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1 – 10 of over 87000This paper aims to explore what is known in the body of literature on sustainability professionals in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry to support the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore what is known in the body of literature on sustainability professionals in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry to support the formulation of research questions for future studies.
Design/Methodology/Approach
This was done through a systematic literature review in Scopus and Web of Science. In the literature search, 22 journal papers were selected to be included in the review because of their relevance to sustainability professionals, professional roles and environmental practices in the AEC industry.
Findings
Key characteristics of the papers such as methodology and theory are mapped, followed by main findings on how the sustainability profession and sustainability professionals’ roles are studied within the body of literature. The review shows that the topic of sustainability professionals in the AEC industry is currently under-researched and under-theorised. Specifically, there is a lack of in-depth studies on sustainability professionals’ roles and agency.
Research Limitations/Implications
By providing an overview of the current literature on sustainability professionals in the AEC industry, it is possible to identify research gaps to formulate research questions for future studies.
Practical Implications
This is important as collaboration between professions, including sustainability professionals, is believed to be the key for a successful shift towards sustainability; furthering the understanding of sustainability professionals’ role is, therefore, central.
Originality/Value
This paper is the first systematic literature review on sustainability professionals in the AEC industry.
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Neither management leaders nor academic researchers have developed adequate responses or explanations to the general lack of success in implementations of sustainability…
Abstract
Neither management leaders nor academic researchers have developed adequate responses or explanations to the general lack of success in implementations of sustainability strategies. Consistent with the theme of this conference, we have examined innovative concepts and practices of leading companies that have successfully implemented sustainability. In sustainability, as in other areas of performance measurement and management control, new paradigms and practices and more research may be needed to improve organizational performance.
Leon Prieto, Simone T.A. Phipps, Melva Robertson and Stacey Reynolds
The article aims to explore the transformative journey of AcmeTech Manufacturing, a fictional company influenced by real-life events, from environmental negligence to adopting…
Abstract
Purpose
The article aims to explore the transformative journey of AcmeTech Manufacturing, a fictional company influenced by real-life events, from environmental negligence to adopting sustainable and responsible business practices. By examining AcmeTech's strategic communication and sustainability initiatives, the study seeks to highlight the importance of integrating sustainability within global supply chains and the role of strategic communication in building stakeholder trust and achieving corporate sustainability goals.
Design/methodology/approach
This research adopts a case study methodology, focusing on AcmeTech Manufacturing as a representative example. The case study approach allows for an in-depth exploration of AcmeTech's challenges, strategies and outcomes in its pursuit of corporate sustainability. Drawing from real-life events, the study delves into the company's transformation, its commitment to transparent communication and its efforts to incorporate sustainable practices within its global supply chains.
Findings
AcmeTech Manufacturing, once criticized for its environmental negligence, has embarked on a comprehensive sustainability journey. Recognizing the erosion of stakeholder trust due to past actions, the company has prioritized transparent and strategic communication of its sustainability efforts. AcmeTech's commitment extends beyond internal changes, emphasizing the importance of its global supply chains in its overall environmental impact. By adopting a Cooperative Advantage approach, rooted in the philosophy of ubuntu, AcmeTech not only addresses its environmental challenges but also strives to become a leader in sustainable manufacturing practices.
Originality/value
The article offers a unique perspective by combining the concepts of strategic communication and corporate sustainability within the context of global supply chains. Using the fictional case of AcmeTech Manufacturing, influenced by real-world scenarios, the study introduces the Cooperative Advantage approach, rooted in the African philosophy of ubuntu. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of all stakeholders, promoting a people-centered strategy to sustainability, making the article a novel contribution to the discourse on corporate sustainability.
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Ana P. Ferreira Alves, Minelle E. Silva and Philipp C. Sauer
To investigate the effects of supply chain (SC) distance on sustainability adoption, this study aims to advance the way prior studies on SC sustainability presume that SC…
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the effects of supply chain (SC) distance on sustainability adoption, this study aims to advance the way prior studies on SC sustainability presume that SC structures are well-developed and stable. Since SC members face structural voids in different regions, we recognize that the information flow is impacted as SC partners often have limited knowledge of their direct partners. Thus, by studying a multi-stakeholder partnership, this article sheds light on the institutional foundation of sustainability adoption issues largely neglected to date.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative case study was used with members of an MSP (i.e. a roundtable), to understand the beef SC located in Brazil. Overall, 18 h of interview recordings and notes from 18 h of meeting observations were gathered, equaling 36 h of primary data.
Findings
Four dimensions of SC distance (physical, organizational, cultural and institutional) were identified, generating three driving effects on symbolic sustainability adoption and, consequently, a degree of invisibility for beef SC members. The results explain the process of sustainability adoption and highlight that smaller and more upstream suppliers show lower degrees of substantive adoption of SC sustainability practices.
Originality/value
This study investigates how SC distance affects the alignment of SC members in terms of sustainability adoption. By providing reflections on how institutional distance can hinder suppliers from adopting sustainability requirements they received from the SC, this research contributes to shifting from sustainability discourse to real practice and proactive partner engagement.
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André de Mendonça Santos, Ângelo Márcio de Oliveira Sant'Anna, Ava Santana Barbosa, Adriano Machado Becker and Néstor Fabián Ayala
In the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) era, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face significant pressure to make their manufacturing operations more sustainable. However, SMEs often lack the…
Abstract
Purpose
In the Industry 4.0 (I4.0) era, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face significant pressure to make their manufacturing operations more sustainable. However, SMEs often lack the knowledge and information needed to leverage I4.0 technologies for achieving sustainability. This paper aims to develop a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model to prioritize sustainability functions supported by I4.0 technologies in SMEs.
Design/methodology/approach
The fuzzy-DEMATEL method was developed to classify sustainability functions based on their prominence and influence, categorizing them into cause-and-effect groups. Experts in I4.0 technologies, sustainability and SMEs from Brazil were consulted during the data collection phase. Sensitivity analysis was also performed to validate the results obtained through the DEMATEL method.
Findings
The results indicate that the most prominent and influential sustainability functions include organizing production processes, employee skill development and simplifying production planning and control. Therefore, investing in I4.0 technologies to support these functions can enable SMEs to amplify the impact of their sustainability initiatives and improve operational efficiency. The authors also observed that improving quality monitoring is the primary function within the effect group.
Practical implications
This paper serves as a roadmap for SME managers seeking to enhance the effectiveness of their sustainability practices using I4.0 technologies, thereby maximizing impact while minimizing the complexity of implementation.
Originality/value
This study ranks key sustainability functions as actions and practices that SMEs can implement using I4.0 technologies to achieve sustainability. It also identifies the most prominent and influential functions managers should prioritize when investing in I4.0 technologies.
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Joshua Omondi Omanyo and Joshua Rumo Arongo Ndiege
This study aims to examine the state of literature on the role of e-learning in the sustainability of higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the goal of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the state of literature on the role of e-learning in the sustainability of higher education institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the goal of identifying explored thematic areas, finding out the deficiencies in extant literature and recommending areas of future research work.
Design/methodology/approach
The research used a systematic literature review, examining articles published between 2012 and 2022. In total, 52 publications were identified and subjected to analysis.
Findings
The findings reveal that few studies have explored the relationship between e-learning and the sustainability of higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa, with larger economies in the region dominating research output. In addition, traditional technology adoption and social learning theories dominate the theoretical frameworks in this area. Moreover, the authors observed limited adaptation of these theories to local contexts, leading to outcomes with limited contextual details or lack of the same. Despite its potential, e-learning has yet to be fully embraced as a strategic tool for the sustainability of higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Originality/value
Although various systematic literature reviews exist in the field of sustainability in higher education, there seem to be no reviews specifically focused on e-learning within the context of Sub-Saharan Africa. This review sheds some light on potential future research paths regarding the theory, content and context of e-learning for the sustainability of higher education in Sub-Saharan Africa, and by extension, in developing countries worldwide.
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Chanita Rukspollmuang and Tachagorn Chansema
The objectives of this study were (1) to explore and analyze sustainability literacy of undergraduate students and (2) to propose guidelines for promoting sustainability literacy…
Abstract
Purpose
The objectives of this study were (1) to explore and analyze sustainability literacy of undergraduate students and (2) to propose guidelines for promoting sustainability literacy of the undergraduate students at Siam University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Design/methodology/approach
A 5-point rating scale survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 235 students registered in General Education courses in Semester 2 of academic year 2022. The analyzed data was presented to a focus group discussion, conducted with 19 internal and external stakeholders, as a basis to propose guidelines for promoting sustainability literacy.
Findings
The students perceived that they had better knowledge about sustainable development and sustainable development goals (SDGs) and that their knowledge about and degree of participation in SDGs-related activities were at high level. Intrapersonal competence was rated as their highest sustainability competence, followed by futures-thinking, and systems-thinking. The focus-group suggested that competency-based GE curriculum should be used as a platform to enhance sustainability literacy. Guidelines concerning learning outcomes, learning content, learning culture, learning with technology, and learning assessment were then proposed.
Research limitations/implications
The study’s methodological limitations include the use of purposive sample case of the Siam University and self-perceiving assessment survey instrument for the data collection that provide sufficient insights on the present state and problems concerning sustainability literacy of university students.
Practical implications
Sustainability is one of the national pillars in Thailand 20 years strategy (2018–2037). Hence, the government encourages all educational institutions, including universities to transform themselves toward this goal. Siam University has used education program as a vehicle to meet this aspiration. Lesson learnt from the study will not only benefit the university per se but will be valuable for practices in other universities. In addition, findings and implications from the study will help accelerate the transformation of Thai higher education institutions toward sustainable universities.
Social implications
Sustainability has been promoted in education and social context. Siam University is recognized as a leading university in promoting campus and community sustainability through our “living learning lab” approach. We have used social living labs for teaching and learning activities for years. Partnerships among academia, private and public sectors, as well as community members will benefit from this research.
Originality/value
The study explores the scholarly topic of significant social importance and implications in the Thai context. The present study on sustainability literacy opens a path for further research and cross-institutional and national comparative studies on the issue.
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Vikas Sharma, Munish Gupta and Sanjay Taneja
This paper aims to explore the impact of FinTech adoption on small business sustainability and to understand how financial well-being acts as a mediator in this relationship…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the impact of FinTech adoption on small business sustainability and to understand how financial well-being acts as a mediator in this relationship. which is essential in fostering business sustainability in today’s dynamic business landscape.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted with an initial sample of 500 respondents, and subsequently, a final analysis was performed using a sample size of 321 respondents. Data was collected through a self-administered survey, and the hypothesized model was assessed using the Smart PLS analysis technique.
Findings
The findings revealed significant positive associations between Fintech adoption and small business sustainability, and financial well-being acts as a significant mediator in establishing this relationship. Financial well-being has a positive and significant impact on sustainability, with substantial and positive correlations with their respective elements.
Practical implications
Small businesses will realize the significance of financial well-being in their operations. This realization can motivate them to invest in digital tools such as payment systems and accounting software to streamline their operations and increase their resilience.
Originality/value
The results of this research can serve as a foundational framework for enhancing business sustainability in the Fintech sector, thereby facilitating the financial industry’s efforts to achieve economies of scale globally. Future research can investigate specific aspects, industries or regions deeper to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the study.
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