ВИКЛИКІВ: ІМПЕРАТИВ ДИВЕРСИФІКАЦІЇ ТА СТАЛОГО РОЗВИТКУ

The global economy has been severely disrupted by the COVID-19 epidemic, revealing weaknesses in supply systems, economic institutions, and trade networks. Following these difficulties, the need of diversification and sustainable development has been prominent as crucial approaches for promoting resilience and cultivating long-term prosperity. This article explores the importance of diversification and sustainable development in tackling and reducing global economic issues. It specifically examines important aspects such as natural resources, trade cooperation, neo-protectionism, Industry 4.0, and corporate sustainability. In light of the disruptions caused by the pandemic, there is a growing recognition of the necessity to diversify resource allocation and manufacturing processes. Nations and sectors that excessively depend on singular suppliers or markets have encountered significant risks, hence intensifying the imperative for diverse supply chains and trade alliances. Moreover, trade cooperation appears as a key for managing economic uncertainty, creating mutual interdependence, and improving resilience against protectionist pressures. Simultaneously, the emergence of neo-protectionism highlights the necessity for a well-rounded strategy that harmonizes domestic concerns with the demands of worldwide interconnectedness. Implementing Industry 4.0 technology provides a means to improve production, efficiency, and flexibility, therefore strengthening competitiveness and resilience in the presence of shocks. Moreover, the incorporation of corporate sustainability concepts into company operations arises as a crucial approach for promoting enduring sustainability and public welfare. Adopting sustainability practices not only reduces environmental harm and social disparities, but also strengthens corporate ability to withstand challenges by promoting creativity, gaining the trust of stakeholders, and improving brand image. By completely addressing these important factors, this article gives insights into the design and execution of sustainable economic policies capable of withstanding shocks and encouraging equitable growth in an ever-evolving global context. Policymakers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders may create a more resilient, fair, and sustainable economic future by adopting a comprehensive strategy that combines diversification with sustainability. Keywords: Global challenges, diversification, digitalization, sustainable development, natural resources, world economy, economic security, neo-protectionism, COVID-19, Industry 4.0, logistics, "perfect storm"

Improving green supply chain resilience through Blockchain innovation: A risk mitigation perspective

The increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies has brought to light the underlying technology known as Blockchain. This innovation is a decentralized information management system that allows for the recording of digital asset transactions without the need for institutional intermediaries. The potential of Blockchain to revolutionize the management of companies, particularly in the context of supply chain risk management, is immense due to the complex and vulnerable nature of the supply chain. This article aims to highlight the impact of the Blockchain on the risks observed in the Supply Chain by examining how this innovation can strengthen the resilience of these chains in times of increased threat and uncertainty. Our study, which utilizes a bibliometric analysis, highlights the role of Blockchain technology in mitigating various risks, including those related to fraud, errors, loss of information, and supply chain failure. It should be noted that the implementation of environmental supply chain practices requires the commitment and participation of all stakeholders involved in the supply chain, as well as favorable policies and incentives from governments and institutions to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices. The key features of Blockchain, including real-time transparency, traceability, and automated smart contract management, enable risk mitigation and contribute to the overall resilience of green supply chains.

Impact of management strategy on green methane production from wind energy

Mitigating the effects of global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions requires the adoption of sustainable practices and the promotion of renewable energies. However, in an energy scenario strongly dominated by intermittent energy sources, storage systems are becoming increasingly important. In this context, the conversion of renewable energy peaks into green hydrogen can be considered an interesting possibility. Furthermore, the use of power-to-gas systems solves, at least in a transition phase, the problems associated with the lack of infrastructure dedicated to hydrogen. In this study, a power-to-gas system producing synthetic methane from wind energy was modelled. Three management strategies were implemented and compared to assess the flexibility and versatility of the system. Results showed the importance of using an intermediate hydrogen storage tank to reduce the amount of surplus hydrogen. However, the choice of a management strategy depends on the purpose for which the power-to-methane system is designed.

Adoption of sustainable agricultural practices during the pandemic: the case of Ecuadorian family farming systems

PurposeThe objective of this study was to examine the impact of the pandemic on sustainable agricultural practices (SAP) adoption such as: organic fertilizers, minimal use of tillage, crop rotation, soil burning and crop association in the frame of family farming systems in Ecuador.Design/methodology/approachThe present research employed probit models' estimation with pooled data from 2018 to 2020. The study combined three sources of information with The Survey on Surface and Agricultural Continuous Production, as the main. This study also proposed the analysis of six regions: Coast, Coast Mountains, Northern Highlands, Central Highlands, Southern Highlands and the Amazon.FindingsThe authors see a lower adoption in the year 2020, where the pandemic was one of the causes. The only exception was the use of organic fertilizer. The adoption of these sustainable practices differed across the six regions. The findings also reveal that the employment generated by agricultural enterprises had a negative influence on the adoption of three sustainable practices, and that for the remaining practices the effect was positive.Research limitations/implicationsThe data set lacks information on the acceptance and the application of the practices promoted by agricultural technical assistance, which could provide insights into the effectiveness of the learning process. The limited observation period does not allow for investigating long-term effects on sustainable practices adoption.Originality/valueThis study helps to understand the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic in the adoption of SAP. Additionally, this research can help with the scalability of the practices starting from the regions that are most likely to adopt each of them.