Sustainable Knowledge Research Articles

Examining the factors influencing sustainability performance in the UK food industry

ABSTRACT This research examines the role of organisational culture (OC) and supply chain integration (SCI) in improving sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP) in the food manufacturing industry in the UK. A competing value framework (CVF) was used to categorise OC into developmental, group, rational and hierarchical cultures. Qualitative interviews with 11 senior managers in the UK food industry were conducted and manually analysed. We found that three competing values in developmental, group and hierarchical cultures are effective in implementing and achieving higher SSCP. The values inherent in these cultures also trigger internal and external integration through which the firms acquire sustainability ideas, knowledge, training and skills from customers and suppliers to improve SSCP. We also found that within the context of sustainability, internal integration is critical to a successful external integration. The study contributes immensely to sustainability literature by highlighting the actual OC values relevant to achieving higher SSCP and establishing SCI’s mediating role. The study further assesses how SCI is established and formed by firms on the verge of achieving higher SSCP. Managers are advised to adopt blended competing values (developmental, group and hierarchical culture) and strengthen and heighten systemic SCI to implement sustainability practices, improve SSCP as well as overcome sustainability challenges.

Building inclusion: participation and circularity for accessible architectures in Palestine

This paper describes the outcome of an international cooperation project aiming at contributing to the protection and the promotion of rights of people with disabilities and to their participation in increasingly inclusive and accessible communities. In Palestine, military occupation causes a lack of basic infrastructures, empty land and planning, de-facto making public areas rare. The opportunity to access an inclusive and safe space is a fundamental factor in quality of living. The participatory processes applied here to implement spatial transformation through sustainable micro-infrastructures foster awareness and knowledge sharing among the participants, despite the obstacles and limits acknowledged herein, opening to possible future developments.

Barriers to a sustainable living in Italy: results of a national survey

Abstract Background Sustainable living plays a crucial role in creating a fairer society, but various constraints prevent consumers from adopting sustainable behaviours. This study investigated the reasons for non-adoption of sustainable products or behaviours among the Italian population. Methods From January to June 2023, we surveyed the Italian population using a 40-question online survey that asked about knowledge, awareness, and attitudes toward sustainable behaviours and products. Participants were asked about the reasons why they did not engage in a certain behaviour or did not use a selected product. Descriptive statistics, t-test and chi-square tests were performed to assess association with participant characteristics. Results The 420 participants had a median age of 39 years (interquartile range: 32-56), 66% were female. The largest discrepancy between knowledge of sustainability impacts and implementation was in the personal care (92% knowledge, 31% implementation) and transportation (85% knowledge, 48% implementation) domains. In general, the main reasons for not using the surveyed products were practical complications in everyday life (25%), the difficulty of finding or producing them (23%) and their cost (13%). Specifically, practical complications (42%) were the main reason for not adopting sustainable behaviours in the transport domain. In the personal care domain, low confidence in product quality or ignorance of their existence accounted for only 26% of reasons for non-use, while supply problems, practical complications in everyday life and existence unawareness accounted for 61%. Conclusions Targeted measures are needed to address the reasons for non-use or adoption of sustainable products and behaviours. In this way, these actions will help to promote healthy living, protect our planet, support socio-economic development, and ensure global prosperity. Key messages • A greater sustainability- implementation awareness gap was found in personal care and transportation domains. • The main reasons for not implementing sustainable living were practical complications in daily life, supply difficulties and product cost.

Development of Morality and Ethics in Educational Institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission Pathum Thani Province

Background and Aims: Developing a nation to compete with advanced countries requires prioritizing human resource development, with education serving as the foundation of this progress. Quality education establishes a sustainable knowledge base, essential for achieving economic, social, and political growth. This study aims to: (1) evaluate the level of moral and ethical development among staff in vocational institutions governed by the Vocational Education Commission in Pathum Thani Province; (2) compare staff perspectives on moral and ethical growth based on variables such as gender, position, and age; and (3) identify effective strategies to enhance moral and ethical standards within these educational institutions in Pathum Thani Province. Methodology: The sample group for this research included 348 personnel from institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission in Pathum Thani Province during the 2023 academic year, selected via stratified random sampling. Research tools comprised a questionnaire using a 5-point rating scale, which had an Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) value ranging from 0.80 to 1.00, a reliability coefficient of 0.83, and a structured interview. Data analysis utilized statistical methods such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, along with t-tests, F-tests, and pairwise comparisons using Scheffe’s method. Results: The research results indicated that: (1) The overall level of morality and ethics development in educational institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission in Pathum Thani Province was rated high across all dimensions, with consistently high ratings for each specific aspect. (2) Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in morality and ethics development based on gender and position at the 0.05 significance level, but no significant differences were found based on age. (3) Guidelines for enhancing morality and ethics emphasized systematic professional oversight, recognition of outstanding personnel, and structured curricula for moral and ethical growth. The Office of the Vocational Education Commission highlighted merit-based assessments grounded in moral principles, clear standards, and well-defined workloads. Additionally, educational administrators demonstrated effective leadership by modeling rational behavior, prioritizing reason over emotion.

Indigenous and Local Knowledge: Instruments towards Achieving SDG2: A Review in an African Context

This study seeks to review African indigenous and local knowledge in farming systems that are used as instruments for the achievement of sustainable development. Hence the idea of sustainability, indigenous and local knowledge paying reference to Zero Hunger. Limited studies have indicated the importance of indigenous knowledge systems as a fundamental driver for the achievement of SDG2 by 2030. This study envisioned the idea of sustainable development in the context of indigenous and local knowledge as a potential for achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2. Hence, it emphasizes the necessity of a radical investigation of Indigenous knowledge practices for a more effective local farming system in the African setting that is inclusive and driven by the Indigenous community to harness the untapped riches of indigenous knowledge. Local and Indigenous knowledge are regarded as knowledge systems possessed by cultural groups and, based on their experience and adaptability to local culture and environment, it is important for development, particularly in food security. The study concludes by urging further potential investigation into whether indigenous and traditional knowledge systems as tools can be used to accomplish Sustainable Development Goals in practice.

Civilian knowledge industries and the ascendance of small and medium-sized states in world politics

In the evolving landscape of international politics, the ascent of small and medium-sized (SMS) states in knowledge industries is notable. As these states, exemplified by Israel, Sweden, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, harness advanced technological capabilities, their global influence grows. Unlike great powers, SMS states face a heightened risk in developing advanced technology due to limited national resources and the absence of technological redundancies. Our examination of Israel’s experience in the satellite, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence industries serves as a case study demonstrating how an SMS state can establish competitive knowledge sectors. These technologically advanced SMS states attain a status akin to middle powers, challenging conventional perceptions. Analyzing Israel’s commitment to securing these technological fields reveals government intervention aimed at cultivating sustainable knowledge industries and preserving critical knowledge. While diverse motivations drive the technological development of SMS states, their capabilities reshape conventional notions of middle powers and global power distribution.

Global Problems and/or Local Solutions: Teaching and Learning Physical Education in the Wake of OECD Education 2030

This paper investigates physical education through a reading of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s 2019 report Making Physical Education Dynamic and Inclusive for 2030. Adopting a qualitative policy analysis approach, we identify and discuss the problems outlined in the report, and its proposed solutions for the future of physical education. Physical education appears in the pages of this document as a container for societal problems related to global physical activity, health, and academic performance. We aim to provide a critique of the OECD report, and suggest topics that require further discussion, such as the dependence of quality teaching and learning on local solutions. We also place more emphasis on local sustainable knowledge in physical education.

Enhancing stroke knowledge among youth: Insights from Stroke Busters

IntroductionCommunity stroke education has shown promising results with sustained stroke knowledge and behavioral changes; however less is known about the effects of targeted education towards youth. We developed an interactive educational program for high school students, Stroke Busters, that focuses on stroke prevention, recognizing warning signs, and the importance of seeking prompt care. MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study where students are offered a stroke education program, ‘Stroke Busters’, through the Yale Pathways to Science Program, a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) pipeline program for high school students living near New Haven, Connecticut. Students filled out a stroke knowledge survey before, after, and 8-months-post program. Data from four separate sessions were collected (two 5-day programs and two 1-day programs) and scores were compared. Students who returned to help teach were also evaluated with an additional post-test. ResultsThe average pre-program score was 36.9% and post-program was 62.5% (N=67, p<0.001) across all sessions. Between sessions, scores were not significantly different. 8-month post-program scores (n=5) were not significantly different from immediate post-program scores. Students in the role of teaching-assistant had post-program scores of 85.7%. DiscussionHigh school students who participated in Stroke Busters retained stroke knowledge for up to 8 months. The 1-day program showed similar results to the 5-day program, which suggests providing shorter programs to high school students may represent a more feasible opportunity for community stroke prevention. Additionally, including students in a teaching role is a promising way to increase enthusiasm and stroke knowledge for youth. ConclusionStroke Busters was successfully able to educate high school youth about stroke and programs of both 1 and 5-day are equally effective.

LIS Curriculum Coverage of Sustainability

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Edcuation calls for higher education to be effective change agents and drivers of sustainability innovation. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions has advocates for libraries’ unique and important contributions to the global sustainable development efforts (2016). In 2019, the American Library Association added sustainability as a core value of librarianship. Under this environment, LIS publications on libraries and sustainable development identified a lack of the awareness and knowledge of sustainability among librarians and called for it to be covered in LIS curriculum. This study explores the coverage of sustainability in LIS curriculum and aims to explore how LIS profession understands sustainability, whether sustainability should be in LIS curriculum, and what competences it develops in LIS students. Findings from this study will further the discussion on libraries’ roles in society and how to equip LIS professionals with needed knowledge and skills to act on those roles.

Financial Strategies for Sustainability: Examining the Circular Economy Perspective

Circular economy (CE) research has advanced significantly in recent years in areas like environmental science, engineering, and technology. Governance presents CE strategies as imperative and compelling, often linked to efforts to achieve sustainable business development. However, the financial quantification of a CE is still underexplored and heterogeneous, with multiple research streams exploring the financial dimension. The aims of this study are twofold: (i) to analyze the productivity of the scientific literature and the conceptual evolution of circularity as it relates to financial strategies; and (ii) to formulate future research directions addressing a CE in close connection with financial sustainability knowledge. Bilbiometrix R-package 2023.12.1 and VOSviewer version 1.6.20 were used to analyze a sample of 279 articles retrieved from WoS and Scopus using the PRISMA protocol. The analysis covered the period 2010–2023, with the diachronic thematic analysis revealing four key themes: (1) CE and green financial performance; (2) environmental impact of CE; (3) performance approach of CE and metrics; (4) CE and sustainable development. Building on previous knowledge, we developed an integrated and multidisciplinary framework of CE embedded in financial performance. Future research agenda shaped by the emerging themes and research gaps can support managers, shareholders, or governance in incorporating CE policies into operational activities and strengthening sustainable circularity knowledge.

Sustainable energy transition, knowledge co-creation and trade: the case of EU residential energy efficiency

ABSTRACT The European Union (EU) sustainable energy transition requires radical changes of economic, technological, societal and political systems. This paper empirically investigates the relationships among environmental policy, innovation and technological capabilities, and economic performances, in terms of country export competitiveness, focusing on residential energy efficiency goods, a core pillar of the EU energy and climate strategy. We combine network analysis with a gravity model to investigate the evolution of the EU bilateral trade and co-patenting activities from 1990 to 2015, based on a panel of 19 European countries. Our results show that the technological skills of the exporting country, related to the production of the households’ energy-consuming appliances, strongly enhance its export performances, and this effect is stronger when countries are EU members. Cooperation in knowledge creation and institutional proximities between trade partners are further key determinants of export performances of analysed countries.

The Circular Game: The Impact of Gaming on Sustainable Behaviour

The main objective of this paper is to assess the impact of The Circular Game use on participants' sustainable awareness, learning and behaviour. The Circular Game is a strategy board game to learn about sustainability, improve environmental awareness, apply circular economy strategies, and train to design innovative and circular business models. Researchers will analyse changes in participants' sustainable knowledge, awareness, and behaviour before and after participation in the game with ad hoc questionnaires. The results of this analysis will allow us to test whether the emotions generated during the play-based learning process can condition their environmental awareness, learning and behaviour towards greater sustainability in the future. The game can generate emotions in participants and work teams, promote collaborative and green knowledge acquisition, and help bachelor and master students and employees apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Similarly, companies and entrepreneurs need a relaxed environment to present their ideas and proposals for improvement. This methodology uses game elements in academic or working environments to stimulate and challenge participants to incorporate sustainable business choices. The Circular Game is a game in which participants compete to be the company that applies the most circular economy strategies in its business model. The groups advance through a circular board where, depending on the squares they land on, they can earn money, invest in circular economy strategies, and add or reduce CO2 emissions. The winner will be the one who has completed all the circular economy strategies set out in the game with the minimum of CO2 emissions. The social impact is substantial as it is a methodology that can be applied in any field, educational or business. The impact will be more significant if the game's objective, to be more sustainable, is translated into the participants' real lives.

The Correlation between Knowledge of Food Sustainability, Sustainable Eating Attitudes, and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among Blue- and White-Collar Employees

To enhance and advance both human and planetary health, it is imperative to transition towards more sustainable nutrition approaches. This study aimed to assess the correlation between the levels of sustainability and sustainable nutrition knowledge, attitudes towards sustainable nutrition, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) among blue- and white-collar employees. This study included 210 adults, half of whom were white-collar employees, with the other half being blue-collar employees. Sociodemographic data were collected, and anthropometric measurements were performed. The Questionnaire on Food Sustainability Knowledge and Attitudes to Sustainable Eating and the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS) were also included in the applied survey. Dietary intake was assessed using 24 h dietary records. The mean age was 41.9 ± 10.87 years. Of the participants, 56.2% were classified as being overweight or obese. The level of knowledge on the concept of “food sustainability” among all participants was 30.5%. The mean MEDAS score of all the participants was 5.4 ± 1.90, and 74.8% of all the participants did not follow the MD. Positive correlations were found between the MEDAS score and the Sustainable Diet Definition score (r = 0.174) (p ˂ 0.05) and Sustainable Eating Attitude score (r = 0.312) (p ˂ 0.001). Negative correlations were found between the MEDAS score and body weight (r = −0.320; p ˂ 0.001), BMI (r = −0.249; p ˂ 0.001), waist circumference (r = −0.278; p ˂ 0.001), and PBF (r = −0.177; p ˂ 0.05). We found that, as the level of sustainable nutrition knowledge increased, sustainable nutrition behaviors improved, and as adherence to the MD increased, the incidence of obesity decreased.

Integrating Youth Sustainable Knowingness, and Sustainable Attitudes to Cultivate Environmental Citizens According to the SDGS: Does Sustainable Environment Knowledge Moderate the Relationship?

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate how prepared young with sustainable knowingness, attitudes, behaviours, and environmental knowledge could help to playing their role as sustainable environmental citizens in supporting countries with sustainable development goals (SDGs) initiatives. Theoretical Framework: The Connection between Resource-Based Views (RBV) Theory and Youth Sustainability few scholars have identified RBV theory as a vital theoretical focal point for supporting the connections theory among researchers in several areas of discipline. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises 274 participants of students from southern region and this study implementing purposive sampling as to collect the data. Data collection was carried out through online survey using Google Form. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that sustainable environmental knowledge moderated the relationship between sustainable knowingness and sustainable attitudes with environmental citizens among southern regions students in Malaysia. Research Implications: Governments should invest in educational programs enhancing environmental literacy to promote sustainable behaviors among students. These initiatives should focus on ecosystems and conservation, fostering a personal connection to sustainability. Originality/Value: This study enhances literature by promoting outdoor education and environmental health lessons for students, enabling them to understand environmental issues and live sustainably through community-based projects.

The Global Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda

The Iberarchivos program, which is a financial fund for the implementation of archival projects, is a benchmark of archival cooperation in Ibero-America for archival development. Based on the perspectives of culture as a pillar of sustainable development advocated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Quadruple Bottom Line (QBL), the aim of this study is to present the contributions of the Iberarchivos program to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Methodologically, it is an applied, exploratory, and descriptive study in terms of objectives, as well as bibliographic and documentary research in primary sources as technical procedures. After a critical reading of each strategic plan for the Ibero-American partnership (PACCI) for the period of 2019 to 2026, all the initiatives related to the Iberarchivos program for the achievement of sustainable development will be identified and described to map the existence of sustainable practices and actions intended for the Ibero-American archives in their activities. This work has identified efforts and movements that highlight the relevance of guaranteeing the right of access to information, culture, and memory for citizenship and the objectives of the SDGs of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, as well as mobilization with other social sectors for the development and monitoring of cultural public policies. The conclusion of this research is that the contributions of the Iberarchivos program are essential for achieving the SDGs, consolidating the QBL, and, above all, the richness and diversity of Ibero-American culture in building sustainable knowledge for society in general and the archival community, as well as democratizing access to culture.

Mirrors of Knowledge and Indigenous Knowledge Management

This study assessed the role of mirrors of knowledge in the management and preservation of indigenous knowledge for sustainability and development in Ghana. The qualitative research design and structured interview were used in this study. The study focused on three categories of mirrors of knowledge: libraries (academic libraries, research libraries, special libraries, and public and community libraries), museums, and archive centers. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data collected via the interview. The study established that the managers and officers of the mirrors of knowledge understand and appreciate the concept of indigenous knowledge; there was the availability of technological systems and tools to facilitate the management and preservation of indigenous knowledge; and the mirrors of knowledge played a significant role in the management and preservation of knowledge. However, the absence of a collection development policy on indigenous knowledge; the outdated nature of most of the technological tools; the lack of funding; the lack of appreciation of indigenous knowledge by the staff and community members; etc. affected the quest to effectively manage and preserve indigenous knowledge for sustainable development. This study will serve as a guide for managers and policymakers of all the categories of mirrors of knowledge on the need, role, and importance of a collection development policy for indigenous knowledge, and guide in the identification and deployment of the appropriate technological systems for the management and preservation of indigenous knowledge. It will also inform the managers, policymakers, and stakeholders of indigenous knowledge of the challenges associated with the collection and management of indigenous knowledge and measures that can be deployed to help solve these problems for sustainability and development.

Sustainable knowledge management: Driving green technology innovation and long-term performance in construction firms

Sustainable knowledge management: Driving green technology innovation and long-term performance in construction firms

Sustainable leadership and knowledge ingredients - the recipe for sustainable competitive advantage: a mixed-method approach

ABSTRACT Drawing on the principles of complexity theory, the research seeks to ascertain the causal configurations that can lead to enhanced Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA) within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The sample was drawn from HEIs in Pakistan. The research used asymmetrical fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), to identify the antecedent conditions that predict high SCA scores in HEIs. The results revealed several configurations that can help HEIs improve SCA, complementing the major tenets of complexity theory. Symmetric methods see SCA as the result of isolated antecedents, they have significant limitations when it comes to understanding SCA, which is a complex construct. This is evident from recent research. Symmetric approaches have fewer theoretical ramifications and are less informative. The study adds to the literature on leadership and knowledge management by highlighting the causal configurations that result in improved SCA. The research will assist management in understanding the complexity of SCA and the possibility that different recipes may be more effective in enhancing SCA than concentrating on individual factors and their effects on HEIs. Managers will find new paths to SCA with the aid of the study.

Promoting Plant-Based Sustainable Diet to Support Future Development: Emotional Design Card Development

The quest for a plant-based sustainable diet has significant value for promoting future development, posing novel challenges for designers. This study involved a five-step design process, encompassing a case study, an experimental study, prototype conception, user testing, and design refinement, with the aim of developing a “Plant-based Sustainable Diet 3P Emotional Design Method” card set that enables individuals to devise personalized sustainable diet plans. The results demonstrated that the instinctive level originates from the product itself, signifying the efficacy of sensory design cues for plant-based foods. The behavioral level stems from the interactive content generated by the product, denoting the efficacy of design cues and highlighting the advantages of transitioning to healthier ingredients for the body. The reflective level arises from the reflection and contemplation of the product, signifying the efficacy of value perception and design cues pertaining to economic, environmental, and social sustainability knowledge. The study analyzed the influencing factors of diet choices through emotional design and provided insights into the underlying psychological mechanisms. The theoretical contribution of this study lies in the novel integration of emotional design and sustainable diet research, while its practical contribution is the introduction of methods and tools that facilitate the adoption of plant-based sustainable diet practices at the individual level.

Investigating the Role of Digital Transformation, Digital Knowledge Management and Digital Innovation on Sustainable Performance (SDG) of SMES

Objective: This research aims to analyze the relationship between digital transformation and sustainability, analyze the relationship between digital innovation and sustainability and analyze the relationship between digital knowledge management and sustainability. Method: The research method used in this research is a quantitative method, research data analysis uses the structural equation modelling partial least squares (PLS-SEM) method with tools for processing data using SmartPLS 4.0 software. The population of this research are administrators or managers of SMEs in Indonesia. The respondents of this research were 467 SME managers who were determined using a simple random sampling method. Research data was obtained by distributing online questionnaires via digital platforms or online media. The questionnaire was designed to contain statement indicators using a 5 Likert scale. The independent variables of this research are digital transformation, digital innovation and digital knowledge management, the dependent variable of this research is sustainability. The stages of data analysis are unified validity, reliability testing hypothesis testing or significance testing of relationships between variables. Result: The results of this research are that digital transformation has a positive and significant relationship to sustainability, digital innovation has a positive and significant relationship to sustainability and digital knowledge management has a positive and significant relationship to sustainability. Research Implication: The results of this research provide an idea to SME stakeholders that to improve SME sustainability, competitiveness and performance, SME managers need to adopt digital transformation in SME operational activities. To achieve SME sustainability, SME managers need to cultivate a culture of digital innovation and management. digital knowledge in SME operational activities.