Ethical Sourcing Research Articles

SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN PRACTICES: A REVIEW OF INNOVATIONS IN THE USA AND AFRICA

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable supply chain practices, focusing on innovative initiatives in both the United States (USA) and Africa. As the global community grapples with environmental challenges and seeks to create a more sustainable future, the supply chain industry plays a pivotal role in driving positive change. This review explores key sustainable supply chain practices, shedding light on the distinctive approaches taken by businesses in the USA and Africa. In the USA, sustainable supply chain practices are characterized by a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing, and corporate social responsibility. Companies are increasingly adopting eco-friendly logistics strategies, such as the use of renewable energy in transportation and distribution networks. The integration of advanced technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices and blockchain, is facilitating transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain, ensuring that sustainable practices are upheld from production to delivery. In contrast, Africa presents a unique landscape where sustainable supply chain practices are often influenced by socio-economic factors, resource constraints, and the need for inclusive development. Initiatives in Africa focus on promoting local sourcing, community engagement, and fair trade practices. Innovative approaches include the use of alternative and locally sourced materials, as well as the development of eco-friendly packaging solutions. Additionally, collaboration between businesses and local communities plays a significant role in fostering sustainable practices and creating a positive impact on the social and environmental aspects of the supply chain. This review also highlights challenges faced by both regions, such as regulatory frameworks, infrastructure limitations, and the need for capacity building. Despite these challenges, the growing recognition of sustainability as a critical business imperative is driving a paradigm shift in supply chain practices. This review contributes to the understanding of sustainable supply chain practices by examining innovations in both the USA and Africa. By identifying commonalities and distinctions, it offers insights that can inform global strategies for building resilient, environmentally conscious, and socially responsible supply chains in the pursuit of a sustainable future.
 Keywords: Supply Chain, Innovation, USA, Africa, Sustainability.

Spirituality and Adjustment among Youth - A Sociological Analysis

Religion and spirituality are an important aspect of social life. In today’ S ever changing world young adults face various challenges in terms of physical, mental health and social adjustment. As defined by many thinkers’ religion is the source of morality and support in a society. In this era of materialism, spirituality comes as a huge support. With the help of interview schedule and conducting survey on 20 years adults aged 18-30 years, who actively engage in spirituality, this present study tried to find out the impact of spirituality in overall quality of life and social adjustment among youth.

Historical trends and current experiences of anatomical body donation in two Zimbabwean medical schools

BackgroundBody donation is integral to anatomy education, but procurement can be ethically fraught. While voluntary donation is preferred, the use of unclaimed bodies, although considered unethical, is a primary means for body procurement in some countries. This mixed methods study examined historical trends and anatomy technical staff perspectives on body donation in two Zimbabwean medical schools. Methodology and main findingsIn Phase 1, 194 cadaver paper records from January 1984 to January 2021 were reviewed. Unclaimed bodies accounted for 67% while 33% (all white Zimbabweans) were voluntarily donated. Most cadavers were black Africans (62.4%) followed by white Zimbabweans (34.0%). Race was not indicated in seven (3.6%) records. In Phase 2, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven technicians responsible for sourcing cadavers at the two institutions. Data were thematically analysed resulting in the development of eight themes, arranged into three domains. Cadaver procurement themes related to (1) cadaver source, (2) adherence to procurement guidelines, (3) screening for suitability, and (4) cultural and religious beliefs. Cadaver embalmment focused on (5) embalming practices, and (6) hospital mortuary-based embalming. Finally, (7) disposal processes and (8) resource constraints were found to influence cadaver disposal practices. ConclusionsContrary to best practice, there is continued reliance on the use of unclaimed bodies to support anatomy education in the two Zimbabwean medical schools. Improving the ethical sourcing of bodies requires increased efforts to educate all Zimbabweans, especially the black majority, about the role and importance of voluntary body donation in medical education. Additionally, well-structured, and well-resourced body donation programs could enhance ethical procurement.

The Effectiveness of Sustainable Marketing Practices in Influencing Consumer Behaviour and Brand Loyalty

This research endeavours to comprehensively examine the role of sustainable marketing practices in influencing consumer behaviour and cultivating brand loyalty within the contemporary marketplace. Specifically, it seeks to elucidate how consumers respond to companies employing eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing practices, aiming to shed light on the mechanisms through which sustainable initiatives impact consumer-brand interactions. We employed a rigorous mixed-methods approach, this study integrates qualitative and quantitative methodologies to provide a holistic understanding of the phenomenon under investigation. Qualitative data collection will involve in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with consumers from diverse demographics to capture nuanced insights into their perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours towards sustainable marketing practices. Subsequently, quantitative surveys will be administered to a large and diverse sample of consumers, allowing for statistical analysis employing techniques such as regression analysis and structural equation modelling. This combined approach enables the exploration of both the depth and breadth of consumer responses to sustainable marketing practices. The findings of this research underscore the significant influence of sustainable marketing practices on consumer behaviour and brand loyalty. It reveals that consumers exhibit heightened interest and favourable responses towards companies implementing eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing practices. Such initiatives not only influence consumers' purchasing decisions but also foster a sense of trust, affiliation, and loyalty towards brands committed to sustainability. Moreover, the study identifies various demographic and psychographic factors that moderate the relationship between sustainable marketing practices and consumer behaviour, providing valuable insights for marketers seeking to tailor their strategies effectively. This study contributes to the existing body of literature by offering empirical evidence on the effectiveness of sustainable marketing practices in driving consumer behaviour and fostering brand loyalty. The insights garnered from this research have practical implications for marketers, policymakers, and businesses, offering actionable strategies to enhance the adoption of sustainable practices and strengthen consumer-brand relationships in an increasingly environmentally conscious marketplace.

Apple's Secret to Being Successful: Research on Apple's Commercial Marketing Strategy Based on Multi-marketing Framework

Apple Inc., a renowned technology brand, wields an immense influence in the industry, consistently captivating consumers with its innovative products. Over time, Apple has transcended its status as a mere technology provider, evolving into a global fashion trendsetter. This article delves into the factors contributing to Apple's unparalleled success, focusing on its remarkable sales figures and extensive network of physical offline stores. One of the key pillars of Apple's success lies in its ability to consistently offer insights and creativity that resonate with consumers. Apple's relentless pursuit of innovation sets it apart from competitors, as evidenced by the iconic iPhone, MacBook, and other groundbreaking products that have redefined the technology landscape. Furthermore, Apple's dedication to providing exceptional after-sales services contributes significantly to its allure. The brand's commitment to customer satisfaction, with its user-friendly interfaces, prompt software updates, and responsive support teams, ensures a loyal customer base that continues to grow. Another essential aspect of Apple's success is its willingness to take on social responsibility. The company actively engages in environmental sustainability efforts and ethical sourcing, aligning its business practices with societal concerns. This commitment enhances Apple's reputation and appeals to socially conscious consumers. As a peer into the future, Apple Inc. faces both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, the company is poised to continue pushing technological boundaries, offering consumers even more cutting-edge innovations. With advancements in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and other emerging technologies, Apple has ample room to expand its product offerings and maintain its competitive edge.

Derrida Escaping the Deserts of Moral Law

This paper gives an account of the most significant elements of Derrida’s ethical thought, drawing on the desert of the Hebrew Bible, which Derrida associates with a moral law that is ethically troubling. Partly with reference to Kierkegaard’s account of the story of Abraham and Isaac, Derrida examines how ethical law can become subordinate to the sovereignty of the power apparently at the source of ethics which may then destroy moral law. The political equivalent of this is the decision proposed by Carl Schmitt, drawing on Kierkegaard. Derrida’s famous statement that “deconstruction is justice” is the recognition that justice, and ethics in general, is caught between the formality of law and the violence of the sovereign power. One outcome of this is sacrifice as substitution, where ethics becomes recompense for violation through sacrifice. Sacrifice is the offering of a substitute. The substitution becomes repeated and itself is then the source of violence contravening some sense of ethics. Derrida’s attempts to escape from these deserts include a poetics which recognises the subjective and the aesthetic in the interpretation of law. It also includes the development of a form of sacrifice which is the individual responding to violation in an individualised way which cannot be substituted.

The Relationship Between Social Pressure

Whether a person’s belief or action is the result of nature or nurture is a classical debate in the realm of psychology. The source of morality is one of the most heated topics of this grand debate. Some philosophers and psychologists argue that morality is the result of nature and instinct. Although many of their arguments are sound, one cannot neglect the role played by society regarding the shape of one’s morality. This research aims to take a close examination of the relationship between the moral position of an individual and social influence. To accomplish this end, this research combines the methods of psychology and the duality of moral dilemmas. More specifically, this research reviews, modifies, and combines Asch’s conformity experiment, the Third Wave Experiment, and the trolly problem. Currently, this experiment remains at the designing stage and specific details future may be altered.

The safe, ethical and legitimate sourcing of products

Inappropriate product supply and use is amongst the most common complaints received by the JCCP. In this article, Andrew Rankin discusses this issue and what can be done to combat it.

ChatGPT and accounting in African contexts: Amplifying epistemic injustice

Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT are likely to amplify epistemic injustice through the lack of transparency and traceability of data sources. The unethical alienation of original knowledge producers from their intellectual products, which are repackaged by LLMs as artificial intelligence, conceals power asymmetries in the global knowledge production and dissemination system. As elaborated by Miranda Fricker (2010), Western White male actors traditionally dominate knowledge production; therefore, ChatGPT and other LLMs are inclined to reproduce patriarchal perspectives as universal understandings of the World. Our commentary applies this logic to accounting practice and research in Africa, and asserts that epistemic injustice, resulting from colonization and racism, means that ontological and epistemological approaches situated in the accounting needs and experiences of African communities are missing from or poorly articulated by ChatGPT and other LLMs. If LLMs are to attain legitimacy as (ethical) sources of knowledge, regulation must be enforced to ensure transparency—as a foundation for promoting pluriversality and eliminating epistemic injustice.

It is Not Too Late for Reconciliation Between Israel and Palestine, Even in the Darkest Hour

The conflict in Gaza and Israel that ignited on October 7, 2023 signals a catastrophic breakdown in the possibility of ethical dialogue in the region. The actions on both sides have revealed a dissolution of ethical restraints, with unimaginably cruel attacks on civilians, murder of children, destruction of health facilities, and denial of basic needs such as water, food, and shelter. There is a need both to understand the nature of the ethical singularity represented by this conflict and what, if any, options are available to allow the reconstruction of communication between the warring parties. This article seeks to address these tasks by analysing the conflict as inherently an ethical one, in the sense that it exposes a rupture in the fabric of communicative relationships that has evolved systematically out of the deep cultural structures from which all protagonists have emerged. Drawing on the work of Levinas, Habermas, Arendt, and others, and referring to the specific circumstances in the region, it examines the ethical sources of the crisis and tries to identify conditions for its resolution. The possibility of reconciliation—that is, of refiguring relationships to open up a space for dialogue to create pathways to heal the ruptures—is examined. The dark legacy of the Holocaust is identified as an abiding cultural vulnerability for both societies. It is concluded, however, that the rich history of partnerships and collaborations between Jews and Palestinians provides a robust infrastructure on the basis of which a sustainable peace might be built, providing a much-needed source of hope.

A structural equation modeling framework for exploring the industry 5.0 and sustainable supply chain determinants

Sustainable Supply Chain and Industry 5.0 are two important concepts reshaping how businesses operate in the modern world. Together, these two concepts drive the advancement of a highly sustainable and robust worldwide economy. Companies are now becoming more sustainable in supply chain management, using technologies like blockchain and co-bots to track the origin of goods, ensure ethical and sustainable sourcing, and work with humans safely and effectively. This study develops a theoretical model highlighting the determinants of Industry 5.0, Sustainable Supply Chain Practices, by combining theoretical frameworks from the manufacturing, supply chain, and information systems literature. The study's analytic sample comprises 342 responses collected from professionals working in the electronics industry's supply chain. Hypotheses were constructed employing deductive reasoning, leveraging insights gleaned from prior research. The study is conducted utilizing the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to substantiate the presumed connections among various constructs, namely, Industry 5.0 innovations, Sustainable Supply Chain Practices (SSCP), Sustainable Supply Chain Performance (SCP), and Supply Chain Risks (SCR). The Structural Equation Modeling analysis results show a direct impact of Industry 5.0 technologies through Sustainable Supply Chain Practices can enhance Supply Chain Performance and mitigate Supply Chain Risks. Combining the two paradigms can foster the development of new business models that prioritize sustainability and contribute to a more equitable and environmentally friendly economy that brings positive change for both businesses and society.

Intersection of Islamic Values and Consumer Preferences

This study aims to explore the intersection of Islamic values and consumer preferences within the realm of marketing, particularly focusing on the implications for businesses operating in Muslim-majority markets or targeting Muslim consumers worldwide. The research design adopts a qualitative approach, utilizing thematic analysis to synthesize recent literature on Islamic marketing and consumer behavior. The findings reveal that Islamic principles such as halal authenticity, ethical considerations, and cultural sensitivity significantly influence consumer decision-making processes across various product categories. Additionally, the study highlights the growing importance of understanding the impact of technological advancements, regulatory developments, and socio-cultural shifts on consumer behavior and market dynamics within the context of Islamic marketing. The implications of these findings underscore the need for businesses to prioritize halal authenticity, ethical sourcing, and cultural sensitivity in their marketing strategies to build trust, credibility, and loyalty within Muslim communities. This study contributes to the advancement of theory and practice in Islamic marketing, informing strategic decision-making and promoting inclusive and ethical approaches to consumer engagement in the global marketplace.

The conceptualisation of morality in Judaism

This article dealt with the irony that confronts any investigation into the conceptualisation of morality in Judaism: much of contemporary scholarship promotes the Strong Dependence Theory where God is considered the prime source of morality − yet an empirical analysis of classical rabbinic literature indicates a leaning more towards the Weak Dependence Theory which considers human beings the source for morality. Somehow, scholarship seems to overlook this textual evidence. On the other hand, that same contemporary scholarship has no problem in accepting absolute and complete human autonomy in the area of Jewish religious law or Halacha. This study questioned why humans are comfortably accepted as the primary determinants of religious law but not of morality – and argued for a return to the original Weak Dependence Theory to maintain moral efficacy. It included an examination of an extreme historical test case for rabbinic morality concerning how the rabbinic world dealt internally with the moral implications of major rabbis who had fled the Holocaust.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: While this literature study was conducted from an orthodox rabbinic perspective, it adopted a descriptive and evaluative methodology based on academic, rabbinic and historical sources.

Utilization Of Blockchain Technology By Updf For Supply Chain Transparency And Traceability

To sustain ethical sourcing practices, prevent the sale of counterfeit goods, and increase consumer confidence, organizations must provide transparency and traceability in their supply chains. This case study focuses on the Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) and examines the creation and implementation of a blockchain-based application for improving supply chain transparency and traceability. The main goal is to look into how a blockchain application may enhance supply chain management, decrease corruption, and increase accountability in the UPDF's logistics and procurement procedures. The project will involve designing, creating, and assessing a blockchain-based application specifically catered to the needs and supply chain procedures of the UPDF. In order to provide transparency, immutability, and decentralized control, the app will use blockchain technology to record and verify each stage of the supply chain, from purchase through delivery. The investigation will take into account whether the UPDF has access to the infrastructure and training required to use blockchain technology. A mixed-methods approach will be used to combine quantitative data from transaction logs and supply chain records with qualitative data from stakeholder interviews and observations. The study will evaluate the app's effects on supply chain efficiency, transparency, and traceability as well as any risks and rewards of integrating blockchain technology into the UPDF's supply chain ecosystem. Finally, this technique seeks to advance knowledge of how blockchain technology might enhance supply chain management in governmental and military contexts by examining the adoption of a blockchain-based app within the UPDF's supply chain. The results will advise policymakers, procurement officers, and R researchers on the applicability of blockchain-based apps for boosting supply chain transparency. They will offer insights into the viability, effectiveness, and potential barriers of using blockchain solution

BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

This paper explores the transformative potential of blockchain technology in addressing inefficiencies, opaque processes, and fraud susceptibility in the traditional supply chain ecosystem. Blockchain technology, with its distributed ledger technology (DLT), provides secure, transparent, and tamper-proof record-keeping capabilities throughout the supply chain. Its applications include traceability and transparency, inventory and logistics optimization, smart contracts for automated payments, and counterfeit prevention and brand protection. Blockchain's decentralized and immutable ledger facilitates traceability, offering an unalterable record of the journey of goods. Real-time visibility into inventory levels and locations empowers better forecasting, demand planning, and logistics management, leading to cost reductions and improved efficiency in warehousing, delivery routes, and resource utilization. Smart contracts enable automated, secure, and transparent execution of predefined contractual conditions, resulting in efficiency gains, cost savings, and contractual compliance. Blockchain also creates a secure digital fingerprint for products, combating counterfeiting and ensuring product authenticity throughout the supply chain. The case study of Everledger in the diamond industry exemplifies how blockchain technology contributes to ethical sourcing and reduces the risk of conflict diamonds. However, blockchain faces challenges such as scalability, regulatory uncertainties, cost, and privacy concerns. Future directions involve integrating blockchain with artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, developing industry-specific blockchain solutions, and exploring hybrid blockchain models. By addressing these challenges through collaborative research, development, and policy initiatives, stakeholders can unlock the full potential of blockchain in supply chain management, creating a resilient and robust supply chain ecosystem.
 Keywords: Blockchain, Supply Chain Management, Traceability, Efficiency, Trust, Case Studies, Best Practices, Agriculture, Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing, Challenges, Future Directions

Virtue, well-being, and mentalized affectivity.

Virtue ethics, featuring the claim that virtue leads to wellbeing, has been imported by psychologists from philosophy. In the first part of the paper, we re-examine the source of virtue ethics in Aristotle's philosophy and question whether virtues can be the path to eudaimonistic well-being for us, given that contemporary society differs from ancient society in terms of a lack of consensus about virtues. We focus on the modulation of emotions as a good starting place for reconstruing virtue ethics, and we affirm a connection to well-being through the construct of "mentalized affectivity", which is a specific kind of emotion regulation. In the second half of this hybrid paper, we provide evidence for the link between mentalized affectivity and well-being, based upon an empirical study with an adult sample (N=558). Our study examined how the Mentalized Affectivity Scale (MAS) predicts subjective well-being compared to five commonly used and related measures: Difficulty with Emotion Regulation Scale; Emotion Regulation Questionnaire; Flexibility Regulation of Emotional Expression scale; Reflective Functioning Questionnaire; Toronto Alexithymia Scale. The most important finding is that the MAS and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale are most predictive of satisfaction with life. A second finding, less relevant for the present paper, is that the MAS (namely, its components of Identifying and Processing) strongly predicted psychopathology, including anxiety and mood disorders. This suggests that the MAS is a valuable tool for research on emotion regulation, well-being, and psychopathology, and that mentalized affectivity ought to be regarded as a promising construct for re-describing and specifying the contemporary relevance of virtue ethics.

Reauditing and dual sourcing? Implication of collusion deterrence measures in ethical sourcing

AbstractWe consider a supply chain in which a buyer sources from a supplier for the production of a product. The supplier's production process is subject to probable violations of either government regulations or ethical requirements. The sourcing contract offered by the buyer demands that the supplier exerts an effort to improve its production process, thus reducing the probability of the occurrence of supplier violation. Because the supplier's effort is hardly observable, the buyer has to send an auditor to perform an audit of the supplier's facility. The auditor in turn reports whether the supplier has exerted the effort or not. If the supplier fails to pass the audit, she may offer a side contract to the auditor, thus engaging in a supplier‐auditor collusion. We study how such supplier–auditor collusion may affect the buyer's outsourcing strategy. We find that the buyer should reduce the order quantity to deter the supplier–auditor collusion when the collusion penalty is relatively low. We further examine reaudit and dual sourcing, two mechanisms which could probably prevent supplier–auditor collusion. We find that a reaudit may complement the collusion penalty under certain conditions; using dual sourcing to deter collusion is viable only if supplier‐improvement techniques or procedures are effective. Finally, we extend our model by considering false positive audit error and linear penalty function. Our analytical and numerical results show that our insights are robust.

Self-Cultivation According to Li Zhi and Its Paradoxes

This essay delves into the significance of self-cultivation in the thought of Li Zhi (1527–1602), particularly the process of rediscovering one’s childlike innocence (tongxin 童心). This journey challenges conventional morals and doctrines due to Li Zhi’s various levels of interpretation, which scrutinize the concept of self and the objectives of self-cultivation. Li Zhi’s notion of the self develops some concepts elaborated within the School of Mind, notably those of Wang Ji (1498–1583), and reconstructs an alternative Chinese model of a self, centered on individual autonomy. His ideas provoke ethical and philosophical considerations from both intra-cultural and transcultural perspectives. Central to Li Zhi’s concept of self-cultivation is based on his psychological realism, which begins with an acknowledgment of the inherent “selfishness” of human nature. However, unlike Xunzi’s viewpoint, Li Zhi contends that this innate selfishness is not the cause of conflicts and disorder. On the contrary, it is the source of morality and a positive dynamic force both in society and in personal life. He harnesses the concept of emptiness inherited from Buddhism and Wang Ji, employing it as a practical and secular tool to liberate individuals from biases, authoritarian dictates, and social norms. Situated within the framework of the cult of qing and the reclamation of emotions and desires, Li Zhi’s notion of the childmind, with its natural inclinations, self-interests, and desires, resonates with modern psychological theories on the flow of consciousness and self-motivation, as well as contemporary discussions on the morality of self-interest. This juxtaposition unveils the paradox of “Unsocial sociability,” prompting an exploration of the intricate relationship between sociability and selfishness. Questions remain, then, concerning the efficacy of self-cultivation in fostering the spontaneous expression of moderate and genuine inclinations. Can such self-cultivation establish a moral standard accessible to all, on their own terms, while simultaneously preventing harm among individuals (bu xianghai 不相害)? These inquiries underscore the complexity inherent in Li Zhi’s philosophy and invite further contemplation on the dynamics of selfhood and ethical conduct.

L’Ouvert croît

As Frédéric Worms points out, the distinction between the open and the closed is a distinction that “changes everything,” not only in Bergsonian philosophy, but also in human history (Worms 2012, 25). What I intend in this article is to retrace Bergson’s itinerary prior to the Two Sources of Morality and Religion, based on the idea of openness. I will try to show that duration, God, the material universe and the totality of reality are essentially open to Bergson. Furthermore: I will try to show that these spheres, in addition to being essentially open to the philosopher, are also in a process of constant differentiation and "growth." Openness thus implies the idea of growth for Bergson. As we will see, essential in this process of growth of reality is the idea of an “inversion” of divinity, an “inversion” that would constantly produce not only the matter of the universe, but also the life that inhabits the cosmos.

Bergson and Technical Creativity

Bergson portrays technics as a central expression of human creativity, but he also describes it as degenerating, mechanistic instrumentality. Can technics be truly creative or is it bound to the mechanistic processes of matter? In this paper, I develop a Bergsonian analysis of technical creativity based on two main reformulations of his ideas. First, I extend the Bergsonian theory of creative emotions presented in The Two Sources of Morality and Religion to technical creativity, as material affectivity. Second, I develop a materialist reading of Bergsonian intuition, based on Deleuze and Guattari’s formulations in A Thousand Plateaus. Through these reformulations, we can indeed find in Bergson’s thought a fruitful ground for an analysis of technical creativity. For this, we need to develop an affective conception of materiality and, in addition, acknowledge the importance of a material context for Bergsonian intuition.