2023

Jump to: 2022, 2021

20 pages, 2800 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) Performance in the Palm Oil Industry with the Triple Bottom Line Approach

by Rabiatul Adwiyah, Yusman Syaukat, Dikky Indrawan and Heti Mulyati

Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13362; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813362 - 06 Sep 2023

Viewed by 2263

Abstract

The palm oil industry has emerged as one of the leading producers and exporters, as supported by data from the Central Bureau of Statistics in 2021, which indicates that Indonesian palm oil exports reached an impressive value of USD 18.44 billion, or IDR [...] Read more.

The palm oil industry has emerged as one of the leading producers and exporters, as supported by data from the Central Bureau of Statistics in 2021, which indicates that Indonesian palm oil exports reached an impressive value of USD 18.44 billion, or IDR 258 trillion, in 2020, marking 18.43 percent growth compared to the previous year. Furthermore, the domestic markets for palm oil and palm kernel oil remain substantial despite improvements in export quantities. Various industries, including cooking oil refineries, specialty fats, shortening, margarine, bath soaps, and oleochemicals, present potential markets for palm oil (CPO) and palm kernel oil (PKO). The palm oil industry encompasses four related subsectors, namely growers, millers, refiners, and oleochemicals, forming an integrated value chain from upstream to downstream. The current focus on environmental, economic, and social sustainability drives companies to adopt internal green activities and expand their efforts toward sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). Implementing SSCM practices is often seen as economically beneficial, as research has demonstrated their positive impact on corporate performance from a resource perspective. Many green management applications are utilized in the palm oil industry. This study examines and highlights existing sustainable management practices across the entire palm oil supply chain, focusing on producing high-quality palm oil. This study utilized a systematic review methodology. A total of 62 articles were analyzed, which involved an extensive review of the relevant literature to identify research trends, gaps, and issues. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by expanding the theory of organizational readiness to prepare globally competitive palm oil products. The research findings hold practical significance for practitioners and academics by providing a comprehensive road map for implementing green management applications at the organizational level in the palm oil industry’s upstream-to-downstream chain. Full article

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16 pages, 1858 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Affecting Landowners’ Willingness to Sustain Hiring Foreign Farmworkers: The Case of Banana Producers in Mersin Province, Turkey

by Osman Doğan Bulut, Süleyman Karaman, Zeynep Çelik Kaysim and Ayşe Karadağ Gürsoy

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 13066; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713066 - 30 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 797

Abstract

Turkey is a country with a migration route throughout history and has provided protection to more refugees than any other country. But, the secure deportation of refugees is stated by government officials. This research aims to determine the socio-economic characteristics of landowners who [...] Read more.

Turkey is a country with a migration route throughout history and has provided protection to more refugees than any other country. But, the secure deportation of refugees is stated by government officials. This research aims to determine the socio-economic characteristics of landowners who hire foreign farmworkers and the factors affecting their willingness to employ foreign farmworkers. In order to meet the objective, a survey study based on face-to-face interviews was conducted with 200 landowners producing bananas and employing foreign farmworkers in Mersin. The level of willingness to hire foreign farmworkers was calculated, and the ordinal logistic regression (OLR) model was executed to determine affective factors. According to the results, the landowners’ average age was 40.5 years, and their agricultural experience was 11.07 years, with 47% of them having a primary school degree. A total of 50% of the landowner farmers had a high willingness level, 29.5% had a medium willingness level, and 20.5% had a low willingness level. As for OLR, the factors of land size, continuity status of farmworkers, and the reasons to hire foreign farmworkers were significant (p < 0.05). Contrary to the general opinion, which is that the reason for the willingness to hire foreign farmworkers is to use them as a cheap labor force, this research found that the reason with the greatest impact is that landowner farmers have difficulty in finding local farmworkers. The shortage of agricultural labor has been filled with foreign farmworkers in Mersin province. Every foreign farmworker may be registered with one or more agricultural holdings so that the deportation of refugees does not cause a labor supply problem in agriculture; also, citizens seeking employment from other regions of Turkey may be supported to be farmworkers in regions with labor shortages. In order to avoid supply security problems in agricultural production, policymakers should urgently develop policies based on field data. Full article

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28 pages, 2122 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Model to Achieve Sustainable Business Performance (SBP) of SMEs in the South African Construction Industry

by Lance Wentzel, Julius Ayodeji Fapohunda and Rainer Haldenwang

Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 10007; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310007 - 24 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1545

Abstract

This paper purposes to develop a corporate social responsibility (CSR) model to guide small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the South African construction industry (SACI) towards sustainable business performance (SBP). A theoretical CSR model was developed from the literature and validated through Partial [...] Read more.

This paper purposes to develop a corporate social responsibility (CSR) model to guide small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the South African construction industry (SACI) towards sustainable business performance (SBP). A theoretical CSR model was developed from the literature and validated through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), using primary questionnaire data obtained from 110 SMEs in the SACI, who are registered on the construction industry development board (cidb) register of contractors between Grade 1 and 6 general building (GB) and/or civil engineering (CE). The PLS-SEM results indicate that CSR drivers influencing the CSR practices of SMEs, along with CSR implementation challenges experienced by SMEs, influence the perception of SMEs pertaining to the relationship between the integration of CSR and SBP all of which influences the CSR activities considered by SMEs to achieve SBP, thus implying that the holistic adaption of the PLS-SEM (CSR model) by SMEs in the SACI equates to more SBP. However, SMEs practicing CSR activities to achieve SBP are subjected to specific CSR: drivers and implementation challenges as well as SME owner perceptions. Full article

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11 pages, 1421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Residents’ Perceptions of Challenges Related to Implementation of Smart City Solutions by Local Government

by Małgorzata Mańka-Szulik, Dariusz Krawczyk and Krzysztof Wodarski

Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8532; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118532 - 24 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1381

Abstract

The aim of a survey conducted in October 2022 was to establish residents’ perceptions of the smart city concept and determine the degree of identification of the implemented solutions as elements of a smart city system. An important aspect of the survey was [...] Read more.

The aim of a survey conducted in October 2022 was to establish residents’ perceptions of the smart city concept and determine the degree of identification of the implemented solutions as elements of a smart city system. An important aspect of the survey was the communication dimension in terms of information policy and popularisation activities undertaken by the local government. The analysis covered those with declarations of civic participation in the implementation of modern solutions in social and economic life. The study was carried out on a sample of 500 residents of Zabrze through interviews with people in the street or at home. The results were juxtaposed with those of studies carried out in the same research field concerning the level of approval for the remote provision of public services and the formula for maintaining relationships between residents and local administration. Full article

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27 pages, 1564 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Corporate Sustainable Growth, Carbon Performance, and Voluntary Carbon Information Disclosure: New Panel Data Evidence for Chinese Listed Companies

by Erli Dan, Jianfei Shen and Yiwei Guo

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4612; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054612 - 04 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2179

Abstract

At present, to comply with carbon reduction commitments, China has only required energy-intensive enterprises to report their carbon information to regulators, aside from mandatory public disclosures. Although some enterprises have been disclosing their own carbon information voluntarily by means of corporate reports in [...] Read more.

At present, to comply with carbon reduction commitments, China has only required energy-intensive enterprises to report their carbon information to regulators, aside from mandatory public disclosures. Although some enterprises have been disclosing their own carbon information voluntarily by means of corporate reports in order to shape their green image, their carbon information disclosures (CID) still need to be improved. This study attempts to systematically investigate links between corporate growth, carbon emission (CEP) or reduction performance (CRP) in two forms (intensity and amount), and CID in industries with different carbon intensities on the basis of stakeholder theory as well as legitimacy theory. This study took Chinese companies listed on the main board market from 2009 to 2021 as samples. The Arellano–Bover/Blundell–Bond dynamic panel data model was used for regression analysis. Results showed that sustainable growth enhanced the promotion effect of CEP (both in terms of intensity and amount) on CID in carbon-intensive industries, while sustainable growth enhanced the inhibition effect of CEP measured in terms of amount, rather than intensity, on CID in low-carbon industries. This revealed that CEP, not CRP, had a significant influence on CID, and uncovered the influence mechanism between carbon performance and CID from the perspective of sustainable enterprise growth. The carbon information disclosure of high-carbon industries is closely and positively related to carbon performance, indicating that the interaction between high-carbon industries and capital markets will be more affected by the mitigation of carbon information asymmetry. Further, circulating A-shares are moderators for better CID in both carbon-intensive industries and low-carbon industries, which fits the expectation of stakeholder theory as well as legitimacy theory. Additionally, measurement habits or preference for carbon emissions performance (in the form of amount or intensity) in different industries should be brought to the forefront to enhance investors’ confidence in CID. This study has certain guiding value for the formulation of CID standards and contributes to the process of mandatory CID. Full article

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19 pages, 272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Gambling Culture on Entity Financialization

by Li Fan and Jie He

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4108; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054108 - 24 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1218

Abstract

Culture is an important factor that affects the investment behavior of enterprises, while gambling culture to a certain extent reflects people’s risk-taking spirit or speculative preferences. Taking Chinese A-share listed companies from 2008 to 2020 as a sample, we ran industry and year [...] Read more.

Culture is an important factor that affects the investment behavior of enterprises, while gambling culture to a certain extent reflects people’s risk-taking spirit or speculative preferences. Taking Chinese A-share listed companies from 2008 to 2020 as a sample, we ran industry and year effect regressions to test the impact of gambling culture on corporate financialization from the perspective of speculative culture. Gambling culture is measured by regional per capita lottery consumption. The results show that a gambling culture plays a significant role in promoting the share of financial assets held by local enterprises. Economically speaking, every CNY 1000 increase in per capita lottery sales will lead to a 3% increase in the share of financial assets held by local enterprises. It is verified that a gambling culture affects corporate financial asset investment by enhancing management’s overconfidence level. In addition, by subdividing financial assets, we find that a gambling culture mainly increases holdings of profit-driven financial assets. Heterogeneity tests show that economic policy uncertainty, corporate performance pressure, and attribution of corporate property rights play a moderating role in the relationship between gambling culture and corporate financial asset investment. The conclusions of this paper help enrich the study of the economic consequences of gambling culture for micro-enterprises and broaden the understanding of financialization from a cultural perspective. Full article

20 pages, 892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Energy Efficiency in the European Union Countries in 2013 and 2020

by Aneta Karasek, Barbara Fura and Magdalena Zajączkowska

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3414; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043414 - 13 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1419

Abstract

In the face of the current energy crisis and the need to implement the objectives of climate and energy policy, it seems necessary to examine energy efficiency. Accordingly, this article aims to assess the energy efficiency of European Union (EU) countries. The assessment [...] Read more.

In the face of the current energy crisis and the need to implement the objectives of climate and energy policy, it seems necessary to examine energy efficiency. Accordingly, this article aims to assess the energy efficiency of European Union (EU) countries. The assessment is performed using data envelopment analysis (DEA), a non-parametric method of measurement of relative efficiency. Ireland recorded the highest energy efficiency both in 2013 and 2020. The average efficiency of all countries assessed was lower in 2020 than in 2013. The number of fully efficient countries had decreased in 2020 compared to 2013. The differentiation of countries in terms of energy efficiency had increased in 2020. The research made it possible to express the efficiencies of countries using a single indicator applied to establish countries’ rankings. The lowest-ranked states are encouraged to improve their technologies for transforming inputs into outputs following the technologies of the benchmark countries. Moreover, a new approach to defining and measuring energy efficiency is proposed. We define energy efficiency as the ratio of services, goods and/or energy obtained to the energy input. In analysing energy efficiency, we emphasise dynamic perspectives rather than static ones. Full article

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19 pages, 328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Promote or Crowd Out? The Impact of Environmental Information Disclosure Methods on Enterprise Value

by Anrong Gao, Tianren Xiong, Yuxi Luo and Defeng Meng

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3090; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043090 - 08 Feb 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1980

Abstract

Environmental information disclosure is a concrete practice for enterprises to actively implement the concept of green and sustainable development, which has great significance for enterprises to gain long-term competitive advantages. The academic world has widely discussed the relationship between environmental information disclosure and [...] Read more.

Environmental information disclosure is a concrete practice for enterprises to actively implement the concept of green and sustainable development, which has great significance for enterprises to gain long-term competitive advantages. The academic world has widely discussed the relationship between environmental information disclosure and the economic performance of enterprises, but how the heterogeneity of environmental information disclosure methods affects the enterprise value has not been explored. This paper aims to answer two questions: (1) what is the impact of Ecomark and ESG on enterprise value? and (2) how does the interaction between Ecomark and ESG influence enterprise value? Utilizing the listed Japanese electrical equipment manufacturing enterprises dataset from 2008 to 2021, we employed the fixed panel linear regression model to confirm the relationship between Ecomark and ESG in enterprise value, and further used a moderating effect model to verify the existence of the crowd-out effect of ESG performance on Ecomark through enterprise value. In addition, a robustness check scheme was designed and performed to test the model settings, outliers and endogeneity issues. The main findings show that the obtaining of Ecomark certification and good ESG performance can help to improve enterprise value, but they may be altered regarding the heterogeneity of environmental information disclosure methods, further causing differences in enterprises’ time and economic cost burdens. Such differences increase the attractiveness of ESGs to investors, thereby crowding out the impact of Ecomark on enterprise value. Our conclusion reveals the mechanism of the heterogeneity of environmental information disclosure methods towards enterprise value, which offers a valuable reference for investors to evaluate enterprise value and paves the way for enterprise decision-makers and authorities to optimize their environmental information disclosure. Full article

25 pages, 3032 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Stakeholders in Creating Mobility in Logistics Systems of Polish Cities

by Edyta Przybylska, Marzena Kramarz and Katarzyna Dohn

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1790; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031790 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1627

Abstract

The basis for developing logistics solutions in cities is to know the requirements and expectations of current and potential transport users and for decision makers to strive to meet them. In building an urban logistics strategy, it is therefore necessary to take into [...] Read more.

The basis for developing logistics solutions in cities is to know the requirements and expectations of current and potential transport users and for decision makers to strive to meet them. In building an urban logistics strategy, it is therefore necessary to take into account different stakeholder groups. Building stakeholder relations should be aimed at involving them in the development of a sustainable transport policy for the city. It should be noted, however, that the importance of stakeholders in transport policy is diverse. This assumption was made in the paper, which aimed to identify the role of the various groups of urban logistics stakeholders in the sustainable movement of people. This challenge is subordinated to the methodology proposed in the paper, which combines the analysis of urban logistics stakeholders and the assignment of roles to them in the pursuit of sustainable flows of people in the city with the identification of tasks in which stakeholders characterized by a particular role should be involved. Achieving the stated goal required collaboration with experts. Research on the roles of stakeholders, as well as the tasks in which they should be involved, was conducted in Polish cities. Infrastructure managers, small mobility organisers, public safety organisations and public transport organisations turned out to be the development leaders who, as a result, were recommended to be included in most tasks by local government units of Polish cities. What deserves special attention in the results obtained, on the other hand, is the role of the unpredictable main player, which is other cities. Full article

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2022

Jump to: 2023, 2021

14 pages, 476 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Corporate Sustainable Development, Corporate Environmental Performance and Cost of Debt

by Haiyan Sun, Guangyang Wang, Junwei Bai, Jianfei Shen, Xinyuan Zheng, Erli Dan, Feiyu Chen and Ludan Zhang

Sustainability 2023, 15(1), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010228 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2382

Abstract

High environmental performance of enterprises may reduce financing costs, while good environmental performance can promote sustainable development of enterprises. Therefore, this paper examines the impact mechanism of China’s corporate environmental performance on financing costs, and whether corporate sustainable development plays a regulatory role [...] Read more.

High environmental performance of enterprises may reduce financing costs, while good environmental performance can promote sustainable development of enterprises. Therefore, this paper examines the impact mechanism of China’s corporate environmental performance on financing costs, and whether corporate sustainable development plays a regulatory role in the research of heavy pollution industries. This study is conducted through the Breusch and Pagan Lagrange multiplier test for random effects and the Hausman test to determine whether to adopt Fixed-effects regression or Random-effects GLS regression as an estimation method to control individual effects and endogenous problems brought by time. By collecting the samples of listed companies in China from 2010 to 2021, the empirical results show that corporate environmental performance is negatively related to financing costs. Sustainable development, as a moderator variable, is negatively related to financing costs and has weakened the inhibition of corporate environmental performance on financing costs. Although the existing literature shows that environmental performance will lead to changes in debt costs, this study has made contributions to the literature by revealing the sustainable development mechanism in the relationship between corporate environmental performance and financing costs and has verified that sustainable development is one of the important factors affecting financing costs. Full article

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22 pages, 2234 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Synergy between Technological Development and Logistic Cooperation of Road Transport Companies

by Kristina Vaičiūtė, Aušra Katinienė and Gintautas Bureika

Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 14561; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114561 - 05 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1892

Abstract

In today’s world, with the acceleration of technological processes and the emergence of the wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, all production and service sectors, especially transport companies, are experiencing new challenges of technological development. The technological development of a transport company and the [...] Read more.

In today’s world, with the acceleration of technological processes and the emergence of the wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, all production and service sectors, especially transport companies, are experiencing new challenges of technological development. The technological development of a transport company and the efficiency of road transport logistics depends on all the resources used and the latest implemented technologies. The authors analyse and evaluate the synergy of technological development and logistic cooperation. A synergy connection model is created to assess the interaction between logistic cooperation and technological development, and this synergy impacts the transport company’s activity. Three groups of factors are arranged for the defining of the level of synergy of logistics cooperation and technological development of road transport companies: the first, the influence of technological development on the effective use of IT; the second, the influence of technological development on the quality of innovative equipment; and third, the impact of technological development on the level of staff competence. The Alternative Hierarchy Processing (AHP) method was chosen to assess these factors’ importance as AHP enables quantifying the evaluation, i.e., gives numerical values for quality criteria. The synergy of transport company technological development and logistics cooperation is ensured mostly by the compatibility of transport system technologies and the technological literacy of logistic employees. It has been established that this factor is decisive for the formation of road transport companies’ technological development and logistic cooperation processes. Finally, the conclusions and recommendations are given. Full article

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25 pages, 2414 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Financial Performance under the Impact of the Decision to Implement an Organizational Change

by Olivia-Roxana Alecsoiu, Maria-Felicia Chirculescu and Andreea Panagoret

Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 13932; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113932 - 26 Oct 2022

Viewed by 1654

Abstract

The continued interest in this research topic can be justified by the fact that a direct correlation between financial performance and managerial performance has not yet been reached at the level of an entity in general and implicitly at the level of an [...] Read more.

The continued interest in this research topic can be justified by the fact that a direct correlation between financial performance and managerial performance has not yet been reached at the level of an entity in general and implicitly at the level of an energy entity. The assumed objective of the research was to make a theoretical, methodological, and empirical evaluation of the cause-effect relationships between financial performance and managerial performance. Regarding the working instruments for data collection and interpretation, the most commonly used research method was the comparative method used both in the approach of theoretical aspects and during the empirical research carried out. In addition, longitudinal methods were used both by presenting the evolution in time of the concepts debated in the work, as well as by the evolution in time of the performance indicators. At the end of the work, the observation method was used to draw partial conclusions. The results of the research confirm the hypothesis according to which the decision to implement the organizational change at the level of the entity has a significant contribution to the efficiency of the activity, as can be seen from the evolution of the net result. Full article

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23 pages, 4330 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multivariate Analysis of the Links between Transport Noncompliance and Financial Uncertainty in Times of COVID-19 Pandemics and War

by Kamer-Ainur Aivaz, Ionela Florea Munteanu, Mari-Isabella Stan and Alina Chiriac

Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 10040; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610040 - 13 Aug 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1618

Abstract

Sanctions should improve business compliance and mitigate the risks of non-conformity. This premise motivated our research and led to very interesting results for the trinomen business performance—transport infrastructure and local development strategies—public control. We used a customized Brunswik lens model to illustrate the [...] Read more.

Sanctions should improve business compliance and mitigate the risks of non-conformity. This premise motivated our research and led to very interesting results for the trinomen business performance—transport infrastructure and local development strategies—public control. We used a customized Brunswik lens model to illustrate the decision-making process based on the interactions between the analysis of sanctions in the transport sector and the projected financial judgement, as we have traditionally understood and experienced them. We clustered 186,671 cases of noncompliance sanctioned by the Romanian authorities and created a chromatic map with accents on the risks of nonconformities. We employed principal component analysis to find patterns and correlations between faulty behavior in transport activities and the evolution of financial indicators, such as exports and imports. The ROC curve was used to investigate the credibility of a possible connection between transport sanctions and the development of regional exports and imports. We found multiple challenges that interfere with the projection of a trustworthy financial judgement in transport and offer insights and recommendations for integrated local governance practices and strategies aimed at mitigating the risks of noncompliance and promoting sustainable development in transport. Full article

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17 pages, 333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Pro-Social Behaviours on Workplace Performance and Sustainability of University Administration

by Francis Ezieshi Monyei, Anthony Aniagboso Igwe, Edith Ogoegbunam Onyeanu, Lovlyn Ekeowa Kelvin-Iloafu and Wilfred Isioma Ukpere

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8853; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148853 - 20 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2497

Abstract

Taking a leap from the perspective of organizational citizenship behaviour, pro-social behaviour examines how volunteering intentions such as helping or assisting colleagues, to how collaboration tendencies such as selfless or willful participation in workplace functions, events and issues can affect or influence administrative [...] Read more.

Taking a leap from the perspective of organizational citizenship behaviour, pro-social behaviour examines how volunteering intentions such as helping or assisting colleagues, to how collaboration tendencies such as selfless or willful participation in workplace functions, events and issues can affect or influence administrative sustainability and longevity. This study examines the impact of pro-social behaviours on workplace performance and sustainability of university administration. Adopting the survey research design, respondents comprised both the academic and non-academic staff of the University of Nigeria, Enugu campus. The data collected were analyzed using the simple linear regression tools of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, Version 20. Findings revealed that volunteering impacts the longevity development of university administration, while collaboration affects the competitive edge of university administration. The study thus concluded that pro-social behaviours influence the performance and sustainability of university administration. Full article

2021

Jump to: 2023, 2022

25 pages, 3341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Business, Social, and Environmental Goals in Open Innovation through Partner Selection

by Ricardo S. Santos, Jose Soares, Pedro Carmona Marques, Helena V. G. Navas and José Moleiro Martins

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12870; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212870 - 21 Nov 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1668

Abstract

Although collaborative networks (CN) are widespread in academia and have come to be even more used in corporations all over the world, they still face several challenges on behalf of the new product development (NPD) context, especially in regard to the selection of [...] Read more.

Although collaborative networks (CN) are widespread in academia and have come to be even more used in corporations all over the world, they still face several challenges on behalf of the new product development (NPD) context, especially in regard to the selection of the CN’s right partner. This becomes even more evident when it comes to promoting sustainable development goals within a CN’s activities, by selecting the right partners with a wide consensus from a CN’s management board, avoiding, therefore, the subjectivity around managers’ perception of a CN’s partner selection. Therefore, this work attempts to answer this problem, by presenting a soft-computing-based framework, to support the managers’ board on partner search and selection. The method presented here is further assessed by using a case study, based on the development of a green product, where, according to the obtained results, it is demonstrated that the proposed approach is extremely effective for partner selection, by assessing and prioritizing each candidate involved. The most suitable candidate that fulfills the CN’s requirements is then selected to be integrated as a future partner. Full article

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22 pages, 336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Business Models of Social Enterprises: Insight into Key Components and Value Creation

by Petra C. M. Neessen, Cosmina L. Voinea and Els Dobber

Sustainability 2021, 13(22), 12750; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212750 - 18 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4507

Abstract

The increasing pressure on people to do something for society, in combination with the need for financial turnover in order to survive, is seen as one of the dominant factors for the rise of social enterprises. However, there is still debate on how [...] Read more.

The increasing pressure on people to do something for society, in combination with the need for financial turnover in order to survive, is seen as one of the dominant factors for the rise of social enterprises. However, there is still debate on how social enterprises create social value in addition to economic value and how this is reflected in the business model. In this case study research, we investigate how the key components of the business model of social enterprises contribute to the creation of social and economic value. The cases in this research create social and economic value through the mutually interacting operation of key components and their sub-components. This interacting effect focuses on the one hand on the alignment of the internal architecture, market and financial management with the mission. The mission statement serves as a guiding principle. Furthermore, realizing the highest possible profit is not a goal in itself for social entrepreneurs. Generating profit serves the continuity of the company and the realization of social value. We also found that social enterprises can be configured as either market hybrids, blending hybrids, bridging hybrids or coupling hybrids. Full article

16 pages, 898 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sustainable Management of Transboundary Groundwater Resources: Past and Future

by Ekaterina Golovina, Svetlana Pasternak, Pavel Tsiglianu and Nikolay Tselischev

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12102; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112102 - 02 Nov 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2613

Abstract

Groundwater resources at all times have provided and continue to provide a significant impact on the economic, social, and often political activities of any state, especially if the reserves of this strategic resource are limited. Coordinated groundwater resources management is one of the [...] Read more.

Groundwater resources at all times have provided and continue to provide a significant impact on the economic, social, and often political activities of any state, especially if the reserves of this strategic resource are limited. Coordinated groundwater resources management is one of the main conditions for the sustainable development of countries’ transboundary basins, affecting all aspects of human activity, including water supply, agriculture, industry, hydropower, water transport, environment, and the very quality of human life. Modern international trends in the field of transboundary groundwater resources management is undergoing significant changes. This article dwells upon the features of groundwater as a mineral, the structure of state groundwater management in the Russian Federation, the regulation of transboundary groundwater use, and protection at the international and domestic levels are analyzed. The system of management of the transboundary aquifers of Kazakhstan and Belarus is considered in more detail. The unitization approach used for coordinated development of oil and gas fields can, to some extent, serve as a model for managing common groundwater aquifers located on the border of neighboring states. Dogmatic and comparative legal methods consisting of analyzing the applicable legal regulations on the use and protection of groundwater were used. Several recommendations for improving the system of state sustainable management of groundwater resources at the global level are proposed. Full article

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15 pages, 1883 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coal Mines in Vietnam: Geological Conditions and Their Influence on Production Sustainability Indicators

by Chu Thi Que, Marina Nevskaya and Oksana Marinina

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11800; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111800 - 26 Oct 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4319

Abstract

The high growth rate that the Vietnamese economy has been demonstrating in recent years largely depends on the use of the country’s fossil fuel reserves, which form the foundation of its fuel and energy sector. The country will have to rely on coal [...] Read more.

The high growth rate that the Vietnamese economy has been demonstrating in recent years largely depends on the use of the country’s fossil fuel reserves, which form the foundation of its fuel and energy sector. The country will have to rely on coal as one of the key energy sources for a long time in order to meet its energy needs. Since coal has been mined in Vietnam for a long time, the country is now facing such challenges as the depletion of readily available reserves and an increase in the share of coal mined underground in difficult geological conditions. These circumstances may affect the sustainability of the coal industry as a whole. The purpose of the study is to develop a method for analyzing the influence of geological conditions on production sustainability indicators at coal mines operated by Vinacomin, a state-owned corporation. Research methods include substantiating and choosing objects and indicators reflecting production sustainability at coal mines, formalizing the qualitative characteristics of geological conditions, and revealing the relationship between the complexity of geological conditions and production sustainability indicators. As a result of the analysis, the most problematic mines and their operations were identified. They should be given priority attention when developing measures and corporate programs aimed at fostering the sustainability of coal mines. The results of the study provide new knowledge on the coal industry in Vietnam and help to develop methods for assessing corporate sustainability. Full article

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24 pages, 359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Corporate Governance and Corporate Reputation: The Role of Environmental and Social Reporting Quality

by Mohamad Iruwan Ghuslan, Romlah Jaffar, Norman Mohd Saleh and Mohd Hasimi Yaacob

Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10452; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810452 - 20 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4811

Abstract

Corporate reputation is companies’ most valuable asset as it can position them to gain competitive advantages that lead to sustainable performance. Therefore, understanding the factors that influence corporate reputation is vital for a company’s survival. The study objectives were to investigate the effects [...] Read more.

Corporate reputation is companies’ most valuable asset as it can position them to gain competitive advantages that lead to sustainable performance. Therefore, understanding the factors that influence corporate reputation is vital for a company’s survival. The study objectives were to investigate the effects of corporate governance and the quality of environmental and social reporting on corporate reputation. Additionally, this study examined the role of environmental and social reporting quality on the relationship between these two variables. This study used secondary data collected from multiple sources such as the Thomson Data Stream database and annual reports of publicly listed Malaysian companies between 2017 and 2018. The results showed that corporate governance effectiveness and environmental and social reporting quality positively influence corporate reputation. Additionally, the quality of environmental and social reporting mediates the relationship between corporate governance and corporate reputation. This study bridges research gaps by providing evidence for the impact of effective corporate governance, specifically board diversity, on corporate reputation in Malaysia. The findings can help companies to establish criteria and qualifications for the appointment of new board members. The members must have the right combination of skills, knowledge, experience and independent elements that enable them to make decisions to meet companies’ objectives. Full article

16 pages, 963 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trends in Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting. The Case of Chinese Listed Companies

by Xiaojuan Wu and Patrycja Hąbek

Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8640; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158640 - 03 Aug 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5118

Abstract

Compared with Western developed countries, corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation in China started relatively late, but so far, its development has been going on for more than ten years. Therefore, the development process of CSR reporting as a vital tool to reflect the [...] Read more.

Compared with Western developed countries, corporate social responsibility (CSR) implementation in China started relatively late, but so far, its development has been going on for more than ten years. Therefore, the development process of CSR reporting as a vital tool to reflect the CSR related information of Chinese listed companies is worth studying. It has been asserted in a large amount of literature that the government of a country has an important influence on the development of CSR reporting. Thus, in this paper, we aim to study the trends in CSR reporting practices of Chinese listed companies through statistical analysis methods and then consider the role of the government in it. The results show that the number of CSR reports issued by Chinese listed companies has increased year by year; notably, the number of voluntary CSR disclosure and environmental information disclosure has increased significantly. However, the overall disclosure rate of CSR reports is low and shows no upward trend, the published CSR reports lack third-party certification, and the information disclosure level of most CSR reports is concentrated at a relatively low level. The findings provide some useful references for the future development of Chinese CSR related laws, regulations, and guidelines. Full article

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16 pages, 568 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of B Corp Certification on Growth

by Valerie Paelman, Philippe Van Cauwenberge and Heidi Vander Bauwhede

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7191; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137191 - 26 Jun 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6527

Abstract

We empirically test whether B Corp certification affects the short- and medium-term growth rates of sustainable enterprises. These businesses are growing in popularity and prevalence but, due to their hybrid nature, often suffer from external credibility issues and competing internal logics. Because of [...] Read more.

We empirically test whether B Corp certification affects the short- and medium-term growth rates of sustainable enterprises. These businesses are growing in popularity and prevalence but, due to their hybrid nature, often suffer from external credibility issues and competing internal logics. Because of the rigorous and time-involving audit procedure, B Corp certification potentially sends a credible signal about the sustainable nature of the enterprise to its stakeholders. In addition, the B Corp label could help to straighten out internal tensions and align the company towards its dual purpose. Hence, B Corp certification could contribute to company success. We observe 129 firms that were certified between 2013 and 2018 over a period between six years prior and five years post-certification. Using propensity score matching, we identify 129 non-certified matching companies. On this sample, we conduct a difference-in-differences panel regression analysis to investigate the effect of certification. Our dataset allows us to study how the effects of B Corp certification evolve over time, which was previously untested. Our study documents a positive effect of B Corp certification on turnover growth and also that this effect increases with the time since certification, implying that certification requires some time for its full effect to become apparent. Full article

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19 pages, 2161 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Development of the Energy Sector in a Country Deficient in Mineral Resources: The Case of the Republic of Moldova

by Ecaterina Resniova and Tatiana Ponomarenko

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3261; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063261 - 16 Mar 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2644

Abstract

The energy sector is an essential element in an economy’s infrastructure, so a deficit of national mineral resources makes the energy sector dependent on imports of raw materials, which in turn can negatively affect a country’s energy security. The sustainable development of the [...] Read more.

The energy sector is an essential element in an economy’s infrastructure, so a deficit of national mineral resources makes the energy sector dependent on imports of raw materials, which in turn can negatively affect a country’s energy security. The sustainable development of the energy sector for countries with transitioning economies should be based on the energy trilemma. Four principles are proposed: diversification of energy resources and energy generation sources, ensuring energy efficiency, ensuring energy affordability, and green energy production. Based on a comparative analysis of the economic and energy indicators (for the years 2014 to 2019) of European countries that are not members of the European Union, the situation in the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova is classified as critical and its fundamental issues are identified (107th place in the World Energy Trilemma Index). The main objectives of the study are: (1) To analyze energy and economic efficiency as well as the conditions for and problems of the functioning of the energy sector in countries with transition economies (using non-European Union countries as an example); (2) To present a substantiation of the directions for development of the energy sector in countries with transition economies that lack energy resources (using the Republic of Moldova as an example), taking into account the identified factors and principles of sustainable development; (3) To develop an economic and mathematical model for assessing the directions for the development of the energy sector in countries with transition economies using multiple-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). Decision-making methods can be used to select strategic development alternatives, particularly in the energy sector. MCDA has several advantages and uses in the following situations: comparing several alternatives; identifying the most preferable and unacceptable alternatives; comparing alternatives based on several (sometimes conflicting) criteria; looking for a compromise in a situation where different stakeholders have conflicting goals or values. A methodology including a system of 7 indicators and an economic and mathematical model for assessing development paths for the energy sector in countries with transition economies were developed that are based on multiple-criteria decision analysis. An algorithm and a computer program were developed to carry out MCDA and select the best development path for the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova. The article presents a rationale for choosing the best option regarding the development of the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova, which is a country with a deficit of its own energy resources. Full article

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