Sustainable Business Operations Research Articles

A New Paradigm for Sustainable Supply Chain Management for Business Operation

Background: The rapid developments in society and population, climate change, and environmental challenges are crucial factors impacting business operations and sustainability. To adapt to these changes effectively, businesses need to understand these factors from the dimensions of society, the environment, and the economy. Method: This research investigates these factors by deploying a questionnaire to gather data from 400 participants and employing confirmatory factor analysis as well as structural equation modeling to identify the relationships among these factors. Results: This study confirms the significant role of policy and strategy in sustainable supply chain management for operations in the public sector and institutions. This new perspective allows stakeholders to respond to changes more effectively with sustainable supply chain management while maintaining flexibility in application. Additionally, this study identifies the dimension of institution and policy as another key factor. Conclusions: These findings provide in-depth insights into the key factors of sustainable supply chain management for business operations. These insights can aid in developing strategies and setting targets aligned with sustainable development goals, responding to changes in society, the environment, the economy, as well as in institutions and policy, leading to long-term sustainable business operations.

Sustainable strategic planning and management influence on sustainable performance: findings from halal culinary MSMEs in Southeast Asia

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the impact of sustainable strategic planning and management (SSPM) on sustainable performance (ecological, social and economic) among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in the culinary sector in Southeast Asia (SEA). Design/methodology/approach This study used a quantitative approach surveying 300 halal-certified MSMS culinary businesses in the SEA region. Data were gathered using an online survey platform and analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique. Findings Green management (GRM), digital transformation management (DTM) and Halal Business Management (HBM) exert a significant influence on SSPM. Furthermore, SSPM positively influences the sampled halal culinary MSMEs’ ecological, social and economic performances in SEA. The study also reveals that GRM, DTM and HBM positively influence Islamic ethics compliance and good governance. Research limitations/implications This study sheds light on the often-ignored MSME business in the halal culinary sector in SEA. Examining sustainable and strategic planning synergy strengthens the development of a comprehensive framework for SSPM and could encourage more MSMEs to practice sustainable business operations. Moreover, the research also underlines the urgent need to harmonize halal standards in the SEA region. The approach would intensify multilateral support for economic growth and halal trade between SEA countries and beyond. Originality/value This study addresses the research gap in the strategic and sustainable management of halal culinary MSMEs within the developing and vast SEA economic region. This research is among the few, if not the first, that combines the GRM, DTM and HBM influence on SSPM and examines the impact on sustainable, ethical and good governance performances. The insights derived from this study contribute to formulating robust, sustainable policies, fostering avenues for sustainable initiatives and enhancing regional and global cooperation for a sustainable future.

An Analysis of the Círcular Economy in Europe through Comparative Research Employing the CRITIC-Based MAUT and COPRAS Methods

Purpose: The circular economy is an approach to sustainability that takes into account both the economic and environmental benefits of repurposing waste or underutilized inert assets into new, useable products or services. The research aims to present a comparative analysis of EU countries with multi-criteria decision-making methods using various indicators covering many topics, including emphasis on recycling, use of circular materials, material efficiency and collective management of waste. Methodology: The research aims to determine the weights through the application of the CRITIC method. It is gathered in 22 sub-indicators under three main categories, including sustainable resource management, social behaviour, and business operations, so as to assess effectiveness with regard to this notion while comparing nations. Additionally, every nation in the EU that has indicator data is assessed employing cluster analysis, a method of data mining, in addition to multi-criteria decision-making techniques like MAUT and COPRAS. Findings: Based on the assessments of nations, Denmark, Luxembourg, Finland, Austria, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Germany exhibit a favourable and noteworthy distinction from other nations. Originality: This study offers the opportunity to make comparisons with a multi-criteria decision-making approach when it comes to environmental and circular economy goals.

Green Practice Motivation in Small Businesses

Purpose: The study's primary aim is to identify and analyze the factors influencing the motivation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Indonesia to implement green accounting practices as part of sustainable business operations. Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework focuses on motivational theories, particularly distinguishing between extrinsic and intrinsic motivations. This framework underpins the study's exploration of why SMEs might adopt green practices. Method: The research employs a deductive approach, utilizing qualitative methods such as interviews and document analysis to gather data. This approach is used to understand the motivations behind SMEs' decisions to implement green accounting practices. Result and Conclusion: The study finds that extrinsic and intrinsic factors motivate SMEs to run sustainable businesses and adopt green accounting practices. Extrinsic motivations include introjected motivation, identification, and integrated motivation, while intrinsic motivations are derived from satisfaction, profits, and cost efficiency. Research implications: The study contributes to the broader understanding of green practices in the context of SMEs, a sector often overlooked in previous research predominantly focused on larger companies. The findings can aid SMEs in understanding the various motivational factors that could drive the adoption of green practices. The results are valuable for policy-making, providing insights for the government to develop green policies tailored to small businesses, promoting broader environmental sustainability within the business sector. Originality/value: This study focuses on green accounting that was carried out in a small, medium enterprises (SMEs) context, which has not been studied much by previous studies.

Risk management strategies for smart hotel supply chain

<p>In the dynamic and interconnected world of hospitality, smart hotel supply chains play a pivotal role in maintaining operational efficiency and service excellence. However, these supply chains are susceptible to many risks, including transportation disruptions, supplier insolvencies, and cybersecurity threats, which can severely impact business continuity and degrade service quality. This conceptual paper proposes a holistic framework for identifying, assessing, and mitigating supply chain risks within the context of smart hotels. By integrating advanced technologies and strategic management practices, this study aims to reinforce smart hotel supply chains against potential vulnerabilities, ensuring sustainable business operations and superior guest satisfaction. The paper explores various risk management measures and leverages supply chain management, hospitality, and cybersecurity insights to develop a robust risk management strategy tailored for smart hotels.<strong></strong></p>

Does urban innovation policy accelerate the digital transformation of enterprises? Evidence based on the innovative City pilot policy

With the evolution of the digital economy, the gradual digital transformation of enterprises has garnered considerable attention in the market, profoundly influencing sustainable business operations. Local governments are actively fostering this transformation through urban innovation policies. This study analyzes Chinese A-share listed companies from 2003 to 2021 as the research sample. The implementation of the national innovative city pilot policy is regarded as an exogenous shock. A difference-in-differences model was constructed to empirically explore the impact of the national innovative city pilot policy for innovative cities on the digital transformation of local enterprises. The findings indicate a significant enhancement in the level of enterprise digital transformation due to the innovative city pilot policy, supported by robustness tests. Mechanism analysis identifies four pathways through which the policy drives digital transformation: advancing technological progress, improving internal controls, mitigating financing constraints, and reinforcing government support. Subsequent investigations reveal noteworthy heterogeneity in the policy's impact on enterprise digital transformation based on attributes, scale, growth cycles, and regions. The study's conclusions offer valuable insights for maximizing the effectiveness of innovative city pilot policies and fostering enterprise digital transformation.

Digital Technology Adoption Among Philippine Micro-, Small-,and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Barriers, Enablers & Challenges During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Philippine micro-, small-, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) to undergo some form of digitalization to survive and continue servicing clients' needs. Many MSMEs failed to cope with the business-related impacts of the pandemic — 70.6% of which decided to shut down temporarily (Shinozaki, 2020). Others were able to transition with the help of digital technologies, allowing them to withstand the pandemic's impacts. These businesses started adopting social media and e-commerce platforms and meeting with clients via virtual setups, to name a few. For this research, we identified the enablers, barriers, and challenges faced by select Philippine MSMEs as they attempted to enhance their digital capabilities. Using the multiple case study research design, we examined the narratives derived from our in-depth interviews with 9 Philippine-based MSMEs. Our findings show that Philippine MSMEs experienced diverse enablers, barriers, and challenges during COVID-19 and exhibited increased openness to digital technologies. Finally, we present that MSMEs that can effectively address their barriers and challenges are likely to come out stronger in the post- pandemic era. Given this, post-pandemic resilience is necessary for MSMEs to sustain business operations, withstand future shocks, and capitalize on new business opportunities.

Bulacan Feedmill Plant Towards Business Operations Sustainability Framework

In today’s rapidly changing global landscape, businesses are increasingly recognizing the imperative of incorporating sustainability principles into their operations. As the world faces pressing environmental and social challenges, companies must evolve and adopt responsible practices that not only safeguard the planet but also ensure long-term profitability and resilience. The Bulacan Feedmill Plant, a key player in the animal nutrition industry in the Philippines, is no exception to this paradigm shift. As such, this research delves into the realm of sustainable business operations, with a specific focus on developing a comprehensive Business Operations Sustainability Framework tailored to the unique context of the Bulacan Feed mill Plant. Amidst the growing global discourse on sustainable practices, there is a perceived gap in the literature concerning the application of sustainability principles within the animal nutrition industry, particularly in the context of Feedmill plants. While various frameworks exist for other industries, limited attention has been given to developing tailored sustainability frameworks for the animal nutrition sector. Hence, this research endeavors to bridge this gap and contribute to the body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive and industry-specific roadmap for the Bulacan Feedmill Plant, paving the way for a more sustainable and thriving future. Based on the findings, the following are recommended; 1) Develop a comprehensive Business Operation Sustainable Framework aligned with sustainability principles, including clear goals, strategies, and actionable plans for economic, environmental, and social sustainability. 2) Engage and educate employees through awareness programs, training, and workshops to ensure their understanding of the importance of sustainability and their role in driving positive change within the organization. 3) Actively involve customers in sustainability initiatives by providing information about sustainable products and encouraging them to make environmentally conscious choices. 4) Prioritize sustainable procurement practices by collaborating with suppliers who adhere to sustainable principles to ensure an environmentally responsible and socially conscious supply chain. 5) Engage with local communities, listen to their concerns, and involve them in sustainable development projects to foster mutual understanding and support. Keywords: sustainability framework, business operations, feed mill plant, sustainability strategy

Environmental costing and sustainable accounting: A comprehensive review: Delving into methods of accounting for environmental impacts in financial statements

This study provides a comprehensive review of the integration of environmental costs into financial reporting within the framework of sustainable accounting. The main objectives were to explore the historical evolution, current practices, challenges, and future trends in environmental accounting, and to assess its impact on businesses, the economy, and stakeholders. Employing a systematic literature review and content analysis methodology, the study analyzed peer-reviewed journal articles, industry reports, and policy documents from 2013 to 2023. Key findings reveal a significant evolution in environmental accounting, transitioning from a marginalized practice to a mainstream component in financial reporting. Current practices are characterized by innovative approaches and technological advancements, reflecting a shift towards holistic and sustainable business operations. The study identified challenges such as the complexity of integrating environmental costs, the need for standardized reporting frameworks, and the requirement for skilled expertise. Opportunities include enhanced corporate transparency, improved stakeholder engagement, and alignment with global sustainability goals. The study concludes with strategic recommendations for business leaders and policymakers, emphasizing the adoption of environmental accounting as a strategic business approach and the development of comprehensive environmental accounting standards. Future research directions include exploring the impact of environmental accounting across different industries, the role of emerging technologies, and the long-term effects on business performance and sustainability. This study contributes to the understanding of environmental costing within sustainable accounting, highlighting its growing importance in the corporate world.

International trade and investment: A review and research agenda

AbstractInternational trade and investment have always been an epicenter of research, and with the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic, a surge in the publication of review articles focusing on different facets of trade and investment has been observed, but a comprehensive retrospective review of international trade and investment remains scarce. To address this gap, a systematic literature review of 30 articles published in A* and A ranked journals, along with performance analysis and science mapping of 720 articles retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science databases using bibliometric analysis is done. Considering the dynamic nature of international trade and investment, the relationship between export policies and international trade influences the global landscape, which fosters mutually beneficial relationships leading to economic cooperation. Capitalizing on opportunities and mitigating risks associated with international investment is crucial for maintaining sustainable international business operations. Through these interconnected relationships, the research contributes to the understanding of the interdependent forces shaping the global economic paradigm in a unified manner. Moreover, the study provides future research directions and questions which are culled from the analysis and offer potential advancements in the field of international trade and investment.

A new hybrid MCDM approach for mitigating risks of hazardous material road transportation.

Given the ongoing development of the global economy, the demand for hazardous materials, which serve as essential components for numerous industrial products, is steadily increasing. Consequently, it becomes imperative to devise a methodology for mitigating the risks associated with the road transportation of hazardous materials. The objective of this study is to establish an integrated quality function deployment and multicriteria decision-making (QFD-MCDM) framework and identify the pivotal factors that propel Industry 5.0 (I5.0), thus fortifying supply chain resilience (SCR) and ameliorating the hazardous material transportation risks (HMTR). These measures encompass various strategic areas, including "establish a safe and inclusive work environment", "customized products and services", "enhance production flexibility and strengthen control redundancy", and "real-time data collection and analysis". By adopting these measures, enterprises can lead to sustainable and stable business operations. The findings of this study demonstrate the synergistic potential of integrating I5.0 and SCR in effectively mitigating HMTR. Additionally, these findings offer valuable insights and practical implications for enterprises across diverse industries.

Integrating ESG Metrics into Business Operations: A Comprehensive Methodology for Payment Services

This research paper introduces an innovative methodology designed for the seamless incorporation of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) metrics into the operational framework of payment services companies. Recognizing the complexities and multidimensional nature of ESG integration, this study meticulously identifies critical ESG factors that hold particular significance for payment processing entities. It goes further to elaborate on a sophisticated framework meticulously crafted not only to assess but also to substantially elevate ESG performance across diverse operational practices. The cornerstone of this methodology is its firm grounding in rigorous empirical data analysis, which illuminates the practicality and transformative potential of the proposed approach. Through a detailed exploration of ESG factors, this paper illuminate’s pathways for payment services companies to foster more sustainable business operations, highlighting the pivotal role of ESG metrics in driving operational excellence and sustainability in tandem. The findings underscore the substantial impact that a strategic ESG metrics integration can have, presenting a compelling case for its adoption as a cornerstone for sustainable and responsible business practice in the digital payment sector.

Pengaruh Kualitas Audit, Kondisi Keuangan, Dan Manajemen Laba Terhadap Opini Audit Going Concern

The company can be said to successfully run its business influenced by environmental factors to maintain its business until the future. The purpose of this study is to understand (1) factors that can influence the going concern audit opinion (2) strategies in handling the situation appropriately in receiving the going concern audit opinion assessment (3) the impact of the going concern opinion on the company's reputation. This research method is a literature review approach, a data collection technique from several previous studies that can then be concluded. The study’s results and analysis are (1) audit quality does not affect the going concern audit opinion because each auditor must be independent in carrying out their duties and the opinions given have the same standard procedures. However, another opinion states that audit quality affects the going concern audit opinion because large public accountants show the level of sustainability of the company more accurately than small public accountants. (2) Financial condition affects the going concern statement because if the financial condition is bad, the entity will find it difficult to maintain its business continuity. In addition, it was also found that financial condition did not affect the going concern statement due to poor financial condition due to the implementation of sustainable business operations through planning. (3) Profit management does not influence the going concern audit opinion because the auditor does not see the continuity of results but is oriented towards the situation of the entire company.

Incorporating Fraud Risk Management into the Fabric of Sustainable Digital Business Operations: Post Pandemic Era

Incorporating Fraud Risk Management into the Fabric of Sustainable Digital Business Operations: Post Pandemic Era

Digital Transformation in Business Operations Management

The development of technology and digital transformation are important factors in improving business performance in Indonesia, with the government and companies needing to face challenges and implement efficient operational management to stay competitive in the digital era. The purpose of this study is to determine the application of digital transformation in business operational management. The method used in this research is a literature study method with a qualitative approach. The data analysis uses Miles and Huberman analysis, namely Data Reduction, Data Display, Conclusion Drawing / Verification. Research results in the advancement of information and communication technology have triggered digital transformation in business operational management, changing the way companies plan, organize, manage, and supervise the production of goods and services. This transformation enables companies to adopt digital technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, cognitive computing, advanced robotics, cloud technologies, blockchain, and big data to improve their efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. Successful operations managers are those who understand and utilize these technologies, so as to better achieve company goals, respond quickly to market changes, and avoid gaps between customer expectations and traditional business models. Digital transformation has become key in managing efficient and sustainable business operations in an ever-changing era

Green Business and Performance of Green Stock Indices in COVID-19 Impacted Indian Stock Market: A Study with Reference to BSE S&P GREENEX and CARBONEX

The Indian stock market and the investors’ confidence level was affected badly by COVID-19 crisis. World Business Council for Sustainable Development (2020) had stated that investor decision-making at the present time is influenced by the sustainability orientation of the companies. In the context of COVID-19 crisis, it is important to project investor behaviour in the post-lockdown phase to understand the stock market potential. This research has attempted to perceive the status of economic resurgence with respect to two Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) green indices, that is, CARBONEX and GREENEX. A comparative analysis of such indices has been performed over the lockdown and unlockdown phases until 20 July 2021. This research attempted to find if the indices were significantly different in lockdown and unlockdown phases. A significant mean variance would indicate development in sustainable business operations since lockdown period and an increment in such values would draw better investment in Indian stock market in future, even amid further mild COVID waves with partial lockdowns. One-way between-the-groups ANOVA has been performed to see if the means of CARBONEX and GREENEX indices are significantly varying in the aforementioned phases. A significant variance will help the Indian investors to look forward to the post-COVID economic reinstatement.

COVID-19 as a Jump Start for Industry 4.0? Motivations and Core Areas of Pandemic-Related Investments in Digital Technologies at German Firms

Academic studies prior to the pandemic rather emphasized that the progression towards Industry 4.0 happened in an incremental manner. However, the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic have led to considerable investments that were widely interpreted as a (generalized) digitalization push. However, little is known about the character of such investments and their effects. The goal of this contribution is to provide an empirically based overview of recent investment in digital technologies in six economic sectors of the German economy: mechanical engineering, chemicals, automotives, logistics, healthcare, and financial services. Based on 36 case studies and a survey at 540 companies, we investigate the following questions: 1. How much did the COVID-19 pandemic reduce existing obstacles for investments in digitalization measures? 2. Is there a universal digitalization push due to the COVID-19 pandemic that differs from the trajectory before the pandemic? The results show that the pandemic affected investment in an unequal manner. It was driven by the immediate need to sustain business operations through the virtualization of communication among employees and with external partners. However, there was less dynamism in shop-floor-related digitalization, as it was less related to epidemiological concerns and is more long-term in nature.

Analysis of Green Marketing Practices: A Micro and Small Enterprises Perspective

Green marketing is a growing concept connecting sustainable internal business operations and corporate social responsibilities. Hence, the study explored the green marketing practices of selected micro and small enterprises in Cavite, Philippines. The descriptive-causal research design was utilized, and the 20 legally-registered micro and small enterprises were purposively selected. MSEs in Cavite are dominated by sole proprietors with 1-9 employees, have an estimated asset size of Php3,000,000 or less, have been in operation for 1-3 years, and have an average monthly revenue of Php20,000 and below. They employ green marketing practices such as providing safe products and services, implementing more environment-friendly ways of pollution prevention, advertising green awareness and attraction, and utilizing vehicles that consume less energy. MSEs’ green marketing practices in production, packaging, advertising, and operation are highly effective, while distribution is less effective. Business profiles and MSE have no significant difference, excluding the difference between the number of employees and the perceived effectiveness of green marketing practices in terms of operation. MSEs faced difficulties in distribution due to safety protocols and lack of resources. Thus, the study recommends personalized marketing designs to engage wider customers and social-based marketing approaches to address diverse customer preferences.

Analysis of how environmental degradation affects clean energy transition: evidence from the UAE.

Considering the alarming rate of environmental degradation, all countries are looking for solutions to close their environmental gaps in order to ensure long-term sustainability. In order to achieve green ecosystems, economies seeking clean energy are motivated to embrace environmentally friendly practices that can support resource efficiency and sustainability. In this sense, the current paper addresses measuring the link between CO2 emissions, economic growth (GDP), renewable and non-renewable energy (RE), tourism, financial development, foreign direct investment, and urbanization in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim of this paper is to empirically evaluate the link between CO2 emissions and macroeconomic factors in the UAE. The UAE was chosen as the country for the case study as the UAE is one of the world's richest oil-based economies and one of the countries with the highest per capita income, adopts sustainable technologies, and has signed the Paris agreement supporting the transition to clean energy. To verify the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) for UAE, the timespans for the years 1990-2021 have been chosen according to data availability. The long-run coefficients supported the EKC hypothesis of an inverted U shape for income and CO2 emissions, according to the findings. Notably, urbanization and financial development both reduce pollution while foreign direct investment increases environmental pollution. The study recommended the creation of more environmental policies to promote sustainable business operations and nationwide green awareness, increase the use of clean energy technology, reduce energy intensity, and achieve a net zero carbon target.

User review analysis of dating apps based on text mining.

With the continuous development of information technology, more and more people have become to use online dating apps, and the trend has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic in these years. However, there is a phenomenon that most of user reviews of mainstream dating apps are negative. To study this phenomenon, we have used topic model to mine negative reviews of mainstream dating apps, and constructed a two-stage machine learning model using data dimensionality reduction and text classification to classify user reviews of dating apps. The research results show that: firstly, the reasons for the current negative reviews of dating apps are mainly concentrated in the charging mechanism, fake accounts, subscription and advertising push mechanism and matching mechanism in the apps, proposed corresponding improvement suggestions are proposed by us; secondly, using principal component analysis to reduce the dimensionality of the text vector, and then using XGBoost model to learn the low-dimensional data after oversampling, a better classification accuracy of user reviews can be obtained. We hope These findings can help dating apps operators to improve services and achieve sustainable business operations of their apps.