To systematically enhance sustainability in automobile seat design and to holistically address the multi-dimensional requirements of the economic, environmental, and social dimensions under the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework, a data-driven design methodology integrating surrogate modeling with multi-objective evolutionary algorithms is proposed. First, user core needs are quantified and translated into 15 design features through SET (Social-Economic-Technical) factor analysis and the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP). Subsequently, 10 key sustainability indicators are identified based on the TBL framework and categorized into economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Utilizing a dataset of 800 expert-student scoring records, global optimization of Random Forest (RF) hyperparameters is performed via Bayesian Optimization (BO), thereby constructing a high-accuracy surrogate model capable of predicting scores for any combination of design features across the identified sustainability indicators. The weighted composite scores for the three dimensions are adopted as optimization objectives, and the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) is employed to explore Pareto-optimal solution sets for design feature configurations. Through high-frequency feature statistics and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) interpretability analysis, critical design features and their contribution mechanisms to multi-dimensional sustainability are elucidated. A widely distributed Pareto front is obtained, and statistical analysis reveals that recyclable materials (D13) and modular design (D1) constitute core features simultaneously enhancing sustainability across all three dimensions. Furthermore, reinforced frames (D5) and anti-fouling/antibacterial materials (D15) are found to contribute significantly to the safety and health aspect within the social dimension. The values for high-performance materials (D14) and multi-functionality (D6) exhibit considerable variability, necessitating trade-offs contingent upon specific design objectives. Representative optimal solutions from the Pareto front are selected as quantitative benchmarks, and the optimized feature parameters are hierarchically translated into material selection, structural schemes, and functional configurations, thereby completing the conceptual design of an automobile seat. The proposed BO-RF-NSGA-II hybrid framework is demonstrated to systematically address multi-objective conflicts inherent in sustainable design, thereby providing quantifiable and interpretable decision support for designers and effectively advancing the synergistic innovation of green, human-centric, and economically viable automobile seat development.

The rising demand for a sustainable industrial development has led to the implementation of digitalization and Circular Economy (CE) methods. This review examines the combination of Industry 4.0 technologies (i.e., Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), big data analytics, cyber-physical systems, blockchain, additive manufacturing, and cloud computing) with CE principles to enhance the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) performance in industrial firms. This research explores the impact of digital technology on resource efficiency, waste reduction, closed-loop production, prolonging product life, and sustainable supply chain management. The results demonstrate that the synergistic integration of Industry 4.0 and CE provides a significant enhancement in environmental sustainability by reducing emissions and resource consumption, economic performance improvement by increasing operational efficiency and value recovery, and social sustainability improvement by improving workplace safety, transparency, and skill development. The assessment also points to important implementation challenges, including technological complexity, cybersecurity concerns, significant investment requirements, and gaps in labour capability. Finally, future research directions including empirical TBL assessment, digital product passports, human-centric industry 5.0 techniques and policy frameworks are outlined. The report provides an integrated framework for industries to achieve sustainable, resilient and competitive growth through digital-circular transformation.

ABSTRACT This study examines barriers to the adoption of triple bottom line (TBL) practices among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana, focusing on how these constraints interact in resource-constrained contexts. Drawing on qualitative data from 80 in-depth interviews across multiple sectors, the study employs thematic analysis to explore challenges shaping sustainability implementation. Findings reveal four interrelated domains of constraint: financial, institutional, organizational, and technological. These barriers do not operate in isolation but form a system of mutually reinforcing constraints, with financial limitations emerging as the central factor influencing SMEs’ ability to invest in training, adopt sustainable technologies, meet regulatory requirements, and implement reporting systems. This interaction creates systemic lock-in effects that hinder meaningful sustainability adoption. The study also identifies variations across firm size and sector, with smaller firms facing acute resource constraints and medium-sized firms encountering integration challenges. The findings suggest that the conventional TBL framework is structurally misaligned with SME realities in developing economies. By shifting the focus from isolated barriers to interconnected systems, the study contributes to theory and highlights the need for context-sensitive and adaptive sustainability approaches.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in economic growth, employment generation, innovation, and sustainable development. In the context of digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), international cooperation, and increasing stakeholder expectations regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, sustainable business strategies have become an important research topic. This study aims to systematically review the existing literature on sustainable business strategies among SMEs, with particular attention to the context of Hanoi, Vietnam. Drawing upon key theoretical foundations, including stakeholder theory, the resource-based view, triple bottom line theory, and sustainable development theory, the study synthesizes prior research related to sustainability-oriented strategic management, digital transformation, ESG integration, green innovation, and SME competitiveness. Using a systematic literature review approach, the study analyzes and evaluates relevant academic publications from major databases to identify key research themes, theoretical perspectives, methodological approaches, and emerging trends. The findings indicate that sustainable business strategies are increasingly recognized as a source of long-term competitive advantage, organizational resilience, and stakeholder trust. Digital technologies, AI applications, ESG practices, and international partnerships are found to be important enablers of sustainable value creation. However, the existing literature remains fragmented, particularly regarding the integration of sustainability, digitalization, and strategic management in SMEs operating in emerging economies. The study contributes to the literature by identifying research gaps and proposing future research directions to support sustainable business development among SMEs in Hanoi and similar contexts.

ABSTRACT Purpose/Rationale: This paper presents a novel conceptual framework to better understand the multifaceted sustainability demands facing National Sport Organisations (NSOs). It addresses a gap in existing literature by building on the traditional triple bottom line (TBL) – consisting of Profit (which we modify to Prosperity), People, and Planet – and then accounting for the unique sport-specific logics of Participation and Performance. This is what we term the ‘5Ps’. These often conflicting but sometimes synergistic sustainability logics interact and shape decision-making. Design/Methodology/Approach: Drawing on institutional logics and complexity theory, we develop a theoretically informed novel conceptual framework consisting of five conceptually distinct sustainability logics. This theoretical approach allows for a holistic analysis of how these interrelated sustainability logics operate simultaneously to shape organisational behaviour. Findings: The framework reveals the complexity of the sustainability demands both facing and operating within NSOs, reflecting, in part, their position within wider national and international sporting ecosystem. We outline how these five sustainability demands can act as intertwined logics, influencing organisational strategy and decision-making. Practical Implications: Our findings offer a more holistic understanding for managers and policymakers within NSOs, helping them recognise and strategically manage the competing sustainability demands they face. The framework provides a tool for developing more effective and integrated sustainability strategies that account for complex NSO environments specifically, and not-for-profit/public value sports organisations, more broadly. Research Contribution: This paper contributes to the sport sustainability literature by moving beyond siloed or subset views of the sustainability demands facing NSOs by providing a comprehensive, integrated framework that holistically accounts for the simultaneous and dynamic nature of NSO viability. Originality/Value: This paper advances literature by providing a novel synthesis of sport sustainability, primarily focusing on NSO contexts. It offers a unique lens for examining the dynamic nature of sustainability demands in sport and provides a set of empirically testable propositions to guide future research and practice.

ABSTRACT There is great concern for sustainable development to ensure that the future of unborn generations is not sacrificed for the market model of profit maximization by firms. Prior studies have investigated the attitude of individuals toward recycling, firms’ green supply chain management and sustainable performance. However, how public environmental policy influences recycling practices at the firm level and the mediation of recycling practices between environmental policy regimes and the triple bottom line of economic, social and environmental performance have not been adequately examined. Accordingly, the focus of this paper, through the theoretical lens of the Natural Resource Based View, investigated the nexus between environmental policy, recycling practices and sustainable performance of firms. The study adopted an analytical survey design. A sample of 174 managers was selected through a stratified sampling procedure, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed with structural equation modeling using Smart PLS software version 4.1.4 The result indicated that there was a positive relationship between environmental policy and recycling of waste materials; there was a positive relationship between recycling and sustainable social and environmental performance of manufacturing firms. The paper concluded that recycling practices reduced production costs, fostered eco-efficiency and enhanced sustainable performance. The paper recommended that managers of manufacturing firms need to invest in recycling systems to integrate eco-design and reverse logistics architecture and promote sustainability outcomes.

Purpose This study investigates logistical challenges hindering sustainable online grocery retailing (SOGR) in Germany. It identifies critical factors for SOGR and improvement measures that interrelate these factors to strengthen economic, ecological and social sustainability simultaneously. An active-passive matrix determines the most impactful and receptive factors for cross-dimensional improvement. Design/methodology/approach Using a Grounded Theory approach, the study draws on fourteen semi-structured expert interviews. Sustainability challenges were coded into seven critical factors across the Triple Bottom Line (TBL). An active-passive matrix structures the recommended measures and illustrates their interrelationships across the three sustainability dimensions. Findings Optimized order picking, innovative food packaging, as well as punctuality and reliability emerged as the most impactful sustainability factors, each representing a different TBL dimension. The active-passive matrix shows how improvements in these factors generate positive effects across multiple other factors. Food waste was identified as having the greatest improvement potential. A previously unarticulated social factor (people's benefits) appeared during analysis, revealing latent impacts visible only through system-level evaluation. Practical implications The active-passive matrix offers retailers a practical tool to prioritize high-impact sustainability initiatives. By focusing on order picking, packaging and delivery punctuality and reliability, firms cannot only improve cost efficiency and reduce food waste but also enhance service quality, customer satisfaction and employee well-being. The findings highlight the importance of managing interdependencies across supply chain processes and offer guidance for different fulfillment models. Originality/value This study advances the literature by providing an integrated perspective on sustainability in online grocery retailing, linking economic, ecological and social dimensions within a single framework. It bridges home delivery and click-and-collect models, conceptualizes interactions between operational measures, and offers new insights from Germany's cost-sensitive market. By identifying leverage points that generate cross-dimensional synergies rather than trade-offs and distinguishing between the most impactful and most improvable factors, the study provides a more nuanced understanding of sustainability management in logistics-intensive retail contexts.

This study aims to develop a sustainable entrepreneurship model in the creative industry in Mataram City through a grounded theory approach based on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL), which encompasses the aspects of profit, people, and planet. The study employed a qualitative method with a grounded theory approach to explore in depth the experiences, strategies, and sustainability practices implemented by creative industry entrepreneurs. The research informants consisted of creative business actors in the culinary, handicraft, fashion, and digital industries selected using purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation. Data analysis was conducted through the stages of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The findings reveal that the sustainable entrepreneurship model in the creative industry in Mataram City is built through the integration of three main dimensions. The economic dimension is reflected through product innovation, digital adaptation, and the strengthening of market networks. The social dimension is manifested through the empowerment of local workers, community collaboration, and the preservation of local culture. Meanwhile, the environmental dimension is implemented through the use of environmentally friendly materials, reduction of production waste, and resource efficiency. This study produces a conceptual model of sustainable entrepreneurship that positions innovation and local values as the core foundations of sustainability in the creative industry business

The confluence of sustainability concerns with the rapid growth of digital tools is reshaping how global Supply Chains (SCs) function in the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) age. This work digs into the shifting terrain of Sustainable Supply Chains (SSC) through a bibliometric analysis of 1,286 Scopus-indexed studies published between 2015 and 2025. Using R-studio software, the study tracks who is leading in the research arena, including the top authors, institutions, countries, and journals. For a better understanding of the findings, the Triple Bottom Line framework is used, weighing economic, environmental, and social angles. This study unveils a sharp surge in SSC-I4.0 publications after 2018, with India, China, and the UK contributing the most in terms of volume, while journals like Sustainability and Journal of Cleaner Production carry many of the publications. The mapping also reveals a familiar set of digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, and Internet of Things. These technologies are positioned as tools for cutting waste, boosting transparency, and guiding systems toward circular practices. Economic and environmental priorities dominate attention, while social factors such as labor equity, governance challenges, digital access, and acceptance remain underexplored. The analysis highlights the inherent tensions between sustainability and digitalization, revealing a landscape of both opportunities and blind spots. This underscores the need for more cross-border, interdisciplinary, and methodologically diverse research to strengthen the social dimension of SSCs while enhancing system resilience. Collectively, these insights provide a nuanced, though complex, foundation for scholars advancing theory and practitioners navigating the realities of digitally enabled SCs.

Behavioural or outside influences? A triple bottom line review of supply chain performance measurement in SMEs within a developing economy

This study presents a systematic literature review aimed at identifying and analyzing Key Performance Indicator (KPI) determination methods in the context of sustainability performance measurement. A total of 56 peer-reviewed articles published between 2011 and 2025 were examined across various sectors including manufacturing, supply chains, organizations, and urban areas. This study employed a Systematic Literature Review approach. This review categorized the literature based on three main dimensions: first, the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) domains of economic, social, and environmental; second, the object level of individual, organization, process, and sector; and fourth, the tools or methods used for KPI determination, including the Balanced Scorecard, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Performance Prism, and literature-based approaches. The findings indicate that most studies focus on the organizational and supply chain levels, using various approaches for KPI selection and weighting. Although some studies integrate all TBL domains, there is still a gap in comprehensive measurement of social and environmental aspects. This review provides an overview of methodological trends in KPI determination for sustainability and identifies opportunities for developing more contextual and integrated models in future research.

ABSTRACT Social enterprises pursue social, environmental, and financial goals, but balancing them can be challenging. Geography influences how these goals are prioritized, yet comparative studies of rural and urban social enterprise sustainability are limited. This study examines these rural-urban differences among UK social enterprises. Using data from 2,402 businesses from the UK’s Longitudinal Small Business Survey (2017, 2019, 2021) and non-linear decomposition analysis, the results highlight that rural social enterprises demonstrate stronger environmental commitments than urban counterparts. However, there were no significant differences in social and financial objectives between rural and urban businesses, and similar levels of these business goals across locations. Based on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework and the contextual embeddedness perspective, the results highlight the influence of geographical context and organizational characteristics on social enterprise TBL strategies. Given the unique features of different locations, our results point to the need for targeted policies that support urban social enterprises in overcoming barriers to environmental sustainability, and broader support for both rural and urban enterprises in achieving social and financial objectives. Fostering collaboration between rural and urban enterprises may further enhance knowledge-sharing, access to resources, and overall impact.

In the current conditions of increasing environmental awareness of society and stricter requirements for sustainable development, there was a need to transform the marketing strategies of agricultural enterprises. The aim of the study was to develop a comprehensive criteria scale for evaluating the effectiveness of green marketing strategies in the agricultural sector. The methodological basis of the study was formed by methods of system analysis, generalisation and classification. As a result of the study, an expanded multi-level criteria system was formed, combining economic, environmental and social parameters into a single integrated assessment model. A detailed list of indicators was proposed, covering resource efficiency, energy consumption, pollution levels, waste management, impact on soil and water quality, enterprise participation in social initiatives, interaction with communities and the level of environmental transparency. Traditional assessment systems, including Return on Investment, Triple Bottom Line and Balanced Scorecard, have been adapted to the context of sustainable agricultural production, making it possible to integrate quantitative and qualitative parameters into a common methodological platform. A step-by-step algorithm for the practical application of the criteria scale has been developed: identification of relevant indicators, their normalisation, determination of weighting coefficients, construction of an integral index and further interpretation of the results. The proposed scale makes it possible to identify structural imbalances between economic performance indicators and environmental or social impacts, form predictive assessments, and determine directions for optimising green marketing strategies. The practical significance lies in the possibility of using the developed scale to improve management decisions and increase the effectiveness of green marketing approaches of agricultural enterprises

Purpose This study aims to build upon dynamic capabilities (DC) and triple bottom line (TBL) theories and investigates the influence of knowledge integration capability (KIC), reconfiguring capability (RC) and innovation orientation (IO) on sustainable performance (SP), and the impact of IO on KIC and RC. Design/methodology/approach This study uses structural equation modeling-partial least squares methodology on a sample of 156 employees of Egyptian small and medium-sized enterprises that operate in the food manufacturing industry. Findings The findings indicate significant positive effects of KIC, RC and IO on SP, which is consistent with DC theory principles. Furthermore, the statistical analysis emphasizes the significant impact of IO on KIC and RC. Originality/value First, this study reconceptualizes KIC, IO and RC within the sensing, seizing and transforming framework proposed by David Teece and colleagues (1997), offering a more granular operationalization of DC. Second, it reveals the central role of IO and its synergistic interaction with KIC and RC in driving SP. Third, the study advances the DC literature by positioning these capabilities as integrated antecedents of SP rather than examining them in isolation. Finally, it provides robust empirical evidence from an underexplored context, strengthening the explanatory power of DC theory in enhancing firms’ competitive positioning and sustainability outcomes.

The textile dyeing sector contributes significantly to excessive water and energy use and environmental pollution. Managing yarn tension during the rewinding process is a crucial challenge in textile dyeing, as it has a direct impact on yarn quality, resource consumption, and overall efficiency. Traditional tension control techniques ignore how tension variation affects the production of wastewater and the need for chemical treatment. Using a digital signal processor (TMS320F28335), this study introduces a novel event-driven yarn tension control method for soft winding machines that maintains ideal, constant tension across fine, medium, and thick cotton yarn counts. The suggested method dramatically reduces tension variance, as demonstrated by experimental validation conducted at a leading Egyptian cotton yarn producer. This decreases yarn defects by 35% and allows for a 27% increase in machine speed without sacrificing yarn quality. Most significantly, liquor ratio data show that optimized tension management reduces water consumption during dyeing by 65–70%, thereby lowering chemical use and wastewater generation. Additionally, energy use dropped by almost 20%, improving process sustainability. This integrated strategy promotes the triple bottom line of social, economic, and environmental advantages and is consistent with cleaner manufacturing principles. The results provide a scalable methodology for environmentally friendly textile production, especially appropriate for developing nations with limited resources.

The transition towards low-carbon transportation has intensified interest in electric vehicles (EVs), yet adoption remains uneven despite ambitious policy targets such as India’s 2030 electrification goal. This study examines behavioural drivers of EV adoption and associated sustainability outcomes by integrating the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), the technology acceptance model (TAM), and the triple bottom line (TBL) framework into a single analytical model. TPB explains behavioural intention through attitude and subjective norms, while TAM explains technology adoption through perceived ease of use (PEOU), and TBL evaluates sustainability outcomes across environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Survey data from 710 respondents were analysed using PLS-SEM. The results indicate that behavioural intention is strongly influenced by attitude and subjective norms, which in turn enhance PEOU and EV adoption. EV adoption is positively associated with environmental and economic sustainability, whereas perceived social sustainability remains comparatively weaker. Awareness mediates the relationship between EV adoption and sustainability outcomes, and government support both directly strengthens sustainability outcomes and moderates the relationship between behavioural intention and EV adoption. Originality/value: This study contributes to the literature by (i) empirically integrating the TPB, TAM, and TBL frameworks to link EV adoption behaviour with sustainability outcomes, (ii) identifying the mediating role of awareness and the direct effects of government support, and (iii) revealing an asymmetry in sustainability outcomes, where environmental and economic benefits exceed social benefits. The findings provide policy-relevant insights for incentive design, awareness programmes, and infrastructure planning to accelerate sustainable electric mobility.

Sustainable entrepreneurship—the pursuit of business opportunities that jointly create economic, social, and environmental value—offers a promising pathway to address societal challenges. Bridging sustainable entrepreneurship and women’s entrepreneurship literature, this study examines how diverse profiles of women entrepreneurs align environmental and social goals with the aspiration of venture growth, advancing firm objectives beyond purely financial performance. Using a sample of approximately 20,000 women entrepreneurs from 63 countries and applying hierarchical linear regression analysis, our results show that rural women entrepreneurs prioritize social and environmental concerns more than their urban counterparts, with younger rural women entrepreneurs showing a stronger focus on social and environmental impact. Women entrepreneurs can balance social, environmental, and economic Triple Bottom Line goals, but those in rural areas face greater obstacles, particularly those focusing on innovation efforts. These findings offer important implications for policymakers seeking to promote inclusive and sustainable entrepreneurial environments, revealing the complex interplay between gender, age, and rurality and how these factors can shape sustainable impact and firm growth.

This study aims to analyze the motivation, implementation, barriers, and impacts of the green entrepreneurship concept at Craftonesia SME in Semarang City. This research employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive case study method. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving the business owner, employees, consumers, and surrounding community members selected through purposive sampling. Data validity was tested using source triangulation and method triangulation, while data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman model encompassing data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results show that the owner's motivation was formed by five interrelated factors: environmental concern (green values), passion for crafts, positive market response (identifying gap in the market), desire for independence (being their own boss), and the need for additional income (making a living). The implementation of green entrepreneurship encompasses two main aspects: vision and mission, and production processes, including the use of waste paper as raw material, manual production with minimal pollution, natural dyes, food-grade coating, product variation, and zero waste management. Barriers encountered include limited skilled human resources, longer production time, low consumer awareness, and limited access to information on green business certification. The impacts of implementation align with the Triple Bottom Line framework, covering environmental waste reduction, community empowerment, and expanded market access through green industry exhibitions. This study concludes that micro-scale enterprises can consistently implement green entrepreneurship as a holistic and sustainable business approach.

This study examined the mediating effect of employee engagement on the relationship between Triple Bottom Line (TBL) application and Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) among allied healthcare professionals. A quantitative descriptive–correlational design was employed using a cross-sectional survey of 150 healthcare workers selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using validated instruments measuring TBL application, employee engagement (UWES-17), and OCB. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, regression-based path analysis, and the Sobel test. Findings revealed high levels of TBL application (M = 3.93), employee engagement (M = 3.68), and OCB (M = 3.81). Significant positive relationships were found between TBL dimensions and employee engagement (r = 0.381, p < 0.05), and between TBL dimensions and OCB (r = 0.754, p < 0.05). Mediation analysis indicated that employee engagement partially mediates the relationship between TBL and OCB (z = 4.02, p < 0.001), accounting for 17.3% of the total effect. The study concludes that sustainability practices directly and indirectly enhance discretionary employee behaviors through engagement. Integrating TBL strategies with employee engagement initiatives is essential for improving workforce commitment and organizational sustainability in healthcare institutions.

• Trade-offs among lifecycle costs, co-benefits, and stormwater quality are optimized. • Vegetation type and extent are considered as distinct decision variables. • Diverse surface vegetation boosts co-benefits but increases life-cycle costs. • Trees paired with sand filters yield higher co-benefits at lower cost. • Citywide optimization identified phased investment strategies for urban resilience. Despite the widespread implementation of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI), systematic optimization of vegetation strategies across urban scales remains unexplored. This study bridges the gap by evaluating and optimizing the life cycle costs (LCC), triple bottom line (TBL) benefits, and water quality performance of stormwater management practices (SMP) using public SMPs in Philadelphia, focusing on optimal vegetation planting strategies at a city-wide scale. The results indicate that trees combined with sand filters substantially promote TBL benefits with lower LCC than systems with surface vegetation, leading to a higher benefit-cost ratio. The results of multi-objective optimization suggest that an optimal strategy involves prioritizing tree planting, followed by incorporating highly diverse surface vegetation based on available budgets and water quality considerations. This study provides municipalities with a systematic approach for optimizing green infrastructure investments across the city while achieving both performance requirements and community benefits, advancing the development of more sustainable urban stormwater management strategies.