Research

28 pages, 3022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strategic Patterns in the Concept of Sustainable Development of Manufacturing Processes in the Field of Knowledge Management in Companies Operating in the Metal Industry in Poland

by Rafał Prusak, Monika Górska and Paulina Skalik-Lubieniecka

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 13281; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713281 - 04 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1035

Abstract

Sustainable development is an opportunity for modern enterprises to build unique market advantages, but it is always a kind of compromise between financial benefits and activities focused on environmental protection. It also requires companies to be able to acquire and process information, the [...] Read more.

Sustainable development is an opportunity for modern enterprises to build unique market advantages, but it is always a kind of compromise between financial benefits and activities focused on environmental protection. It also requires companies to be able to acquire and process information, the sources of which are both internal and external, and to process it into effective knowledge. Quality management processes are an important element supporting knowledge management as a consequence of similar priorities. There are direct and indirect relationships between quality management, knowledge management and sustainable development. Related issues are an important element of modern research, but there are still some knowledge gaps that need to be filled. The authors, based on the literature analysis, concluded that there are no studies defining the relationship between quality management and knowledge management in the context of sustainable development relating to the Polish metal industry. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify patterns of company activities in the area of knowledge management relating to the improvement of manufacturing processes in companies operating in the metal industry in Poland. At the same time, it was indicated which aspects of knowledge management are at the centre of management’s concerns. The study was carried out using a survey questionnaire, with 1930 questionnaires collected from employees in 50 companies selected for the study. The study carried out discovered that in the various areas of the Japanese knowledge management model, companies distribute the emphasis differently, which manifests itself in the procedures and ways of operating. At the same time, there are significant differences between large and medium-sized enterprises, indicating that the scale of operation influences the perception of the importance of individual elements of the knowledge management system in the context of sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Models and Innovation for Sustainability Transition)

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30 pages, 5635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

User Experience, Business Models, and Service Design in Concert: Towards a General Methodological Framework for Value Proposition Enhancement

by Jadranka Musulin and Vjeran Strahonja

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12509; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612509 - 17 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1341

Abstract

Companies in all businesses need efficient and user-friendly tools for experience design in a fast-paced digitalized world searching for sustainability. Although there are hundreds of methods and models in the interdisciplinary area of experience design, a general methodological framework for capturing the user [...] Read more.

Companies in all businesses need efficient and user-friendly tools for experience design in a fast-paced digitalized world searching for sustainability. Although there are hundreds of methods and models in the interdisciplinary area of experience design, a general methodological framework for capturing the user experience as a personal outcome of the interaction with digitalized products and services into the value proposition of a business model is missing. In this paper, we develop a methodological framework for service design that guides the experience design process, aiming to enrich the value proposition with user experience in a business model. The framework is developed by integrating the fields of user experience design, service design, and business model design based on the notion of service-dominant logic and following design science principles. The framework is evaluated according to the design science methodology by applying multiple case studies in seven small and medium-sized companies in Croatia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Models and Innovation for Sustainability Transition)

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21 pages, 4231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

System Dynamics and Sustainable Solution: The Case in a Large-Scale Pallet Manufacturing Company

by Ernesto A. Lagarda-Leyva, María Paz Guadalupe Acosta-Quintana, Javier Portugal-Vásquez, Arnulfo A. Naranjo-Flores and Alfredo Bueno-Solano

Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11766; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511766 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1407

Abstract

The proposal in the present research study is the result of a more than two-year process developed in a pallet manufacturing company for anchor enterprises in Southern Sonora, Mexico dedicated to beer production and export to the United States of America. Considering the [...] Read more.

The proposal in the present research study is the result of a more than two-year process developed in a pallet manufacturing company for anchor enterprises in Southern Sonora, Mexico dedicated to beer production and export to the United States of America. Considering the high pallet demand for this supplier, a strategic plan was created in 2021, establishing an important project for developing technological solutions to improve decision making supported by graphical user interface and focused on sustainability. This study shows the application of system dynamics in all the wood and pallet manufacturing processes with a strategic sourcing supply chain. The method used for its development had the following stages: (1) developing the mapping process; (2) creating the causal loop diagram; (3) developing a flow and stock model with the representing mathematical equations; (4) simulating and validating current scenarios; (5) evaluating normal, optimistic, and pessimistic scenarios with multicriteria decision making using Technique to Order Preferences by Similarity and the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Faire Un Choix Adéquat (FUCA); (6) building the graphical interface. The most relevant results for the company were having quantitative information regarding the pallet demand required by the main client for wood availability, which was the main restriction in the supply chain. The solution was based on four validation tests that allowed decision makers to support the production proposals considering the assistance of the dynamic models. The main conclusion demonstrated that using well-defined operation rules and policies—considering the installed capacity and pallet demand through the model solution—allows anticipating decisions on pallet quantity and reducing the risk of out-of-time deliveries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Models and Innovation for Sustainability Transition)

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21 pages, 668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Responsible Leadership and Innovation during COVID-19: Evidence from the Australian Tourism and Hospitality Sector

by Mehmet Yildiz, Nicola Pless, Semih Ceyhan and Rob Hallak

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 4922; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15064922 - 09 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2803

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis provides an opportunity for sustainable renewal and requires responsible leaders who are responsive to stakeholder needs and able to innovate in light of new challenges. This study draws on stakeholder theory and responsible leadership theory to examine (a) the challenges [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 crisis provides an opportunity for sustainable renewal and requires responsible leaders who are responsive to stakeholder needs and able to innovate in light of new challenges. This study draws on stakeholder theory and responsible leadership theory to examine (a) the challenges industry leaders face as a result of COVID-19 and (b) their innovative responses in light of their responsibilities to stakeholders and society. We conducted a corpus linguistics study based on high-volume media websites reporting tourism and hospitality news on leadership and innovation. We applied a stakeholder and social responsibility lens to the data analysis. We discovered that, despite the challenges that leaders faced, some transcended self-interest or integrated self-interest with consideration for the interest of others and formed partnerships with other stakeholders resulting in win-win solutions. In particular, we found evidence of leaders who (1) responded to the needs of owners, employees, customers, and community stakeholders and (2) developed not only incremental innovations but substantial ones benefitting stakeholders in business and society. We discuss responsible leadership as a pathway for transforming the tourism and hospitality industry towards a more sustainable and community-centred ‘new normal’. Based on our findings, we present recommendations for future research and policymakers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Models and Innovation for Sustainability Transition)

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17 pages, 3673 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Offices after the COVID-19 Pandemic and Changes in Perception of Flexible Office Space

by Matus Barath and Dusana Alshatti Schmidt

Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11158; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811158 - 06 Sep 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5408

Abstract

The pandemic is fast-moving, accelerating rapid changes that lead to new challenges and impacting organizations. A big mark has been left on the workplaces—places where we do business—because the ongoing change to remote work challenges the role of the office. It is highly [...] Read more.

The pandemic is fast-moving, accelerating rapid changes that lead to new challenges and impacting organizations. A big mark has been left on the workplaces—places where we do business—because the ongoing change to remote work challenges the role of the office. It is highly possible that as the change progresses, the workplace will not only change its design but also the way in which work will be planned, organized, performed and controlled. However, as the restrictions ease up, questions arise: What is the potential of office sustainability? How has the perception of flexible office space changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic? This paper used an online survey as a quantitative research method. In this paper, we looked at the employer’s vision of the office. We investigated employers’ perspectives of where and in what settings the work will be performed in the post-pandemic time. Specifically, we discussed the changes employers will apply in terms of the work environment and office layout. The findings suggest that an increasing mobile workforce and expansion of the new work style will not mean an office exodus but will certainly have an impact on office utilization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Models and Innovation for Sustainability Transition)

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Review

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20 pages, 1914 KiB

Open AccessReview

Business Model Innovation toward Sustainability and Circularity—A Systematic Review of Innovation Types

by Barbara Brenner and Daria Drdla

Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11625; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511625 - 27 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2055

Abstract

Organizations increasingly build on business model innovation (BMI) to reinvent their business models in sustainable and circular ways. This is reflected by a surge in academic research and business practice on sustainable and circular business model innovation. In this article, we take stock [...] Read more.

Organizations increasingly build on business model innovation (BMI) to reinvent their business models in sustainable and circular ways. This is reflected by a surge in academic research and business practice on sustainable and circular business model innovation. In this article, we take stock of the current literature to clarify which types of innovations contribute to the transformation to sustainable and circular business models. Building on a systematic literature review on sustainable and circular business model innovation using Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), our primary contributions include (1) the identification, categorization, and discussion of various innovation types that lead to sustainable and circular business model innovation, (2) the identification of a research gap, and (3) avenues for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Models and Innovation for Sustainability Transition)

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40 pages, 4140 KiB

Open AccessReview

Transition to a Circular Economy in Europe through New Business Models: Barriers, Drivers, and Policy Making

by Gabi Försterling, Ronald Orth and Benjamin Gellert

Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 8212; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15108212 - 18 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2375

Abstract

In recent years, because of global challenges resulting from increased resource shortages and the climate crisis, interest in and the commitment to transition to a more sustainable economic system, especially a circular economy, has increased among scientists, politicians, and practitioners in Europe. To [...] Read more.

In recent years, because of global challenges resulting from increased resource shortages and the climate crisis, interest in and the commitment to transition to a more sustainable economic system, especially a circular economy, has increased among scientists, politicians, and practitioners in Europe. To create a system that maintains the value of products as long as possible and minimizes waste, new business models, so-called circular business models (CBMs), are required. So far, as a result of far-reaching barriers, no breakthrough regarding CBMs has been observed and there are a lack of comprehensive analyses on the barriers and drivers of CBMs. Using a systematic literature analysis, this gap was filled and 637 barriers and 394 drivers were extracted from 76 publications, which were categorized into eight areas and synthesized in a comprehensive framework. The results show that an undifferentiated analysis of CBMs could result in incorrect assumptions, as the barriers between them differ. Overall, however, the most significant effect on all CBMs is from external barriers at a macro level. In this paper, drivers, in the form of success factors and political measures, were assigned to concrete barriers, indicating that policy interventions are needed in Europe in order to overcome these barriers and accelerate systematic change. The article provides research, policy, and practice with a theoretically grounded basis for analyzing these barriers and overcoming them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Models and Innovation for Sustainability Transition)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

26 pages, 1088 KiB

Open AccessEssay

How Does Green Search Promote Green Innovation? The Mediating Role of Green Control

by Yahui Li, Wenli Zheng and Yunhui Zhao

Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 10210; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610210 - 17 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1324

Abstract

The importance of a knowledge search for green innovation has been recognized, but our understanding of the influence of green search is still unclear. We used 198 Chinese manufacturing data to sort the influential mechanism of green search on green innovation based on [...] Read more.

The importance of a knowledge search for green innovation has been recognized, but our understanding of the influence of green search is still unclear. We used 198 Chinese manufacturing data to sort the influential mechanism of green search on green innovation based on resource-based theory, information processing theory, and transaction cost theory. We also explored the intermediate role of green control (i.e., output and behavior control) between the two dimensions of green search (i.e., search breadth and depth) and green innovation (i.e., exploratory and exploitative innovation). The results show that the diversified green information searched from outside must be controlled through the behavior process and results in improving the quality of existing green products and developing new green products. A continuous and deep search for green knowledge can achieve the results of green innovation by setting goals and monitoring processes. When Chinese manufacturing enterprises are searching for knowledge to produce green products, they must pay attention to the supervision and control of the knowledge integration process and results to ensure the effective utilization and transformation of knowledge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Models and Innovation for Sustainability Transition)

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