Sustainability Initiatives Research Articles

Lean Manufacturing en la producción de alimentos: Revisión sistemática, análisis bibliométrico y propuesta de aplicación

In a changing environment, efficiency and adaptability are essential to improve business competitiveness. The present study analyzed the application of Lean Manufacturing in food production through a review of the scientific literature based in Scopus, using the PRISMA methodology and the Vosviewer and Bibliometrix software. From the bibliometric analysis, there is evidence of an increase in research on Lean Manufacturing in food companies since 2019, with an annual growth rate of 5.96%. Brazil and Peru stand out for their high scientific production, while Brazil and Belgium stand out in terms of citations. In addition, outstanding scientific collaboration between authors from South America and Asia is observed. Three relevant clusters were identified: principles, implementation tools and practical applications of Lean Manufacturing. The thematic mapping highlighted the concepts Cost Reduction, Process Monitoring, Six Sigma and Value Stream Mapping as the most prominent topics underlining the interest and applications in the scientific literature. The implementation of Lean Manufacturing in seven steps is proposed, facilitating the use of agile tools for process optimization and waste reduction in food companies. Lean Manufacturing contributes to improve the flow of products in the supply chain and to the sustainability of small and medium enterprises. Future research should focus on adapting Lean Manufacturing to various contexts and business models in the agri-food sector.

Sustainable mobility challenges – case study of the offshore center in Gdansk transport accessibility

Urban mobility planning is one of the key elements in building a sustainable future. Strategic management of urban transport traffic not only reduces congestion and minimises the negative impact on the environment but also positively affects the improvement of residents' quality of life. Furthermore, following the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive approved by the European Union in 2023, companies are obliged to submit annual reports on their environmental impact. One of its elements is the calculation of the organization's carbon footprint, which includes emissions caused by means of transport, including emissions from commuting to work. This case study investigates the impact of transport accessibility on employee preferences and behaviour in the context of changing the premises location, using the example of the Maritime Institute of Gdynia Maritime University (GMU), located at the newly opened Offshore Center in Gdansk seaport. The research hypothesis states that the relocation to new premises with limited transport accessibility may, as a consequence, influence the choice of commuting transportation methods among employees, potentially leading to a shift towards less sustainable means of transport. The results of the research survey prove that there is a complex interconnection between transport accessibility, commuting behaviours, and sustainable mobility initiatives. This pilot study aims to contribute to urban mobility planning by exploring how to transport accessibility influences employee behaviour and by proposing strategies to improve commuting conditions and promote more sustainable solutions.

Dynamic and Stable R&D Strategies for Green Technology Based on Cooperative Differential Games

As the “carbon neutrality” strategy is implemented, green technology R&D, a core competitive strength for sustainable enterprise development, is an essential pathway for China’s transformation and green growth. Green technology, a breakthrough over traditional production technologies, involves lengthy and costly R&D processes with high risks typically beyond the reach of a single enterprise. It requires the heterogeneous functions of enterprises, universities, and research institutions to complement each other’s advantages and establish an “industry–university–research” collaborative innovation alliance for green technologies. This paper constructs differential game models for non-cooperative and cooperative green technology R&D involving a green manufacturer and a research institution. We solve and compare the profits for both parties under these scenarios, apply a time-consistent payment distribution mechanism to allocate cooperative profits, and ensure that neither party deviates from the optimal cooperative trajectory over a prolonged period, achieving Pareto improvement and enhancing social welfare.

Challenging Institutional Path Dependence Through Field Configuring Events: Exploring the Collective Institutional Entrepreneurship of the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative

ABSTRACTResearch Question/IssueHow can a global social movement, mobilized through a multi‐stakeholder initiative, promote the uptake of novel governance practices in distinct national institutional environments?Research Findings/InsightsUsing data from all 114 of the world's stock exchanges, covering over 99% of global stock market capitalization as of 2018, I find that exchanges in common‐law countries were more likely to become early partners of the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (SSEI) after its launch in 2012. However, exchanges based in civil‐law countries experienced a higher likelihood (i.e., risk) of adoption, as measured by the hazard ratio, particularly during a series of sustained field‐configuring events (FCEs) promoted by the SSEI. Over time, this increased hazard ratio indicated a rising likelihood of adoption for civil‐law‐based exchanges, eventually surpassing that of their common‐law counterparts.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsWhile institutional environments' path dependency can facilitate or hinder the adoption of governance practices, collective institutional entrepreneurship (CIE) can moderate this path dependency and reveal new information regarding the structural fit between promoted governance practices and their institutional environments.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThe insights provided by this study can help practitioners understand why some practices face resistance in specific institutional environments, while others are more readily accepted. These insights also help practitioners communicate the elements of governance practices that implicitly align with the institutional environments in which they are seeking adoption.

Eco-Leadership in Action: Integrating Green HRM and the New Ecological Paradigm to Foster Organizational Commitment and Environmental Citizenship in the Hospitality Industry

The 21st century has spotlighted environmental sustainability in global discourse, urging businesses to act responsibly amidst climate change and resource depletion. This study explores the role of green human resource management (GHRM) in fostering the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) among employees, enhancing organizational commitment (OC), and promoting organizational citizenship behavior towards the environment (OCBE) within the hospitality industry. Findings demonstrate that GHRM practices, including green recruitment, training, and performance management, significantly improve environmental performance and employee engagement in sustainability initiatives. Data were collected from 382 employees working in 5-star hotels in South Korea, utilizing a structured online survey to gather insights into GHRM’s influence on NEP, OC, and OCBE. The analysis was conducted using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) to rigorously test the hypothesized relationships among these constructs. However, integrating GHRM with NEP presents challenges, such as aligning organizational culture with eco-centric values and overcoming resistance to change. Motivated by the urgent need for sustainability, this research underscores the necessity for integrated HRM approaches to achieve sustainability. A key motivation behind this integration is to establish a workforce that not only understands but actively champions environmental stewardship, thereby strengthening the organization’s reputation and competitive advantage. Additionally, challenges such as balancing short-term operational costs with long-term environmental goals persist, requiring strategic commitment and effective resource allocation. Recommendations include embedding sustainability in HR policies, providing comprehensive environmental training, incentivizing green initiatives, establishing robust monitoring systems, and fostering cross-departmental collaboration to reduce the ecological footprint. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on sustainable business practices and highlights the strategic importance of eco-leadership.

BetterFuture Co. and its CO2 Footprint: A Case to Learn About ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance)/GHG (Greenhouse Gas)/CO2, Compliance, and SMART Goal Setting

The case study delves into the complex issue of CO2 footprint from three distinct viewpoints: sustainability, legislative, and managerial. Each perspective offers unique insights into the challenges and opportunities of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions using scope 1, 2, and 3 data. From a sustainability viewpoint, students are encouraged to explore the concept of CO2 footprint within the broader context of ESG considerations. Key questions delve into understanding sustainability frameworks, assessing the impact of CO2 emissions on ecosystems and communities, and exploring strategies for carbon footprint reduction aligned with sustainability goals. From the legislative perspective, students examine the regulatory landscape governing CO2 emissions. Students learn how legal frameworks shape corporate behavior by studying global sustainability goals such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and national legislation. Discussion questions focus on analyzing the effectiveness of existing regulations, identifying gaps, and proposing regulatory strategies to incentivize carbon reduction. The managerial perspective emphasizes decision-making and goal-setting within organizations. Students explore how managers can leverage data on CO2 footprint to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for departments or individuals. This involves understanding the role of carbon accounting, evaluating trade-offs in sustainability initiatives, and exploring best practices in integrating sustainability into organizational strategy. The case encourages critical thinking and data analysis, allowing educators to pose additional questions based on student interests and course objectives. The rich dataset allows for extensive exploration beyond the core questions, facilitating interdisciplinary learning across various courses. Ultimately, the case is a versatile teaching tool that can be applied to courses focusing on sustainability, environmental studies, business ethics, managerial decision-making, and public policy. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the multifaceted challenges of reducing their CO2 footprint while advancing sustainable practices within organizations and society.

Sustainable development in African countries: evidence from the impacts of education and poverty ratio

This paper uses the autoregressive-distributed lag model to investigate the effects of education, poverty, trade volume, ICT development, and GDP per capita on sustainability in the 15 largest African economies from 1999 to 2019. The results show a positive correlation between higher tertiary education rates and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of investing in education for sustainable development. In contrast, higher poverty rates are linked to lower sustainability, highlighting the need for poverty reduction efforts. Increased trade volumes are associated with reduced sustainability, indicating the challenges of trade liberalization policies in achieving sustainability goals. However, ICT development has a significant positive impact on sustainability. Interestingly, higher GDP per capita is linked to lower sustainability, potentially due to unsustainable consumption patterns and social inequalities. Policy recommendations for promoting sustainable development in African countries include targeted measures focusing on education and poverty reduction. Gender-friendly policies and initiatives to eliminate educational disparities, especially among marginalized groups, can enhance human capital development. Additionally, promoting e-businesses and sustainable entrepreneurship, along with attracting foreign investment for sustainable education and employment initiatives, can drive economic growth while minimizing environmental impact and fostering inclusive development.

Economic Shifts and Cultural Transitions: Unraveling the Complexities of Gentrification in Urban Landscapes with the Case of SoHo in New York City

With the continuously changing urban landscape since the early 20th century, influenced by various economic and social factors, this paper investigates the impact of urban gentrification on diverse community groups, especially in metropolises. Examining housing, economic, and cultural dimensions, the study explores the challenges and opportunities within dynamic urban landscapes. Focused on SoHo, New York City (NYC), once an artistic haven, the research employs the lens of gentrification to analyze disparities in housing accessibility and cultural preservation. Additionally, it assesses the economic implications of sustainability initiatives on various socioeconomic strata, unraveling their influence on urban community fabric. Through a concise exploration, the study contributes nuanced insights into the complexities of gentrification and sustainable urban development, given the impact on the original artistic community, long-time residents, and small businesses that have faced challenges or displacement in the wake of rising property values, using SoHo as a case study to deepen our understanding of economic shifts and cultural transitions in urban landscapes.

Retraction Note: Impact of corporate sustainable practices, government initiative, technology usage, and organizational culture on automobile industry sustainable performance.

Retraction Note: Impact of corporate sustainable practices, government initiative, technology usage, and organizational culture on automobile industry sustainable performance.

IMPLEMENTATION OF CORPORATE ESG PRACTICES: INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

The article discusses the implementation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices in the global agribusiness sector. The aim of the research is to analyze, systematize, and generalize international experience in the implementation of corporate environmental, social, and governance practices and the formation of ESG strategies. The study presents examples of companies successfully applying ESG strategies to enhance their competitiveness and improve long-term business sustainability. It substantiates the importance of integrating ESG principles to reduce environmental impact, improve social working conditions, and ensure transparent governance at all levels. Specific examples are provided of international companies such as Unilever, Nestlé, Cargill, and Danone, which implement sustainable initiatives in reducing emissions, restoring soils, and supporting local communities. The research identifies that the demand for sustainable investments is a key factor driving the development of ESG practices at a global level. It is revealed that international organizations, such as the UN and the European Union, play a crucial role in the dissemination of ESG standards. They develop regulations and recommendations aimed at increasing reporting transparency and consistency of ESG practices globally. The EU, for example, adopted the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), which significantly strengthened the requirements for companies regarding their environmental and social impact data disclosure. The study shows that investors increasingly prefer companies that demonstrate a high level of responsibility regarding ESG issues, as they are perceived as less risky and have more stable financial performance. Regional differences in the implementation of ESG practices were also identified: European companies more frequently adopt environmentally sustainable approaches compared to North American ones. The research on corporate ESG practices has revealed that the active integration of such principles into business strategy positively impacts companies' reputations, their ability to attract investments, and increase public trust. However, challenges, require enhanced reporting transparency and adherence to international standards, which help build trust among investors and the public.

Sustainable Management Strategies for Enhancing Commercial Growth in the Public Health Sector

This study investigates sustainable management strategies for enhancing commercial growth in the public health sector, focusing on the interrelationship between sustainability practices and organizational performance. With the increasing pressure on healthcare systems to reduce costs while improving service quality, sustainable management has emerged as a critical approach to achieving these objectives. The research employs a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative analyses, including descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and structural equation modeling, to evaluate the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and community engagement.Findings reveal that organizations that implement comprehensive sustainability practices not only experience enhanced operational efficiency but also achieve significant cost savings and improved financial performance. This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the tangible benefits of sustainability in the public health sector, providing a framework for organizations to adopt effective strategies that align with environmental goals while driving commercial growth. The recommendations from this research emphasize the importance of leadership commitment, employee engagement, and ongoing training in sustainability practices. As the global emphasis on sustainability continues to rise, this study positions sustainable management as a vital component for the future success of public health organizations.

Enhancing Cybersecurity Awareness through Gamification: Design an Interactive Cybersecurity Learning Platform for Multimedia University Students

Cybersecurity has emerged as a critical imperative in contemporary digital landscapes, necessitating heightened awareness and proficiency across all demographic segments. Accordingly, this research has been meticulously crafted to delve into the complexities of cybersecurity awareness, with a specific focus on university students. The study embarks on an exhaustive analysis encompassing the evaluation of cybersecurity awareness levels within the targeted groups, the identification of prevailing issues and practices, and an exploration of novel methodologies, notably gamification, to fortify cybersecurity knowledge and skills among diverse user cohorts. Central to this investigation is the efficacy of gamified learning environments tailored expressly for augmenting cybersecurity awareness among university students. Through a comprehensive examination of existing platforms, methodological frameworks, and user interactions, this research outlines critical trends, challenges, and latent opportunities within the cybersecurity awareness domain, with a specific emphasis on gamification's transformative potential. The study not only identifies key areas for improvement but also proposes innovative solutions rooted in gamified learning paradigms, with the overarching goal of fostering engaging, effective, and sustainable cybersecurity awareness initiatives among students. Drawing upon a synthesis of theoretical constructs, empirical insights, and pragmatic recommendations, this research significantly contributes to the evolving discourse on cybersecurity education. By underscoring the transformative efficacy of gamification as a pivotal tool in cybersecurity awareness initiatives, this study overlays the way for substantial advancements in cybersecurity education paradigms, offering a roadmap for enhancing cybersecurity awareness levels among university students and beyond.

Corporate Social Responsibility and SMEs’ Performance: Mediating Role of Sustainable Competitive Advantage

The main objective of this study was to examine the mediating effect of a sustainable competitive advantage on the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and organizational performance among Thai SMEs. A questionnaire survey was used to gather data from 336 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand. Investigation of the resulting data demonstrated that participating in CSR initiatives enhances the sustainable competitive advantage and organizational performance of Thai SMEs. Moreover, a sustainable competitive advantage was found to serve as a partial mediator between CSR and organizational performance. This research uses stakeholder theory and the resource-based view theory to explain the link between CSR and organizational success. A competitive advantage significantly influences both strategic management and organizational performance. CSR is a process of transforming a company’s sustainable initiatives into sustainable competitive advantages that impact the organization’s performance.

Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Sustainable Banking Services: The Critical Role of Technological Literacy

This study explores how customers recognize and accept artificial intelligence devices (AIDs) in the realm of sustainable banking services, applying the Artificially Intelligent Device Use Acceptance (AIDUA) model. This research not only seeks to corroborate the AIDUA model in the banking sector, but also aims to enrich it by introducing technological literacy as a moderating factor, particularly in the perspective of sustainable banking. Data were collected through 435 valid, self-administered face-to-face surveys from bank customers in China, determined through convenience sampling. The hypotheses, covering both direct and moderating effects, were examined using structural equation modeling. This study verifies the applicability and reliability of the AIDUA model, in assessing customer acceptance of AIDs within sustainable banking services. The findings indicate that customer acceptance of AIDs unfolds in three distinct phases. Initially, the consumers’ perceptions of social influence (SI), hedonic motivation (HM), and perceived anthropomorphism (PA) positively influence their green performance expectancy (GPE) and green effort expectancy (GEE) concerning AIDs. As a result, greater GPE and GEE among bank customers lead to stronger positive emotions, which greatly contribute to increased AIDs usage and a reduction in resistance to their implementation. Additionally, the findings determine that technological literacy plays a substantial moderating role in the association connecting green performance expectancy and customer emotions in relation to adopting AIDs, thereby highlighting its importance in advancing sustainable banking initiatives.

Framing the future: Ensuring vulnerable island communities are engaged.

Statements such as the Bridgetown Declaration1 serve as a wake-up call for action to address the significant mental health needs in small island developing states. Overarching frameworks and action plans have been developed to support nations to promote mental health and build resilience for their populations in the region, and while these frameworks and action plans provide direction, translating them into grassroots change can be a challenge. At the Creating Futures 23 conference, delegates from the Oceania region were invited to participate in a plenary workshop entitled Framing the Future. Three questions were posed for workshop participants to respond to in relation to their perceived priorities, opportunities and innovations to support mental health in their local communities. This paper provides a summary of the workshop participants' responses. Community-led innovations, with programs tailored for small island communities, were seen as grassroots solutions in the Oceania region. Engagement with small island communities by policy makers and leaders was considered essential for effective, sustainable and community-led mental health initiatives to realise the objectives of high-level, overarching frameworks and action plans.

Adaptive Strategies and Sustainable Innovations of Chinese Contractors in the Belt and Road Initiative: A Social Network and Supply Chain Integration Perspective

As global economic integration and rapid technological advancements transform international business, international engineering contracting has become essential for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). This paper investigates the significant impact of China’s strategic initiatives, notably the “Going Global” strategy and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), on the operational practices of Chinese enterprises involved in overseas investments. Central to this transformation is the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, which emphasizes the integration of supply chain management and stakeholder collaboration to enhance performance in international EPC projects and underscores the crucial role of these elements in promoting sustainability. Incorporating insights from social network data analysis, this study reveals that contractors collaborating with various stakeholders—such as owners/consulting engineers, domestic and foreign customs departments, and group headquarters/design parties—exhibit a high degree of similarity in personnel profiles. This suggests that the internal organizational structure and personnel allocation of contractors could be optimized to enhance operational efficiency, aligning with the collaborative patterns identified. This study addresses a critical research gap by exploring how effective supply chain management and collaborative stakeholder engagement within multinational EPC projects contribute to sustainable outcomes. Employing advanced social network analysis software, the research examines the complex interactions among stakeholders and their influence on procurement dynamics. Findings indicate that strong relational networks and strategic collaborations significantly enhance procurement efficiency and project success, underscoring the importance of supply chain integration. Ultimately, integrating supply chain management principles into the EPC model not only offers innovative perspectives for advancing sustainability in international projects but also provides actionable insights for improving project outcomes within the BRI framework. This research underscores the pivotal role of supply chain organization and stakeholder cooperation in achieving sustainability objectives, thereby enriching the discourse on sustainable enterprise operation and supply chain management in the context of global initiatives.

Sustainable Transformation: A Case Study of an Engineering-to-Order Additive Manufacturing Firm

Purpose: Addressing sustainability challenges in additive manufacturing (AM) is critical due to high energy consumption and waste. Optimising AM operations is vital for sustainability. However, the existing literature lacks practical examples for AM companies on how to enhance sustainability. To address this gap, a case study within an AM firm was conducted. Design approach: Using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), sustainability key performance indicators (KPIs) were identified, aligned with the firm’s strategic objectives. Sustainable value stream mapping (Sus-VSM) analysed the production process for sustainability performance. A sustainability strategy map (SSM) was created based on the five perspectives of the 4th generation balanced scorecard (BSC) approach and the results from the case study. Findings: The research identified optimisation areas in the multi-jet-fusion (MJF) process, crafted tailored sustainability KPIs, and developed a SSM to seamlessly integrate sustainability initiatives into the company’s vision. Value: This contribution provides a structured methodology for selecting KPIs and offers a holistic approach to implementing Sus-VSM within the AM industry. The manuscript emphasises the need to incorporate a fifth perspective into the BSC and proposes a framework for developing a SSM. This study aims to guide AM companies toward a more environmentally responsible and socially conscious approach to manufacturing.

Evaluating Sustainability in Social-ecological Systems: 50 Years of Conservation in Florianópolis, Brazil

Abstract This study examines 50 years of land use planning practices in Florianópolis, Brazil, to identify the attributes that resulted in the city’s notable and long-standing commitment to pro-conservation programmes and policies. By analysing key policies, planning strategies, and partnerships that underpin the preservation of forests and green spaces, this research contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on the combined role of conservation governance and collective action in building sustainable and resilient cities. The social-ecological systems framework is applied to evaluate the interactions between multi-level laws, collective action groups, and mid-level government officials to determine the drivers that promoted incremental and accumulative change, ultimately leading to sustainable land conservation practices in Florianópolis. The findings highlight the importance of stakeholder goal alignment, managerial flexibility, and collaboration with diverse actors in achieving long-term conservation goals, particularly in cities adopting an amenity-led growth model. Growing challenges to the continued protection of conservation units in the city resulting from population growth are also raised to advance approaches to evaluating the durability of sustainability initiatives.

The Green Flag’s Green Revolution: Analyzing the Effectiveness of and Influence of Greenwashing Within the Sustainability Initiatives of International Motorsports Organizations

The Green Flag’s Green Revolution: Analyzing the Effectiveness of and Influence of Greenwashing Within the Sustainability Initiatives of International Motorsports Organizations

Marketing Strategy Proposal to Rebound the Declining Revenue of Burger King Indonesia in the Covid Aftermath Period

The primary objective of this study is to propose a marketing strategy to address the decrease in revenue experienced by Burger King Indonesia in the year 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic as practical guidance for Burger King Indonesia and other businessmen to navigate the complexities of the current market landscape. This study is still necessary to understand that shifting consumer behavior, changes in market conditions, and business operational disruptions are the causes of the problem. The research design uses a thematic analysis method involving the available company data, relevant marketing theories, and the results of questionnaires, community surveys, and interviews with managers and customers. By analyzing the effects of the pandemic faced by Burger King Indonesia, this research aims to pinpoint strategic areas for improvement. Diverse analyses are used, such as VRIO Framework, STP, Marketing Mix, PESTEL, PORTER's Five Forces, Competitor analysis, SWOT, TOWS analysis, and author’s interview and questionnaire surveys to determine the present circumstances of Burger King Indonesia. The proposed marketing strategy highlights the importance of five specific actions in their implementation: product innovation, digital transformation, sustainability campaign, promotion via mobile app, and partnership and collaborations with delivery services to adapt to evolving consumer preferences. To address this goal, Burger King Indonesia must make strategic adjustments parallel to the present circumstances by understanding consumer preferences, optimizing operations, promoting sustainability initiatives, and strengthening its brand position. Through the implementation of this comprehensive strategy, Burger King Indonesia aims to improve customer satisfaction, foster loyalty, and attain overall market success in the post pandemic period. This strategy not only addresses the immediate challenges posed by the pandemic but also positions Burger King Indonesia for long-term success.