Construction is one of the most significant industries responsible for the huge extraction of raw materials – 30% of all such extraction worldwide – and 40% of energy- and process-related emissions, including 11% of global greenhouse gases. During operation and demolition, construction generates about 25% of all waste worldwide, along with emitting potentially harmful substances that can lead to drinking water pollution (40%), air pollution (30%) and biodiversity loss. A major challenge in sustainable construction is how to promote secondary construction materials (SCMs) and reduce demolition waste at the same time. Many current studies cite digital platforms (DPs) as an enabler for the circular economy (CE) and sustainability, by advancing novel solutions based on trust, transparency, visibility, connectivity, security, traceability and automation. In Industry 4.0, such innovative technologies – for example, BIM, Digital Twin or AI – are becoming more popular in construction. However, both theoretical and practical implications of DPs for circular SCMs are still at an early stage of development. This research presents the results of a systematic review, using Biblioshiny library and natural language processing (NLP) for content analysis. The aim is to identify digital platform applications for SCMs and how to implement successful DPs in the future in this complex setting.
This article explores the role of Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) in sustainable development, highlighting its potential to address global challenges and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. AIoT combines AI with the Internet of Things, enhancing sustainable development by improving supply chain and transportation efficiency, reducing costs and fostering trust among partners. It also supports the development of sustainable rail transit systems, optimizes traffic control and facilitates autonomous driving. AIoT further streamlines manufacturing processes, increasing efficiency and minimizing waste. The study examines AIoT from academic, domain and industry-specific perspectives. AIoT systems face challenges related to data security, privacy, GDPR compliance, interoperability, financial investment and sustainability. Future research should focus on robust security protocols, energy-efficient hardware and renewable energy sources, requiring collaboration among academia, industry and government.
The study undertakes a qualitative analysis of two government-funded zari embroidery clusters in West Bengal, India, set up under a ‘cluster development programme’. The study has two objectives: (1) to identify the constraints faced by embroidery artisans; and (2) to assess the performances of clusters in overcoming those constraints and fostering the profitability of the embroidery craft and capacity-building of the artisans. Primary data were collected from 92 artisans, as well as cluster staff, using semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The findings identify major problems faced by embroidery artisans, such as dependence on intermediaries, unavailability of credit, a shrinking demand for zari craft, low wages and inadequate resilience to exogenous shocks. The interventions of clusters have two major shortcomings: first, they provide limited time-bound support only with respect to technology, training and marketing; and second, there is a predominance of informal networks based on mutual trust and reciprocity, which challenge the collective action. This calls for approaches to cluster initiatives that internalize informality and social cohesion, enabling effective interventions to ensure the long-term viability of artisanal units.
This study investigates the relationship among consumer sustainability concerns, marketing practices and sustainable food choices across four nations: Lebanon, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt. It uses a mixed-methods approach to examine sustainability practices and perceptions in the Arab world using surveys and interviews for comprehensive data collection along with concurrent triangulation to enhance the findings’ validity. The research focuses on understanding sustainability adoption and engagement, while maintaining ethical standards and addressing methodological constraints. The study found that one-third of consumers gravitate towards eco-friendly food products. Managerial interviews further revealed an industry-wide paradigm shift, with giant companies spearheading transitions from traditional to sustainable packaging, a move reciprocated by escalating sales. The quantitative findings of the study unearthed significant positive correlations between consumer concerns and sustainability-centric choices. Marketing practices in the KSA and Egypt disclosed a slightly more profound influence than in Lebanon and the UAE. In essence, this study underscores the escalating consumer inclination towards sustainability. It delineates the consequential imperative for businesses to adeptly navigate and amplify their sustainable marketing strategies for tangible commercial advantages.
The tremendous growth of online retail shopping has created another challenge for the environment: the disproportionate packaging waste generated by each delivery of products purchased online. While consumers in countries with a high rate of adoption of online retail shopping have realized the massive proportions of this problem, in other regions awareness remains low. This article aims to explore the awareness of packaging sustainability among young consumers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and identify effective solutions to mitigate excessive packaging waste. Additionally, it seeks to probe directions for future studies on sustainable packaging practices, particularly in rapidly growing markets for online retailing. The study employs secondary research and primary data collection through an online survey targeting young UAE consumers. Findings suggest that while awareness exists, proactive institutional and individual measures remain limited. The study contributes theoretically by addressing a research gap in the sustainable practices in emerging markets, and practically by informing policy-makers and businesses about the need to have regulations on sustainable packaging.
The issue of sustainability accounting and reporting has been gaining increased attention in Nigeria in recent years, prompted by growing apprehensions regarding the impact of business activities on the environment and society. This study aims to comprehensively explore the thematic evolution in academic literature and the sustainability practices of Nigerian firms in the context of sustainability accounting and reporting. Through an extensive review of the existing literature on the subject, the objective is to delineate the trajectory of scientific inquiry, critically assess the developments, establish a coherent focus and outline a paradigm for future research. To identify the selected twenty articles, 34 articles from different databases, were meticulously selected and reviewed, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommended steps for systematic review. The results of this systematic review reveal a notable absence of studies in Nigeria that address the governance perspective of sustainability accounting and reporting. Interestingly, the majority of the scrutinized articles primarily focused on the environmental management dimension of sustainability. Consequently, our findings underscore the imperative for future studies in Nigeria to incorporate the governance perspective into sustainability reporting. This integration is vital to fortify firms’ economic, social and governance practices and to contribute substantively to achieving the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Clean energy is one of the quintessential elements for sustaining life in modern times. This study performs a bibliometric and content analysis to comprehend sustainable development goals (SDG)-7 academic publications. Four hundred and seventeen articles were extracted from the Scopus and the Web of Science databases. VOSviewer and R Studio were used for data analysis and visualization purposes. Developed countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and China emerged as leading document producers. China appeared as a trendsetter in sponsoring research works through numerous funding agencies. Apergis, N., Chen, J. and Paramati, S. are the most prominent authors in the said domain. Elsevier emerged as the preferred publisher for academia. ‘Clean Energy’, ‘Energy Policy’ and ‘Climate Change’ are the preferred keywords. This study also offered a detailed road map of SDG-7 research. Emerging research themes are renewable energy, crude oil and the impact of SDG-7. The outcome of the article recommends a study on niche themes such as biofuels and activation energy, which yearn for scholarly attention. This study is the first to visualize and analyse many publications on SDG-7, identify prominent funding agencies and perform a comparative analysis of academic databases.
The Lean Six Sigma (LSS) approach has become a popular business improvement methodology which observed a significant attention and implementation in different sectors, from manufacturing to the service industry. It reduces waste and defects, thereby increasing the process capability and efficiency. This study provides a bibliometric analysis of LSS deployment across diverse industries over the last decade. It outlines significant trends, pivotal papers and essential regions propelling LSS research. This study makes extensive bibliometric analysis leveraging the Scopus, Google and Web of Science databases from 2014 to 2024. Advanced methodologies, including co-citation analysis, citation network analysis and keyword co-occurrence analysis, are employed to investigate the evolution of LSS. The research examines 6211 articles, methodically refined through keyword selection, concentrating on trends in LSS deployment. The analysis uncovers information regarding worldwide LSS adoption, including prominent institutions, regions and research issues. The United States, India and the United Kingdom are prominent countries, whereas Jiju Antony is the author with the highest publications in LSS research. This study elucidates LSS’s influence across several industries and identifies prospective avenues for future research, including the integration of LSS with Industry 4.0. It provides insights for academics and professionals, driving strategic choices and directing future research in LSS adoption and enhancement.
The digitalization of the hotel business for sustainability employs innovative technologies to optimize operations for environmental responsibility and improved efficiency. This article examines the strategic implementation of digital solutions to enhance sustainability in hotel operations in North India. The research employs the DEMATEL technique to identify thirteen critical elements influencing sustainable practices, including green purchase intention and government regulation. It delineates the interrelationships among these aspects, providing theoretical perspectives and pragmatic techniques for hotel administration. This study establishes a framework for utilizing digital technologies to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability, emphasizing the potential for broader implementation within the global hospitality sector. Subsequent research may build upon these findings to enhance the incorporation of digital technology in global sustainable hotel management.
The study examines how the antecedents in the antecedents-decisions-outcomes (ADO) model support sustainable business model innovation (SBMI) in furniture-manufacturing firms. The research team conducted in-depth interviews with six furniture manufacturers and generated themes from the responses using thematic analysis. To achieve data saturation, the present study conducted two member-check meetings. The findings indicated three main themes from the thematic analysis, which include: design thinking as the strategic driver, waste recycling adoption as the microenvironmental driver and engagement with stakeholders as human perspective. The most important antecedent is the involvement of stakeholders, who were able to holistically impact ecological, social, financial and organizational performance. This study adds compelling empirical support and enhancement to the ADO model towards a robust model in understanding how SBMI can be effectively implemented in furniture-manufacturing firms. Thus, furniture manufacturers need to leverage these three drivers as antecedents in the ADO model.
This study explores the integration of Metaverse technologies into the tourism sector, emphasizing their potential to enhance sustainable and regenerative tourism practices. Through a systematic review methodology of 42 articles, the study identifies significant opportunities presented by immersive technologies such as the Metaverse in transforming tourist experiences, promoting environmental sustainability and supporting local economies. The findings highlight the role of these technologies in reducing the environmental impact of traditional tourism by offering virtual alternatives that decrease carbon footprints and mitigate over-tourism. The study also introduces the Sustainable Virtual Integration Model (SVIM), which provides a framework for leveraging these technologies to create net-positive impacts on the environment and society. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of virtual conservation initiatives and digital economic platforms in preserving natural and cultural heritage sites while fostering economic resilience. However, challenges such as high energy consumption, infrastructure requirements and regulatory and ethical issues must be addressed to realize the full potential of Metaverse technologies in tourism. The study concludes with recommendations for future research to further explore the behavioural, economic, technological, social and ethical dimensions of these technologies, aiming to refine the SVIM framework and advance the development of sustainable and regenerative tourism practices.
The importance of information management on the construction site cannot be underestimated, and it has been well discussed in the construction project management literature. A construction project involves a wide range of stakeholders participating at different stages, such as design, finance, build, operation, repair and management. Construction project delivery through the ages is highly information-driven. Information is a vital driving force behind a successful construction project outcome due to the diversified nature of roles played by participants in the industry. Unfortunately, several socio-economic losses, including human lives, have been recorded due to non-coordination, poor handling and non-adherence to basic information rules and protocols in project sites. This study assesses the influence of information channels on successful construction project delivery and critically evaluates various information channels needed to deliver construction projects in real time. Questionnaires for the study were distributed and collected from construction workers from 103 identified construction sites in Akure, Nigeria. The study revealed that an effective flow of information in construction site helps in strengthening and building harmonious interpersonal and interwork relationships in construction project delivery. Therefore, the study recommends that adequate training of all project participants on various information channels at the construction sites should be made mandatory.
Current research in entrepreneurship distinguishes portfolio entrepreneurs (those who own and manage more than one company simultaneously) from nascent and serial entrepreneurship. Thus far, empirical research mostly treats portfolio entrepreneurs as a homogenous group with similar characteristics. This article presents conceptual propositions to examine variation within portfolio entrepreneurship in the context of technology start-ups along the structure/agency distinction. First, we perform a review of existing theory on entrepreneurial activities to identify relevant areas of conceptual advancement. Second, a set of empirical attributes is identified, derived from an analysis of secondary data extracted from Crunchbase, comprising a sample of entrepreneurs with the highest number in (co-)foundations of technology start-ups ( N = 1001). The results are integrated towards a comprehensive conceptual framework. This conceptual model contributes to a more processual understanding of portfolio entrepreneurship and outlines six areas for more deductive and comparative research. We provide practical and policy recommendations to acknowledge the variation within portfolio entrepreneurship as factor affecting the outcomes of entrepreneurial activities.
The agricultural sector contributes significantly to the world’s increasing carbon emissions, and governments have framed policies and regulations to lessen the effect of climate change and encourage sustainable growth. To diminish carbon emissions, utilizing renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy, in agriculture is a key measure that supports the triple helix model of sustainability, which focuses on environmental, social and governance (ESG). This study intended to deliver a complete overview of the prevailing literature to emphasize the significance of integrating solar energy with agriculture for sustainable growth. We conducted a systematic literature review of 173 articles from 1986 to 2024 and identified four major themes: energy–agriculture nexus, benefits and challenges; SPV and sustainability; different applications of solar power in agriculture and factors influencing it; and transition towards agrivoltaics. This study also enhanced existing literature reviews by showing direction in several key areas such as utilizing solar energy to address social issues, evaluating the economic aspects of integrating solar power into agriculture, facing real-world challenges encountered by farmers and employing diverse research methodologies to gain a comprehensive understanding of this interdisciplinary field.
The article aims to examine the impact of banks’ FinTech adoption on environmental performance in the context of Oman. In doing so, we collected data from eight local commercial banks for the period 2015–23. We utilized text-mining techniques to extract data from the annual reports of respective banks to develop an index for FinTech adoption and environmental performance. A graphic presentation shows that FinTech adoption and environmental performance among Omani banks have increased over the study period. Our univariate regression analysis shows that the degree of FinTech adoption has a positive and statistically significant impact on the bank’s environmental performance. However, the results from multivariate regression show a positive impact of FinTech on environmental performance, but the impact is not statistically significant. This anomaly can be attributed to the small sample size and low FinTech adoption of some banks, especially at the beginning of the sample period.
Being competitive has become essential to surviving in the current, rapidly evolving and highly dynamic corporate climate. Companies must streamline their operations if they want to remain competitive. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems that have been applied successfully give businesses better practices and procedures. The article uses past literature to illustrate a new conceptual framework considering strategic, organizational, technological and environmental aspects for the effective implementation of ERP system in the information technology (IT) service sector. The primary focus is to find out the effectiveness of ERP deployment from the users’ perspective. For this analysis, information was gathered from 152 Indian IT companies that had already installed an ERP system. Factor analysis, both exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, was used in the present study to find out the factors from the mentioned four perspectives. Structural equation modelling allows researchers to observe the relationships between the emerged factors. The findings suggest that end users of IT firms have recognized the value of emerging constructs for successful ERP implementation leading to sustainable firm growth, underscoring the significance of the suggested framework in their quest to become more competitive in the market.
This study examines strategies to transform Al-Kharj region in Saudi Arabia into a smart city, specifically in the healthcare, education and employment (HEE) sectors. Employing a dynamic panel model from 2010 to 2023, encompassing 121 organizations and firms, we examine the influence of investments in infrastructure, technology adoption, sustainability initiatives and citizen engagement on implementing innovative practices in HEE. Our findings underscore the significant impact of these four factors. Additionally, we conducted surveys among policy-makers and residents to pinpoint the challenges hindering the adoption of these strategies. Based on the surveys’ outcomes, we formulate policy implications and recommendations to assist the Al-Kharj region in transitioning to an intelligent city status.
The study explores the impact of the platform business model (PBM) on organizational performance, focusing on Industry 5.0 (I5.0). It introduces a conceptual model to assess how PBMs shape organizational outcomes. PBMs are recognized for their role in managing multi-sided markets and leveraging forces such as strategic agility (SA), business model innovation (BMI), strategic operations practice (SOP) and I5.0 technologies to create value. Despite their significance, the systematic integration of PBMs in the organizational value-creation process remains underexplored. To address this, the authors propose a pragmatic conceptual model, which is then converted into a structural equation model to evaluate the effects of PBMs on performance. Structural Equation Model (SEM), combined with confirmatory factor analysis, highlights PBMs’ intangible influence, driven by digital resources and evolving customer value propositions. PBMs face rapid changes influenced by SA, BMI, SOP and I5.0, leading to short-term competitive advantages. The study underscores the importance of SA, BMI and SOP in organizational strategy but notes their limited long-term benefits. It also presents research propositions with implications for leaders and policy-makers, enhancing the understanding of PBMs in the I5.0 context.
In today’s contemporary tourism market, websites have become an essential online communication tool. This study aims to determine the extent and attributes used in sustainability communication through destination management organizations (DMOs) websites to inform, motivate and engage stakeholders in implementing destination sustainability activities. Based on the online sustainability communication checklist (OSC), content analysis was implemented as the research method for evaluating DMO sustainability communication through their official websites. Descriptive and inferential statistics (bivariate correlation and multiple regression analysis) were used in the data analysis. The research shows that DMOs at all levels insufficiently use official websites to communicate destination sustainability issues to stakeholders. The multiple regression analysis results confirm a statistically significant and positive influence of all sustainability attributes within both dimensions on perceived product and service sustainability and a partial effect of sustainability attributes on trust in DMO within both dimensions. All perceived product and service sustainability attributes and attributes of trust in DMO have a positive and significant relationship with overall information on destination sustainability and stakeholder’s overall motivation and engagement in sustainability implementation. Findings in this article fill the research gap related to the relationship of sustainability communication with perceived product and service sustainability and trust in DMO. The practical contribution refers to the guidelines that can be given to DMO managers to achieve more effective sustainability communication with destination stakeholders through the DMO websites.
This study aims to explore the influence of non-government organizations (NGOs) on innovation and value creation at the bottom of the pyramid (BoP). We thoroughly examined numerous case studies. We chose six NGOs in India and collected data through interviews and secondary sources. The research findings indicate that NGOs operating in developing countries have a higher tendency to create sustainable business models that effectively empower communities at the BoP. In addition, these NGOs have the potential to enhance traditional rural clusters in order to promote inclusive growth, generate value at the BoP through innovation and develop the capacity of communities at the BoP. This study adds to the existing body of literature by examining the quadruple helix model in the context of BoP communities, specifically looking at the involvement of NGOs. In addition, we present a conceptual framework for examining the impact of NGOs on innovation and value creation at the BoP within the quadruple helix ecosystem.
