Sustainable Management Processes Research Articles

Forest vegetation cover in Bu Gia Map National Park, Vietnam

Understanding the composition of tree species is essential for establishing conservation priorities. Bu Gia Map National Park is in the tropical rainforest zone of Southeast Vietnam. This paper is to analyse and assess tree species composition and biodiversity conservation in Bu Gia Map National Park. The diversity of plant species in Bu Gia Map National Park was studied to provide baseline information for conservation and sustainable management processes that will prolong the life of National Park. The results obtained from the study conducted on the plant species composition and forest vegetation in this national park revealed a total of 786 species, spanning 430 genera and 132 families, across three divisions of vascular plants: Polypodiophyta, Pinophyta, and Magnoliophyta. Among these are 300 species of timber plants, 270 species of medicinal plants, 62 species of edible plants, 74 species of ornamental plants, 40 species of industrial plants, 28 species of fiber plants, and 12 species of plants with unknown use. Notably, during the investigation period, Goniothalamus vietnamensis Ban and Myxopyrum smilacifolium Blume were newly recorded in the forest vegetation of Bu Gia Map National Park. The study also describes a variety of forest vegetation in the area, identifying two major forest vegetation types within Bu Gia Map National Park.

Improvement of enterprise risk visualization: risk mapping

The object of the study is the risks that disrupt the accomplishment of any enterprise's missions. Therefore, mastering these risks is a significant asset for organizations and the overall health of the enterprise. Thus, working comprehensively on organizational risk prevention enables the enterprise to formulate a strategy aimed at guarding against all risk factors. Simultaneously, it identifies areas where more targeted actions need to be undertaken, potentially leading to positive changes within the company. To achieve this and allow for a robust and reliable assessment for better governance of harmful elements in the enterprise, we have used the risk mapping method. It is a data visualization tool aimed at highlighting vulnerabilities in various processes and activities that an organization faces, even allowing for informed decisions to prevent and cope with risks. Risk mapping is defined as the approach of identifying, evaluating, prioritizing, and managing risks inherent in an enterprise's activities. It even delves into a thorough investigation of all managerial, operational, and support processes that activities require implementing. This mapping technique is based on an objective, structured, and documented description of existing risks. The assessment allows for a more detailed analysis of initial and residual risks at all levels of the enterprise, thereby facilitating the development of a prioritized action plan accompanied by an analysis of its funding. This obligation is part of a continuous improvement approach to the quality of life and working conditions, even engaging in a sustainable management process. As a case study, we have chosen to focus on the SAIDAL Group of Constantine. Through this case study, we aim to illustrate the practical implications and benefits of using risk mapping as a strategic tool for risk management in a complex organizational context. Now, having a risk map not only promotes a proactive approach to risk mitigation but also contributes to broader goals of continuous improvement and sustainable risk management practices: a necessity for any enterprise.

Organizational Learning Towards Sustainability in Higher Education Institutions: A Brazilian Case Study

Universities should be dedicated to providing an education that fosters social transformation by interrelating the environmental, social, and economic dimensions. This article asserts that a truly sustainable university extends beyond merely “greening” the campus—it emphasizes sustainability across all core processes, be it in education, management, research, or community relations. The primary aim of this study is to delve into organizational learning and sustainable management processes, drawing inspiration from the I3E model introduced by Cebrian (2016). A qualitative case study was undertaken at a Brazilian federal university listed in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings to achieve this. The research thoroughly examined institutional documents and interviews with managerial staff to discern strategic decisions, sustainable initiatives, and best practices. The findings suggest that the journey towards learning for sustainability is riddled with challenges, such as a paucity of commitment, communication gaps, ineffective leadership, distrust within the institution, limited funding, conflicting interests among various groups and individuals, and the burden of rigid bureaucratic protocols. However, facilitating factors have also been identified, including reshaping pre-existing mental models, a genuine interest in learning, and a conducive organizational framework. This research enriches the existing discourse on sustainability and organizational learning and offers a comprehensive and interconnected perspective on these topics. Additionally, it delivers valuable insights for academic administrators aspiring to craft a blueprint for a sustainable university. It does so by addressing overarching challenges and placing the components of the institutional management model in context, thereby offering direction for sustainable core processes in areas such as teaching, research, outreach, and management.

A multivariate approach to assessing the water quality of the Bamako reach of the Niger River in Mali as irrigation water.

Agricultural production in the Bamako region has been raised, and its output quality has been questionable due to the discharge of wastewater into the Niger River. This study assessed the Niger River water body variations for irrigation application temporally and spatially. Thirteen parameters, potential of hydrogen, electrical conductivity, nitrate, total dissolved solids, phosphate, sulfate, chloride, ammonium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate, were analyzed at the 15 sampling locations. Parameters examination indicated that most pollutants had higher concentrations over the high-flow phase than in the low-flow period. All parameters were within the Food and Agriculture Organization's recommended values levels. Irrigation variables, sodium adsorption ratio, sodium percentage, soluble sodium percentage, residual sodium bicarbonate, Kelly's ration, permeability index, total hardness, and potential salinity showed the water samples' convenience for irrigation. However, the magnesium hazard concentration exceeded the recommended values levels. Besides, the chloroalkaline indices indicated a trend of degradation that should be addressed. Therefore, a river management plan and regular irrigation water quality monitoring are needed to reduce water hardness in Bamako. The Niger River's sustainable management process must be thrived on all actors' participation. A scientific assessment will be conducted using appropriate methods to identify pollution sources in Bamako. The results of this study will serve as a cornerstone for future investigations concerning the quality of surface water, which is essential for irrigation purposes. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Human activities affected the Niger River water bodies in Bamako city. Quantitative and qualitative assessments reveal the pollution status and trend of the Niger River. The water quality trend is better in the low-flow season, which is an ideal period for vegetable production in Bamako. Most multivariate approaches indicated that the Niger River water is healthy for irrigation purposes. Magnesium hazard exceeded the standard levels, and the chloroalkaline indices indicated a trend of the Niger River water quality deterioration.

Circular Process for Sustainable On-Site Management of Valuable Materials in the Rehabilitation of the Built Heritage

Heritage rehabilitation can be a sustainable operation when it succeeds in conveying the intangible, historical, artistic, and symbolic value of the building and, at the same time, to ensure the preservation of soil and material resources. The sustainability of the operation must cover the entire life cycle of the building, starting with the management of materials on the construction site, which allows for an increase in its durability while safeguarding its residual performance. This paper, therefore, outlines a process for the sustainable management of materials at the building redevelopment site using the history of the building and the life cycles of related materials. In particular, the following are explored: residual performance of historical and coeval materials, their endogenous and exogenous reuse of materials in the redevelopment project, the traceability aimed at controlling the supply chain, and the material/component identity card. The latter evolves dynamically, providing useful information for carrying out environmental assessments and monitoring the building’s maintenance cycle. The process is applied to a case study involving the redevelopment of the historical built heritage following the 2009 earthquake that struck the city of L’Aquila and neighbouring territories. The case study demonstrated the validity of the method and at the same time made it possible to introduce an innovative process in the territory, raising awareness among those working in the sector of the value of choices that have environmental and economic advantages.

Developing the water paucity index using dimensional homogeneity

The urban water system is experiencing a paradigm transformation. The water friction between ecosystems and society seriously threatens sustainable development of water-stressed regions. This study presents a system dynamics model comprising environmental, physical, and socio-economic sectors to explore the complex interactions within the urban water system. Two study sites, South Dum Dum and Siliguri, are considered for their contrasting, distinct, and varying natural and anthropogenic pulls to enrich global application potency of the model. The components involved in the model have quantifiable and qualitative characteristics. The functions and relations are derived using dimensional homogeneity concepts and analytical hierarchy processes for quantifiable and qualitative components. The results show a quantitative and qualitative water paucity index score of 1.1187 and 3.25 for South Dum Dum and 0.7587 and 1.00 for Siliguri, respectively. The results highlight the position of South Dum Dum as a water paucity region compared to Siliguri. There is significant scope for the model to deliver a pinpoint contribution to the sustainable management process. The water paucity index, an integrated model, helps to manage and resolve water stress issues and move a region towards achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) 3, 6, 11, 13, and 17.

Напрями повоєнної розбудови національної системи сталого господарювання

The purpose of the article is to define, form and substantiate the priority areas of the post-war development of the national system of sustainable management in resource constraints. The research used methods of analysis and synthesis, generalization, tabular, graphic, linear correlation, provision of integration platforms for spatial management of natural resource assets, analysis of organizational capabilities of change management, regulation, subject-subject type of management of sustainable management processes, and others. According to the results, for the first time the priority directions of the post-war development of the national system of sustainable management were formed and substantiated, which provide for their implementation according to the concept of a new model of restructuring of the economic system, namely: reformatting of the national natural resource space, formation of a new format of the space of behavior of many business entities, development space for implementation of the action of the national system of sustainable management. A conceptual scheme of the post-war development of the national system of sustainable management in three priority directions is proposed. It was developed on the basis of the implementation of the economic system restructuring project, which provides for the introduction of new models of the system and structure of natural resource management and, in accordance with the reengineering model of the management of economic assets, is ensured by the action of four specific mechanisms: the formation of the financial basis of the national system of sustainable management, state regulation and waste management , state regulation and management of the development of natural resource assets, an organizational mechanism for managing the process of harmonization of a sustainable economy. The complex of local tasks for each of the three priority directions of post-war development in the conditions of an aggressive external and internal environment of the national system of sustainable management has been improved with the detailing and delineation of the specific toolkit of reformatting, and the most effective methods and means necessary for its implementation in practice. This determines the specification of the content of tasks according to priorities in the context of restructuring and revitalization of the national economic space.

Effect of urbanization on the dynamics of ecosystem services: An analysis for decision making in Kolkata urban agglomeration

Urbanization has profound influence on the changes of land use and land cover, which on the other hand exert significant impact on ecosystem services and their values, especially in the urban agglomerations. Kolkata urban agglomeration of India has been selected to determine the causes in changes of ecosystem services under present and projected land use land cover scenario. Land use land cover maps of 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020 were prepared by support vector machine method, using LANDSAT satellite imageries and projected up-to 2040 using CA–Markov model. Built-up land was increased by 65.39% during 1990–2020 and will further increase to 76.88% by 2040. Built-up lands are mainly encroaching crop lands and wetlands. During the period of fifty years (1990–2040), the ecosystem service value will decrease from $38,486.49 to $28,060.79, with annual rate of decrement of 0.54%. During the same period, the spatial extent of very low ecosystem service value will be increased from 16.60 to 58.88%; whereas, the area coverage of very high ecosystem service value will be decreased from 2.69 to 2.35%. Water supply contributed highest ecosystem service value followed by disturbance regulation and nutrient cycling; whereas, lacking in soil formation, pollination and biological control services contributed lowest. The study will help in decision making process for sustainable management of natural resources and also provide useful guideline for the quality improvement in urban ecosystems.

Construction Management Supported by BIM and a Business Intelligence Tool

The construction sector generates large amounts of heterogeneous and dynamic data characterized by their fragmentation throughout the life cycle of a project. Immediate and accurate access to that data is fundamental to the management, decision-making and analysis by construction owners, supervisors, managers, and technicians involved in the different phases of the project life cycle. However, since construction project data are diverse, dispersed, uncorrelated, and difficult to visualize, a reliable basis for decision-making can rarely be established by the management team. Aiming to bridge this gap, a methodology for data management during building construction by means of Data with BIM and Business Intelligence (BI) analysis tools was developed in this study. This methodology works by extracting data from 3D parametric model and integrating it with a BI tool, through which data are visualized and interrelated with the same database, the BIM model. To demonstrate the applicability of the methodology, a study case was carried out. It was shown that this methodology provides a collaborative platform for accurate data analysis to the construction management and supervision teams, allowing project stakeholders to access and update data in real-time, in permanent linkage with the BIM model. Additionally, improving the reliability of the decision-making process and ensuring project deliverability, the developed methodology contributes to a more sustainable management process by decreasing errors and resource consumption, including energy. Therefore, the main goal of this study is to present a methodology for data analysis with BIM models integrated with BI for sustainable construction management.

Prototyping IoT-Based Virtual Environments: An Approach toward the Sustainable Remote Management of Distributed Mulsemedia Setups

Business models built upon multimedia/multisensory setups delivering user experiences within disparate contexts—entertainment, tourism, cultural heritage, etc.—usually comprise the installation and in-situ management of both equipment and digital contents. Considering each setup as unique in its purpose, location, layout, equipment and digital contents, monitoring and control operations may add up to a hefty cost over time. Software and hardware agnosticity may be of value to lessen complexity and provide more sustainable management processes and tools. Distributed computing under the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm may enable management processes capable of providing both remote control and monitoring of multimedia/multisensory experiences made available in different venues. A prototyping software to perform IoT multimedia/multisensory simulations is presented in this paper. It is fully based on virtual environments that enable the remote design, layout, and configuration of each experience in a transparent way, without regard of software and hardware. Furthermore, pipelines to deliver contents may be defined, managed, and updated in a context-aware environment. This software was tested in the laboratory and was proven as a sustainable approach to manage multimedia/multisensory projects. It is currently being field-tested by an international multimedia company for further validation.

Feasibility of Reducing Operator-to-Passenger Contact for Passenger Screening at the Airport with Respect to the Power Consumption of the System

So far, airport security screening has only been analysed in terms of efficiency, level of service, and protection against any acts of unlawful interference. Screening procedures have not yet addressed the need to limit operator-to-passenger contact. However, the pandemic situation (COVID-19) has shown that it is a factor that can be a key protection for the health of passengers and operators. The purpose of this paper was to analyse the feasibility of reducing contact between operators and passengers in the airport security screening system by process management with respect to the power consumption of the system. Experimental research was conducted on a real system. A computer simulation was applied to estimate system performance and power consumption. The paper identifies the important findings that expand upon previous knowledge. The results showed that there are two key factors: the experience of operators and proper system structure. These factors can significantly reduce the number of operator-to-passenger contacts and, in parallel, provide lower energy consumption of the system. The results obtained in this article showed that proper management improves the process by up to 37%. This approach expands the World Health Organization’s policy of prevention against COVID-19 and helps to ensure sustainable process management.

Comparative evaluation on municipal sewage sludge utilization processes for sustainable management in Tibet

In recent years, a sharp increase in the amount of municipal sewage sludge (MSS) in Tibet has posed serious threats to the fragile ecological environment. Tibetan sludge, with a high content of volatile and low heavy metals, has re-utilization advantages, and thus, the selection of appropriate utilization processes for Tibetan MSS is of great importance. In this study, not only the processes themselves, but also other factors including legislations and environmental pollution were investigated. This study introduced the current waste management legislation situation (especially for MSS) in China and Tibet, China. Moreover, a series of SWOT (strength & weakness and opportunity & threats) analyses were conducted to compare anaerobic digestion (AD), incineration, pyrolysis (PY), gasification, and anaerobic digestion coupled with pyrolysis. The results showed that anaerobic digestion coupled with pyrolysis was the optimal treatment option, because anaerobic digestion was suitable for the low oxygen content in Tibet. Although only 50–60% of the organic matter in MSS could be degraded by anaerobic digestion, the residual organic matter (energy) could be further decomposed by pyrolysis, converting it into pyrolytic gas, bio-oil, and biochar, as valuable products. Sludge digestate pyrolysis could reduce environmental risks, save energy, recover materials, and produce high value-added materials. Moreover, it provides a “zero waste” solution for sludge disposal and promotes a “Circular Economy.” The challenges and obstacles of MSS anaerobic digestion coupled with pyrolysis in Tibet were also investigated. This study provides an important technical reference for the comprehensive utilization of Tibetan MSS.

INDUSTRY 4.0 CONCEPTS WITHIN THE CZECH SME MANUFACTURING SECTOR: AN EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT OF CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS

The paper analysed factors that has the most impact in influencing the achievement of a sustainable process management model in the implementation of Industry 4.0 concepts within the Czech SME manufacturing sector. Several factors were identified and their interactions with digital technologies within the production environments was analysed. These factors, from an organisational perspective were identified as critical to success in the quest to achieve Industry 4.0 compliance and digital transformation of the manufacturing operations of companies. They include: strategy, organisational fit, competitiveness, operations and human resources. A mixed methods approach was adopted for the research. It involved both the qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches. The qualitative aspect involved an extensive systematic review of relevant literature which was useful in developing the conceptual framework and identifying the relevant factors that enable the implementation of an efficient Industry 4.0 process management model in SMEs; the quantitative aspect involved the use of a survey questionnaire to collect data which was analysed using confirmatory factor analysis statistical approach to test the measures of the constructs in the proposed conceptual framework. The result from the statistical analysis shows the factors that in the conceptual model that were supported as being relevant in achieving an efficient process management model for successful implementation of Industry 4.0 concepts in Czech manufacturing SMEs. The research limitation is based on the fact that the SMEs covered in the quantitative aspect of the research are restricted to a particular geographical location – Czech Republic. It would be interesting to have similar studies conducted in other geographies for a comparative perspective. It contributes to the scientific and practical discourse on Industry 4.0 process management model implementation in SMEs by investigating the phenomenon through the production of credible scientific evidence.

Methodological Framework for Defining the Sustainability Management Process for Urban Mobility Systems Based on System Engineering

Current urban mobility trends go beyond infrastructure investments and integrating new technologies, reflecting new user requirements and regulations, and the increasingly rigorous and sustainable governance. Designing an urban mobility system and assessing its sustainability require a flexible holistic approach considering the complete life cycle of the system and interdependencies between its components. This paper proposes a novel methodological framework based on system engineering tools, aimed at helping public authorities designing and deploying new urban projects, accounting for the entire life cycle of the mobility system, evolving requirements of users, and sustainability. The main goal is to validate the proposed framework by simulations. A realistic case study employing the new framework showed its advantages, consisting of solving problems in a manner comparable to other methodologies, but adding flexibility in managing different data inaccessible to urban managers before allowing for defining effective urban mobility policies.

The investigation of the relationship between sustainable supply chain management and sustainable competitive advantage according to the mediating role of innovation and sustainable process management

Goal: The present study examines the mediating role of innovation and sustainable process management on the relationship between sustainable supply chain management and sustainable competitive advantage.
 Design / Methodology / Approach: The statistical population consists of 20 companies involved in the production of banking equipment. Since the size of the statistical population is very small, structural equations model and partial least squares approach were used to analyze the research data and to test the hypotheses of the research.
 Results: The results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between sustainable supply chain management and sustainable competitive advantage. Moreover, it was found that innovation and sustainable process management variables play a mediating and moderating role on the relationship between sustainable supply chain and sustainable competitive advantage.
 Limitations of the investigation: The most important limitation in this study was the long-time collection of research data.
 Practical implications: According to the results obtained, organizations should focus on applying the principles of sustainable process management to achieve coordination between the departments and resources of the organization.
 Originality / Value: It is recommended that organizations emphasize innovative and creative activities to achieve sustainable competitive advantage through sustainable supply chain activities.

Business Process Risk Management at Aviation University to support sustainable strategy: developing a framework for ESTU ATO with integration Document Analysis, Descriptive Analysis and Flow Chart

Sustainability and continuous improvement are a vital part of sustainable process management. Process risk management is not a one-time application as ad-hoc style. Which aims to ensure optimisatio...

The University of São Paulo on the 2017‘s GreenMetric Ranking

The University of São Paulo is a public University and the largest in Brazil. It is broadly organized into distinct campuses that are installed in different cities of the state of São Paulo, each one with its specific aspects. There are more than 95 thousand undergraduate and graduate regularly enrolled students, standing out as one of the best universities in Brazil and Latin America [2]. The performance of the University of São Paulo at the “UI GreenMetric World University Ranking” has improved considerably in 2017 (28th position) on the general ranking. The sustainability management process for USP is carried out considering the strengths each campus presents, but the USP governance process ensures standards and good practices are applied similarly to all areas under the university responsibility. As for example, the recent approval of the USP Environmental Policy, which process engaged the whole USP community, working together to understand the complex context of all campuses, what resulted at the end in very innovative arrangements for researching, teaching and practice for sustainability. Different of the past rankings, data provided for GreenMetric 2017 Ranking contemplated USP as a whole, because it is not possible to assess the university environmental sustainability performance in parts. This approach allowed showing the different enhanced efforts of the University as a whole. In addition, the USP’s environmental policy-making process brought about more integration between the campuses and effective actions were put into practice, helping to consolidate USP as a sustainable university. The highlight in the score was "Setting and Infrastructure": there are 76.4km2 of total area and only 2.6% from them are built-up. The University has been prioritizing the protection of green areas and biodiversity, in São Paulo city campus, totally surrounded by urban environment, but also in the other campuses in the countryside, some of them located in rural environment. This shows that USP’s campuses are environmentally responsible, providing students and staff with enjoyable, healthy and in close touch with nature places. On the topic “Transportation”, the University of São Paulo stands out also. Incentives to improve choice for public transportation and biking within the university community are among the constant concern of the University of São Paulo, which will be keeping up efforts for that.

Proposal for a water resource management strategy model using the water footprint concept

We hereby present a proposal for a water stewardship strategy model, having the water footprint as a reference, developed from the results of a qualitative and exploratory research and by interviews with experts in the subject. The aim is to identify these experts’ contributions to a water stewardship model as from the applicability of the water footprint concept. From the contribution provided by the experts’ panel, as well as the authors’ understanding of the content of the bibliographic research conducted, a water stewardship strategy model was proposed for producing goods and services as from the water footprint concept, structured as a Plan-Do-Check-Action stewardship model. This model sought to be supported on a holistic view of the sustainable management process of water resources, besides seeking to provide an innovative and comprehensive way to account for water use and consumption along with effluent disposal. Thus, it sought to contribute to a suitable risk management and might contribute as a necessary support for the development of operational and commercial strategies, contributing significantly to the sustainable development of an organization.

Gestión Sustentable De Riesgos Y Crisis En El Turismo Mexicano Y Latinoamericano Como Problema Estratégico Para La Seguridad De Los Destinos. Implicaciones Para Ciudad Juárez, México

The integrated management of risk and crisis in tourism has recently been incorporated to scientific debate and therefore to the practical management; which is why concepts and procedures are required to gain efficiency and practical operational development. The aim of this study is to justify the sustainable management process of risk and crisis in Mexican and Latin American tourism as a strategy for the security of destinations, and identify the experiences that promote a better preparedness and planning of risk and crisis caused by insecurity in Ciudad Juarez. The results of this study demonstrate that the integrated management of risk and crisis on tourism is justified as a strategic problem for security in tourist destinations, as well as the necessity to have policy and institutional framework to manage tourism safety. Then as a learning experience, an analysis of crisis and management strategies related to unsafe destinations in Latin America and Mexico are presented. Finally, the strategic projection for the preparation and planning of tourism, facing risks and crisis caused by insecurity in Ciudad Juarez is proposed. This includes the characterization of the city as an insecure cross-border tourist destination, the formulation of the strategic problem, the development of the principles to form a Sustainable and Secure Tourism System, and the planning of action areas for short-term and longterm implementation.

The Kiel maturity model as a future-oriented mindset for sustainable knowledge management processes

Sustainability can be understood as the concept of being in business permanently. This interpretation leads to an 'attitude' based on long-term thinking and value-driven activities to realise organisational benefits. The key basis for sustainable management processes in our knowledge-driven economy is formed by organisational knowledge and learning processes. But how can a manager with such an attitude concretely implement sustainability in his strategic work? What are the main assets in his specific organisation? How does the roadmap for the sustainability strategy - optimised for his organisation - look like? This paper provides answers and offers with the Kiel maturity model an innovative approach for practitioners with a scientific underpinning. It aims to facilitate the implementation of an individualised knowledge management as the main asset that focuses on organisational learning. In our knowledge-based society, the importance of organisational knowledge and learning strongly increases. In this paper, knowledge and learning are seen as the most relevant asset group. The Kiel maturity model focuses this asset group and offers for future-oriented management leaders an individual adaptable framework for developing their specific sustainability roadmap.