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Article
Publication date: 1 February 2016

Andrew Thomas, Paul Byard, Mark Francis, Ron Fisher and Gareth R.T. White

The purpose of this paper is to identify the tools, methods and models that UK manufacturing companies adopt and apply in order to achieve resiliency and economic sustainability

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the tools, methods and models that UK manufacturing companies adopt and apply in order to achieve resiliency and economic sustainability. The results of this work can assist in developing the foundations for defining a new joint resiliency/sustainability paradigm to assist industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a detailed, triangulated secondary data analysis and industry survey, the authors initially identify and then analyse the key resiliency and sustainability characteristics surrounding manufacturing operations. This paper initially reviews key literatures around resiliency and sustainability models and frameworks and subsequently draws out their key features and weaknesses. The work then details the research survey undertaken in to manufacturing companies aimed at identifying the resiliency/sustainability approaches that are adopted in companies. A sample of 72 manufacturing companies are used in the survey and from which the results are based.

Findings

Through analysing the fundamental business data of sales and manufacturing costs for 72 manufacturing companies, the authors cluster the companies in to four key manufacturing profiles. The work then shows through a more detailed analysis of the profiles that companies which are sustainable and more resilient in nature are, better engaged and connected to the development and application of resiliency and sustainability models. It was found that companies who seem to struggle in achieving economic sustainability or lack the ability to bounce back from various set-backs either do not employ such models or at best apply tools and techniques in an ad hoc manner.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides key insights in to the adoption of tools, techniques and models surrounding the achievement of resiliency and sustainability in manufacturing companies. In so doing, the paper offers a new view on these issues and with the profiling exercise undertaken, companies will be able to identify their position in relation to the survey companies. This can be of benefit to the wider industrial and academic community. The development of a qualitative assessment around a relatively small sample size has its obvious limitations and it is crucial that further work with a range of companies in the area of manufacturing sustainability is key to developing (and also validating) a comprehensive set of resiliency and sustainability characteristics.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the issues surrounding existing academic resiliency/sustainability models and through the industry survey, it provides further information on where UK manufacturing companies are on adopting specific resiliency/sustainability models. The work suggests that the resiliency/sustainability landscape of UK manufacturing companies is much more complex and that a single strategic approach towards achieving improved manufacturing performance is somewhat dated and ineffective.

Originality/value

The development of a set of resiliency/sustainability profiles including the identification of the specific tools and techniques adopted by industry is aimed at tackling directly the issues of improving company performance and is considered by the authors as one of a kind. The results of the survey provide essential information on the resiliency/sustainability landscape of UK manufacturing companies.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 December 2021

Md. Obidul Haque, Jayedi Aman and Fahim Mohammad

This paper addresses housing problems of coastal areas in Bangladesh and investigates container-modular-housing (CMH) as a potential sustainable solution that establishes a…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper addresses housing problems of coastal areas in Bangladesh and investigates container-modular-housing (CMH) as a potential sustainable solution that establishes a resilient community.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data highlight the underlying challenges of coastal-housing developed by monitoring the day-to-day operations of the community and conducting interviews with community members. Secondary data came from existing literature on coastal-housing rules and regulations, CMH and similar ideas. The study used a hypothetical CMH cluster design, with three primary objectives in mind: future settlement re-arrangement, economic sustainability and environmental sustainability. To achieve the objectives, the research used a comparative examination of the current constructed form and CMH, as well as a computer-aided simulation approach.

Findings

Primary findings encompass issues of a given coastal area, including surrounding site studies, sustainability and resiliency demands due to broad exposure to the natural calamities. Driving toward a “CMH” based home design has the ability to create strategies for a resilient and sustainable community development while taking three primary objectives into account.

Research limitations/implications

A pilot project is needed to analyze the socio-cultural impact and overall construction feasibility.

Practical implications

This research could be implemented to transform an informal construction system into a technical, resilient, sustainable architectural and engineering solution to build resilient communities.

Originality/value

Numerous research projects have focused on the environmental sustainability of CMH. However, this study focuses on construction sustainability considering three major aspects which are yet to be addressed.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 12 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2017

Farrah Zuhaira Ismail, Anthony Halog and Carl Smith

The intervention of many different organizations during the post-disaster housing reconstructions could also influence the sustainability of the overall socio-ecology of the…

Abstract

Purpose

The intervention of many different organizations during the post-disaster housing reconstructions could also influence the sustainability of the overall socio-ecology of the affected areas. Different approaches in design, selection of building materials and construction technologies deployed in pursuit of disaster resiliency may cause undesirable adverse circumstances to the surroundings, which escalate its susceptibility to future calamities. Therefore, this paper aims to identify relevant key indicators which interpret construction sustainability in a post-disaster housing reconstruction context, and to further investigate the dynamic interactions of these indicators on the socio-ecological system to achieve holistic sustainable post-disaster housing reconstructions.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodology was divided into three main stages. The first stage involved content analysis of related research materials, whereas the second stage was allocated for empirical data collection from case study and interview sessions. Data obtained from the first and second stage were then used to develop a causal loop diagram in the third stage to identify dynamic interrelationships between the indicators and the variables within a post-disaster reconstruction system.

Findings

From our results, the nexus of sustainability and disaster resilience is apparent and it is imperative to comprehend their dynamic interactions. The impacts of post-disaster reconstructions on the socio-ecological system are significant. Therefore, the adaptation of integrated sustainable construction approach in the housing reconstruction practice through system thinking will foster a holistic approach in the decision-making process and could reduce environmental damage. This also strengthens the interrelated socio-ecological systems, thus reinforcing disaster resilience in the built environment.

Originality/value

This research looks into the adaptation of integrated sustainable construction approach in the housing reconstruction practice through systems thinking approach. This will foster a holistic approach in the decision-making process and could reduce environmental damage. This also strengthens the interrelated socio-ecological systems, thus reinforcing disaster resilience in the built environment. This paper also looks into identifying relevant key indicators that interpret construction sustainability, which incorporate environmental, social and economic factors pertaining to the context of post-disaster housing reconstruction in Kuala Krai, Kelantan. The dynamic interrelationships and causal impacts between the indicators with other variables within the system were also established.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 8 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2011

David V. Rosowsky

This paper aims to address a critical aspect of post‐event recovery, namely the rebuilding of the housing stock following a devastating natural disaster. Using hurricanes as an…

468

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to address a critical aspect of post‐event recovery, namely the rebuilding of the housing stock following a devastating natural disaster. Using hurricanes as an example, challenges and opportunities are systematically discussed in hopes of sparking some further discussion and new economic models (including incentive‐based) that can help move communities toward greater resiliency and sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

As a viewpoint paper, this paper relies on the author's experience in post‐hurricane damage investigation, structural retrofit, and design to minimize loss.

Findings

In evaluating how best to rebuild following a natural disaster, there are clear opportunities (and needs) in the areas of structural damage/loss mitigation, codes and standards, building material and system selection, and risk communication. Specific suggestions are made in each of these areas and the importance of risk‐based decision is stressed in each area.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the ongoing and informed discussions on resiliency, sustainable design, and disaster‐resistant communities.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 April 2021

Atiya Avery

This study aims to evaluate changes to the financial performance of organizations in the 1–4 quarters following a data breach event. The study introduces two new variables…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate changes to the financial performance of organizations in the 1–4 quarters following a data breach event. The study introduces two new variables, “intangible assets” and “extraordinary losses” to the discussion on the impact of data breaches on an organization’s financial performance. Intangible assets allow us to gauge the data breach’s impact on the organization’s brand reputation and intellectual capital reserves. Extraordinary losses allow us to gauge if organizations considered data breaches truly detrimental to their operations that they rose to the level of “extraordinary” and not an event that could be incorporated into its usual operating expenses.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a matched sample comparison analysis of 47 organizations to understand the short-term and long-term impacts of data breach events on an organization’s financial performance.

Findings

Data breach events have some negative impacts on the organization’s profitability more than likely leading to a depletion of the organization’s assets. However, organizations do not perform better or worse in the short-term or long-term due to a data breach event; the organizations can be considered financially sustainable in the 1–4 quarters following a data breach disclosure.

Originality/value

This study takes two approaches to theory development. The first approach extends the current literature on data breach events as negative, value declining events to the organization’s performance, which is referred to as the “traditional view.” The second view posits that a data breach event may be a catalyst for enhanced long-term organization performance; this is referred to as the organizational sustainability and resiliency view.

Details

Information & Computer Security, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4961

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 April 2023

Javier Isaac Torres Vergara, Jania Astrid Saucedo Martínez and Daniela Olivo Lucio

In the supply chain performance measurement (SCPM) there seems to be no consensus about measures for performance evaluation and suitable criteria from resilience and sustainability

Abstract

Purpose

In the supply chain performance measurement (SCPM) there seems to be no consensus about measures for performance evaluation and suitable criteria from resilience and sustainability paradigms. In this way, this research aims to identify the attributes that a supply chain (SC) should follow to be resilient and sustainable, and then to evaluate their importance according to industry experts.

Design/methodology/approach

This study suggests a hybrid approach. The authors identified the most commonly used criteria using literature review, and then applied fuzzy Delphi technique (FDT) with the objective of surveying experts to find the attributes used in practice and asked to assess their relevance.

Findings

The resilient-sustainable supply chain (RSSC) is formed by four dimensions: resiliency, economic, environmental and social. A total of 15 criteria are identified, and the most important are visibility, flexibility, supply chain risk management (SCRM) culture, work conditions and communication.

Research limitations/implications

This study used a literature review, so it is subject to a time frame, and the criteria could no longer be relevant as the time and business conditions change. Also, the findings may not be completely applicable throughout different industries, and therefore the finding cannot be replicated to other businesses.

Practical implications

This study will assist decision-makers among other interested parties to construct and/or strengthen an integrated SC that mixes resiliency and sustainability.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the state-of-art by producing a characterization of the resilient and sustainable supply chain for the automotive industry. Also, this research produces a new and holistic framework for resilient and sustainable SCPM supporting the decision-making process.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 July 2023

Ehsan Aghakarimi, Hamed Karimi, Amir Aghsami and Fariborz Jolai

Considering the direct impact of retailers' performance on the economy, this paper aimed to propose a comprehensive framework to evaluate the performance of different branches of…

Abstract

Purpose

Considering the direct impact of retailers' performance on the economy, this paper aimed to propose a comprehensive framework to evaluate the performance of different branches of a retailer.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a case study, the weights of indicators were calculated by the best-worst method (BWM) and the branches' performance was appraised using data envelopment analysis (DEA).

Findings

The branches were ranked in terms of performance, and sensitivity analysis and statistical tests were conducted to realize the weaknesses and strengths of the branches. Then, some strategies were proposed using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis to improve the performance of the weak branches.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to previous studies on the evaluation of retailers' performance by proposing a triple framework based on resilience, sustainability and sales-marketing indicators. This paper focused on branches' operations and branches' optimization by improving performance in terms of these three indicators. This paper also offers a qualitative and quantitative analysis of retailers' performance, which has received less attention in previous studies.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 April 2016

Lucie K. Ozanne and Julie L. Ozanne

Time banking is a form of alternative consumer market where members trade services, non-reciprocally creating a local marketplace for services. Time Banks facilitate dyadic…

1824

Abstract

Purpose

Time banking is a form of alternative consumer market where members trade services, non-reciprocally creating a local marketplace for services. Time Banks facilitate dyadic exchanges, meeting members’ practical needs and building diverse skills. The purpose of this research was to determine the broad capabilities developed in the Time Bank economy, and to demonstrate how these capabilities were mobilised following a series of earthquakes, contributing to the larger community’s resiliency.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking an ethnographic approach, data were collected using a variety of methods including interviews, focus groups, participant observation and secondary research.

Findings

Over time, this alternative consumer market developed a significant communication and social network that members activated to solve diverse practical problems facing the community. Similar to other exchange communities, the Time Bank also fostered a strong sense of community based on reciprocity and egalitarian values. Although the Time Bank was created as a marketplace to exchange local services, during a series of devastating earthquakes, it galvanised adaptive capacities, increasing the resiliency of the local community during disaster relief and reconstruction.

Research limitations/implications

The data were drawn from one alternative exchange system in New Zealand.

Practical implications

The study shows how grassroots alternative consumer markets like Time Banks build community capacities alongside the formal economy. During normal times, this system meets consumer needs, but in extraordinary times, this system provides community shock absorbers, thereby enhancing community resiliency.

Social implications

The Time Bank was particularly adept at leveraging local knowledge to provide social support to those residents who were most vulnerable.

Originality/value

Data were collected before, during, and after the earthquakes, providing a rare opportunity to explore the process of community resiliency in action. This research extends existing theories of community resiliency explaining the development and activation of capacities by a local alternative consumer market.

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. 50 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 28 June 2023

Ali Zamani Babgohari, Danial Esmaelnezhad and Mohammadreza Taghizadeh-Yazdi

Pressure on business to direct their activities responsibly has been increased during the last years to extent their suitability performance in all economic, social and

Abstract

Pressure on business to direct their activities responsibly has been increased during the last years to extent their suitability performance in all economic, social and environmental dimensions. This has motivated businesses and researchers to identify ways to implement sustainable and resilient operations. In the era of economic globalisation, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are recognised as an engine of sustainable economic development in both the developed and developing world. Their competitiveness drives the economy, both nationally and internationally. SMEs have faced challenges in developing, internationalisation and achieving competitive advantage. Purpose of current study is to identify and analyse the sustainability and resiliency (SR) barriers to SME internationalisation and prioritise the practices to overcome the negative influence of barriers. In this regard, first, barriers and innovative practices have been identified through the literature review. Second, the essential barriers will be selected through reduction steps by the intuitionistic fuzzy Delphi (IF-Delphi) method. After computing the weight of barriers through the IF-DEMATEL method, the practices were prioritised using four multiple attribute decision-making (MADM) methods in an IF environment. Finally, the scores were aggregated by correlation coefficient and standard deviation (CCSD) technique. Results present that ‘Lack of economical resources to global exports’ and ‘Complications in acclimatizing export product design’ are the top priority barriers and ‘Knowledge of global market opportunities’ and ‘Networking with business incubator institutions’ have been recognised as the essential SMEs internationalisation practices. This study contributes to creating a more focussed approach towards the growth of SMEs. The study results would be helpful for industry, policymakers and academia.

Details

Decision-Making in International Entrepreneurship: Unveiling Cognitive Implications Towards Entrepreneurial Internationalisation
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-234-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 February 2022

Rahul Sindhwani, Nitasha Hasteer, Abhishek Behl, Akul Varshney and Adityanesh Sharma

This will not be an overstatement to state that the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) industry is crucial and the vital driver of the world economy. It covers different…

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Abstract

Purpose

This will not be an overstatement to state that the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) industry is crucial and the vital driver of the world economy. It covers different fields and dimensions such as defense products, electrical components and low-cost products. The sector plays a vital role in rendering work with low capital expenditure and is one of the emerging pillars of the Indian economy. Given the significance of this sector in contributing towards India's gross domestic product (GDP), it becomes appropriate to resolve all the issues related to MSME on a primary basis for ensuring required support. The recent global pandemic of COVID-19 has impacted this sector to a great extent. This research study targets the MSME industry and points out the directly linked enablers adding to improve the sector's resiliency and sustainability. Therefore, identification and the interrelationship between the MSME enablers need to be studied, which helps make a preliminary list that deals with their impedance benefaction towards resiliency increment.

Design/methodology/approach

The writers have done a comprehensive literature analysis of the enablers for the MSME sector to enable effectively and efficiently during emergencies and pandemics. An endeavor has been made on the enablers to order them by utilizing the modified Total Interpretative Structure Modelling (m-TISM) technique. Authentication of this research work highlights the significance of enablers and their position in a hierarchical structure. Further, MICMAC investigation on the recognized enablers is performed to arrange them in the four quadrants on their dependence and driving power.

Findings

The authors have attempted to predict the significance of the MSME sector and its essential contribution to the development of India's economy. The result of m-TISM in the current research work revealed the essential commitment of a hierarchical design dealing with the MSME considering the viewpoint of future development. The well-planned traditional design in the MSME helps establish better government policies and programs and transport infrastructure.

Research limitations/implications

Every research study has a few restrictions. Likewise, the boundaries of the current study are that inputs collated for fostering the models are from a few specialists that may not mirror the assessment of the whole MSME sector.

Practical implications

The MSME sector is the developing sector in the current day, and it is needed to keep supporting the sector for the country's development. The current study has set out the functional establishment to improve MSME practicality. In addition, the research highlights the accountability of the MSME authorities to go with the identified enablers having solid driving power for successful usage of the available resources. This will help the MSME development and add value to practitioners and policymakers in the future.

Originality/value

The growth of this sector is essential for the development of the economy and the development of a nation. The current study presents a unique structure that gives a superior comprehension of the enablers. It will help play a crucial role in developing the MSME area. The structure model developed with the assistance of m-TISM and MICMAC examine the identified enablers with inputs from experts in the field. The hierarchy developed from the study recognized the enablers located on their commitment of suitability development of the MSME field.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 30 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

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