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Sustainable consumption has far-reaching implications globally, with promotion of sustainable consumption also identified as one of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Hence, there is a need for relevant information to guide consumer buying decisions. Eco-labels have been created to serve as one of the key communication platforms for this purpose, but studies indicate low levels of comprehension. Hence this paper proposes a conceptual framework using established neuroscience theories and principles to address this topic of significance.

The “Simplicity Principle” propagates that simpler explanations find place over complex ones. Also, the Dual System Theory focuses on the two systems, intuitive System 1 and cognitive System 2, used by the brain to process information. We spotted a research gap here and leveraged these theories and drew from several earlier studies to propose a framework that presenting information in a “simple” manner on eco-labels would accelerate sustainable consumption.

System 1 works to reduce cognitive process and load on System 2, influencing overall choice and purchase decision. System 2 capacity requires the need to minimize cognitive load through processing simpler messages. Quick processing of information by System 1 generates impressions, attention and attitude. Once accepted by System 2, these often remain unchanged unless necessary and invariably turn into beliefs and voluntary action. Simplicity leverages speed and effortless processing ability of System 1, reducing effort of cognition by System 2 and enabling a decision (to purchase “green”).

Sustainability and sustainable consumption are matters of social and environmental concern and significance. This framework proposes the need for policymakers and businesses to consider adopting the “simplicity” approach in promoting sustainable consumption through bridging the vital gap in the understanding of eco-labels by consumers. There are implications and opportunities for researchers to conduct empirical research across different categories to validate this framework.

While several methods have been explored and implemented, given the significance of sustainability and sustainable consumption, eco-labels suffer from lack of comprehension, thus affecting adoption by consumers. Applying fundamental neuroscience principles of “simplicity” seems to have been overlooked so far toward addressing this gap. This framework proposes that applying “simplicity” to stimuli such as eco-labels and communications be considered to address and correct the situation and help to accelerate sustainable consumption.

This article reports on a study on the value‐added tax (VAT) levied on new residential properties sold to individuals by developers registered for VAT purposes. The objective of the research was to evaluate the current VAT provisions applicable to new residential properties in South Africa by measuring them against the principles of taxation, and by comparing the results with those obtained for the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Similarities and differences are established and evaluated. It is recommended that the supply of new residential properties in South Africa be zero rated.

This column seeks to recommend five basic principles that should be used when a library web site is designed or refactored.

Explores the options available when creating or redesigning a library web site

This column is simply exploratory, and examines issues surrounding the initial design or re‐design of a library web site.

The design of a library web site should take into account these five principles as they are outlined in this column, and those principles include: simplicity, user centered design, findability, web standards and accessibility.

This column suggests five principles that will assist librarians and library technology workers in designing better web sites which follow usability principles, web standards and accessibility guidelines. This will hopefully improve the quality of library web based resources and services.

Argues that the Hempel‐Oppenheimian logical scheme for explanations and predictions also applies to prescriptive statements (recommendations) derived from theoretical models in the normative sciences. Presents ideas concerning the allocation of effort in developing normative models for such purposes. Three characteristics of the model and the model‐building process, together with a suggested qualitative relationship between these properties, are discussed, namely the “applicability” of the model, the “simplicity” of the principle derived from the model, and the “level of technique” applied, a discussion similar to that of Bronfenbrenner. It is proposed that the subjective value to the model‐builder may be envisaged as a function of these three main characteristics and that the model‐design process then may be interpreted as a constrained optimisation problem.

The aim of the paper is to contribute to the discussion of treating the concepts of lean and agile in isolation or combination by presenting an alternative view from complexity thinking on these concepts, considering an epistemological approach to this topic.

The paper adopts an epistemological approach, using the complexity thinking as the dominant paradigm from which to investigate the concepts and principles of lean and agile.

The epistemological approach to the topic clearly reveals the opposition between two thinking principles: the principle of simplicity and the principle of complexity. Next, the authors evaluated how the complexity thinking principles of Morin may permit the two different ways of thinking to be reconciled. They find out that, in an organization, lean and agile are not only inseparable but also interdependent.

The paper shows how the concepts of lean and agile can be combined, which may be of help to managers and project leaders to adopt from both practices and tools to improve their competitiveness.

The novelty of this paper is the presentation of an alternative approach to the concepts of lean and agile, using an epistemological point‐of‐view. The paper deepens the understanding of the lean and agile concepts by applying the complexity paradigm as proposed by Edgar Morin. Furthermore, it proposes self‐organizing teams for possible unification of both concepts.

Start-ups can change the direction of a country's economy when they manage to remain in the market, as they are companies that generate innovation, income and employment. However, these are companies that need both favorable external conditions that guarantee their survival, and internal capacities for the development of a management that is able to consider the needs for change in the product or service and consolidate the business as a whole. Therefore, start-ups need to develop dynamic capabilities (DCs), which are achieved through the processes that direct, coordinate and formulate the strategies of the other processes. Therefore, adopting a management approach that enables the development of DCs is essential for the survival of start-ups. The business process management (BPM) approach becomes an appropriate option, since it identifies business processes to adapt organizational management to new market demands. It can be used to interpret the environment, to understand the organization internally and to transform; it is flexible to the needs and characteristics of each organization. Based on this, the objective of the study is to develop a BPM framework that operationalizes the development of DCs in start-ups.

The method used consisted of two case studies and analysis of documents and seven interviews. Two start-ups that underwent BPM promotion in 2018 and 2020 were selected. The start-ups are Brazilian and from the biotechnology sector. Interviews were conducted with the team that promoted BPM at start-ups and with members of the start-ups that participated in the promotion. The interviews followed a semi-structured script elaborated according to the authors of the literature review. Discourse analysis was used to identify excerpts from the statements that expressed the content of the questions. All interviews were recorded with the prior consent of the participants and later validated with them.

The BPM promotion framework for start-ups is divided into four steps: “frame BPM,” “understand BPM,” “enable BPM” and “continue BPM”. Nine principles constitute the promotion of BPM: (1) context consideration principle, (2) holistic, (3) simplicity, (4) involvement, (5) empowerment, (6) shared understanding, (7) purpose, (8) technological appropriation and (9) continuity. Promoting BPM in start-ups has developed dynamic entrepreneurial and networking capabilities.

As for the contribution to society, scientific studies make it possible to structure tacit knowledge and give direction to human action based on assertive methods; thus, the scientific contribution on DCs and start-ups brings assertiveness to start-up managers and the entire chain they impact with their actions, which makes their performance more beneficial to society.

As for the contribution to the state-of-the-art, visualizing the principles in a practical way, through the application of the BPM promotion project in start-ups, made it possible to understand the BPM cycle in a less rigid and more fluid way. This format proved to be suitable for the start-ups in the case study, as it ensured that they learned both about how the approach works and about the advantages of using it in the management of start-ups, thus contributing to the development of these important organizations for the economy of different countries.

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the elementary concepts and fundamental principles of grey systems and the main components of grey systems theory. Also to discuss the astonishing progress that grey systems theory has made in the world of learning and its wide‐ranging applications in the entire spectrum of science.

The characteristics of unascertained systems including incomplete information and inaccuracies in data are analysed and four uncertain theories: probability statistics, fuzzy mathematics, grey system and rough set theory are compared. The scientific principle of simplicity and how precise models suffer from inaccuracies are also shown.

The four uncertain theories, probability statistics, fuzzy mathematics, grey system and rough set theory are examined with different research objects, different basic sets, different methods and procedures, different data requirements, different emphasis, different objectives and different characteristics.

The scientific principle of simplicity and how precise models suffer from inaccuracies are shown. So, precise models are not necessarily an effective means to deal with complex matters, especially in the case that the available information is incomplete and the collected data inaccurate.

The elementary concepts and fundamental principles of grey systems and the main components of grey systems theory are introduced briefly. The reader is given a general picture of grey systems theory as a new method for studying problems where partial information is known, partial information is unknown; especially for uncertain systems with few data points and poor information.

The research aims to find and highlight the process, procedures, and practices at AirAsia that deem to fit the characteristics of simplicity and discipline in the original model for creating value in the forms of lower operations costs, which ultimately translates into lower ticket price for Airasia's customers.

A case study method is used in this study. It is appropriate as; the model has not been applied to a service organization. In exploring the concept of simplicity and discipline and how they create values, at a set of the best practices and procedures utilized by AirAsia are being scrutinized. Four employees at the executive and managerial level were interviewed. The author spent approximately two hours with the senior manager of Network Management Centre as all operations fall under his jurisdiction. Besides him, this study also took information from a technical service manager and two executives. The information collected from the staff is complementary to each other, ensuring the internal validity of the method. The secondary information was taken primarily from AirAsia's website: AirAsia.com.

It is suggested that excellent practices and procedures done at Airasia characterize both concepts of simplicity and discipline, which in return help AsiaAsia in creating value for its customers. For example, the company decision to use one type of aircraft ensures its easy maintenance and training of staffs. The use of IT at the company helps the company plan the unplanned changes. The clever use of IT has enabled the control filter, as specified by Correa and Gianesi to function properly. It simplifies the booking, sales and checking-in procedures. Furthermore, the company has locked a partnership with its IT vendors for mutual benefits where AirAsia can constantly improve their system while the IT vendor learns to create innovative products according to customer requirements.

The result does not indicate that that Airasia's operational success is due to these concepts. Rather this article suggests that the concepts of simplicity and discipline, as proven to be successfully applied to manufacturing sector, could also be potentially applied to service organizations to helps firms create value, in this company in the form of low price ticket for affordable travel.

Managers in a similar service industry could use the principles and practices proposed to potentially enhance its operations flexibility.

This research is important as for one to understand the main topics of operations flexibility in services sector.

To broaden the scope of our knowledge of collective voluntarily simplified lifestyles in the UK, by exploring whether voluntary simplifiers achieve their goals by adopting a simpler life.

Radical forms of voluntary simplifier groups were explored through participant‐observation research. The methodology can be broadly classified as critical ethnography, and a multi‐locale approach has been used in designing the field.

Although for some of these consumers voluntary simplicity seems to have reinstated the enjoyment of life, certain goals remain unfulfilled and other unexpected issues arise, such as the challenges of mobility in the attainment of environmental goals.

This is an ongoing research, however many opportunities for further research have arisen from this study. Quantitative research could be undertaken on the values and attitudes buttressing voluntary simplicity specifically in the UK. The extent to which such communities influence mainstream consumers could be studied both quantitatively and qualitatively. Mainstream consumers' attitudes to the practices of such communities could prove useful for uncovering real consumer needs.

Despite these communities position in the extreme end of the voluntary simplicity spectrum, their role in shaping the practices and attitudes of other consumers is clear.

This paper provides new consumer insights that can re‐shape policy‐making and marketing practice aimed at achieving a sustainable future.

The purpose of this paper is to show which models, uncertain or certain, simple or complicated, are more suitable when they are faced with incomplete information and inaccurate data.

The characteristics of fuzzy mathematics, grey system theory, rough set theory and the basic characteristics of incomplete information and inaccurate data in uncertain systems are analysed.

The similarities and differences among fuzzy mathematics, grey system theory, rough set theory and probability statistics are compared. The principle of simplicity of scientific theories, methods, and models are discussed.

It is suggested that the tendency to concentrate on a complicated model isn't always necessary when faced with the condition of incomplete information and inaccurate data.

The paper shows that a more satisfied result can be obtained with an uncertain model than with a meticulous model on a certain situation.