Management Framework Research Articles

Unveiling the power of employer branding: enhancing talent retention through organizational advocacy

PurposeThis study aims to explore the relationship between employer branding and talent retention, also examining the mediating role of organizational advocacy. Additionally, it investigates the moderating effect of supervisor support and coworker support in the connection between organizational advocacy and talent retention.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the objectives, a cross-sectional survey with convenience sampling was used to collect data from employees in the IT sector. PLS-SEM modeling was then employed to conduct the analysis.FindingsThe study revealed that dimensions of employer branding positively influenced organizational advocacy, supporting talent retention. Moreover, the study observed a significant moderating effect of supervisor support and coworker support concerning organizational advocacy and talent retention.Practical implicationsThis study offers valuable insights for a wide range of IT professionals. The results emphasize the significance of employer branding in shaping organizational advocacy and talent retention. Additionally, the supportive attitude of supervisors and coworkers plays a crucial role in retaining talented employees within an organization. The study validates the connections between employer branding dimensions and key variables, aiding in the refinement of existing theories and the creation of new conceptual frameworks in organizational behavior and human resource management. These findings can help managers and practitioners improve employer branding to engage their workforce effectively.Originality/valueThe authors have advanced social exchange theory by studying the link between employer branding and talent retention. The paper highlights the uniqueness of their investigation, which explores how employer branding influences talent retention with a focus on organizational advocacy, influenced by the level of support from supervisors and coworkers. This study will be a valuable resource for future academia, revealing the significant impact of employer branding on organizational advocacy and talent retention.

Conceptualizing an Institutional Framework to Mitigate Crypto-Assets’ Operational Risk

Extent ecosystems of crypto financial assets (crypto-assets) lack parity and coherence across the globe. This asymmetry is further heightened with a knowledge gap in operational risk management, wherein the global landscape of crypto-assets is characterized by unprecedented external risks and internal vulnerabilities. In this study, we present a critical examination and comprehensive analysis of current crypto-asset operational guidelines across geographies. We benchmark these guidelines to the Basel Committee for Banking Supervision (BCBS) risk classification framework for crypto-assets, identifying gaps in the operations across organizations. We, hence, conceptualize a novel institutional framework which may help in understanding and mitigating the gaps in operational risks’ regulation of crypto-assets. Our proposed Crypto-asset Operational Risk Management (CORM) framework determines how operational risk associated with crypto-assets of financial institutions can be mitigated to respond to the increasing demand for crypto-assets, cross border payments, electronic money, and cryptocurrencies, across countries. Applicable to firms irrespective of their size and scale of operations, CORM aligns with global regulatory initiatives, facilitating compliance and fostering trust among stakeholders. Strengthening our argument of CORM’s applicability, we present its efficacy in the form of alternate hypothetical outcomes in two distinct real-life cases wherein crypto-asset exchanges succumbed to either external risks, such as hacking, or internal vulnerabilities. It paves the way for future regulatory response with a structured approach to addressing the unique operational risks associated with crypto-assets. The framework advocates for collaborative efforts among industry stakeholders, ensuring its adaptability to the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. It further contributes to the establishment of a more resilient and regulated financial ecosystem, inclusive of crypto-assets. By implementing CORM, institutions can navigate the complexities of crypto-assets while safeguarding their interests and promoting sustainable growth in the digital asset market.

Greening the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain

ABSTRACTThe pharmaceutical sector is critical from a life‐saving perspective. However, it also poses significant environmental challenges due to large consumptions of non‐renewable materials and energy, as also extensive by‐product and waste generation. Addressing these issues is paramount, though surprisingly, research on it has largely been theoretical, fragmented and incomplete. These shortcomings are sought to be addressed in this work where a comprehensive green supply chain management (GSCM) framework for the sector is first developed through a systematic literature review. It is then empirically assessed and validated for UK's pharmaceutical sector through 47 interviews and analyses of 112 corporate environmental reports that covered all key stakeholders. Innovative and Bio‐pharma players were found to be at the forefront of the greening efforts with generic players lagging behind. High levels of solvent recycling, AI‐based drug design, and emphasis on Ecopharmacovigilance were observed for the Innovative players. The key drivers for greening were found to be regulatory pressures (e.g., f‐gas, ERA, IED) and cost saving potential, with their influence being particularly greater for the Innovative players. Similarly, complex marketing authorization process, high investment requirements, lack of green culture and time pressure were revealed as the key barriers to greening. On the downstream side, lack of environment‐related regulatory guidance on prescribing and contradictory regulatory guidance on disposing unused/expired drugs were identified as factors having a significant impact on the environmental loading of drugs. Overall, the study findings can help assess the green readiness of the sector, as also develop stakeholder‐specific policy interventions and support mechanisms to increase green adoption.

From Detection to Action: A Multimodal AI Framework for Traffic Incident Response

With the rising incidence of traffic accidents and growing environmental concerns, the demand for advanced systems to ensure traffic and environmental safety has become increasingly urgent. This paper introduces an automated highway safety management framework that integrates computer vision and natural language processing for real-time monitoring, analysis, and reporting of traffic incidents. The system not only identifies accidents but also aids in coordinating emergency responses, such as dispatching ambulances, fire services, and police, while simultaneously managing traffic flow. The approach begins with the creation of a diverse highway accident dataset, combining public datasets with drone and CCTV footage. YOLOv11s is retrained on this dataset to enable real-time detection of critical traffic elements and anomalies, such as collisions and fires. A vision–language model (VLM), Moondream2, is employed to generate detailed scene descriptions, which are further refined by a large language model (LLM), GPT 4-Turbo, to produce concise incident reports and actionable suggestions. These reports are automatically sent to relevant authorities, ensuring prompt and effective response. The system’s effectiveness is validated through the analysis of diverse accident videos and zero-shot simulation testing within the Webots environment. The results highlight the potential of combining drone and CCTV imagery with AI-driven methodologies to improve traffic management and enhance public safety. Future work will include refining detection models, expanding dataset diversity, and deploying the framework in real-world scenarios using live drone and CCTV feeds. This study lays the groundwork for scalable and reliable solutions to address critical traffic safety challenges.

Pesticide use in integrated pest and pollinator management framework to protect pollinator health.

Agricultural pesticides have historically been a critical tool in controlling pests and diseases, preventing widespread suffering and crop losses that led to catastrophes such as the Great Irish Famine (1845-1852) and the Cotton Boll Weevil Infestation (1915-1916). However, their usage has brought challenges, including resistance development, secondary pest outbreaks, harm to non-target organisms like pollinators, and environmental contamination. In response to these concerns, integrated pest management (IPM) has emerged as a comprehensive approach, emphasizing non-chemical pest control methods such as cultural practices, biological control, and crop rotation, with pesticides as the last resort. IPM has evolved, influenced by regulations like the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA), which prioritizes human health protection, especially for children. The development of systemic pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, introduced a more efficient and targeted pest control method within the IPM framework. However, they have also raised concerns due to their potential adverse effects on pollinators. In recent years, integrated pest and pollinator management (IPPM) has emerged as an enhanced approach, integrating pollinator health considerations into pest management strategies. In this article, we discuss this new approach, and briefly present an example of a modifying pesticide program in Pennsylvania apple orchards to illustrate the application of IPPM, in order to highlight the importance of IPPM in sustaining agriculture, protecting vital pollinators, and maintaining effective pest control practices. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

The adoption of information technology governance frameworks by universities in Gauteng province, South Africa

Lately, there has been a rise in personal and commercial use of computer devices, be it mobile phones, laptops, or any other computing devices, not forgetting the network, networking peripherals, and software that these devices function with. That being said, it has led organisations and institutions of higher learning to establish and adhere to Information Technology governance frameworks set out by the government and the higher education sector. White and Greiner (2022) defined Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) as an Information Technology (IT) service management framework that outlines best practices for delivering IT services. Kidd (2019) defined Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies (COBIT) as an IT management framework developed by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) to help businesses develop, organize, and implement strategies around information management and IT governance. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ITIL and COBIT, as IT governance frameworks recommended by the higher education sector in South Africa, were adopted by ICT departments in universities in Gauteng province, South Africa. Data collection was done using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent via email to 52 potential respondents from all the higher institutions in Gauteng. A total of 41 questionnaires were returned. The questionnaire for both ITIL and COBIT frameworks was designed using Google Forms. The study findings showed that universities in Gauteng have adopted ITIL and COBIT as ICT governance frameworks recommended by the Higher Education sector in South Africa. The study's results are crucial for university administrators as they might improve comprehension of the factors affecting the adoption, administration, and utilization of ICT resources to enhance the university's capacities

INTEGRATING AI IN IDENTITY AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT FOR IMPROVED CYBERSECURITY POSTURE

Abstract—The rise of cybercrime has made fraud detection a critical focus for financial services, where even minor improvements in detection rates can translate into significant savings. Traditional rule- based detection systems are increasingly unable to keep up with the complexity and evolving nature of fraudulent schemes. This work explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning, in enhancing fraud detection capabilities. Here we propose a novel AI-driven fraud detection system that incorporates Single Sign-On (SSO) identity and access management (IAM) frameworks, leveraging a dual-layered approach with batch and real-time processing. The batch layer establishes a user trust identity by analysing historical behavioural patterns, which informs an access-granting mechanism that evaluates real-time transaction data for fraud indicators. A deep iterative convoluted memory classifier then assesses transactions, for detecting frauds. This architecture automates fraud detection, allowing analysts to focus on high-priority cases and ensuring that only authenticated users can access sensitive information. Our experiments are Conducted in the MATLAB environment, From the analysis it was revealed that the model's effectiveness, showing promise for scalable, efficient fraud prevention in financial services. This work underscores the transformative potential of AI in securing financial transactions against sophisticated cyber threats. Index Terms— cybercrime, Fraud, Financial Transactions, artificial intelligence, identity and access management, fraud detection,

Strategic financial management framework to ensure performance and growth for small to medium entrprises

Zimbabwe’s Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) face worsening performance and growth-related challenges attributable to failure by owner managers to embrace Strategic Financial Management (SFM) practices capable of promoting business growth and performance. SMEs became the main contributor to the gross domestic product following the collapse of the economy due to the government’s agrarian reform of 2000. Using the quantitative design, the study investigated SFM practices by SMEs towards developing a SFM framework for Zimbabwe’s SMEs. The study revealed that SMEs lacked a conceptual framework that ensures growth despite having a clear focus and vision. Drawing from empirical data and critical review of relevant theories, the study developed a strategic financial management framework for SMEs in Zimbabwe. The framework has relevance for SMEs in Zimbabwe and other neighboring countries as they promote SMEs growth and performance.

Sustainability Education Design and Environmental Awareness in Madrasah Education within the framework of Islamic Education Management

Islamic education management has an important role in the progress of the Madrasah as a place to educate students to have awareness of sustainable life and environmental awareness. One of the efforts is to build an integrated management framework in Madrasah education. This article focuses on explaining the educational steps. Sustainability and environmental awareness, as well as the role of Islamic education management in supporting the effectiveness of achieving Sustainable Education. This research uses a literature or library research method, with the direction of critically reviewing or reviewing knowledge, ideas, or findings contained in the academic-oriented literature, to formulate theoretical and methodological contributions related to the practice of sustainability and environmental awareness in education in Madrasahs within the framework of Islamic education management. The results of the study show that; 1) the concept of education sustainability and environmental awareness include economic, environmental, and social aspects where in the framework of Islamic education, being responsible for nature and the environment is not only a contemporary need but also part of religious teachings so that humans can become caliphs (caretakers) on earth; 2) steps for sustainability education and environmental awareness through an effective educational approach and active participation of students to produce positive behavior and attitudes in everyday life; and 3) the framework of Islamic Education management ineducationsustainability and environmental awareness are focused on development of leadership character based on Islamic values to have a social impact to prepare students to become ethical leaders in the global community. The findings of the study indicate that education in Madrasah is a strategic vehicle for educating and training awareness of sustainable living and environmental awareness integrated into Islamic values.

SPORT EVENT PLANNING AND EXECUTION: LEVERAGING WORKFLOW GANTT AND PROCESS FLOW CHARTS AS PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS

Effective planning and execution are critical success factors for sport events of all scales. This paper explores the application of workflow charts as a project management tool to streamline and optimize the sport event lifecycle. Workflow charts offer a visual representation of tasks, decision points, and processes, facilitating better communication, resource allocation, and risk mitigation among stakeholders. The study examines the advantages of integrating workflow charts, including the identification of bottlenecks, incorporation of contingency plans, progress monitoring, and data-driven decision-making. Additionally, the paper highlights the importance of a collaborative approach, involving diverse stakeholders and leveraging their respective expertise throughout the event planning and execution phases. Case studies were presented, demonstrating the implementation of workflow charts in the organization and logistics of a major university sports event. The findings underscore the potential of workflow charts to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability, ultimately contributing to the successful delivery of memorable and impactful sport event experiences. Furthermore, the paper discusses the integration of project management tools such as Gantt charts and risk management matrices, emphasizing the value of a comprehensive project management framework in the sports industry.

Implementation of the Asset Management, Operational Reliability and Maintenance Survey in Recycled Beverage Container Manufacturing Lines

The effectiveness of a comprehensive maintenance and reliability management process can be assessed through an in-depth analysis of various factors that collectively represent the maintenance contribution to the operational and production processes of an industrial asset. There are no simple formulas for designing an integrated maintenance and reliability model within an asset management framework (in accordance with the ISO 55001 standard), nor are there fixed or universal rules that apply equally to all production assets over time. In light of this, the primary goal of this article is to provide an overview of the implementation project of the AMORMS (Asset Management, Operational Reliability and Maintenance Survey), based on the maintenance management model (MMM) developed by INGEMAN, at the SINEA PERU plant, a leading company in Latin America specializing in the industrial production of recycled plastic containers for commercial beverages (PET preforms—Polyethylene Terephthalate). Lastly, the article outlines the recommendations and high-impact action plans that will support SINEA PERU in strengthening the efficiency of its maintenance and reliability management processes while effectively optimizing the value of its industrial assets throughout its life cycle.

Evaluating sustainable water management strategies using TOPSIS and fuzzy TOPSIS methods

This study evaluates sustainable water management strategies using TOPSIS and Fuzzy TOPSIS (FTOPSIS) to address global water scarcity by comparing rainwater harvesting, water recycling, and desalination across five criteria: water efficiency, cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, social equity, and technological feasibility. The results show Rainwater Harvesting as the most balanced option with a relative closeness value of Ci+=0.640, excelling in social equity and environmental sustainability. Water Recycling ranks closely behind (Ci+=0.608), highlighting its adaptability and technological feasibility, while Desalination, though highly efficient, is hindered by lower cost-effectiveness (Ci+=0.578). By integrating TOPSIS and FTOPSIS, the study addresses uncertainties and subjective criteria, providing a robust multi-dimensional assessment framework for resource management. This methodology aids decision-makers in identifying strategies that align with sustainable development goals and adapt to regional priorities. Future work can expand this framework to include stakeholder engagement and policy factors, enhancing water management strategies for resilient, long-term solutions.

Optimizing Urban Traffic Flow through Advanced Tensor Analysis and Multilinear Algebra: A Computational Approach to Enhancing Smart City Dynamics

Growing traffic congestion is a worldwide problem that collides against the aims of environmental sustainability, economic productivity, and the quality of life in cities. This research proposes a new computational framework for traffic management that integrates advanced tensor analysis and methods from multilinear algebra. We have developed and validated a new predictive model that greatly improves the optimization of traffic flows by synthesizing the naturally complex multi-dimensional traffic data analysis. Our results demonstrate that, compared with existing systems, the proposed approach results in higher accuracy of prediction, much improved computational efficiency, and provides scalable and adaptable solutions for application in a wide range of urban habitats. Such research may push the boundaries further on the smart city infrastructures to provide a very well-founded mathematical framework for the dynamics of improved urban mobility through high-level data-oriented information.

Idiopathic recurrent ischemic priapism: a review of current literature and an algorithmic approach to evaluation and management

BackgroundStuttering priapism is characterized by recurrent, self-limited episodes of penile erection lasting from a few minutes to a maximum of three hours, often resolving spontaneously. These episodes can occur with or without sexual stimulation. If not treated promptly and effectively, stuttering priapism can severely impact a patient’s quality of life, leading to significant psychological distress and anxiety related to sexual performance. Although it has been associated with various hematological disorders and pharmacological treatments, many cases of stuttering priapism remain idiopathic, meaning they have no identifiable cause. Currently, no conclusive randomized clinical trials exist on the management of idiopathic stuttering priapism. This study aims to review the existing literature on the pathophysiology and management of idiopathic stuttering priapism and propose an algorithm to assist physicians in its evaluation and treatment.ResultsA systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed database, focusing on the terms “idiopathic,” “stuttering,” “ischemic,” and “priapism.” The search identified 23 relevant references published between 1991 and 2022. The selection and analysis of these studies adhered to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, and results were described qualitatively. Recent research into the effectiveness, sustainability, tolerability, and side effects of various treatments for idiopathic stuttering priapism has enhanced the understanding of its underlying molecular mechanisms. Various treatments, targeting different mechanisms, have been identified that can potentially reduce the frequency and severity of episodes and improve patient outcomes.ConclusionCurrent research predominantly addresses the acute treatment of idiopathic stuttering priapism rather than strategies to alter the disease’s overall course. The limited number of treatment reviews, case reports, and the low level of evidence available, combined with the absence of randomized clinical trials, prevent the establishment of a consensus on treatment protocols. As a result, idiopathic stuttering priapism remains under-recognized and under-treated. This review proposes a management framework to help clinicians access and apply the available literature effectively, minimizing the reliance on extensive case reports and review articles.

Talent Management Framework in China Youth Travel Agency

In the context of China’s rapidly changing market and evolving workforce demographics, talent management has become a key factor in organizational success, particularly within service-oriented industries like the China Youth Travel Agency (CYTA). This study aims to explore the role of a structured talent management framework in driving employee motivation at CYTA, focusing on four dimensions: Talent Acquisition, Talent Development, Talent Deployment, and Talent Retention. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data was collected from 287 CYTA employees through a structured survey and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) path analysis. The findings reveal that each dimension of talent management significantly enhances employee motivation, with Talent Development showing the strongest impact. This research contributes to the literature by demonstrating the importance of an integrated talent management approach in fostering a motivated and committed workforce, essential for sustaining CYTA’s competitive edge and adapting to the dynamic demands of the travel industry.

Evaluation of Disaster Risk and Mitigation Strategies for Post-Disaster Permanent Housing in the Palu Koro Fault Area

The Palu Koro Fault in Sulawesi, Indonesia, an area with very high seismic activity, with a historical record of large earthquakes, including the devastating event on September 28, 2018. This earthquake, accompanied by a tsunami and liquefaction, caused significant damage to infrastructure and residential areas in Palu City, Donggala Regency, and Sigi Regency. A future similar event needs to be studied based on technical aspects related to disaster vulnerability criteria. The SNI 03-1733 (2004) establishes the disaster risk criteria in residential areas, such as landslides, floods, and earthquakes. BNPB has also created a disaster-prone map in Indonesia. However, studies on safe housing emerging from various disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, liquefaction, and other risks, specifically being in the path of planes or near high voltage currents, are still limited. This research aims to assess disaster risk in post-disaster permanent residential relocation using the AS/NZS ISO 31000 risk management framework, which includes vulnerability conditions, evaluation of technical aspects, disaster risk analysis, and development of recommendations, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were analyzed using a scale-based method, with descriptive statistics to calculate frequency, averages, and percentage of the risk categories at each location. Qualitative analysis produces narratives regarding the impact of risks on community safety and residential infrastructure. The current study results show that high-risk factors, including earthquakes, floods, and landslides, require immediate mitigation. Additionally, immediate action should be taken for risks categorized as unacceptable, involving building strengthening, drainage system improvement, and soil stabilization, to reduce the risk of liquefaction. Concerning moderate risks, which belong to the undesirable category, they also require further treatment to minimize the impact of future disasters. The current study also emphasizes the importance of community survivors' participation in the relocation and disaster preparation process. This underlines the need for an integrated approach to disaster risk management to strengthen the resilience of communities and infrastructure in disaster-prone areas.

Risk Management of Engineered Nanomaterials at Workplaces: A Narrative Review on Available Frameworks and Tools

Introduction: Due to uncertainties regarding the risks of engineered nanomaterials for human health and the environment, different organizations and researchers have developed various management frameworks and assessment tools to mitigate hazards during the procedures and applications of engineered nanomaterials. However, most of these techniques do not meet all the individual requirements. This study provides a review and introduction to the techniques developed for the management of safety, health, and environmental risks associated with engineered nanomaterials. Material and Methods: In order to find pertinent documents on the safe handling of engineered nanomaterials, a search was conducted using the following keywords: “Engineered nanomaterials”, “Framework”, “Tool”, “Risk management”, “Occupational exposure”, “Environment”, “Risk assessment”, and “Nanotechnology”. The search was conducted on various databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, NIOSH, ECHA, and ISO. Among the search results, tools and frameworks that specifically focus on the safety, health, and environmental risk management or assessment of engineered nanomaterials were selected. Results: Among the search results, 17 frameworks and 11 developments in the field of managing occupational, environmental, and toxicological risks associated with engineered nanomaterials were discussed. Various frameworks and tools for identifying, evaluating, and managing the potential risks of engineered nanomaterials vary in terms of their scope, goals, risk assessment approaches, and output, offering diverse applications. Conclusion: Various tools and frameworks, each with unique properties, applications, and limitations, can assist organizations in achieving their goals related to safety, health, and environmental issues in the field of nanotechnology. Currently, there is no consensus on the optimal approach for assessing the risks of nanomaterials, underscoring the necessity for additional research, development, and collaboration in this field.

Cultural landscape transformations in the "Prosecco hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene" UNESCO World Heritage Site in the context of terrain morphology

The "Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene" has been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2019 under the category “cultural landscapes”. The study analysed land use and landscape changes in the last six decades through spatial analyses and landscape metrics, identifying main changes and comparing similarities and differences between the Core and the Buffer Zone. The main aims were to identify the main drivers that contributed to the preservation of the traditional cultural landscape and to provide data and indications for landscape planning and conservation, with particular attention to the opportunities/threats due to the expected increase of tourism resulting from the recent UNESCO recognition. The study was conducted in the framework of the UNESCO site Management Plan.Results demonstrated that the Core Zone traditional landscape has a higher level of integrity compared to the Buffer Zone, due to the different terrain morphology that represents the main driver. The rough morphology of the Core Zone contributed to the preservation of traditional vineyards interspersed with small woods, linear tree formations and forest patches, as it was not possible to introduce mechanisation in viticulture due to steep slopes that oblige farmers to cultivate vines on ciglioni (earth terraces). Core Zone's main change was due to forestation (21% of the surface) on steeper slopes and higher altitudes, caused by the abandonment of pastures that occurred in the last decades. The main transformations in the Buffer Zone were agricultural intensification (29% of the surface) due to the replacement of traditional mixed crops, meadows, and arable land with modern and mechanised vineyards, and urban sprawl (average rate of 10 ha/year). The study highlighted that despite land use changes the Buffer Zone still contributes to the conservation of the overall UNESCO site landscape quality. Buffer Zone can also have a potential key-role in mitigating the increasing tourist flows, but additional urban sprawl or the spread of other modern vineyards should be avoided. The main long-term objective should be the preservation of the cultural landscape and the peaceful coexistence of farmers, local population and tourists, with mutual benefits, by applying a participatory approach.

Integrated Blockchain and Digital Twin Framework for Sustainable Building Energy Management

The building sector remains a major contributor to increasing energy consumption and emissions. Meanwhile, the energy system is becoming more complex due to the transition to clean energy sources. Current tools and policies struggle to manage this complexity, as the existing infrastructure was not designed for such large dynamic distributed energy resources. This creates an urgent need to adopt emerging technologies for enhancing building energy management systems. The objective of this research is to develop a framework that integrates Blockchain and Digital Twin technologies to provide an efficient and trusted energy management platform that supports smart cities communities and to effectively contribute to enhancing the progress of UN Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG11 and SDG13. The proposed framework comprises four main elements: Blockchain platform, Digital Twin platform, Application Program Interfaces (APIs), and building energy model. Blockchain platform automates energy billing by utilizing digital currency and smart contracts with pre-set pricing tiers and feed in tariffs. Digital Twin platform provides interactive communication and visualization with physical assets. APIs enables seamless interconnectivity between both platforms. The building energy model acts as a prediction tool, and the simulation results are fed to Digital Twin platform to alert system participants in case actual consumption deviates from optimum values. The viability of the proposed framework is demonstrated using a case study of a residential apartment.

OptiPower AI: A deep reinforcement learning framework for intelligent cluster energy management and V2X optimization in industrial applications

Peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading has emerged as a practical solution for efficient energy management, particularly with the rising affordability of renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs). This paper introduces the Optimal Power Artificial Intelligence (OptiPower AI) algorithm, a significant advancement in Intelligent Cluster Energy Management (ICEM). OptiPower AI combines Double Deep Q-Network (DDQN)-based Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL), Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology, and P2P energy trading to optimize energy distribution among clusters of prosumers and consumers. The system efficiently manages Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and EVs, achieving a 19.18% reduction in energy costs and a 50.02% decrease in average energy prices across V2X and P2P scenarios.OptiPower AI uses DRL to dynamically allocate energy and implement real-time pricing, enhancing energy efficiency and user satisfaction. Simulations based on meteorological data from Tunisia validate the system’s ability to improve thermal comfort, increase energy savings, and lower costs. The model’s parameters enable accurate forecasting and allocation, showcasing OptiPower AI’s reliability in variable demand conditions. This work advances the application of DRL in decentralized, sustainable P2P energy management systems for industrial clusters, addressing critical challenges in energy distribution, efficiency, and cost reduction.