Sustainable Development Management Research Articles

SME and Asean’s Path to Sustainability: Green Management Practices in the Context of SDG

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between green management practices and the sustainability performance of SMEs in Southeast Asia, specifically focusing on Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The aim is to understand how these practices impact environmental, economic, and social sustainability (in the context of SDGs). Theoretical Framework: This research is underpinned by theories of sustainable development and green management. Key concepts include the triple bottom line (environmental, economic, and social sustainability) and the resource-based view of the firm, which provides a basis for understanding how internal capabilities influence sustainability outcomes. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a meta-analysis of secondary data. Data collection was carried out through a comprehensive review of existing literature and current trends within the SME sector in the specified regions. The study evaluates sustainability outcomes using practical data analysis techniques. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam exhibit varying levels of adherence to green practices, leading to different impacts on sustainability performance. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized within the theoretical framework, highlighting the implications of governmental policies, market demands, and internal organizational characteristics. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study are also considered. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied to enhance sustainability practices in SMEs. These implications could encompass policy formulation, market strategies, and organizational development in the SME sector. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the importance of tailoring green management strategies to the socio-economic contexts of each country. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by its potential to inform policy interventions and organizational practices aimed at fostering sustainable development in the SME sector across Southeast Asia.

Enhancing SMES Export Performance through Research Management for Sustainable Development in Pakistan: A Re-Structuring Approach

Enhancing SMES Export Performance through Research Management for Sustainable Development in Pakistan: A Re-Structuring Approach

CONCEPTUAL PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ENTERPRISE

The purpose of the article is to study the process of forming a mechanism for managing sustainable development at enterprises, aimed at achieving certain goals of sustainable development. The relevance of forming a mechanism for managing sustainable development at an enterprise is indicated. The features of sustainable development of business entities are determined. The key principles of sustainable development are emphasized, which include the integration of economic, social and environmental goals into the enterprise strategy, the balance between short-term benefits and long-term prospects, innovation and the implementation of environmentally friendly technologies, transparency, responsibility and partnership with all stakeholders. The goal and objectives of managing sustainable development at an enterprise are disclosed. The principles of sustainable development management are characterized (balance, innovation, integration, transparency, long-term orientation). The stages of forming a sustainable development management system of an enterprise are determined (assessment of the current state of the existing management system, development of a mission, vision and goals of sustainable development, development of a management structure, development of sustainable development policies and standards, integration of sustainable development into business processes, planning and determination of key performance indicators (KPI), development of a training and advanced training program, assessment and monitoring of sustainable development results, adjustment of strategy and policies). The indicators used to assess the sustainable development of an enterprise (economic, environmental, social) are considered. The essence and features of monitoring the sustainable development of a company are disclosed. The components of qualitative monitoring of sustainable development are characterized. The features of monitoring planning, data collection and evaluation for monitoring and reporting are considered. The essence of sustainable development reporting and its advantages for providing information about the company's activities to stakeholders are highlighted. The advantages of operating a sustainable development management system at an enterprise are determined.

Endemic Yucatan Peninsula Plants with Pesticidal Potential: Herbarium-Based Literature Review.

Agricultural pests present a significant challenge to humanity, often managed through synthetic chemicals that, when misused, can cause irreversible harm to both the environment and human health. This study focuses on endemic plants from the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, particularly from the state of Campeche, to identify their historical uses and propose an updated list of species with pesticide potential in the region. We systematically reviewed specimens from the Center for Sustainable Development and Wildlife Management (CEDESU) herbarium and local databases. Of the 3084 specimens collected, 2524 (81.84%) were from Campeche. The collection encompasses 106 botanical families, 459 genera, and 747 species. The study identified 201 plant species from 48 taxonomic families that are endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula Biotic Province (YPBP), of which 123 species are exclusive to the Mexican Yucatán Peninsula (MYP), representing 61.19% of the endemic species. Campeche contains 134 species (66.66%), distributed across 96 genera and 43 families. Notably, 46.26% of the species (62 species) belong to the Mexican region, with 8 species (12.90%) exclusive to Campeche. The research revealed that 27.90% of the families and 19.79% of the genera present in the state have been the subject of previous scientific studies regarding their use as pesticides. The most extensively studied families were Euphorbiaceae and Fabaceae. However, there is a notable lack of research on endemic plants from the Yucatán Peninsula, underscoring the need for increased attention to these species. The identified genera and families contain chemical compounds with activity against significant pests, demonstrating substantial potential for the development of natural pesticides.

Application of a Modified Ecological Quality Monitoring Method in the Southeastern Hilly Region of China

The southeastern hilly region of China is ecologically significant but highly vulnerable to climate change and human activities. This study developed a Modified Remote Sensing Ecological Index (MRSEI) using satellite imagery and Human Footprint data to assess ecological quality across 14 cities surrounding the Wuyi Mountains. We applied Sen’s slope analysis, the Mann–Kendall test, and spatial autocorrelation to evaluate spatiotemporal ecological changes from 2000 to 2020, and used partial correlation analysis to explore the drivers of these changes. The main findings are as follows: (1) Ecological quality generally improved over the study period, with significant year-to-year fluctuations. The eastern region, characterized by higher altitudes, consistently exhibited better ecological quality than the western region. The area of low-quality ecological zones significantly decreased, while Ji’an, Ganzhou, Heyuan, and Meizhou saw the most notable improvements. In contrast, urban areas experienced a marked decline in ecological quality. (2) The region is undergoing warming and wetting trends. Increased precipitation, especially in the western and northern regions, improved ecological quality, except in urban areas, where it heightened flood risks. Rising temperatures had mixed effects: they enhanced ecological quality in high-altitude areas (~516 m) but negatively impacted low-altitude regions (~262 m) due to intensified heat stress. (3) Although industrial restructuring reduced environmental pressure, rapid population growth and urban expansion created new ecological challenges. This study provides an innovative method for the ecological monitoring of hilly regions, effectively integrating human activity and climatic factors into ecological assessments. The findings offer valuable insights for sustainable development and ecological management in similar sensitive regions.

The Role of Public Policy Management in Enhancing Sustainable Development: An Applied Study on The Iraqi Ministry of Health

Public policy management was the subject of this paper in as much as dealing with its effectiveness in the realization of sustainable development within the Iraqi Ministry of Health. Using a survey research approach, a standardized questionnaire was distributed to 222 Ministry employees in Baghdad over a period of January 2023 to November 2024 and it covered the policy formulation, policy implementation as well as policy evaluation. Both the descriptive and inferential statistics measures were used on the data collected and correlation and regression analysis using SPSS27 was done. Public policy management best practices were found to have a positive significant relationship (R =.859, p <.001) with sustainable development attainments. The respondents held perceptions of strength with regards to resource management and engaging key stakeholders; however, saw a weakness in capacity development. The study concludes by calling for capacity building interventions that target sustainable development and building on Cambodia’s existing competences on resource mobilisation and stakeholder management, integrating effective monitoring and evaluation systems, increasing accountability, and partnerships. These strategies can augment the capability of the Ministry to attain sustainable development objectives for the overall superior, sound, and sustainable direction of Iraq.

Economic assessment of NBS: international and Russian practice

Relevance. The concept of natural solutions has become popular due to the growing attention to the problem of climate change. Scientists and politicians are actively looking for ways to use natural solutions to solve environmental problems. Research has proven that natural climate solutions (RCC) can provide more than 30% of cost-effective measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions needed by 2030 to stabilize global warming below 2°C. An important advantage of RCC is their economic feasibility, expressed in a lower cost compared to technological solutions for CO2 sequestration. The contribution of natural eco-systems to climate regulation has led to their active use in the formation of national climate policies. However, a complete economic assessment of the RCC is a very difficult task that needs to be solved worldwide.The purpose is to study the evolution of the formation of the constituent elements of the economic assessment of natural and climatic solutions in the context of international and Russian practice.Objectives: to substantiate the elements of the economic assessment of the RCC, to analyze methodological approaches to the assessment of the RCC, to form approaches to assessing the economic effectiveness of the implementation of the RCC.Methodology. The official documents of the UN Environment Committee, documents of the Independent Analytical Center in the field of International Sustainable Development Management Policy formation of the International Institute for Sustainable Development, reports prepared by the IPCC group were used.Results. The inclusion of the cost of ecosystem services in the assessment of the RCC is justified, the advantages and disadvantages of the main methodological approaches to the assessment of the RCC are identified, key approaches to assessing the economic effectiveness of the implementation of the RCC are formed: internal, external and general.Conclusions. The principles and methods of natural-economic and ecosystem accounting form the basis of the economic assessment of the RCC. A comprehensive economic assessment reflects the monetary contribution of the ecosystem to sustainable development by evaluating ecosystem assets involved in the implementation of the RCC and the ecosystem services they produce, which contributes to increasing the adaptability of socio-economic systems to environmental shocks.

Analysing Research and Development Features: A Comparative Study with Research Management for Sustainable Development in Export Oriented SMEs of Pakistan

Analysing Research and Development Features: A Comparative Study with Research Management for Sustainable Development in Export Oriented SMEs of Pakistan

Preface

The 4th International Conference on Environmental Sustainability in Natural Resource Management (ISCES 2024) is a peer-reviewed international conference featuring the participation of experts in sustainable development, resource management, and the circular economy. The ISCES 2024 conference was held online on October 31, 2024. It is organized by Vilnius Gediminas Technical University and the European Institute of Economics, in partnership with the National University of Water and Environmental Engineering. The aim of the ISCES 2024 conference is to explore trends in environmental sustainability related to natural resource management, circular management, and environmental engineering. Conceptual, empirical, and methodological studies, as well as country-specific case studies on various topics of sustainable development, were presented at the conference. The reports and presentations covered theoretical, methodological, and practical aspects of sustainable development and natural resource management. ISCES 2024 addressed a wide range of scientific topics, including: List of Conference Chairman, Deputy Chairmen, Organizing Committee and Scientific Committee are available in this Pdf.

Integrated Water Resources Management for Sustainable Development in East and Southern Africa

Integrated Water Resources Management for Sustainable Development in East and Southern Africa

Changes in soil conservation service supply-demand coordinations and their influencing factors: Evidence from the Loess Plateau of China

Soil conservation service (SCS) is crucial for the regulation of fragile ecosystems. As the Loess Plateau is a typically erosion-threatened region, determining the spatial matching pattern and drivers of SCS supply (soil conservation) and demand (soil erosion) is essential for sustainable development and effective resource management. This study innovatively proposed the coupling coordination framework between SCS supply and demand to assess the current state and clarify the subsequent regulation direction. First, the RUSLE model was employed to evaluate the SCS supply and demand from 1990 to 2020 and acquire the ecological supply-demand ratio (ESDR). Then, the SCS supply-demand coordination relationship was spatially quantified by utilizing the coupling coordination degree (CCD) model, and a function fitting was performed between ESDR and CCD. Using the geo-detector model, the Getis-Ord Gi⁎ method, and the local Moran's I index, the influences of natural, engineering, and socio-economic factors on the SCS supply-demand coordination were explored from global and local perspectives. The results showed that: (1) the annual average supply of SCS increased by 64.93 % in 1990–2020; the average demand decreased by 52.43 %; the average ESDR increased by 28.06 %; supply surplus was the predominant feature, more conspicuously in the central and eastern regions; (2) the highest supply-demand CCD was captured in the central and eastern regions, showing “Moderate balance” and “High balance” respectively, and its area increased by 27 % in 30 years; the lowest CCD regions were mainly in the northwest and their area shrank; (3) enhancing the supply of SCS and reducing demand facilitated the coordination of the supply-demand relationship, and the threshold for the supply-demand coordination state decreased over time; (4) climate, topography and soil properties dominated the spatially non-stationary change of the SCS supply-demand pattern, followed by engineering measures such as afforestation and terraces, and finally socio-economic factors. This study offers support for cross-regional soil erosion management and natural ecosystem restoration on the Loess Plateau.

The fluctuation characteristics of typical lakes in arid areas

Study regionThree typical lakes in Xinjiang, Ulungur Lake is a fractured lake, located in the north of the Junggar Basin; China's largest inland freshwater throughput lake named Bosten Lake; known for Barkol Lake’s salt content, it is also a closed inland lake. Study focusThe study aims to investigate and contrast the spatio-temporal variation characteristics of three lake types in Xinjiang and to evaluate the accuracy of four water body indices: NDWI, MNDWI, AWEI, and MAWEI. These indices reflect water body information by calculating differences in reflectivity. The research analyzes spatial and temporal variations of these typical Xinjiang lakes from 2001 to 2022 and explores the relationship between meteorological elements and lake regulation. New hydrological insights for the regionThe study examined the relationship between typical Xinjiang lakes and meteorological elements using wavelet coherence analysis and cross wavelet transform. The findings indicate that: 1) Among the three lakes, Ulungur Lake's area variation is most directly influenced by its average air temperature, evaporation, and precipitation. 2) In the semi-arid region, temperature significantly impacts the fluctuations of Bosten and Ulungur Lakes. Temperature affects Bosten Lake the most, accounting for 55.53 %, while Ulungur Lake is also primarily affected by temperature, accounting for 58.71 %. Barkol Lake is mostly influenced by precipitation, which accounts for 35.95 %. 3) Temporally, Bosten Lake exhibits the largest area change range, whereas Ulungur Lake shows the smallest. Spatially, Barkol Lake experiences the most significant changes, and Bosten Lake undergoes the least. This suggests that ERA5 data can be utilized for regional meteorological and hydrological trend studies, and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform's long-term water change monitoring capabilities may support sustainable development management of inland lakes.

Impact of artificial intelligence and knowledge management on proactive green innovation: the moderating role of trust and sustainability

PurposeIn this research, we seek to understand the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) and knowledge management (KM) processes in enhancing proactive green innovation (PGI) within oil and gas organizations. It also aims to investigate the moderator role of trust and sustainability in these relationships.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs a quantitative analysis. Surveys have been gathered from the middle-line managers of twenty-four oil and gas government organizations to evaluate the perceptions of the managers towards AI, KM processes, trust, sustainability measures and proactive measures toward green innovation. Analytical and statistical tools that were employed in this study, including structural equation modeling with SmartPLSv3.9, have been used to analyze the data and to examine the measurement and structural models of this study.FindingsThe study results reveal a significant and positive impact of AI utilization, KM processes and PGI within oil and gas organizations. Furthermore, trust and sustainability turn out to be viable moderators affecting, and influencing the strength and direction of AI, KM and PGI relationships. In particular, higher levels of trust and more substantial sustainability commitments enhance the positive impact of AI and KM on green innovation outcomes.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the impact of AI, KM, trust and sustainability offers valuable insights for organizational leaders and policymakers seeking to promote proactive green innovation within the oil and gas industry. Thus, organizations can increase the efficiency of sustainable product development, process improvement and environmental management by using robust AI technologies and effective KM systems. Furthermore, fostering trust among stakeholders and embedding sustainability principles into organizational culture can amplify the effectiveness of AI and KM initiatives in driving green innovation outcomes.Originality/valueThis study extends the current knowledge by assessing the effect of AI and KM on proactive green innovation while accounting for trust and sustainability as moderators. Utilizing quantitative methods offers a nuanced understanding of the complex interactions between these variables, thereby advancing theoretical knowledge in the fields of innovation management, sustainability and organizational behavior. Additionally, the identification of specific mechanisms and contextual factors enriches practical insights for organizational practitioners striving for a practical understanding of the dynamics of the complexities of sustainable innovation in an AI-driven era.

Assessing raw material efficiency and waste management for Sustainable Development: A VIKOR and TOPSIS Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis

Abstract This study explores the integration of sustainability in decision-making processes within a steel manufacturing company in Poland. As global clients increasingly demand sustainable practices, companies must adapt their operations to meet these expectations. We applied Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methods, specifically TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution) and VIKOR (in Serbian: VlseKriterijuska Optimizacija I Komoromisno Resenje), along with three weighting techniques, namely Entropy, Standard Deviation, and CRITIC (Criteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation), to evaluate the sustainability of four products. Nine criteria were considered, including material type, corrosion protection, surface treatment, and various manufacturing processes. Our findings reveal that the MCDA framework effectively ranks products from most to least sustainable, highlighting the importance of raw material efficiency and waste management. This research demonstrates the practical application of MCDA methods in assessing sustainability within the steel industry, providing a basis for future studies to extend this framework to other manufacturing sectors and regions. Overall, this approach supports informed decision-making, aligning with broader sustainability goals while satisfying the demands of business partners and clients.

Spatial and temporal pattern of forest carrying capacity and its influencing factors in China, Japan, and Korea based on climate change

Forest carrying capacity is a key factor related to resources, environment, and socio-economic development, and is also an important indicator for measuring the sustainable development capacity of regional society. Previous research has focused more on the management, protection, and utilization of forest resources by sovereign states, and regional assessments of sustainable development management between countries are not common. This study aims to explore the spatial–temporal distribution pattern of regional forest carrying capacity in Northeast Asia, and quantitatively evaluate the forest carrying capacity levels of China, Japan, and South Korea by establishing a comprehensive evaluation framework based on the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model. We analyzed 16 evaluation indicators from 2010 to 2020 and compared the spatiotemporal distribution of forest carrying capacity in the three countries. The research results indicate that Japan and South Korea maintain a high-pressure and high carrying capacity state, while China exhibits a spatial pattern of high in the west and low in the east. The region with the lowest carrying capacity is Tianjin (with a score of 1.28 in 2010 and 1.44 in 2020). The carrying capacity of forests in China shows a positive spatial correlation, and there is a high concentration of carrying capacity in the northwest region. Therefore, it is necessary to develop targeted forestry management policies to address regional imbalances and strengthen the practice of sustainable forest management in Northeast Asia.

Unraveling Complexity: Exploring Agricultural Systems as Complex Adaptive System with a Focus on the Konya Closed Basin

The study of complex adaptive systems (CAS) has garnered significant attention across interdisciplinary research, particularly within the realms of social and natural sciences. This paper delves into the multifaceted nature of CAS, exploring its definitions, components, and properties, drawing from various scholarly perspectives. It examines the agricultural sector as a prime example of a CAS, highlighting the interactions, adaptations, and emergent behaviors within farming communities. Using the Konya Closed Basin in Türkiye as a case study, the paper elucidates how agricultural landscapes exemplify the complexities inherent in CAS, underscoring the intricate interplay between human activities, environmental dynamics, and socio-economic factors. By recognizing these interactions, decision-makers can create more efficient and resilient strategies for managing water resources, enhancing crop production, and reducing the effects of climate variability. This comprehensive approach emphasizes the role of adaptation, self-organization, and emergent behaviors in promoting sustainable farming practices and maintaining ecological balance over the long term. Through this analysis, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of CAS and its implications for sustainable agricultural development and resource management.

Quantitative risk assessment of road exposed to landslide: A novel framework combining numerical modeling and complex network theory

The quantitative analysis of the landslide risk posed to road networks is a challenging task owing to the uncertainty involved both in the potential landslide hazard and the road value. To address this challenge, this paper proposes a novel framework to assess the road risk in quantitative terms. The landslide hazard is assessed using the depth-integrated method with consideration of the landslide size probability and initial conditions. The potential direct losses associated with road disruption are determined by exposure analysis in a geographical information system. The indirect losses of the road caused by the landslide were analyzed through complex network theory with consideration to regional socioeconomic development and the time required for road restoration. The proposed framework was used to assess the road risk posed by the Chunchangba landslide, Xiaojin County, China. The results show that the volume size probability of landslides in the Xiaojin area could be assessed using the function PV=1/1+3.583×10−5V2×0.391. The depth-integrated method based hazards assessment results show the maximum impact area of the Chunchangba landslide reached 0.383 km2, and the landslide has a high probability of damaging the lower road and forming a barrier lake. The losses associated with road disruption caused by the landslide were estimated. The maximum direct losses reached 293,100 USD, while indirect losses reached 423,800 USD, which has the same importance as direct losses. The risk curve reveals that the maximum probability of the road risk associated with the Chunchangba landslide is 0.0175 %, 0.0189 %, 0.0190 %, and 0.0191 % for the time interval of 5, 10, 20, and 50 years, respectively, with losses of 0.177 million USD/year. The regional disaster mitigation strategy is analyzed based on quantitative risk analysis. The results show that a new 2.7 km road on the mountain opposite the Chunchangba landslide can reduce indirect losses by approximately 300 times. The findings of this study contribute to sustainable development and landslide risk management in mountainous areas.

Integrating computer technology and policy management for sustainable smart city development

Abstract. This paper presents the development and application of a machine learning-based Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance evaluation model. The model quantifies and assesses the ESG performance of companies, enabling them to identify strengths and weaknesses in their sustainability efforts. By leveraging advanced machine learning techniques, the model offers accurate and comprehensive insights into ESG performance, guiding companies in formulating effective improvement strategies. The study involves detailed data collection and preprocessing, model construction and training, and rigorous evaluation metrics to ensure reliability and effectiveness. Additionally, the paper discusses practical applications of the model in strategic decision-making, resource allocation, and enhancing stakeholder engagement. The findings highlight the importance of integrating technology with ESG considerations to drive sustainable business practices. This research provides a robust framework for ESG performance assessment and sets the stage for future advancements in this critical area.

Strategy of balanced territorial development in EU countries

The path to closer ties between Ukraine and the European Union (EU) was marked by important milestones and strategic agreements. From the first declaration of intent in the 1990s to the landmark Association Agreement, the trajectory reflects a deepening commitment to promote political association and economic integration. Ukraine’s obtaining the status of a candidate for membership in the European Union and the start of negotiations on the integration of Ukraine into the EU emphasize the emergence of economic opportunities for the country, in particular, when we formulate a strategy for its post-war recovery. At the same time, significant corrections in the task that Ukraine is solving today against the background of its European integration aspirations bring the consequences of Russia’s military aggression, which bring not only human losses, the occupation of certain territories, but also the destruction of places, villages and vital infrastructure, the restoration of which depends on the possibility of returning people to normal living conditions. No less critical is the situation with the adaptation in the host communities of people and enterprises that relocate from the occupied territories and territories to the war zone. There are structural changes in the sectoral specialization of territories in connection with the relocation of business. The problems of management of sustainable development of territorial communities are devoted to the works of such domestic scientists as O.V. Bezugliy, O.I. Vasylieva, O.K. Gordeev, T.A. Kravchenko, M.M. Patynska, Yu.M. Petrushenko, B.O. Fedirko and others. Such foreign researchers as: A.A. Leizerovich, R.V. Kates, T.M. Parris, J.M. Huls.

Sustainability nexus AID: infrastructure resilience

Infrastructure resilience advanced through nexus thinking is pivotal for societies to handle disruptions and ensure sustainable functionality. This interconnected approach understands infrastructure as an interdependent complex system and enables cooperative planning to achieve resilience. However, challenges like data inadequacy, financial limitations and governance issues impede its adoption, especially in developing regions. The United Nations University (UNU) Sustainability Nexus Analytics, Informatics and Data (AID) Programme strives to promote integrated resource management for sustainable development and fulfilling the UN 2030 Agenda. Through its Infrastructure Resilience Module, the initiative provides tools, data platforms and localised capacity building to empower professionals and communities for evidence-based, collaborative decision-making accounting for intersectoral relationships. By supporting context-specific analytical capabilities, bridging data gaps, and governance silos, the programme aims to pave the way for resilient and sustainable infrastructure development, particularly across vulnerable regions in the Global South, which face disproportionate infrastructure service disruptions.