Triple Bottom Line Sustainability Research Articles

Global sustainable closed-loop supply chain considering Incoterms rules and advertisement impacts

Industrial information integration plays a crucial role in modern supply chains by ensuring the smooth flow of data across all stages, including recovery, recycling, and disposal, which is essential for the successful implementation of a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) model. Building on this, our paper addresses a global CLSC problem by incorporating International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) and international transportation modes, bridging global supply chain operations with sustainability criteria. This innovative approach advances the development of a globally sustainable CLSC by focusing on the integration of economic, environmental, and social factors, i.e., the triple bottom line of sustainability. Specifically, we address environmental concerns through the introduction of carbon taxation and enhance social sustainability by exploring the impact of advertising on customer satisfaction. To further refine this model, we classify customers based on their sustainability engagement and apply a fuzzy programming approach to account for uncertainty in customer demand influenced by advertising. To solve this complex global CLSC model, we conduct a thorough analysis of constraints and develop a robust Lagrangian relaxation reformulation. While the initial solution may result in infeasibility, we propose a heuristic algorithm that ensures feasible solutions. Our efficient Lagrangian-based heuristic, incorporating an adaptive strategy, is capable of solving large-scale networks with an approximate 10% optimality gap. Ultimately, this research provides both a comprehensive framework for practitioners to improve the environmental performance and global operations of their supply chains, as well as significant theoretical contributions to the field of industrial information systems.

Cultural Heritage and Creative Industries in Ensuring Sustainable Development: Ukrainian Experience

This article investigates the instrumental role of cultural heritage and creative industries in driving sustainable development, drawing empirical insights from the Ukrainian context. Anchored in UNESCO's normative frameworks, the study elucidates how preserving tangible and intangible cultural assets fosters identity formation, social cohesion, and economic vitality, thereby catalysing progress across the triple bottom line of sustainability. Complementing a comprehensive literature review with primary data from a student survey, the analysis spotlights Ukraine's initiatives to integrate heritage and creativity into national development strategies, spearheaded by the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation. Amidst Russia's ongoing assault on Ukrainian culture, the research underscores the urgency of safeguarding cultural legacies as cornerstones of societal resilience and identity preservation. Keywords: sustainable societal development, culture, cultural heritage, creative industries, Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, museum

Interfacing triple bottom line sustainability and metropolitan governance: An empirical exploration of stakeholder value co-creation and conflict

The importance of metropolitan governance and stakeholder collaboration in sustainable urban development (SUD) is well recognized. However, collaboration among stakeholders is dynamic, and the relationship between metropolitan governance and stakeholder dynamics, including value co-creation and conflict, remains underexplored. This study aims to address this gap by examining the causal relationships among metropolitan governance, stakeholder value co-creation and conflict through the lens of the triple bottom line (TBL) of sustainability. Using a questionnaire survey, this study collected 467 valid responses through a combination of probability and quota sampling and analyzed the data using Structural Equation Modeling. The results indicated that stakeholder value co-creation is positively influenced by TBL dimensions and metropolitan governance, thereby simultaneously promoting SUD and generating potential conflicts that constrain SUD. The study further evaluated the effectiveness of stakeholder value co-creation as a mediating variable and found that it has a unique suppressing effect on the relationship between environmental sustainability and conflict. The findings suggested that environmental sustainability-driven governance initiatives are crucial to containing conflict and fostering value co-creation among stakeholders. Theoretically, this study enriches the discourse on SUD literature by quantifying the interactions between TBL, metropolitan governance and stakeholder dynamics. Practically, it provides certain implications for relevant practitioners by proposing an argument that governance initiatives can be aligned with the shifting priorities toward environmental sustainability.

Integrating the triple bottom line of sustainability, resilience strategies, and product perishability consideration to design a pharmaceutical supply chain network: A COVID-19 case study

This paper aims to design a resilient and sustainable pharmaceutical supply chain network under the perishability of medicine in which a multi-objective nonlinear mathematical model is formulated. To this end, four objective functions seek to minimize total cost, maximize the social indicators, minimize CO2 emission and minimize de-resilience measures. Moreover, the three main categories of resilience strategies are integrated to mitigate the severe impacts of disruption. In order to solve the model, lexicographic goal programming is applied for small-scale problems, and NSGA-II is utilized for large-scale problems. The applicability of the proposed model is demonstrated by implementing it in a real case study during the COVID-19 situation. Also, a set of sensitivity analyses is conducted to validate the model and show the behavior of the objective functions. The results reveal the superiority of the resilient model with integrated strategies. Eventually, the Pareto front solutions are provided to quantify the trade-offs in satisfying the conflicting objective functions.

Measuring the Social Impact of Social Enterprises–Scale Development and Validation

Social impact measurement has remained a challenge for both social enterprises (SEs) and scholars in the SE field. Despite increased scholarly attention given to SE social impact and its measurement in recent years, scholars continue to call for more research to advance the approaches for measuring social impact in SEs. This study aims to provide a reliable and valid social impact scale for SEs, which can be used as an alternative or a complementary scale to existing quantitative social impact tools. Through a systematic scale development process, it develops a 31-item multidimensional social impact scale based on the triple bottom line sustainability framework and using perception-based or constituency-based feedback. Data analysis confirms the reliability and validity of the scale across two studies involving different SE samples and country contexts. The study also discusses implications for theory and practice and recommendations for future research.

Sustainability index development by integrating lean green and Six Sigma tools: a case study of the Indian manufacturing industry

PurposeIndia’s manufacturing sector employs about 12% of the labour force and contributes to about 17% of the nation’s GDP. The Indian government intends to implement several initiatives under the “Make in India” and Atma Nirbhar Bharat banners to increase the manufacturing sector’s share of the nation’s GDP to 25% by 2025. Applying lean manufacturing, green manufacturing and Six Sigma is crucial to ensure that India’s manufacturing sectors grow sustainably in international markets. This study aims to identify sustainability indicators and ascertain their respective weights to evaluate the sustainability performance of the Indian manufacturing industry.Design/methodology/approachThis research identifies 25 sustainability indicators and classifies them into the triple bottom line of sustainability based on an evaluative literature review and expert opinion. The Best Worst Method was utilised to determine the weights of the sustainability indicators. The sustainability index was developed to evaluate economic, social and environmental sustainability.FindingsThe sustainability performance of a foundry in a significant Western Indian State city was assessed by applying the developed sustainability index. After the adoption of integrated lean, green and Six Sigma (LG&SS) strategies and related practices in the foundry, there has been a notable improvement of 68.03% in the economic index, 61.62% in the social index and 13.24% in the environmental index.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed sustainability index is applied and evaluated specifically for assessing the sustainability performance of Indian manufacturing SMEs. It can be used to substantiate firm’s sustainability performance and also to assess the improvement in firm’s performance in economic, environmental and social dimensions after implementing various operational excellence practices. However, it cannot serve as a benchmark tool across similar companies or organisations.Practical implicationsThe developed sustainable index can be used to analyse the company or organisation’s sustainability performance and see how various strategies have improved things. Practitioners can use this index to assess social, economic and environmental performance and focus on areas that need improvement.Social implicationsThe proposed sustainability index serves as a vital tool for monitoring a firm’s progress in triple bottom line (TBL) dimensions of sustainability, tracking a diverse range of indicators and encouraging sustainable organisational practices.Originality/valueThis study attempts to assess the economic, social and environmental performance of Indian Manufacturing SMEs by proposing a sustainability index.

Unveiling the impact of sustainable manufacturing on triple bottom line sustainability performance: a Bangladesh perspective

Unveiling the impact of sustainable manufacturing on triple bottom line sustainability performance: a Bangladesh perspective

Sustainable food supply chain: exploration, identification, and analysis of the critical drivers for the foxnut (Makhana) industry

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to recognize and prioritize the critical drivers (CDs) essential for establishing a sustainable foxnut supply chain (SFNSC) aligned with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations. The objective is to make a meaningful contribution to the longevity and well-rounded sustainability of the foxnut industry by scrutinizing pivotal factors that endorse triple bottom line (TBL) sustainability aspect throughout the supply chain. Design/methodology/approach A systematic approach, integrating literature reviews and government reports, identified potential CDs for a sustainable foxnut supply chain. Expert opinions refined the list with the help of fuzzy-Delphi method (FDM), and the final CDs were analyzed with fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (F-DEMATEL) to establish their causal relationships and hierarchical importance. Findings The study identifies the top three CDs for a SFNSC: “Branding of the product”, “The Global increase in demand” and “Value addition of the foxnut”. Moreover, “Storage infrastructure”, “Mechanized processing” and “Proper transportation facilities” also contribute to the sustainability of the foxnut supply chain. Research limitations/implications The results hold significance for various stakeholders in the foxnut industry, encompassing producers, policymakers and researchers. The identified CDs can guide decision-making and resource allocation to improve the sustainability of the foxnut supply chain. The study's framework and methodology can also be applied to other industries to promote sustainable practices and achieve SDGs. Originality/value This study enhances understanding of CDs for an SFNSC. FDM and F-DEMATEL techniques analyze causal relationships and rank key factors. The SFNSC model may help other major foxnut producers to become more sustainable.

Modeling the Intricate Association between Sustainable Service Quality and Supply Chain Performance: Moderating Role of Blockchain Technology and Environmental Uncertainty

The growing awareness about natural resource scarcity is spreading across industries, compelling businesses to implement sustainability initiatives. The service sector, including small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) involved in logistical operations, is actively pursuing measures to achieve the expected sustainability goals. In recent years, incorporating sustainable service quality attributes (SSQAs) has become a crucial strategy for attaining competitive advantages and sustainability objectives. In this context, the current study examines sustainable service quality attributes’ role in achieving sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP) and obtaining triple bottom line sustainability outcomes. Data were obtained from 295 logistics service-providing SMEs using the purposive sampling technique. The acquired data were then analyzed using the structural equation model. According to the findings, SSQAs have a positive association with SSCP. The moderating roles of blockchain technology (BT) and environmental uncertainty (EU) were significant between SSQAs and SSCP. SSCP also mediated between SSQAs, BT, and TBL. Meanwhile, EU and BT also have a significant influencing role between SSQAs and SSCP. The study adds to the body of knowledge within the domain of sustainability, by testing the unique interaction between sustainable service quality attributes and SSCP. Likewise, the use of blockchain technology as a moderator on a given relationship is empirically unique in itself. The study also provides the first of their kind findings on the subject matter in the context of 295 logistics service-providing SMEs from a developing country like Pakistan. The study’s findings are helpful for managers in transforming their services by embedding the SSQAs and developing their workforce to be equipped with the knowledge and facilities necessary to achieve TBL outcomes.

Sustainability performance of enhanced weathering across countries: A triple bottom line approach

Enhanced weathering (EW) is a promising negative emission technology involving the application of crushed silicate rocks to croplands for carbon capture. There is limited research about the broad sustainability impacts in rolling out this intervention on a large scale. This research assesses the triple bottom line sustainability of EW in eight top-emitting countries using an extended input-output model. Results indicate that overall sustainability performance of EW is influenced by each country's environmental and social metrics than the economic. Compared to developed countries (UK, France, Germany, USA), emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China) show relatively lower economic sustainability due to high working hours impact but benefit from higher socio-economic contributions. Improving practices, particularly reducing emissions, energy use, labour rights and health and safety risk for silicate rock production, is vital for better sustainability outcomes.

Towards sustainable manufacturing: A comprehensive analysis of circular economy key performance indicators in the manufacturing industry

In the pursuit of sustainable development, the concept of Circular Economy (CE) has emerged as a transformative alternative to the traditional linear economic model characterized by take, make, use, and dispose practices. However, there is a growing recognition of the limitations of the linear economy in addressing contemporary global challenges, leading to a pressing need for a more regenerative approach. This study aims to explore and analyze Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) associated with the circular economy, particularly focusing on the manufacturing industry, to provide a valuable guide for enterprises looking to integrate CE principles effectively and reinforce sustainability. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive examination of KPIs that embrace sustainability's triple bottom lines - environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The systematic selection of relevant KPIs and the utilization of Social Network Analysis (SNA) to identify the most influential CE KPIs within the manufacturing industry add depth to the research. By identifying and upgrading significant KPIs representing various facets of CE development, this study contributes to a more meticulous understanding of how enterprises can measure their progress towards circularity. In each of the triple bottom lines of sustainability, five significant KPIs were recognized and upgraded to the second assessment process, where these 15 KPIs are analyzed using SNA to obtain 5 aggregated KPIs. The comprehensive analysis of the obtained fifteen KPIs culminates in aggregated CE indicators, primarily strategies and initiatives (SI), material efficiency (ME), productivity of remanufacturing (OR), technology investment (ROR), and eco-innovation (EI). The aggregated Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) displayed an extreme value of the weighted average index attributed to strategies and initiatives KPI with a value of 0.067. These aggregated KPIs provide a practical framework for manufacturers to assess and optimize their circular economy practices. It's essential to note that all binary values incorporated in the proposed approach are derived from an extensive literature review. These values may vary depending on the specific objectives of individual manufacturing firms or focus groups. As a result, the proposed approach is adaptable to diverse manufacturing industries, allowing customization to suit the unique input criteria of each firm or group. Significantly, the current work emphasizes the influential role of manufacturers in shaping a sustainable future in alignment with development goals.

Sustainable human resource management: the perspectives of Italian human resource managers

Over the past two decades, sustainable human resource management (sustainable HRM) has emerged as a new approach to human resource management. Sustainable HRM takes a stakeholder-inclusive perspective to ensure the sustainable development of organizations along multiple objectives (financial, social, environmental, and organizational). Human resource (HR) managers are key actors in sustainable HRM implementation. However, how these important stakeholders perceive sustainable HRM remains understudied in the growing literature. This qualitative study explores how 32 HR managers in Italy construct the meaning of sustainable HRM and perceive their roles in and the barriers to implementing a sustainable HRM strategy. The findings reveal that Italian HR managers interpret sustainable HRM in line with the triple bottom line sustainability framework but give particular prominence to the social dimension. We develop a framework of HR managers’ roles in the sustainable HRM paradigm comprising sustainability strategy owners, social innovators, corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnership architects, genuine employee champions, and administrative experts. Additionally, we develop a model of the barriers to sustainable HRM adoption. This study advances the sustainable HRM literature by providing a contextualized, country-specific understanding of sustainable HRM and frameworks for the roles of HR managers under a sustainable HRM paradigm and the barriers to its adoption.

Industry 5.0 and sustainable manufacturing: a systematic literature review

PurposeIndustry 5.0 (I5.0) is eventually set to supersede Industry 4.0 (I4.0), despite the fact that I4.0 continues to gain ground in emerging nations like India. Now India is aspiring to be a global manufacturing hub, and I5.0 offers enormous potential to position India as a forerunner in intelligent and collaborative manufacturing systems. Therefore, this research article aims to understand the relationship between I5.0 and sustainable manufacturing (SM) thoroughly; pinpoint its impact and implementation challenges; analyze its impact on Triple-Bottom-Line (TBL) sustainability; and present an inclusive framework for I5.0 implementation for Indian manufacturing enterprises.Design/methodology/approachThe coexistence of two industrial revolutions raises questions, which necessitates debates and explanations. Thus, the systematic literature review (SLR) approach is used to address this issue and this study used Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases. Following a critical SLR, 82 research papers have been cited in this article, and the majority of cited articles were published from 2010 to 2022, to ensure a focused analysis of pertinent and recent scholarly contributions.FindingsI4.0 is considered to be technology-driven, however, I5.0 is perceived to be value-driven. I5.0 is not a replacement or a chronological continuation of the I4.0 paradigm. The notion of I5.0 offers a distinct perspective and emphasizes the necessity of research on SM within the TBL sustainability boundaries. I5.0 introduces a new TBL: resilience in value creation, human well-being and sustainable society. Indeed, I5.0 seems to be economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable while manufacturing products with high productivity.Practical implicationsTheoretical implications pertain to restructuring business models and workforce transformation, whereas practical implications underscore the significance for manufacturing enterprises to embrace I5.0 for their sustainable development. By understanding the nuanced relationship between I5.0 and SM, enterprises can navigate implementation challenges, maximize TBL sustainability and embrace an inclusive I5.0 framework for high productivity and resilience.Originality/valueThe existing literature presents the general notion of I5.0 but lacks in-depth TBL sustainability analysis. This research used a systematic and rigorous SLR approach that evaluates the existing literature, enables an in-depth understanding, identifies research gaps and provides evidence-based recommendations for the decision-making process. Furthermore, this research aims to stand on an unbiased assessment, exploring theoretical and practical implications of I5.0 implementation for manufacturing enterprises and suggesting future research avenues.

Circular and Sustainable Multi Business Model Innovation and Development:

The circular economy is used as a concept to advance and push the green and sustainability transition process in businesses to a more circular, green, resource effective economy. However, it has turned out to be much more complex to innovate, develop, implement, operate and not least measure Circular and Sustainable business models for businesses – especially for SME’s and Startups – although the approach – by many – is emphasized as “easy” strategies and implementation. Achieving Circularity and Sustainability (environmentally, economically and socially parameters) – at the same time – related to business models has not yet been clearly defined, shown, proven and measured. Achieving environmental, economic and social goals – equal to sustainability – at the same time – the ”triple bottom line” approach – in a circular perspective is a great dilemma to many businesses because the parameters often conflict each other. Advanced sensor technologies, 5G and 6g technologies gives great hope to be able to make it more visual and transparent to what businesses are really doing and strategically want to do. Advanced technology could help to visualize the process and the dilemma – in close to real time. Advanced sensor, 5G, 6G technologies imbedded in Business Model’s (BM) and Circular Sustainable Multi Business Model Innovation and Development processes gives hopes for a new leadership and management era together with better measurement tools, practice, and approaches. It also gives hope to a higher speed on circular and sustainable transition – visualizing and thereby hopefully preventing greenwashing. The EU project Greenbizz II A and B’s vision is to speed up the Circular and Sustainable Multi Business Model Innovation and Development (CSMBMID) process in SME’s and Startups together with their business value network. The aim is to achieve and implement Scope 3 – but under the goal to also create at the same time effectiveness, efficiency and sociality in CSMBMID. By reengineering AS IS BM’s – and designing Circular and Sustainable Business Models (CSBM) – the vision of Greenbizz II A and B are however very complex by nature. It requires a manifold of activities, different network constellations and not least further research, innovation and development of sensors, 5G and 6G technologies, learning and traning and a CSMBMID Brain. Greenbizz II A and B build on top of EU Greenbizz 1 project, as Green, Economic and Social parameters are seeked measured and achieved together with circularity at the same time in a new “Circular Sustainable Triple Bottom Line” measurement framework. A new advanced monitoring smartboard using advanced sensors and wireless technologies prototyped in SMEs/Startups – and their business value networks – will be prototyped and tried to be implemented from 2024 – 2026 in 96 SME and Startup businesses. The paper discuss through 3 case examples in different Business Model ecosystems contexts, challenges to do CSMBMID and how advance sensor, 5G and 6G technologies is expected to help and support circular sustainable BM transition in businesses. It points to how CSBM’s can be innovated, developed and implemented supported by advance sensor, artificial intelligence, deep learning, persuasive technologies, Multi Business Model Innovation pattern analysis and libraries of BM archetypes.

Sustainable construction materials under ESG: a literature review and synthesis

This paper aims to review the literature on ‘Sustainable Construction Materials (SCMs)’ based on the Scopus database and synthesise the review. Three advantages of embracing ESG in sustainable construction materials are identified based on the literature reviewed. Firstly, this can significantly reduce the environmental impact of buildings and contribute to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Secondly, by taking a comprehensive approach, decision-makers and practitioners can ensure that their choices align with environmental and financial sustainability and foster social well-being and equity. Thirdly, this can create healthier and more energy-efficient built environments for future generations. Fourthly, this will enable construction practitioners to make informed decisions that consider the holistic impacts of SCMs throughout their life cycle and promote greater transparency and accountability in their selection and use. On the challenge side, the triple bottom line of sustainability encompassing social, economic, and environmental aspects should be rigorously evaluated when considering sustainable construction materials. This integrated perspective is crucial for upholding the construction industry's commitment to UNSDGs and promoting a more responsible and green environment. Decision-makers and practitioners must prioritize implementing SCMs to positively impact the environment, society, and economy.

Modeling barriers to adoption of digitization in supply chains using FTOPSIS and its impact on sustainability TBL

PurposeThis article aims at - exploring and prioritizing the barriers to adoption of digitization in supply chains (SCs), categorizing them into sustainability triple bottom line (STBL) based upon their direct impact and suggesting digital technologies to address each barrier.Design/methodology/approachA five-phase methodology is used which consists of an exploration of 44 barriers to the adoption of digitization in SCs, analysis of 44 barriers for mean, standard deviation and Cronbach alpha based on questionnaire-based feedback of 25 experts, extraction of 10 most significant barriers through 05 experts, followed by categorization of the barriers into STBL referring to their direct impact on STBL, prioritization of ten barriers using Fuzzy Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to Ideal Solution and recommendation of digital technologies to address each barrier.FindingsWhile all the barriers considered in this study significantly impede the adoption of digitization in SCs, lack of top management commitment (B1) is found to be most crucial while lack of culture toward use of information and communication technology required for digitization (B3) has minimum impact. Large investment in digital infrastructure (B6), difficulty in integration of cyber physical systems (CPSs) on varied platforms (B8) and lack of experts having knowledge of digital technologies (B2) are equally important barriers requiring more attention while adopting digitization in SCs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is mainly based on feedback from 25 seasoned experts; a wider cross section of experts will give more insight.Practical implicationsThe outcomes are very significant for organizations looking to adopt digitization in their SCs. Simultaneous consideration to all the barriers becomes impractical hence prioritization of same will be useful for the SC managers to benchmark their preparedness and decide strategies for the adoption of digitization with due consideration toward the impact of barriers on STBL. The digital technologies recommended will further aid in planning the digital strategies to address each barrier.Originality/valueA unique approach to explore, analyze, prioritize and categorize the barriers to adoption of digitization in SCs is used to provide a deeper understanding of factors deterring the same. It implies that a supportive top management along with systematic allocation of finances plays a crucial role. The importance of availability of digital experts for integrating CPSs on a single platform is also highlighted. The digital technologies recommended will further assist the organizations toward adoption of digitization in SCs with due consideration to STBL.

Complex patterns of ICTs' effect on sustainable development at the national level: The triple bottom line perspective

Building upon the complexity theory, we explore the interaction effects of the development of key digital information and communication technologies (ICTs) at the national level on a country's sustainability performance. By the means of the fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis on a sample of 77 countries, we show that 1) a country's ICT profile matters for national sustainability performance, not a single ICT element; 2) national sustainability performance is not (only) about the level of ICT development of a country, but about composition and a quality of its ICT profile; 3) there are multiple distinctive ICT profiles that may lead to high or low sustainability performance (social, economic or environmental) at the national level; and 4) environmental sustainability may have conflicting ICT-related antecedents in comparison to social and economic sustainability. These results offer two primary contributions to research focused on the role of ICTs in supporting (or deterring) sustainable development. First, moving away from simplified perspective of a country's ICT development by focusing on a country's ICT profile allows us to distinguish effects (both positive and negative) of different ICT elements, as well as to take synergies brought by technological convergences into account. This allows us to capture effects of ICT elements in their totality, avoiding to lose richness and comprehensiveness. Second, by focusing on the triple-bottom line sustainability, we add to the growing evidence that environmental-focused goals often conflict with those related to social and economic aspects of sustainable development.

Breaking Triopoly to Achieve Sustainable Smart Digital Infrastructure Based on Open-Source Diffusion Using Government–Platform–User Evolutionary Game

Technological innovations, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning, have facilitated the emergence of autonomous systems, promoting triple bottom line (TBL) sustainability. However, the prevalent triopoly of Android, iOS, and Windows introduces substantial obstacles for smart device manufacturers in pursuit of independent innovation. This research endeavors to elucidate how open-source operating systems can counteract this triopoly and catalyze sustainable digital development. Utilizing evolutionary game theory, we scrutinize the interplay among governments, platforms, and users in championing open-source diffusion. Our analysis unveils two potent evolutionary strategies—incentivized engagement and disengagement—that notably expedite open-source diffusion and attenuate software supply chain risks affiliated with the Android–iOS–Windows triopoly (results). Consequently, this research highlights the critical role of augmenting stakeholder collaboration and bolstering platform reputation in propelling open-source diffusion, thereby providing valuable theoretical insights and practical guidance for the sustainable advancement of smart digital infrastructure.

Evaluating the Sustainability of Fashion Brands Using a Neutrosophical ORESTE Approach

The fashion industry represents a significant source of consumerism within the global economy and requires substantial funding, eco-friendly practices, and ethical attitudes towards human capital, which are the triple bottom line of sustainability. Conscious customers are the key to reshaping the fashion industry by shopping and supporting fashion brands that adopt sustainable practices. Thus, the purpose of this study is to extract the factors affecting the decision-making process of conscious customers in selecting fashion brands adopting ethical and sustainable implementations, to present a case study covering alternative fashion brands, and to evaluate them in terms of sustainability measures. A bibliometric analysis is conducted within the scope of this research to address the most suitable and original decision-making technique; hence, a novel neutrosophic set-based ORESTE approach is proposed to rank the alternative brands. Next, after reaching the case study findings, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to illustrate the parameter changes’ impact on the result in order to validate the findings’ outcomes. Thus, this paper contributes to the literature by proposing a novel approach as an alternative to Besson ranking, extracting sustainable and ethical fashion practices of brands, and identifying the related reports and websites as references to measure sustainability in the fashion industry. The practitioners and managers can comprehend the factors to be taken into consideration by assessing the sustainability status of the particular fashion enterprises and can examine their positions in the global market within their competitors.

Life cycle triple bottom line sustainability assessment of coal mine overburden sand versus river sand

Crushed coal mine overburden (OB) waste rock has been found to be a promising, robust, and reliable alternative of river sand as fine aggregate in several construction applications. The processing of OB to application ready specification requires preprocessing that may cause negative environmental impacts. The environmental impacts have been quantified in previous studies. However, the economic and social impacts were not addressed, which has created confusion among practitioners and policy makers to take initiatives in promoting OB sand as a sustainable geomaterial considering the triple bottom line (environmental, economic, and social) approach. The present study uses Quantitative Assessment of Life Cycle Sustainability (QUALICS) framework that incorporates Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Integrated Value Model for Sustainable Assessment (MIVES) for integrated triple bottom line (environmental, economic, and social) assessment of processing of OB sand versus typical river sand. OB sand is found to cause relatively less impact in 6 out of 10 indicators in environmental assessment. High direct cost is neutralized by the monetized environmental benefit, direct benefits, and indirect benefits. The social score rating of OB sand is found to be relatively higher than river sand for all four criteria of social assessment (individual, community, socio-environmental, and socio-economic). The integrated sustainability indices for OB sand and river sand were determined to be 0.60 and 0.33, respectively, when equal weightage was given to all three triple bottom line aspects. These results clearly demonstrate that OB sand is a more sustainable option compared to river sand. Furthermore, conducting a sensitivity analysis with increased weightages assigned to the economic and social aspects reaffirmed that OB sand can be a sustainable replacement to river sand as fine aggregate.