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1 – 10 of over 3000
Article
Publication date: 22 August 2024

Chisomo Kapatsa, Neema Kavishe, Sambo Lyson Zulu and Godwin Maro

The purpose of this study is to identify sustainability assessment indicators of road infrastructure projects by analyzing and synthesizing existing literature, considering that…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify sustainability assessment indicators of road infrastructure projects by analyzing and synthesizing existing literature, considering that, despite being essential to achieving the sustainable development goals, sustainability performance in road infrastructure projects is a persistent challenge. Therefore, determining how sustainability can be assessed in these projects is crucial, necessitating a systematic review of the sustainability assessment indicators of road infrastructure projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Using PRISMA principles, 54 peer-reviewed papers from 2010 to 2022 were retrieved from three search databases (Scopus, Research for Life and Google Scholar) as part of a systematic literature review. Data analysis techniques included both descriptive and content analysis.

Findings

The study identified 22 indicators. The results emphasized that the sustainability of road infrastructure projects should consider all three sustainability dimensions to provide development while meeting human needs, preserving the planet Earth and enhancing economic growth. Similarly, indicators should be incorporated from the design phase to implement and attain sustainability successfully.

Practical implications

The outcome of this study will serve as a guide to road infrastructure stakeholders to understand the relevant sustainability indicators to assess the sustainability performance of their projects.

Originality/value

The study’s findings provide the sustainability assessment indicators for roads, which serve as a foundation for developing a sustainability assessment indicator framework for road infrastructure projects. Future research can look at establishing the indicators for the end-of-life phase of the project lifecycle.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 February 2024

Harshad Sonar, Isha Sharma, Nikhil Ghag and Bhagyashri Raje

The agri-food industry is experiencing a revolutionary shift due to the introduction of Industry 4.0 technologies to improve efficiency, transparency and sustainability. The…

Abstract

Purpose

The agri-food industry is experiencing a revolutionary shift due to the introduction of Industry 4.0 technologies to improve efficiency, transparency and sustainability. The importance of agri-food supply chains (AFSC) in promoting sustainability is expanding as the globe struggles with issues including resource scarcity, climate change and population growth. In order to better understand how Industry 4.0 might improve sustainability in a world that is changing quickly, this work aims to focus on identifying various sustainability assessment factors influencing AFSC to increase overall sustainability, minimize resource consumption, cut waste and streamline operations.

Design/methodology/approach

Important sustainability assessment factors are identified from the past academic literature and are then validated using the fuzzy-Delphi method. A method called decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) is used to examine and analyze structural models with complex causal linkages. The results are then validated using sensitivity analysis.

Findings

The factors that emerged as the highest ranked for evaluating the sustainability of Industry 4.0 in AFSC are market competitiveness, and knowledge and skill development, followed by resource efficiency. Industry 4.0 technologies are essential for increasing the marketability of agricultural products because of the major implications of market competitiveness. The significance of knowledge and skill development draws attention to Industry 4.0’s contribution to the promotion of chances for farmers and agricultural employees to increase their capability.

Practical implications

By outlining the nexus between Industry 4.0 technologies and sustainability, the study presents a comprehensive framework that would be relevant for researchers, policymakers and industry stakeholders who want to leverage Industry 4.0 technology to build more sustainable AFSC in the future. The study findings can help the farmers or producers make sensible choices that adhere to sustainability standards and guarantee long-term financial viability.

Originality/value

The originality of this work lies in the identification of sustainability assessment factors especially for AFSC in the era of digitalization which has not been discussed previously.

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: 16 August 2024

Arjun J. Nair, Sridhar Manohar and Amit Mittal

The purpose of this study is to delve into the intricate terrain of assimilating sustainability practices into digital accounting and finance, centring on the transformative…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to delve into the intricate terrain of assimilating sustainability practices into digital accounting and finance, centring on the transformative dynamics introduced by artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled FinTech. The primary objective is to scrutinize critical lacunae in existing literature, exploring how organizations can meticulously construct comprehensive sustainability frameworks. Simultaneously, the study investigates the protracted repercussions of AI-enabled FinTech on the enduring sustainability paradigms.

Design/methodology/approach

Executing a systematic literature review, the research engaged in the meticulous identification and assessment of a voluminous pool of 1,158 articles. Using a judicious two-phase strategy, the scrutiny distilled a mere 64 pertinent articles, subjecting them to rigorous evaluation encompassing methodologies, contributions and overall quality. The Fuzzy Delphi method was used to elicit expert opinions and facilitate consensus-building, leveraging fuzzy logic to accommodate uncertainties in the data.

Findings

The review navigates the convoluted impact of AI across diverse sectors, accentuating its transformative imprint on realms such as health care, finance and transportation. Specifically, in the financial domain, the discerning eye of AI-enabled FinTech optimizes investment portfolios, augments risk assessment, propels financial inclusion and streamlines the intricate landscape of sustainability reporting. The study meticulously pinpoints research gaps encompassing investment optimization, risk management, financial inclusion, sustainability reporting and ethical considerations within the intricate milieu of AI-enabled FinTech. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by synthesizing intricate thematic strands, discerning overarching trends and spotlighting critical voids in the synthesis of sustainability practices and AI-enabled FinTech. The findings resonate with far-reaching implications, emphasizing the exigency of comprehensive investigations into the longitudinal sustainability ramifications instigated by AI-enabled FinTech.

Originality/value

The study underscores the imperative of crafting robust ethical frameworks for the equitable and transparent deployment of AI solutions within the intricate landscape of FinTech. Moreover, this research stands poised to shape organizational strategies, inform regulatory frameworks and guide investment decisions, thereby catalyzing the cultivation of conscientious and sustainable financial practices.

Details

International Journal of Accounting & Information Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1834-7649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 January 2024

Olubukola Tokede and Anastasia Globa

This paper bridges the gap between the theory and practice by developing a life cycle sustainability tracker (LCST). The study is seeking to proffer solutions to an observed…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper bridges the gap between the theory and practice by developing a life cycle sustainability tracker (LCST). The study is seeking to proffer solutions to an observed shortcoming of conventional life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) communication platforms. Notably, the static nature of the information provided on such platforms has made it difficult for them to be used for real-time decision-making and predictions. The main aim of this paper is to develop a LCST that facilitates a dynamic visualisation of life cycle sustainability results and allows for an integrated benchmark across the dimensions of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The study leverages the model development capabilities of the design science research strategy in accomplishing a dynamic and novel communication platform. A life cycle thinking methodology and appropriate multicriteria decision approach (MCDA) is applied to accomplish a comprehensive, streamlined and replicable approach in mapping and tracking the progress of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) projects in India.

Findings

It was found that: (1) The use of the LCST tracker provides a dynamic and holistic insight into the key LCSA indicators with clearly defined benchmarks to assess the impact on the SDG 11, (2) The NIP projects achieve an upward trend across all the regions, and the percentage of opportunities ranges from 11 to 24%, with the South experiencing the highest growth and the North having the minimal increase in percentage and (3) The assessment score (52–58%) provides performance metrics that align well with the LCST – which ranges between “Fair” and “Average” for all the regions in India.

Originality/value

The novelty of this research is that the LCST provides a transparent and harmonised approach to reporting on the LCSA results. The LCST utilises heat maps and radial mapping to achieve an intuitive display of large amounts of highly heterogeneous data, thus allowing the synthesis of large sets of information compactly and with coherence. Progress towards the SDGs change on a yearly basis; hence, a dynamic LCSA tool provides a timely and the valuable context to map and track performance across different regions and contexts.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 May 2024

Jobaer Al Mahmud, Shamsul Arefin and Md Imtiaz Ahmmed

This study aims to examine the historical development, present state and potential future directions of the integration between building information modeling (BIM) and life cycle…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the historical development, present state and potential future directions of the integration between building information modeling (BIM) and life cycle assessment (LCA) in the field of construction. Additionally, this paper identifies current problems while offering insight into worldwide BIM research trends.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses text mining on unstructured abstracts, a novel approach not previously documented in BIM research. By conducting a comprehensive systematic assessment of academic literature, this work uses advanced bibliometric approaches to examine the developmental trajectory of the integration of BIM and LCA. The research incorporates co-citation and keyword co-occurrence mapping, providing a complex visual depiction of the interconnectedness of information across different periods.

Findings

The results of this analysis reveal the historical development of the integration of BIM and LCA, including its roots and the initial research that established the foundation for further investigations. The aforementioned seminal works signify the inception of the discipline, serving as a source of inspiration for current scholarly investigations. Currently, there is a complex network of interdisciplinary cooperation that can be observed, combining knowledge and perspectives from the fields of design, engineering, construction and sustainability.

Originality/value

This research contributes novelty to the scholarly discourse by offering a holistic and up-to-date panorama of the dynamic BIM and LCA research landscape. It identifies emerging trends, influential contributors and uncharted territories, thus providing a foundation for scholars to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge in sustainable construction practices.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 July 2023

Frank Victor Mushi, Huba Nguluma and Jacob Kihila

Green buildings have proven to be essential contributors to the sustainability of buildings in the construction industry. However, in developing economies, the rate of green…

Abstract

Purpose

Green buildings have proven to be essential contributors to the sustainability of buildings in the construction industry. However, in developing economies, the rate of green building adoption is slow. Moreover, the factors linked to a relatively slow adoption rarely feature in the literature. This study seeks to bridge the gap by first exploring factors influencing the adoption of green buildings. Second, analysing strategies and preferences determining the adoption of green building principles and lastly, exploring case-based opportunities for their adoption in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data from twelve key informants. The qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that the most influential factors in green building adoption are related to key organizational decisions. Moreover, social and environmental factors are more related to green building adoption than economic factors. In addition, energy and water efficiency are the most commonly adopted sustainability features, while certified materials, recycling and reusing are rarely implemented.

Practical implications

Since green building adoption is still in its infancy, this study informs policymakers, professional bodies, developers, and researchers of the empirically supported factors for green building adoption. The conclusions can be amplified within the sustainability movement.

Originality/value

This study provides an in-depth understanding of the precursors of green building adoption, which is increasingly becoming a paradigm shift in the construction sector. The study is the first to present an in-depth analysis of the real-life factors influencing the adoption of green buildings in Tanzania.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 August 2024

Nhu Ngoc Phan Ha, Duc Duy Nguyen and Song Thanh Quynh Le

In the apparel industry, suppliers play a significant role, directly affecting customer service levels and business profits. Integrating sustainable requirements into supplier…

Abstract

Purpose

In the apparel industry, suppliers play a significant role, directly affecting customer service levels and business profits. Integrating sustainable requirements into supplier selection not only aligns with global environmental goals but also enhances business performance, social responsibility and overall industry well-being. This study aims to design a multi-criteria model to evaluate and select the most sustainable suppliers in the fashion industry, trying to balance the conflicts in the set of sustainable development criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

The integration of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) offers advantages in sustainable supplier selection within the apparel industry. The AHP plays a crucial role in engaging multiple decision-makers with conflicting criteria to reach a consensus during the decision-making process. Conversely, the TOPSIS is used to compute alternative ratings. By simultaneously determining criteria weights and incorporating stakeholder preferences, hybrid models enhance decision-making strength and overcome limitations observed in classical multi-criteria decision-making techniques.

Findings

This research identified and classified 16 critical criteria impacting the selection of apparel industry suppliers, focusing on sustainable development. The criteria were weighted, providing a robust statistical foundation for the selection model. The results indicated that the most influential criteria were staff training, production capability, flexibility and practice of recycling. The proposed sustainable supplier selection model explains to decision-makers how criteria influence supplier ranking results compared to traditional models, supporting managers in making informed and sustainable supply chain decisions through continuous updates and enhancements.

Originality/value

This research provides new insight into the weighted impact of factors related to sustainable supplier selection in the apparel industry. The combination of a precise process and scientific knowledge will improve the quality of sustainable supplier selection.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 April 2024

Faryal Yousaf, Shabana Sajjad, Faiza Tauqeer, Tanveer Hussain, Shahnaz Khattak and Fatima Iftikhar

Quality assessment of textile products is of prime concern to intimately meet consumer demands. The dilemma faced by textile producers is to figure out the stability among quality…

Abstract

Purpose

Quality assessment of textile products is of prime concern to intimately meet consumer demands. The dilemma faced by textile producers is to figure out the stability among quality criteria and efficiently deal with target specifications. Hence, the basic devotion is to attain the optimum value product which entirely satisfies the views and perceptions of consumers. Selection of best fabric among several alternatives in the presence of contradictory measures is a disputing problem in multicriteria decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

In the current study, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE) are proficiently used to solve the problem in selection of branded woven shawls. AHP method verifies comparative weights of the criteria selection, while the ranking of fabric alternatives grounded on specific net-outranking flows is executed through PROMETHEE II method.

Findings

The collective AHP and PROMETHEE approaches are applied for the useful accomplishment of grading of branded shawls based on multicriteria weights, used for effective selection of fabric materials in the textile market.

Practical implications

In the apparel industry, fabric and garment manufacturers often rely on hit-and-trial methods, leading to significant wastage of valuable resources and time, in achieving the desirable fabric qualities. The implementation of the findings can assist apparel manufacturers in streamlining their fabric selection processes based on multiple criteria. By adopting this method, industry players can make informed decisions, ensuring a balance between quality standards and consumer expectations, thereby enhancing both product value and market competitiveness.

Originality/value

The methods of Visual PROMETHEE and AHP are assimilated to offer a complete method for the selection and grading of fabrics with reference to multiple selection criteria.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 February 2024

Fabio De Matteis, Elio Borgonovi, Giovanni Notaristefano and Fabrizio Striani

Based on the theoretical background of stakeholder capitalism, the purpose of this paper is to contribute to the scientific debate on the topic of public–private partnerships…

Abstract

Purpose

Based on the theoretical background of stakeholder capitalism, the purpose of this paper is to contribute to the scientific debate on the topic of public–private partnerships (PPPs), considering in particular how this governance structure relates to the pursuit of sustainable development. Specifically, this objective will be pursued with a focus on stakeholder relations and governance aspects, to highlight enablers and barriers in change for sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature review is applied starting with the use of keywords in Web of Science, which leads to the extrapolation of 629 articles on the topic of “PPP and sustainability”. Subsequently, through various skimming steps, 75 papers are sampled. A mixed (quantitative-qualitative) approach is then followed: a co-word semantic network to identify the pattern of discourse and a more in-depth and explanatory analysis of the papers. These quantitative and qualitative tools synergistically work together to evidence the main aspects related to the aim of the paper.

Findings

With reference to the governance structure and stakeholders of PPPs, the analyses highlight the shift towards a triadic type of relational governance that considers stakeholders (especially the community) in addition to public–private partners. This can improve the partnership's performance (particularly in sustainable development) and social legitimacy. With reference to the role of PPPs in the implementation of sustainable development, they have positive potential in terms of implementing sustainability and raising stakeholder awareness of it. Nevertheless, PPPs may entail risks to the implementation of sustainability. The findings lead to some concluding remarks on future research opportunities.

Research limitations/implications

The research leads to some managerial implications, such as the need to follow a competitive collaboration approach among stakeholders, to develop relational governance skills and related managerial tools and to incorporate sustainability aspects starting from the design of PPPs.

Originality/value

The originality aspect of this research is the consideration of a PPP by relating it to the pursuit of sustainability. Such an inter-organizational structure could be suitable to deal with the complexity inherent in the implementation of sustainability and is peculiar in terms of governance and stakeholder relations, considering that it is characterised by the presence of several partners of different nature (public and private).

Details

Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Business in Society, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-0701

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 August 2024

Pushpendu Chand and Pradeep Kumar Tarei

Despite IoT’s huge potential, enterprises’ ability to leverage it is their competitive advantage. Thus, competitive differentiation is primarily predicated on leveraging IoT…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite IoT’s huge potential, enterprises’ ability to leverage it is their competitive advantage. Thus, competitive differentiation is primarily predicated on leveraging IoT toward customer needs. To examine the research gap, this study aims to explore the drivers of customer satisfaction and how they are affected by the interaction between IoT capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method research framework is applied to assess the impact of IoT capabilities on customer satisfaction. Based on the theoretical underpinning of the resource-based view and dynamic capability, the study highlights the importance of IoT capabilities in active resource allocation and effective resource utilization. First, DEMATEL is used capture the interrelationship between IoT capabilities. Further, the impact of each IoT capabilities on customer satisfaction is studied using CoCoSo method.

Findings

The study highlights the importance of IoT capabilities in active resource allocation and effective resource utilization. The findings are enriched through the complementarity of resources in a dynamic business-to-business-to-customer (B2B2C) scenario. The authors expand the IoT capabilities from conventional business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-customer (B2C) scenario to tri-nodal B2B2C relationship triangle.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, the authors offer a business transformation strategy for firms in key areas of customer satisfaction by leveraging IoT. The study can help management prioritize and develop key IoT capabilities to meaningfully increase customer satisfaction metrics.

Originality/value

Building on the dynamic capabilities and resource-based view of the firm, an integrated decision-making research model is proposed. In addition, this study investigates the product and service capabilities unlocked using IoT capabilities. This work can be considered one of the leading attempts to improve customer satisfaction using IoT capabilities from traditional dyadic (B2B or B2C) structure to triadic (B2B2C) framework.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 3000