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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 November 2023

Tuija Koivunen, Taru Konst and Mervi Friman

The universities of applied sciences (UASs) in Finland play a significant role in providing skilled professionals with higher education degrees to meet the needs of the labor…

Abstract

Purpose

The universities of applied sciences (UASs) in Finland play a significant role in providing skilled professionals with higher education degrees to meet the needs of the labor market and society as a whole. The purpose of this study is to determine what the staff in these universities consider the role of UASs in promoting sustainable development (SD) to be.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative research data were collected from a survey distributed among UAS staff in the spring of 2021. The data consisted of 831 responses to an open-ended question on how UASs could promote SD and a sense of responsibility for it. The method used for the data analysis was theory-led content analysis.

Findings

Staff at UASs are actively promoting SD in higher education and have many ideas on how to do this, which is encouraging. With further processing of these ideas and support from management, UASs can play a more important role in sustainability work and set an example for how to build a sustainable future.

Originality/value

The promotion of SD is a timely topic, and examples of SD implementation and good practices can promote discussion of the role of higher education institutions in SD promotion and highlight collective ways to promote it.

Article
Publication date: 5 January 2024

Jucelia Appio Frizon, Teresa Eugénio and Nelson Natalino Frizon

This study aims to examine the mediating role of students’ knowledge of sustainable development (SD) in the relationship between green campus initiatives by higher education…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the mediating role of students’ knowledge of sustainable development (SD) in the relationship between green campus initiatives by higher education institutions (HEIs) and student proactivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The research, with a quantitative approach, was carried out with students linked to HEIs belonging to the Sustainable Campus Network – Portugal (RCS-PT).

Findings

It was concluded that communications of HEI SD initiatives, green campus operations and approach to SD in the classroom have a positive and significant effect on students’ proactivity toward SD. It was also concluded that SD-oriented student knowledge is a mediator in these relationships.

Research limitations/implications

An underlying argument is that students with SD-oriented knowledge engage in proactive behaviors, taking the best HEI initiatives as a precedent among students of the HEIs belonging to the RCS-PT.

Practical implications

HEI initiatives can be drivers for proactive student behaviors regarding SD. Thus, this study brings guidance to university leaders and other stakeholders. The findings can also be useful for those involved in planning SD-oriented actions in HEIs.

Social implications

Strengthen the role of higher education as co-creators of change by promoting the principles of SD in future professionals. Education is a strong instrument for behavioral change, so HEIs play a fundamental role here having a direct impact on society.

Originality/value

This research sought to expand the dialogue about SD in HEIs, especially in achieving sustainable development goals, intertwined with the idea of participation and engagement of students.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 October 2022

Sara Gurfinkel M. Godoy, Maria Sylvia Macchione Saes, Paula Sarita Bigio Schnaider and Roberta Castro Souza Piao

This paper intends to verify the extent to which Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects intend to contribute to sustainable development (SD) in Brazil, one of the top three…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper intends to verify the extent to which Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects intend to contribute to sustainable development (SD) in Brazil, one of the top three leading countries in terms of the number of CDM projects. The authors assess the impact of CDMs not only in environmental aspects, but also social and economic ones.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors define a set of qualitative sustainability indicators and scrutinize documents regarding a sample of almost half of all the projects registered in Brazil between 2004 and 2020 (219 projects).

Findings

The findings of this study contradict many previous studies finding very limited evidence of SD in CDMs in many different countries: most projects in Brazil intend to contribute to some extent with SD, with 91% and 75% claiming to improve social and economic aspects, respectively.

Practical implications

The authors derive lessons from Brazil that can be used in other researches.

Social implications

The authors derive lessons from Brazil and propose paths for public policy toward encouraging sustainable development.

Originality/value

The empirical data set relies on data collected directly from each of the projects in Brazil (roughly half of all of them) between 2004 and 2020. This is not only up to date, but pushes further the analytical scope of previous works.

Details

Revista de Gestão, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1809-2276

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 June 2023

Ramkaran Yadav, Vinod Yadav, M.L. Mittal, Rakesh Jain and Jigyasa Yadav

In software development (SD), practitioners have realized the importance of lean thinking. A new term “Leagile” is coined, which is an integrated approach of traditional lean and…

Abstract

Purpose

In software development (SD), practitioners have realized the importance of lean thinking. A new term “Leagile” is coined, which is an integrated approach of traditional lean and agile thinking to managing the operations. The study aims to investigate the application of the Leagile principles in a new sector and establish a relationship between the adoption of Leagile approach and operational performance (OP) in SD organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical research is conducted to investigate the linkage between the Leagile principles and operational measures. Data is collected through surveys from 256 SD industries located in 11 states of India and analysed using the structural equation modelling approach.

Findings

The practitioners envisage a positive impact of adoption of Leagile principles on OP of SD organizations, but one of the principles, i.e. perfection, is unable to influence the performance.

Originality/value

The study contributes by authorizing the contribution of Leagile principles towards OP of SD organizations. The outcomes will motivate the practitioners to enhance the adoption of Leagile principles in SD organizations.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 February 2024

Imen Ouragini and Anissa Ben Hassine Louzir

This study aims to show how universities may engage in social responsibility approaches and to understand in depth how the university social responsibility (USR) practices…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to show how universities may engage in social responsibility approaches and to understand in depth how the university social responsibility (USR) practices contribute in achieving sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory qualitative research was directed based on two Tunisian Universities (two case studies); the first one belongs to the public sector and the second one to the private sector. Data were collected through participant observations, group interviews, documentation as well as semistructured interviews with students and administrative staff. The survey was carried out in 2022, immediately following the COVID-19 health crisis. The interview lasted 45-min on average.

Findings

The results confirmed that USR was applicable within the two studied institutions. The two cases under investigation primarily concerned academic and philanthropic responsibilities, with practices pertaining to ethical and legal responsibilities being observed, albeit not to the same extent as the other two responsibilities. Therefore, universities prioritize the welfare of people over anything else when they implement a USR policy.

Originality/value

The USR is an approach that many higher education institutions, both public and private, must appropriate. Nevertheless, this field is still virgin in academic research and this theme remains unexplored within the Tunisian territory. Thus, through the present study, the authors were able to understand in depth the USR practices and confirmed that these two institutes were socially responsible. Consequently, the authors are inviting other Tunisian Universities to adhere to these approaches regarding their benefits among society, environment and economy.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 January 2023

Bahadur Ali Soomro, Nisren Farouk Moawad, Ummi Naiemah Saraih, Nadia A. Abdelmageed Abedelwahed and Naimatullah Shah

This study aims to explore the role of the green market (GM) and green innovation (GI) towards green entrepreneurship (GE) and sustainable development (SD).

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the role of the green market (GM) and green innovation (GI) towards green entrepreneurship (GE) and sustainable development (SD).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on cross-sectional data, the researchers used quantitative methods in this study to confirm the conceptual framework. The researchers used a questionnaire to collect the data obtained from Pakistan's knowledge-based companies (KBCs). In total, the researchers used 192 usable samples to deliver the findings.

Findings

The researchers used structural equation modeling (SEM) to ensure the model's fitness and as a basis for this study's hypotheses. The findings highlight that the GM factors, such as green product (GP), green design (GD), green supply chain (GSC) and green production (GPN) have a positive and significant effect GM factors, such as on both GE and SD. Further, GI is, also, a significant predictor of GE and SD. Finally, this study's findings show that GE has a predictive role of towards SD.

Practical implications

This study's findings create a source of attention for individuals to preserve the GM's natural resources. Further, mainly in developing contexts like Pakistan, the addition of the GI factor and the GM towards GE and SD contribute to the depth of the existing literature.

Originality/value

By integrating factors, such as innovation toward GE and SD, this study's findings provide an original contribution to the empirical evidence.

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2023

Georgios A. Deirmentzoglou, Konstantina K. Agoraki and Patroklos Patsoulis

This study aims to investigate the influence of cultural values on perceptions of corporate sustainable development (CSD). In recent years, the intensity of the connection between…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of cultural values on perceptions of corporate sustainable development (CSD). In recent years, the intensity of the connection between cultural values and SD has been a heavily debated topic. Subsequently, this issue has gained considerable attention from management academics.

Design/methodology/approach

To shed light on this phenomenon, this study uses econometric techniques (linear regression) and conducts a survey of business executives in medium and large firms to search for evidence that cultural values significantly affect perceptions of CSD.

Findings

The findings indicate that forward-looking executives who envision themselves as individuals rather than members of a group exhibit more positive perceptions of CSD practices than the rest.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical assessment of cultural values on the perceptions of the three aspects (economic, social and environmental) of CSD.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 July 2023

Thomas E. Jones, Lindsay Mack and Oscar A. Gómez

As UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) are integrated across Asia-Pacific Higher Education Institutes (HEIs), the purpose of this descriptive and exploratory study is to…

Abstract

Purpose

As UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) are integrated across Asia-Pacific Higher Education Institutes (HEIs), the purpose of this descriptive and exploratory study is to investigate undergraduates’ own self-stated commitment to the SDGs and their perceived feasibility by the 2030 target.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methodology approach covered quantitative and qualitative approaches facilitated by purposive selection of an Asia-Pacific HEI via a Japanese liberal arts college where a questionnaire survey was administered in Autumn 2021. Responses were monitored from freshmen students in twin courses within the same major (introduction to “Environment” and “Development” studies, respectively; n = 177) that both integrated SDGs within their respective curricula.

Findings

Students in both classes rated the SDGs as a useful learning tool but were sceptical of their feasibility by 2030. A self-stated commitment was high, especially among environment studies students. Multiple regression was run to predict SDGs commitment from gender, major, perceived SDGs’ usefulness and feasibility. These variables partially predicted SDGs commitment but only gender and major variables added statistical significance. Moreover, the same variables were less equivocal in terms of predicting the self-stated belief that the SDGs could be achieved by 2030.

Practical implications

The findings can inform instructors of students’ perceptions towards SDGs. Significant differences raise academic and applied discussion points, such as how to engage male students, for example, by setting up sustainability “business case” practicums.

Originality/value

As global HEIs grapple with effective ways to vertically integrate SDGs into a university’s curriculum, students’ opinions are often underrepresented. This paper’s originality and value address these gaps by exploring a holistic student-centric perspective on SDGs in the context of commitment. This paper also has implications for more effective cross-curricula integration of the SDGs.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 March 2024

Sudhanshu Joshi, Manu Sharma, Sunil Luthra, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes and Ramesh Anbanandam

The research aims to develop an assessment framework that evaluates critical success factors (CSFs) for the Quality 4.0 (Q 4.0) transition among Indian firms.

Abstract

Purpose

The research aims to develop an assessment framework that evaluates critical success factors (CSFs) for the Quality 4.0 (Q 4.0) transition among Indian firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the fuzzy-Delphi method to validate the results of a systematic literature review (SLR) that explores critical aspects. Further, the fuzzy decision-making trial and laboratory (DEMATEL) method determines the cause-and-effect link. The findings indicate that developing a Q 4.0 framework is essential for the long-term success of manufacturing companies. Utilizing the power of digital technology, data analytics and automation, manufacturing companies can benefit from the Q 4.0 framework. Product quality, operational effectiveness and overall business performance may all be enhanced by implementing the Q 4.0 transition framework.

Findings

The study highlights significant awareness of Q 4.0 in the Indian manufacturing sector that is acquired through various means such as training, experience, learning and research. However, most manufacturing industries in India still follow older quality paradigms. On the other hand, Indian manufacturing industries seem well-equipped to adopt Q 4.0, given practitioners' firm grasp of its concepts and anticipated benefits, including improved customer satisfaction, product refinement, continuous process enhancement, waste reduction and informed decision-making. Adoption hurdles involve challenges including reliable electricity access, high-speed Internet, infrastructure, a skilled workforce and financial support. The study also introduces a transition framework facilitating the shift from conventional methods to Q 4.0, aligned with the principles of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR).

Research limitations/implications

This research exclusively examines the manufacturing sector, neglecting other fields such as medical, service, mining and construction. Additionally, there needs to be more emphasis on the Q 4.0 implementation frameworks within the scope of the study.

Originality/value

This may be the inaugural framework for transitioning to Q 4.0 in India's manufacturing sectors and, conceivably, other developing nations.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 1 February 2024

Meenakshi Handa, Ronika Bhalla and Parul Ahuja

Increasing incidents of privacy invasion on social networking sites (SNS) are intensifying the concerns among stakeholders about the misuse of personal data. However, there seems…

Abstract

Purpose

Increasing incidents of privacy invasion on social networking sites (SNS) are intensifying the concerns among stakeholders about the misuse of personal data. However, there seems to be limited research on exploring the impact of specific privacy concerns on users’ intention to engage in various privacy protection behaviors. This study aims to examine the role of social privacy concerns, institutional privacy concerns and privacy self-efficacy as antecedents of privacy protection–related control activities intention among young adults active on SNS.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from 284 young adults active on SNS was analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling using Smart PLS.

Findings

The results indicate that institutional privacy concerns, social privacy concerns and privacy self-efficacy positively influence the control activities intention of SNS users. The extent of privacy self-efficacy and privacy protection-related control activities intention differs among users based on gender.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to a population of young adults in the age group of 18–25 years.

Practical implications

The findings of this study form the basis for specific recommendations addressing the different types of privacy concerns experienced by social media users, promoting responsible privacy control behaviors on online platforms and discouraging the possible misuse of information by third parties.

Originality/value

This study validates a theoretical framework that can contribute to future investigations concerning the use of SNS. The study findings form the basis for a set of practical recommendations for policymakers, SNS platforms and users.

Details

Vilakshan - XIMB Journal of Management, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0973-1954

Keywords

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