sustainability-logo

Journal Browser

Journal Browser

Blockchain and Agile Management - Important Tools for Circular Economy

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Sustainability and Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 22394

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Information Technology School—ITS Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
2. LINK Group Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
3. Faculty of Contemporary Arts Belgrade, University Business Academy in Novi Sad, Belgrade, Serbia
4. Institute for Contemporary Education, Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: circular economy; basic economics; digital entrepreneurship; human resource management; project management; educational technologies

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. USH Pro Business, Spiru Haret University, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
2. Doctoral School, National University of Physical Education and Sport, 060057 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: e-learning; XR; management and marketing in education; gaming; simulation; circular economy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Present economic, societal, and ecological challenges require addressing urgently, as the consequences for the next generations will be disastrous if ignored. Therefore, the future’s legacy should be a system of new and sustainable solutions. For this Special Issue, topics of interest consider subjects such as innovation, waste management, new economic and ecological systems, smart consumption, production, business strategies, green public procurement, and agile management. Moreover, acceptance imposes conditions for the adoption of a circular thinking model, such as a circular economy, and the implementation of sustainable solutions such as such an economy, eliminating the concept of waste, and simultaneously changing how the economy produces goods and what society and the economy consume [1].

Systemic changes could potentially be solved with a circular economy, and offer suitable premises for implementing the concept of "zero waste" through value circulation within the ecosystem (CE), both innovation and habit altering defining its implicative characteristics [1,2,3]. The abandonment of old sciences and re-evaluation of all types of resources could become a part of new alternatives to actual waste management, with the adoption of the circular economy model conceivably leading to a GDP growth, unemployment decrease, flourishing foreign investments, and economic risk reduction, all whilst considering the country's risk premium assessment factors [2,3]. There is no doubt that any participant involved in either socio-economic or societal activities will eventually recognize the importance of a circular economy linked to the protection of living environments, economic growth, and new job creation as the primary sources of innovation and competitive advantages, the companies' rational use of resources, and citizen awareness to protect life and health [4-7].

The main foundations of the sustainable implementation of CE principles are human resources able to use blockchain technology and develop green products, innovative solutions for applied energy development, and the generalization of competitive intelligence use to create more digital drivers for a more efficient market and a richer society, with classical items potentially dismantled and converted into affordable raw materials with a lesser negative impact on nature and people’s lives. In addition to waste management and environmental pollution prevention, human resource departments are also responsible for implementing CE strategies [2,8,9]. Hull et al. suggested that circular economy incubators would help entrepreneurs identify more opportunities relying more on community engagement and responsibility rather than on government assistance, concluding that circular economy approaches education must motivate and inform incubator members [9]. Fidelis et al. found that water or lands are not significant concerns in the CE plan compared to materials or waste, but are expected to open wide the door on intelligent assets and unlock the circular economy potential within an integrated CE concept approach [10, 11].

References

  1. Franco-García, M.; Carpio Aguilar, J.-C.; Bressers, H.T. Towards Zero Waste—Circular Economy Boost, Waste to Resources; Springer International: London, UK, 2019.
  2. Bucea-Manea-Țoniș, Ro.; Dourado Martins, O.M.; Ilic, D.; Belous, M.; Bucea-Manea-Țoniș, Ra.; Braicu, C.; Simion, V.-E., 2020. Green and Sustainable Public Procurement—An Instrument for Nudging Consumer Behavior. A Case Study on Romanian Green Public Agriculture across Different Sectors of Activity. Sustainability, 13(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/su13010012 WOS:000606361600001
  3. Ilić, M.P.; Ranković, M.; Dobrilović, M.; Bucea-Manea-Țoniş, R.; Mihoreanu, L.; Gheța, M.I.; Simion, V.-E. Challenging Novelties within the Circular Economy Concept under the Digital Transformation of Society. Sustainability 2022, 14, 702. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020702
  4. Hysa, E.; Kruja, A.; Naqeeb, R.; Laurenti, R. Circular Economy Innovation and Environmental Sustainability Impact on Economic Growth: An Integrated Model for Sustainable Development. Sustainability 2020, 12, 4831.
  5. Trica, CL; Banacu, C.S.; Busu, M. Environmental Factors and Sustainability of the Circular Economy Model at the European Union level. Sustainability 2019, 11, 1114.
  6. Laurenti, R.; Singh, J.; Frostell, B.; Sinha, R.; Binder, C.R. The Socio-Economic Embeddedness of the Circular Economy: An Integrative Framework. Sustainability 2018, 10, 2129.
  7. Lazarevic, D.; Valve, H. Narrating expectations for the circular economy: Towards a common and contested European transition. Energy Res. Soc. Sci. 2017, 31, 60–69.
  8. Brydges, T. Closing the loop on take, make, waste: Investigating circular economy practices in the Swedish fashion industry. J. Clean. Prod. 2021, 293, 126245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126245.
  9. Bucea-Manea-Țoniş, R.; Šević, A.; Ilić, M.P.; Bucea-Manea-Țoniş, R.; Popović Šević, N.; Mihoreanu, L. Untapped Aspects of Innovation and Competition within a European Resilient Circular Economy. A Dual Comparative Study. Sustainability 2021, 13, 8290. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158290.
  10. Hull, C.E.; Millette, S.; William, E. Challenges and opportunities in building circular-economy incubators: Stakeholder perspectives in Trinidad and Tobago. J. Clean. Prod. 2021, 296, 126412. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126412.
  11. Fidélis, T.; Saavedra Cardoso, A.; Ri, F.; Catarina Miranda, A.; Abrantes, J.; Teles, F.; Roebeling, P.C. Policy narratives of circular economy in the EU—Assessing the embeddedness of water and land in national action plans. J. Clean. Prod. 2021, 288, 125685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125685.

Prof. Dr. Milena P. Ilić
Dr. Rocsana Țoniș Bucea-Manea
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (11 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

19 pages, 1837 KiB  
Article
Application of a Generic Model for the Transition to a Product Classified as a Product-Service System: Bike Sharing Case
by Eloiza Kohlbeck, Fernanda Hänsch Beuren, Alexandre Borges Fagundes, Delcio Pereira and Debora Barni de Campos
Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 5877; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075877 - 28 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1103
Abstract
This paper aims to apply a generic model for the transition to a product classified as a Product-Service System in the bike sharing case. For theoretical foundation, a systematic literature review was conducted, and then, the model was developed and validated with PSS [...] Read more.
This paper aims to apply a generic model for the transition to a product classified as a Product-Service System in the bike sharing case. For theoretical foundation, a systematic literature review was conducted, and then, the model was developed and validated with PSS experts and statistical analysis. Considering the need of PSS products to be aligned with the Tripple Botton Line, a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) was performed to measure the environmental and human health impacts of a bike. Aiming to design an action plan and mitigate these impacts, the generic model was applied. The results contribute to (i) the theoretical development of the literature by proposing a generic model validated and applicable in other cases, and (ii) with the practical development, since with the application of the LCA and the model, it was possible to identify an alternative to mitigate the impacts of the most polluting part of a bike: the aluminum frame. Thus, this study proposes substituting aluminum with a polymeric biocomposite: a blend between polypropylene and bamboo fiber. Given the theoretical modeling of this work, future studies can focus on the practical validation of this blend through mechanical testing. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 2049 KiB  
Article
Collaborative Learning Supported by Blockchain Technology as a Model for Improving the Educational Process
by Goran Bjelobaba, Ana Savić, Teodora Tošić, Ivana Stefanović and Bojan Kocić
Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 4780; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15064780 - 08 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2464
Abstract
After COVID-19, new accreditation standards include the need for developing better learning and teaching environments. This will be supported and connected with digitization, entrepreneurship, social inclusion, and a circular economy. The orientation towards equity and quality in education clearly imposes the need for [...] Read more.
After COVID-19, new accreditation standards include the need for developing better learning and teaching environments. This will be supported and connected with digitization, entrepreneurship, social inclusion, and a circular economy. The orientation towards equity and quality in education clearly imposes the need for an individual approach to each student separately. This situation is especially pronounced in higher education institutions in the field of technology, whose primary goal is very often individual training for use of highly specialized software and hardware tools. In such a situation, it is necessary to move away from the classical ex-cathedra methodology and develop student-centered learning environments. Global accreditation systems for teaching, learning, practice, and business communication can be simplified using blockchain. On the basis of blockchain technology (BCTs), this paper proposes a Collaborative Learning and Student Work Evaluation (CLSW) model that includes a multi-frontal teaching method (VFN) and combines scientific peer-review standards. BCTs are used to protect student project and assessment data storage and transmission. Assisting higher education institutions in finding “employable capabilities” of proactive students is the idea of CLSW. Before implementing the CLSW paradigm, a poll of lecturers’ views on BCTs was conducted. The poll results show a desire and willingness to teach with BCTs. The model’s fundamental capabilities and the key participants’ duties were described in a project framework. Additionally, this research and proposed model can improve educational process sustainability in general, as it is an open platform easily accessible by all the interested parties, thus contributing to life-long learning. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2195 KiB  
Article
Agroecological Approaches in the Context of Innovation Hubs
by Costin Lianu, Violeta-Elena Simion, Laura Urdes, Rocsana Bucea-Manea-Țoniș, Irina Gabriela Radulescu and Cosmin Lianu
Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4335; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054335 - 28 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2146
Abstract
Agroecology is a sustainable alternative to agricultural science, aiming at balancing the environment-plant-animal-man complex in an equitable way. Different players in the food system across the world are engaging in the practice and promotion of agroecology. Their experience serves as input for agroecology [...] Read more.
Agroecology is a sustainable alternative to agricultural science, aiming at balancing the environment-plant-animal-man complex in an equitable way. Different players in the food system across the world are engaging in the practice and promotion of agroecology. Their experience serves as input for agroecology innovation hubs, thus assisting and accelerating the adoption of agroecological practices. Based on existing experience in implementation of innovation ecosystems and living labs in Romania, the study discusses critical factors required for a successful transformation of agriculture, with the aim to fill existing research gaps on agroecological techniques. The authors are also emphasizing the role of new business models in this area. The study used an anonymous survey with Likert scale ratings, and structural equation modeling, PLS. The study results were indicative of a certain degree of enthusiasm for agroecological practice adoption, particularly among organic farmers and business owners. The chances that these practices are adopted by farmers can be enhanced provided there is a systematic exchange of knowledge among the farmers. Clusters of farmers based on community of practice could create innovation ecosystems providing this accelerates its adoption. Correlation with the economic and political processes of the country is necessary, as emphasized by the farmers interviewed during the study. Through innovation hubs, agroecology must move from the currently smaller scale to larger scale practices such as agroecosystems and agri-food systems. These forms of organization should also take due account of relevant socio-economic, cultural, and political factors. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1692 KiB  
Article
Securing Big Data for Knowledge Management into a Circular Economy
by Radu Bucea-Manea-Tonis, Valentin Kuleto, Šemsudin A. Plojović, Adrian Beteringhe and Milena P. Ilić
Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14851; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214851 - 10 Nov 2022
Viewed by 1131
Abstract
The main purpose of the article is to find a solution to secure data transfer. Big data, a mark of Industry 4.0, comes with the risk of transferring knowledge. Data management is becoming harder to be administered, and Big Data (BD) can be [...] Read more.
The main purpose of the article is to find a solution to secure data transfer. Big data, a mark of Industry 4.0, comes with the risk of transferring knowledge. Data management is becoming harder to be administered, and Big Data (BD) can be a good solution for it. Sending data containing information about actions to be taken by the system may expose the values of the system’s parameters. Securing the data will stop any third party from interfering with the communication and sending its commands to the remote system. Thus, the article presents a case study that proves how to secure BD read/write operations using the Gauss function and how to use Secure Shell (SSH), a cryptographic network protocol, to generate key-value pairs for safely operating services over an unsecured network. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1442 KiB  
Article
An Integrative Approach to Healthy Social-Ecological System to Support Increased Resilience of Resource Management in Food-Producing Systems
by Laura Urdes, Violeta-Elena Simion, Laurentiu-Gabriel Talaghir and Veronica Mindrescu
Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14830; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214830 - 10 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1448
Abstract
The study addresses health-associated risks and health indicators required for the framing of Social-Ecological System Health (SESH) in aquaculture food-producing systems. The advantages of using a healthy Social-Ecological System (SES) are highlighted, to aid in the development of a new ecological system fostering [...] Read more.
The study addresses health-associated risks and health indicators required for the framing of Social-Ecological System Health (SESH) in aquaculture food-producing systems. The advantages of using a healthy Social-Ecological System (SES) are highlighted, to aid in the development of a new ecological system fostering the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. The study used statistic modelling of some human infections with Cryptosporidium spp. and Cyclospora spp., used to obtain an estimate of the costs of zoonoses to health systems, and the outcomes of an epidemiological study involving the Eustrongylides spp. in fish. The study indicated that parasitic zoonoses have an important economic impact on health systems, environment and society at large. Holistic approaches to health, addressing all relevant actors are required to mitigate these impacts. To address the risk of eustrongylides and other fish-, and water-borne zoonoses, the development of new social-ecological system health should be constructed. For aquaculture production, such systems must include a biosecurity plan co-developed and negotiated by all relevant stakeholders. While the system’s feasibility is yet to be validated, regular revision of such systems’ functioning and outputs is an important premise to make them operational. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 491 KiB  
Article
Deconstructing the Parent–Child Relationship during the COVID-19 Pandemic through Tech-Wise Outlets Such as the Internet and Media Consumption
by Veronica Mindrescu and Razvan-Sandu Enoiu
Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13138; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013138 - 13 Oct 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1831
Abstract
Undoubtedly, technological developments in modern society have accelerated since the COVID-19 epidemic. When social distancing was required, technology and the Internet made it easier for adults and children to communicate. Nevertheless, it is generally recognized that social isolation can result in social network [...] Read more.
Undoubtedly, technological developments in modern society have accelerated since the COVID-19 epidemic. When social distancing was required, technology and the Internet made it easier for adults and children to communicate. Nevertheless, it is generally recognized that social isolation can result in social network addiction. Consequently, family ties including those between parents and children evolved, as parents tried to blend their jobs and personal lives while also becoming teachers, babysitters, and playdate hosts. No studies have looked at how the lockdown has affected these relationships. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate how parenting, media consumption, and the use of constant technology can affect parent–child relationships. Toward this aim, a structural equation model (SEM) incorporating three parenting styles (permissive, authoritative, neglectful, and authoritarian) was then run. The model displayed excellent fit for adoption. Technology use was thusly predicted by the interaction between parents and children, which successively predicted the relationship between children and school. Hence, a positive relationship between permissive parenting style and family relationships with technology emerged. The new study helps us understand how family relationships, as well as technology and education attitudes, have changed through time. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2517 KiB  
Article
Untapped Aspects of Waste Management versus Green Deal Objectives
by Rocsana Bucea-Manea-Țoniș and Teodora Zecheru
Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11474; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811474 - 13 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1493
Abstract
Smart waste management is an important tool for energy and resource conservation, and the related recycling and reuse policies are conducive to a positive impact on the ecological footprint. Since waste treatment is a very expensive process, the principle of prevention should be [...] Read more.
Smart waste management is an important tool for energy and resource conservation, and the related recycling and reuse policies are conducive to a positive impact on the ecological footprint. Since waste treatment is a very expensive process, the principle of prevention should be implemented increasingly at the European level to meet the Green Deal’s objectives and related eco-friendly approaches more easily and cost-effectively. Therefore, the rationale of the present work was to statistically study, for the first time, from a waste management viewpoint, the waste categories and quantities produced in the past decade, and mainly eight waste categories were compared at the Romanian versus the European level, including on the level of European regulation implementation. For that, assumptions were made and ANOVA and path analysis were performed. The results of ANOVA emphasize the differences between the eight types of waste collected, to understand the challenges and the weak points of the member states in their approach to meeting the Green Deal’s objectives and gaining sustainable development. Furthermore, the causes of differences in the European Union’s member states were analyzed in clusters, based on three criteria: total waste, waste management, and waste treatment, and the results are discussed here. The study revealed that Romania proved an increased efficiency in waste treatment and the path analysis proves that waste management is better implemented than treatment management. The study concludes that, regardless of the results obtained so far, further endeavors are necessary at the Romanian governmental level to meet the waste-related European goal. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 431 KiB  
Article
The Attitudes of K–12 Schools’ Teachers in Serbia towards the Potential of Artificial Intelligence
by Valentin Kuleto, Milena P. Ilić, Rocsana Bucea-Manea-Țoniş, David-Florin Ciocodeică, Horia Mihălcescu and Veronica Mindrescu
Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8636; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148636 - 14 Jul 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2744
Abstract
Similar to so many other aspects of modern life, education is gradually being automated by technological means. The software, apps, systems, platforms, and digital devices that permeate modern education are inextricably linked to these automated processes. One of the primary goals of automation [...] Read more.
Similar to so many other aspects of modern life, education is gradually being automated by technological means. The software, apps, systems, platforms, and digital devices that permeate modern education are inextricably linked to these automated processes. One of the primary goals of automation has always been to improve quality and efficiency by reducing the number of human repetitive tasks based on machine learning (ML) algorithms and applications that facilitate the automation of decision-making of artificial intelligence (AI). Thus, computers and robots are predictable and do exactly what they are programmed to do. It is impossible for a computer’s memory or processing power to become “tired” because machines never rest, and now some activities can be automated, thanks to advances in artificial intelligence. Schools nowadays have software that analyses data and makes decisions based on the data rather than relying solely on human analysts regarding repetitive administrative tasks. The exploratory research within the K–12 group of teachers from LINK Educational Alliance from Serbia was performed on 109 persons to identify the genuine knowledge about AI and the potential for automatisation of work processes. Based on the teachers’ opinions regarding opportunities brought about by AI in K–12 schools, we analysed their implications in implementing AI in the educational process in K–12 education. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2473 KiB  
Article
Insect-Based Food: A (Free) Choice
by Oliva M. D. Martins, Rocsana Bucea-Manea-Țoniș, Jasmina Bašić, Ana Sofia Coelho and Violeta-Elena Simion
Sustainability 2022, 14(12), 7186; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127186 - 12 Jun 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2194
Abstract
The literature highlights the importance of insect consumption for nutritional health habits. The increasingly clear legislation, the developed studies demonstrating their nutritional value, and the prospect of overcoming some barriers that have prevented consumers from consuming insects are among the reasons supporting the [...] Read more.
The literature highlights the importance of insect consumption for nutritional health habits. The increasingly clear legislation, the developed studies demonstrating their nutritional value, and the prospect of overcoming some barriers that have prevented consumers from consuming insects are among the reasons supporting the advantages of consuming insects. The leading determinants of consumption are culture and individual and social beliefs, accessibility to a particular nutritional resource, and individual behavior. The barriers to neophobia were analyzed by evaluating factors of influence and their respective relationship and meaning through quantitative research to measure the significance of the results. To develop a conceptual model that aims to change eating behavior and recognize structural aspects that can be barriers in the process of changing eating behavior, a methodological framework was developed. The methodological framework aimed to identify the characteristics that can be associated with the profile of opinion leaders, and it included a questionnaire which was applied to 213 young people. Moreover, the structural equation model was the statistical technique used. Given the projected population growth and increasing life expectancy, nutrition is a challenge in terms of health, but also in economic, social, and environmental respects. Aiming for sustainability, it is crucial to identify nutritional alternatives within the circular economy. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 11014 KiB  
Article
Blockchain Technologies and Digitalization in Function of Student Work Evaluation
by Goran Bjelobaba, Marija Paunovic, Ana Savic, Hana Stefanovic, Jelena Doganjic and Zivanka Miladinovic Bogavac
Sustainability 2022, 14(9), 5333; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14095333 - 28 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2854
Abstract
Following COVID-19, new accreditation standards include digitization, entrepreneurship, social inclusion and the circular economy. Blockchain can help to simplify difficult accreditation processes that ensure worldwide teaching, learning, practice and business communication excellence. The paper proposes a Collaborative Learning and Student Work Evaluation (CLSWE) [...] Read more.
Following COVID-19, new accreditation standards include digitization, entrepreneurship, social inclusion and the circular economy. Blockchain can help to simplify difficult accreditation processes that ensure worldwide teaching, learning, practice and business communication excellence. The paper proposes a Collaborative Learning and Student Work Evaluation (CLSWE) model based on blockchain technologies (BCTs) encompassing selected concepts from the scientific research peer-review process. BCTs are used to develop a safe platform for storing and exchanging data about students’ projects and evaluations. The CLSWE model offers the possibility of improving cooperation between higher-education institutions and companies that seek the “employable skills” of proactive students. Before implementing the CLSWE model, a questionnaire was conducted to survey lecturers about their attitudes related to the potential application of BCTs. The results of the surveys are encouraging and reveal a desire and willingness to introduce BCTs in education. A project scheme with the main functionalities of the model and a description of the roles of the prominent participants was designed. A platform with a database created in the MySQL language for the testing model was built. This research also contributes to higher education literature in terms of the sustainability of the education process and collaborative learning with BCTs. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 390 KiB  
Article
Cohesion Forces Determinants in Cluster Development: A Study Case for Romania
by Costin Lianu, Irina Gabriela Radulescu, Simona Corina Dobre Gudei, Cosmin Lianu and Veronica Mindrescu
Sustainability 2022, 14(6), 3359; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063359 - 13 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1599
Abstract
This paper investigates to what extent bilateral relationships between business partners can positively impact multiple business alliances, such as clusters based on community of practice (CoP). Given empirical facts developed in the clustering process of Romanian companies, this paper investigates the way clusters [...] Read more.
This paper investigates to what extent bilateral relationships between business partners can positively impact multiple business alliances, such as clusters based on community of practice (CoP). Given empirical facts developed in the clustering process of Romanian companies, this paper investigates the way clusters may contribute to the alleviation of the dark side phenomenon and what ingredients, such as trust building, cluster management dedication, social interaction, pre-existing bilateral business relations, and others, may contribute to this role. Based on questionnaires and interviews, we found the significant importance of these ingredients as cohesion determinants in cluster development. The most influent factors of CF were an immediate and short-term business interest (0.62), pre-existing personal relationships (without business interest) with one or more members of the cluster (0.57), pre-existing business relationships with one or more members of the cluster (0.58), and participation in joint funding (0.48). We collected the information using the questionnaire administered online as a measuring instrument whose role was to collect and systematize data. The collected data were processed, and we obtained tables of frequency and correlation, graphs associated with them, and a regression model designed in SmartPLS software (SmartPLS GmbH, Oststeinbek, Germany). The variables that form the main constructs were introduced in SmartPls Software, where we designed a model and evaluated the Composite Reliability, Cronbach’s alpha, AVE, R-square, and Bootstrapping of the model. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop