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Article
Publication date: 25 April 2024

Linda Brennan, David Micallef, Eva L. Jenkins, Lukas Parker and Natalia Alessi

This study aims to explore the use of a double diamond design method to engage the industry in a sector-wide response to the issues of food waste as constructed by consumers. This…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the use of a double diamond design method to engage the industry in a sector-wide response to the issues of food waste as constructed by consumers. This particular design method is achieved by an exploration of a collective intelligence-participatory design (CIPD) project to engage industry participants in understanding and responding to consumers’ perceptions of the role of packaging in reducing food waste.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the UK Design Council’s double diamond design method as a guiding conceptual principle, the project recruited industry participants from medium to large food businesses across various food categories. Two scoping workshops with industry were held prior to the initiation of a 12-stage project (n = 57), and then two industry workshops were held (n = 4 and 14). Eighty participants completed an online qualitative survey, and 23 industry participants took part in a Think Tank Sprint Series. The Think Tanks used participatory design approaches to understand barriers and opportunities for change within food industry sub-sectors and test the feasibility and acceptability of package designs to reduce consumer waste.

Findings

For CIPD to work for complex problems involving industry, it is vital that stakeholders across macro- and micro-subsystems are involved and that adequate time is allowed to address that complexity. Using both the right tools for engagement and the involvement of the right mix of representatives across various sectors of industry is critical to reducing blame shift. The process of divergence and convergence allowed clear insight into the long-term multi-pronged approach needed for the complex problem.

Originality/value

Participatory design has been useful within various behaviour change settings. This paper has demonstrated the application of the double diamond model in a social marketing setting, adding value to an industry-wide project that included government, peak bodies, manufacturing and production and retailers.

Details

Journal of Social Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6763

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 April 2024

Pabitra Kumar Das, Mohammad Younus Bhat, Sonal Gupta and Javeed Ahmad Gaine

This study aims to examine the links between carbon emissions, electric vehicles, economic growth, energy use, and urbanisation in 15 countries from 2010 to 2020.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the links between carbon emissions, electric vehicles, economic growth, energy use, and urbanisation in 15 countries from 2010 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts seminal panel methods of moments quantile regression with fixed effects to trace the distributional aspect of the relationship. The reliability of methods is confirmed via fully modified ordinary least squares coefficients.

Findings

This study reveals that fossil fuel use, economic activity, and urbanisation negatively impact environmental quality, whereas renewable energy sources have a significant positive long-term effect on environmental quality in the selected panel of countries.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is the generalisability of the findings, as the study is confined to a limited number of countries, and focuses on non-renewable and renewable energy sources.

Practical implications

Finally, this study proposes several policy recommendations for decision-makers and policymakers in the 15 nations to address climate change, boost sales of electric vehicles, and increase the use of renewable energy sources.

Originality/value

This study calls for a comprehensive transition towards green energy in the transportation sector, enhancing economic growth, fostering employment opportunities, and improving environmental quality.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 April 2024

Qiuqin Li and Xuemei Jiang

This article summarizes the international scientific research output of global forest product models, infers future research trends and provides reference for quantitative…

Abstract

Purpose

This article summarizes the international scientific research output of global forest product models, infers future research trends and provides reference for quantitative analysis and mathematical modeling of Chinese forest product problems, with the aim of contributing to promoting domestic production of Chinese forest products and strengthening international trade competitiveness of forest products.

Design/methodology/approach

In 1999, Joseph Buongiorno, a scholar at the University of Wisconsin in the United States of America, proposed the global forest products model (GFPM), which was first applied to research in the global forestry sector. GFPM is a recursive dynamic model based on five assumptions: macroeconomics, local equilibrium, dynamic equilibrium, forest product conversion flow and trade inertia. Using a certain year from 1992 to present as the base period, it simulates and predicts changes in prices, production and import and export trade indicators of 14 forest products in 180 countries (regions) through computer programs. Its advantages lie in covering a wide range of countries and a wide variety of forest products. The data mainly include forest resource data, forest product trade data, and other economic data required by the model, sourced from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the World Bank, respectively.

Findings

Compared to international quantitative and modeling research in the field of forest product production and trade, China's related research is not comprehensive and in-depth, and there is not much quantitative and mathematical modeling research, resulting in a significant gap. This article summarizes the international scientific research output of global forest product models, infers future research trends, and provides reference for quantitative analysis and mathematical modeling of Chinese forest product problems, with the aim of contributing to promoting domestic production of Chinese forest products and strengthening international trade competitiveness of forest products.

Originality/value

On the basis of summarizing and analyzing the international scientific research output of GFPM, sorting out the current research status and progress at home and abroad, this article discusses potential research expansion directions in 10 aspects, including the types, yield and quality of domestic forest product production, international trade of forest products, and external impacts on the forestry system, in order to provide new ideas for global forest product model research in China.

Details

Forestry Economics Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-3030

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 March 2024

Madhura Rao, Lea Bilić, Aalt Bast and Alie de Boer

In this case study, we examine how a citrus peel valorising company based in the Netherlands was able to adopt a circular business model while navigating regulatory, managerial…

Abstract

Purpose

In this case study, we examine how a citrus peel valorising company based in the Netherlands was able to adopt a circular business model while navigating regulatory, managerial, and supply chain-related barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth, semi-structured interviews with key personnel in the company, notes from field observations, photographs of the production process, and documents from a legal judgement served as data for this single, qualitative case study. Data were coded inductively using the in vivo technique and were further developed into four themes and a case description.

Findings

Results from our study indicate that the regulatory and political contexts in the Netherlands were critical to the company’s success. Like in the case of most fruitful industrial symbioses, partnerships founded on mutual trust and economically appealing value propositions played a crucial role in ensuring commercial viability. Collaborating with larger corporations and maintaining transparent communication with stakeholders were also significant contributing factors. Lastly, employees’ outlook towards circularity combined with their willingness to learn new skills were important driving factors as well.

Originality/value

In addition to expanding the scholarship on the adoption of circular business models, this research offers novel insights to policymakers and practitioners. It provides empirical evidence regarding the importance of public awareness, adaptable legislation, and harmonised policy goals for supporting sustainable entrepreneurship in the circular economy.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 April 2024

Deval Ajmera, Manjeet Kharub, Aparna Krishna and Himanshu Gupta

The pressing issues of climate change and environmental degradation call for a reevaluation of how we approach economic activities. Both leaders and corporations are now shifting…

Abstract

Purpose

The pressing issues of climate change and environmental degradation call for a reevaluation of how we approach economic activities. Both leaders and corporations are now shifting their focus, toward adopting practices and embracing the concept of circular economy (CE). Within this context, the Food and Beverage (F&B) sector, which significantly contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, holds the potential for undergoing transformations. This study aims to explore the role that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play in facilitating the adoption of CE principles, within the F&B sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs the Best Worst Method, a technique in multi-criteria decision-making. It focuses on identifying and ranking the challenges in implementing AI-driven CE in the F&B sector, with expert insights enhancing the ranking’s credibility and precision.

Findings

The study reveals and prioritizes barriers to AI-supported CE in the F&B sector and offers actionable insights. It also outlines strategies to overcome these barriers, providing a targeted roadmap for businesses seeking sustainable practices.

Social implications

This research is socially significant as it supports the F&B industry’s shift to sustainable practices. It identifies key barriers and solutions, contributing to global climate change mitigation and sustainable development.

Originality/value

The research addresses a gap in literature at the intersection of AI and CE in the F&B sector. It introduces a system to rank challenges and strategies, offering distinct insights for academia and industry stakeholders.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 December 2022

Bryan Pieterse, Kofi Agyekum, Patrick Manu, Saeed Reza Mohandes, Clara Cheung and Akilu Yunusa-Kaltungo

Major maintenance projects are often regarded as maintenance activities regardless of the projects' complexity and scale. Consequently, very scarce research attention has hitherto…

Abstract

Purpose

Major maintenance projects are often regarded as maintenance activities regardless of the projects' complexity and scale. Consequently, very scarce research attention has hitherto been paid to the critical skills required when undertaking these projects. More specifically, the body of relevant knowledge is deprived of a study focusing on maintenance projects within the energy sector. In view of this shortcoming, this research aims to examine the critical project management (PM) skills required to deliver major maintenance projects within the energy sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a quantitative research strategy, this study addressed the knowledge gap through a cross-sectional survey of professionals involved in the delivery of major maintenance projects in the United Kingdom's (UK) energy sector. Data obtained were analyzed via descriptive (e.g. frequencies, mean and standard deviation [SD]) and inferential statistical analyses (One sample t-test and exploratory factor analysis (EFA)).

Findings

Out of the 45 PM skills identified in the literature and examined by the respondents, the results obtained from the One sample t-test (based on p (1-tailed) = 0.05) showed that 37 were considered to be at least “important,” accounting for 80.4% of all the skills identified. EFA revealed a clustering of the PM skills items into seven components: “skills related to work scheduling and coordination”; “communication, risk, safety and stakeholder management skills”; “quality assurance skills”; “people management skills”; “skills related to forecasting scope and duration of outage”; “implementation of processes and time management skills” and “technical/engineering skills and experience pertaining to the outage and local site knowledge.”

Originality/value

This study has identified and contributed to the limited state-of-the-art skills project managers must possess to manage major maintenance projects in the energy sector successfully. The findings would be useful to organizations within the energy sector in ensuring that the organizations have suitable personnel in place to deliver major maintenance projects on the organizations' assets.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 February 2024

Ibraheem Saleh Al Koliby, Mohammed A. Al-Hakimi, Mohammed Abdulrahman Kaid Zaid, Mohammed Farooque Khan, Murad Baqis Hasan and Mohammed A. Alshadadi

Although green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) has received much attention, it is unclear whether it affects technological green innovation (GI). Therefore, this study aims to…

Abstract

Purpose

Although green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) has received much attention, it is unclear whether it affects technological green innovation (GI). Therefore, this study aims to understand how GEO affects technological GI, with its dimensions green product innovation (GPRODI) and green process innovation (GPROCI), as well as to explore whether resource orchestration capability (ROC) moderates the relationships between them.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a cross-sectional survey design, data were gathered from 177 managers of large manufacturing firms in Yemen and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling via SmartPLS software.

Findings

The results revealed that GEO positively affects both GPRODI and GPROCI, with a higher effect on GPROCI. Importantly, ROC does, in fact, positively moderate the link between GEO and GPRODI.

Research limitations/implications

This research adds to knowledge by combining GEO, ROC and technological GI into a unified framework, considering the perspectives of the resource-based view and the resource orchestration theory. However, the study’s use of cross-sectional survey data makes it impossible to infer causes. This is because GEO, ROC and technological GI all have effects on time that this empirical framework cannot account for.

Practical implications

The findings from this research provide valuable insights for executives and decision makers of large manufacturing companies, who are expected to show increasing interest in adopting ROC into their organisations. This suggests that environmentally-conscious entrepreneurial firms can enhance their GI efforts by embracing ROC.

Social implications

By adopting the proposed framework, firms can carry out their activities in ways that do not harm environmental and societal well-being, as simply achieving high economic performance is no longer sufficient.

Originality/value

Theoretically, the results offer an in-depth understanding of the role of GEO in the technological GI domain by indicating that GEO can promote GPRODI and GPROCI. In addition, the results shed new light on the boundaries of GEO from the perspective of resource orchestration theory. Furthermore, the findings present important insights for managers aiming to enhance their comprehension of leveraging GEO and ROC to foster technological GI.

Article
Publication date: 10 April 2024

Ganesh Kumar and Jogendra Kumar Nayak

The adoption of residential rooftop solar panel systems (SPS) in India is at a nascent stage. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the factors affecting consumers’ intention to…

Abstract

Purpose

The adoption of residential rooftop solar panel systems (SPS) in India is at a nascent stage. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the factors affecting consumers’ intention to purchase SPS by expanding the theory of planned behavior (TPB) with three environmental psychology factors. The study was targeted at potential users’ intention to purchase SPS, thus it further explored the moderating role of perceived government subsidy policy (PGSP) in determining consumers’ purchase intention of SPS.

Design/methodology/approach

Using G*power software, the minimum sample size of 189 was calculated; accordingly, 292 valid responses were gathered from potential users of SPS from three Indian states, namely Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana, via an online questionnaire survey with the help of purposive sampling method. Structural equation modeling technique of partial least squares was employed to analyze the data.

Findings

Results demonstrated that attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE) and PGSP significantly influence purchase intention of SPS. Green trust and green self-identity did not influence the purchase intention of SPS. Further, PGSP strengthens the effect of attitude, green trust, PCE on purchase intention of SPS while it weakens the effect of subjective norms on purchase intention of SPS.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by integrating green trust, green self-identity, PCE and PGSP into the TPB model to better understand factors affecting consumers’ purchase intention towards SPS in India.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 March 2024

Anna Young-Ferris, Arunima Malik, Victoria Calderbank and Jubin Jacob-John

Avoided emissions refer to greenhouse gas emission reductions that are a result of using a product or are emission removals due to a decision or an action. Although there is no…

Abstract

Purpose

Avoided emissions refer to greenhouse gas emission reductions that are a result of using a product or are emission removals due to a decision or an action. Although there is no uniform standard for calculating avoided emissions, market actors have started referring to avoided emissions as “Scope 4” emissions. By default, making a claim about Scope 4 emissions gives an appearance that this Scope of emissions is a natural extension of the existing and accepted Scope-based emissions accounting framework. The purpose of this study is to explore the implications of this assumed legitimacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Via a desktop review and interviews, we analyse extant Scope 4 company reporting, associated accounting methodologies and the practical implications of Scope 4 claims.

Findings

Upon examination of Scope 4 emissions and their relationship with Scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions, we highlight a dynamic and interdependent relationship between quantification, commensuration and standardization in emissions accounting. We find that extant Scope 4 assessments do not fit the established framework for Scope-based emissions accounting. In line with literature on the territorializing nature of accounting, we call for caution about Scope 4 claims that are a distraction from the critical work of reducing absolute emissions.

Originality/value

We examine the implications of assumed alignment and borrowed legitimacy of Scope 4 with Scope-based accounting because Scope 4 is not an actual Scope, but a claim to a Scope. This is as an act of accounting territorialization.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate how the criteria of sustainability standards (SS) ensure the social dimension of corporate sustainability (CS) in rural entrepreneurships using the case of banana agribusinesses in Magdalena (Colombia).

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological design was quantitative, explanatory and cross-sectional, where a sample of banana producers from Magdalena (Colombia) was selected. A structural equation model (SEM) was developed to evaluate the hypotheses. The SEM goodness-of-fit and fit indices were all acceptable.

Findings

There is a strong and statistically significant correlation between SS criteria and the social dimension of CS. In particular, local development is the most influential factor in shaping CS in the context of banana agribusinesses in Magdalena, Colombia, operating as rural entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, working conditions and human rights show moderate effects, while labor rights do not have a perceptible impact.

Research limitations/implications

Only the SS criteria that ensure the social dimension of CS in the banana agribusinesses of Magdalena (Colombia) were considered. It is important to note that other variables may be involved in ensuring CS. Future research to identify these possible variables is recommended.

Originality/value

This investigation explores an understudied issue within the CS sphere, explicitly focusing on rural entrepreneurship in developing countries, notably Colombia. The study scrutinizes the impact of SS on the social dimension of CS in rural environments, using banana cooperatives as a case study and highlighting the value of developing strategies to help improve the CS performance of this type of organization.

Propósito

El objetivo de esta investigación es evaluar cómo los criterios de los Estándares de Sostenibilidad (SS) aseguran la dimensión social de la Sostenibilidad Corporativa (CS) en los emprendimientos rurales utilizando el caso de los agronegocios bananeros en Magdalena (Colombia).

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

El diseño metodológico fue cuantitativo, explicativo y transversal, donde se seleccionó una muestra de productores bananeros del Magdalena (Colombia). Se desarrolló un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM) para evaluar las hipótesis. Los índices de bondad de ajuste y ajuste del SEM fueron aceptables.

Conclusiones

existe una correlación fuerte y estadísticamente significativa entre los criterios de SS y la dimensión social de la SC. En particular, el desarrollo local aparece como el factor más influyente en la conformación de la SC en el contexto de las agroempresas bananeras de Magdalena, Colombia, que operan como empresas rurales. Mientras tanto, las condiciones de trabajo y los derechos humanos muestran efectos moderados, mientras que los derechos laborales no parecen tener un impacto perceptible.

Limitaciones/Implicaciones de la investigación

sólo se consideraron los criterios de SS que aseguran la dimensión social de la SC en los agronegocios bananeros de Magdalena (Colombia). Es importante señalar que otras variables pueden estar involucradas en el aseguramiento de la CS. Se recomiendan futuras investigaciones para identificar estas posibles variables.

Originalidad

Esta investigación explora un tema poco estudiado dentro de la esfera de la Sostenibilidad Corporativa (SC), centrándose explícitamente en el empresariado rural en los países en desarrollo, en particular Colombia. El estudio analiza el impacto de los Estándares de Sostenibilidad (SS) en la dimensión social de la SC en entornos rurales, utilizando las cooperativas bananeras como caso de estudio y resaltando el valor de desarrollar estrategias que ayuden a mejorar el desempeño en SC de este tipo de organizaciones.

Objetivo

O objetivo desta pesquisa é avaliar como os critérios dos Padrões de Sustentabilidade (SS) garantem a dimensão social da Sustentabilidade Corporativa (SC) em empreendimentos rurais usando o caso das agroindústrias de banana em Magdalena (Colômbia).

Desenho/Metodologia/Abordagem

O desenho metodológico foi quantitativo, explicativo e transversal, onde foi selecionada uma amostra de produtores de banana de Magdalena (Colômbia). Foi desenvolvido um modelo de equação estrutural (SEM) para avaliar as hipóteses. Os índices de adequação e de ajuste do SEM foram todos aceitáveis.

Conclusões

existe uma correlação forte e estatisticamente significativa entre os critérios de SS e a dimensão social da SC. Em particular, o desenvolvimento local aparece como o fator mais influente na formação da SC no contexto dos agronegócios da banana em Magdalena, Colômbia, que operam como empresas rurais. Entretanto, as condições de trabalho e os direitos humanos apresentam efeitos moderados, enquanto os direitos laborais não parecem ter um impacto percetível.

Limitações da investigação/Implicações

apenas foram considerados os critérios de SS que garantem a dimensão social da SC nas agroindústrias da banana de Magdalena (Colômbia). É importante notar que outras variáveis podem estar envolvidas na garantia da SC. Recomenda-se a realização de investigação futura para identificar estas possíveis variáveis.

Originalidade

Esta investigação explora uma questão pouco estudada no âmbito da Sustentabilidade Empresarial (SC), focando explicitamente o empreendedorismo rural nos países em desenvolvimento, nomeadamente na Colômbia. O estudo examina o impacto dos Padrões de Sustentabilidade (SS) na dimensão social da SC em ambientes rurais, utilizando cooperativas de banana como estudo de caso e destacando o valor do desenvolvimento de estratégias para ajudar a melhorar o desempenho da SC deste tipo de organização.

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