Search results

1 – 10 of over 5000
Article
Publication date: 15 July 2022

Vitor William Batista Martins, Rosley Anholon, Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves Quelhas and Walter Leal Filho

This article aimed to propose and validate a roadmap to enhance the insertion of social sustainability practices in logistics activities considering the scenario of companies…

Abstract

Purpose

This article aimed to propose and validate a roadmap to enhance the insertion of social sustainability practices in logistics activities considering the scenario of companies operating in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

The initial construction of the aforementioned roadmap was based on a detailed literature review and the fine-tuning as well as validation of it was carried out through a Delphi process developed with professionals specialized in the area of logistics and sustainability.

Findings

As main results, it is highlighted that the validated roadmap includes actions ranging from meeting and adapting legal issues related to sustainability, through the initial diagnosis of the company, motivation and awareness of the importance of social sustainability, followed by encouraging the inclusion of social sustainability practices in logistic activities, and finally, the identification of opportunities for improvement and establishment of execution plans within the organization. The phases and actions of the validated roadmap converge towards restructuring and redefinition of the organizational culture oriented towards meeting sustainable guidelines, and also contemplate the dynamics of seeking continuous improvement throughout all levels and sectors belonging to a given organization.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in the fact that the roadmap focuses on the inclusion of social sustainability practices in logistic activities, since, according to the literature, social aspects are still relegated to the background when compared to environmental and economic aspects.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 72 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 February 2021

Verónica León Bravo, Antonella Moretto and Federico Caniato

To develop a roadmap of sustainability practices and assessment mechanisms to advance in the sustainable supply chain (SSC) performance assessment in the food supply chain. The…

3744

Abstract

Purpose

To develop a roadmap of sustainability practices and assessment mechanisms to advance in the sustainable supply chain (SSC) performance assessment in the food supply chain. The analysis is grounded on the contingency and stakeholder theories.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a multiple case study approach analyzing the sustainability practices implementation and assessment across different supply chain stages in the food industry in Italy. The set of cases comprises 12 companies in the fresh fruit and vegetables (FFV), and seven companies in the “Balsamic Vinegar of Modena” (BVM) supply chains.

Findings

The sustainability practices and assessment in each company in both supply chains according to their objectives are identified. Different stakeholder pressures for sustainability implementation and assessment are analyzed. The contingency factors that foster sustainability assessment are outlined as well. Finally, the study develops a roadmap with five levels of progress considering the groups of practices implemented and the type of assessment applied.

Practical implications

The roadmap is a decision-making tool for planning and monitoring progress on SSC performance along five possible levels of progress. While identifying the assessment mechanisms implemented for different kind of sustainability practices, companies can develop a strategy according to their aims and capabilities and stakeholder's expectations.

Originality/value

The novelties in this study are threefold. First, the roadmap with five levels of progress. Second, investigating two different food supply chains that allowed for a broader view regarding sustainability practices and assessment. Third, the adoption of stakeholder and contingency theories in SSC studies.

Article
Publication date: 5 August 2014

Katri Valkokari, Pasi Valkokari, Katariina Palomäki, Teuvo Uusitalo, Markku Reunanen, Marco Macchi, Padmakshi Rana and Jayantha Prasanna Liyanage

The purpose of this study is to explore the required changes, outline business potential and envisage the key steps that a networked manufacturing industry needs to take to reach…

1392

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the required changes, outline business potential and envisage the key steps that a networked manufacturing industry needs to take to reach more sustainably performing manufacturing in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilises a visionary road-mapping approach to study the required changes and the business potential related to sustainable development in the manufacturing industry.

Findings

The results were summarised in three sub-roadmaps empowerment of stakeholders, increase efficiency and creation of new performance criteria. On the basis of the summary of the sub-roadmaps, the framework was configured to describe the opportunities and challenges of sustainable business development in the European manufacturing industry.

Research limitations/implications

A clear implication of this study is that a more system-oriented approach, new models for collaboration between network actors and transparently shared network-level KPIs are required before further steps towards a sustainable manufacturing industry can be taken. In addition, sustainability-driven business models are required to specify these changes concretely.

Practical implications

The presented sub-roadmaps and framework summarising them could provide new insights to business practitioners exploring business potential of sustainability.

Social implications

Understanding about the road-mapping process as tool that enables interaction and envisioning between different stakeholders could also have social implications supporting shared industry-level learning processes.

Originality/value

Studies of sustainability within the manufacturing industry have focused mainly on green issues in supply-chain management or corporation-level governance models and reporting practices. The paper presents a broader view of sustainable development and recognises networked business as part of the solution.

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2006

H.S. Robinson, C.J. Anumba, P.M. Carrillo and A.M. Al‐Ghassani

The paper seeks to focus on the role of knowledge management in promoting corporate sustainability in the construction industry context. It proposes a maturity roadmap – STEPS to…

7203

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to focus on the role of knowledge management in promoting corporate sustainability in the construction industry context. It proposes a maturity roadmap – STEPS to facilitate the implementation of a knowledge management strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

Two research methods were used. The first consisted of a postal questionnaire sent to the top 170 UK construction firms consisting of engineering design and construction contractor firms. The organisations were selected because they were considered the most influential organisations in the UK construction sector. The second research method involved 28 case study interviews with eight construction firms to investigate their approach to knowledge management and performance improvement. The results of the questionnaire survey and the case studies were used to develop the STEPS maturity roadmap.

Findings

The paper found that knowledge management is inextricably linked to corporate sustainability, but a methodical approach is required for successful knowledge management implementation. With this in mind, the STEPS maturity roadmap was developed to provide a structured approach to implementing and benchmarking knowledge management efforts.

Practical implications

This will allow companies to understand where they fall within the STEPS maturity roadmap and to devise a strategy to be developed to attain higher levels of knowledge management maturity.

Originality/value

This paper provides a mechanism for organisations to benchmark their knowledge management activities and to develop a knowledge management strategy that would improve their activities.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 12 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 September 2015

Sitalakshmi Venkatraman and Raveendranath Ravi Nayak

The purpose of this paper is to gain more insight of the nature and strength of relationships among the three triple bottom line (TBL) outcomes, namely corporate environmental…

2421

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain more insight of the nature and strength of relationships among the three triple bottom line (TBL) outcomes, namely corporate environmental performance outcome (CEPO), corporate social performance outcome (CSPO) and corporate financial performance outcome (CFPO) and to evolve a roadmap for integrating sustainable business practices that facilitates in managing and improving their sustainable performance. Literature reports that currently businesses try to achieve economic, social and ecological goals independently resulting in silos. The interrelationships of TBL elements have not been explored and integrated. The literature has already pointed out that to achieve corporate sustainability, managers need to integrate TBL goals in all their business decisions. However, the question remains – how to integrate these three competing goals and this paper attempts to answer this question.

Design/methodology/approach

In the research design, the authors use a quantitative research methodology with data collected by means of a survey questionnaire that included both descriptive and exploratory flavour. The empirical study examines the relationships of TBL elements as perceived by 85 different Australian-based large, medium, as well as small business organisations. The data collected were analysed by performing factor analysis on 21 items resulting in three latent factors that were aligned to TBL outcomes and the correlations among them were analysed to assess their interrelationships.

Findings

The results of the study report weak, positive relationships existing between the TBL. This result has useful implications well-supported by the qualitative feedback. The paper argues that Australian managers do not see any strategic advantage in pursuing “beyond compliance” sustainable business practices, as they perceive no added value to their organisations’ financial performance outcomes. Integrating economic, social and ecological performances is seen as an additional management burden.

Originality/value

While most of the TBL studies conducted worldwide focus on predominantly assessing large organisations toward responsible and sustainable business practices, this paper considers large, medium as well as small businesses. Also, economic, social and environmental issues are explored by organisations individually, while this study investigates their inter-connections. Through the empirical study, this paper provides recommendations and proposes a four-step roadmap with the participation of quality circles that would facilitate the integration of the social responsibility and environment protection practices into the core business operations paving way towards achieving corporate sustainability.

Details

Journal of Global Responsibility, vol. 6 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2041-2568

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 August 2019

Akhaya Kumar Nayak, Prabin Kumar Panigrahi and Biswanath Swain

Self-help groups (SHGs) have widely been accepted by developing nations for their contribution to inclusive development. Despite its importance and the recognition of the same…

2968

Abstract

Purpose

Self-help groups (SHGs) have widely been accepted by developing nations for their contribution to inclusive development. Despite its importance and the recognition of the same, SHGs and their members face several challenges. The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively investigate the inhibiting factors affecting the effectiveness of women SHGs. The paper also proposes a roadmap for all the self-help promoting institutions, such as banks, state and central government, and non-government organizations to address the challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts an exploratory research design to undertake this applied research. It uses phenomenographic and interpretative approaches. Qualitative data have been collected from 24 members belonging to eight SHGs from the eastern Indian state of Odisha with the help of a semi-structured interview schedule. The result has been analyzed by using content analysis.

Findings

The study finds that SHG members in Odisha face several challenges in the form of financial bottlenecks, entrepreneurial obstacles, capacity-building impediments, mentor-ship challenges, socio-structural challenges and group dynamics.

Research limitations/implications

The study finds many unique and contextual inhibiting factors, which are valuable additions to the existing literature. At the same time, the result may not be applicable to other kinds of SHGs, such as Alcoholic Anonymous, as their nature, composition and deliverables are quite different from the SHG that the current study has taken into consideration.

Practical implications

The proposed roadmap would be useful to policymakers, non-government organizations and other agencies involved in the promotion and capacity building of SHGs operating in Odisha in particular and India in general.

Originality/value

The literature is mainly concerned with the impact evaluation of SHG programs. This study investigates the challenges faced by SHGs in a systematic way and provides a roadmap to address the same in a comprehensive way.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 16 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2024

Ganesh Narkhede, Satish Chinchanikar, Rupesh Narkhede and Tansen Chaudhari

With ever-increasing global concerns over environmental degradation and resource scarcity, the need for sustainable manufacturing (SM) practices has become paramount. Industry 5.0…

Abstract

Purpose

With ever-increasing global concerns over environmental degradation and resource scarcity, the need for sustainable manufacturing (SM) practices has become paramount. Industry 5.0 (I5.0), the latest paradigm in the industrial revolution, emphasizes the integration of advanced technologies with human capabilities to achieve sustainable and socially responsible production systems. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of I5.0 in enabling SM. Furthermore, the review discusses the integration of sustainable practices into the core of I5.0.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature review (SLR) method is adopted to: explore the understanding of I5.0 and SM; understand the role of I5.0 in addressing sustainability challenges, including resource optimization, waste reduction, energy efficiency and ethical considerations and propose a framework for effective implementation of the I5.0 concept in manufacturing enterprises.

Findings

The concept of I5.0 represents a progressive step forward from previous industrial revolutions, emphasizing the integration of advanced technologies with a focus on sustainability. I5.0 offers opportunities to optimize resource usage and minimize environmental impact. Through the integration of automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics (BDA), manufacturers can enhance process efficiency, reduce waste and implement proactive sustainability measures. By embracing I5.0 and incorporating SM practices, industries can move towards a more resource-efficient, environmentally friendly and socially responsible manufacturing paradigm.

Research limitations/implications

The findings presented in this article have several implications including the changing role of the workforce, skills requirements and the need for ethical considerations for SM, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaborations, policy support and stakeholder engagement to realize its full potential.

Originality/value

This article aims to stand on an unbiased assessment to ascertain the landscape occupied by the role of I5.0 in driving sustainability in the manufacturing sector. In addition, the proposed framework will serve as a basis for the effective implementation of I5.0 for SM.

Details

Journal of Strategy and Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-425X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 April 2023

Remko van Hoek and Thomas Udesen

Supplier codes of conduct are amongst the most widely used practices in sustainable procurement programs. While there are limitations and risks involved in using supplier codes of…

Abstract

Purpose

Supplier codes of conduct are amongst the most widely used practices in sustainable procurement programs. While there are limitations and risks involved in using supplier codes of conduct (including the risk of greenwashing, a weak link to action and the inability of supplier to comply), there is only a modest amount of research on the topic, other than content analysis. We aim to contribute to research both lessons learned, over a two-decade period, about the implementation and use of a supplier code of conduct from a case study, as well as, to suggest further research that can support the industry and enrich insight into the effective adoption of supply codes of conduct.

Design/methodology/approach

Thanks to the support of our co-author from Bayer we are able to share lessons learned by the global procurement team of Bayer and use these as a basis for suggesting questions for further research. The approach of this paper centres on the adoption and implementation of the supplier code of conduct in an effort to complement existing research on supplier codes of conduct that is largely focused on code of conduct content, less on the implementation of codes of conduct. The collaboration with our co-author from Bayer enables direct access to experiences and managerial perspectives. By considering the two-decade journey towards more sustainable supply chain management at Bayer, we are able to achieve a longitudinal perspective on adoption and implementation aspects.

Findings

Bayer ensures personal and community engagement in its sustainable procurement program in order to drive action and improve decision making along the value chains. The company regularly updates its code of conduct to stay aligned with its maturity and complements the code of conduct with a continuous improvement focus, supported by both generic and industry-specific consortia. The company has not yet been able to establish direct visibility into the conduct of tier 2 and up suppliers.

Originality/value

This paper helps close a gap in the literature and provides input into industry efforts in one of the most widely used practices in sustainable procurement. We hope that the research questions that we developed based on the first 20+ years of Bayer’s learning journey towards sustainable procurement will inspire research that can impact industry efforts towards creating a more sustainable future.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 18 March 2020

Martha Elena Núñez López, Robert Huddleston and Roberto Pablo Martínez Lozano

This chapter presents a case study on integrating sustainable development (SD) into the Industrial Design Bachelor’s course at Tecnologico de Monterrey (TEC) in Mexico. The…

Abstract

This chapter presents a case study on integrating sustainable development (SD) into the Industrial Design Bachelor’s course at Tecnologico de Monterrey (TEC) in Mexico. The research is being conducted at TEC, where the lead author is a Professor of Architecture. Mexico has a five-year national development plan: the “Plan Nacional de Desarrollo 2013–2018” (PND). This provides a basis for guiding the policies and programs of the Government of Mexico. The focus of this study is on the PND’s “quality education goal to make scientific, technological, and innovation development pillars for sustainable economic and social progress.” This case study investigates a curriculum intervention, utilizing interviews with students to gather and analyze their responses to the university’s development of sustainability competencies. Their responses are explored through comparing a traditional semester with a semester in which sustainability contents and assessment criteria were added to the curriculum of the Industrial Design Workshop courses. The results reveal that the students recognized a significant advance in their development of sustainability competencies and that this had resulted from this curriculum intervention. This chapter proposes that the findings of the study indicate that a holistic approach has the potential to contribute significantly to SD education in Mexico.

Details

Integrating Sustainable Development into the Curriculum
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78769-941-0

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 February 2008

Markus Will

This paper aims to try to link sustainable development, small business management and strategy setting with corporate foresight. Corporate foresight aims to transfer…

2961

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to try to link sustainable development, small business management and strategy setting with corporate foresight. Corporate foresight aims to transfer methodological sound instruments of future and technology analysis to (small) business contexts and can be described as an information‐based communication process aiming in vision‐building on future markets, changes in society and customer needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature research and on the results of an interdisciplinary expert workshop and is part of an ongoing case study.

Findings

The paper finds that sustainable development is widely acknowledged as key concept for humanities future. Sustainability calls for balancing short‐term business interest and long‐term development of both the society and the company itself. Regardless of whether a business manager is committed to an ethical fundament of sustainable development (normative attempt), there is also a rational basis for taking (voluntary) actions for corporate sustainability. Notably, regarding the development of commodity prices in the last years (e.g. steel, copper, coal) or the long‐term preservation of value brands, there is a call for strategic response. Corporate foresight may support this strategy‐setting process.

Originality/value

Although foresight procedures are not new in management literature, there is a lack in implementation in small businesses. The paper presents a step‐by‐step approach on corporate foresight to be adopted in small businesses.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 5000