3,231 research outputs found

    Environmental Factors and Adoption of Green Supply Chain Management among SMEs in Nigeria: Moderating Role of Environmental Uncertainty

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    Environmental regulations and policies have been recognised as significant factors influencing the adoption of Green Supply Chain Management. However, the importance of these factors in influencing sustainable practices within supply chains has been emphasized in recent research as global environmental challenges continue to worsen. As a result, adopting Green Supply Chain Management practices is crucial for ensuring sustainable supply chain operations in Nigeria, as SMEs significantly contribute to economic growth and development in the country. Therefore, this study examines the effect of environmental factors on the adoption of GSCM in the Nigerian SMEs. To measure all the variables, validated items were adapted from prior studies. Thus, 412 copies of questionnaires were retrieved from the selected managers/owners of SMEs after testing for the validity and reliability of instruments through a pilot study. The findings of the study indicated that the environmental factor is a very good predictive faction for the GSCM adoption of SMEs business in Nigeria, most especially in the area of customer demand, environmental regulation, environmental uncertainty, and supplier relationships. Furthermore, the introduction of environmental uncertainty as a moderating effect influence the relationship between an environmental factor and the adoption of GSCM practices in the area of environmental regulation and supplier relationship. The study findings are useful for decision-makers in the SMEs sector so they may build methods to enhance the adoption of GSCM. These findings are also useful for academicians’ future research endeavors. Managers can use those environmental factors concretely as a reference for the companies that intend to support the United Nation SDG-2030 agenda and to find new business opportunities for the implementation of sustainable development. The findings have a number of managerial implications that could contribute to SMEs for planning and development a GSCM strategy through the internal of the green supply chain perspective. This study's recommendations can help Nigeria's SME sector achieve its sustainable development goals and lead global climate change and environmental protection initiatives

    A perspective on circular innovation: Dynamics, strategies, and implications

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    This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from World Scientific Publishing via the DOI in this record This Letter considers the multifaceted realm of circular innovation, shedding light on its dynamics, strategic implications, and broader significance for sustainable development. By evaluating existing research and exploring examples across sectors, this work contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of circular innovation in transforming industries, economies, and societies. Although the topic has received increased interest in recent years, we find that there are notable gaps. While significant attention has been given to initial adoption and expansion, there is a lack of understanding regarding the enduring impacts on businesses and society. Further research addressing these gaps can enrich our understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this evolving field.University of Exete

    A stochastic programming approach for EOL electric vehicle batteries recovery network design under uncertain conditions

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    With the development of the electric vehicle industry, the number of power batteries has increased dramatically. Establishing a recycling EOL (end-of-life) battery network for secondary use is an effective way to solve resource shortage and environmental pollution. However, existing networks are challenging due to the high uncertainty of EOL batteries, e.g., quantity and quality, resulting in a low recycling rate of the recovery network. To fill this gap, this paper proposes a stochastic programming approach for recovery network design under uncertain conditions of EOL batteries. Firstly, a multi-objective model for battery recovery network is established, considering carbon emissions and economic benefits. Secondly, a stochastic programming approach is proposed to clarify the model. Subsequently, the genetic algorithm is employed to solve the proposed model. Finally, a recovery network case of Region T is given to verify the credibility and superiority of the proposed method. The results demonstrate that the proposed model reduces carbon emissions by 20 metric tons and increases overall economic benefits by 10 million yuan in Region T compared to the deterministic model. Furthermore, the two portions affecting the optimization results are also discussed to provide a reference for reducing carbon emissions and improving economic efficiency in recycling networks

    Organizing sustainable development

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    The role and meaning of sustainable development have been recognized in the scientific literature for decades. However, there has recently been a dynamic increase in interest in the subject, which results in numerous, in-depth scientific research and publications with an interdisciplinary dimension. This edited volume is a compendium of theoretical knowledge on sustainable development. The context analysed in the publication includes a multi-level and multi-aspect analysis starting from the historical and legal conditions, through elements of the macro level and the micro level, inside the organization. Organizing Sustainable Development offers a systematic and comprehensive theoretical analysis of sustainable development supplemented with practical examples, which will allow obtaining comprehensive knowledge about the meaning and its multi-context application in practice. It shows the latest state of knowledge on the topic and will be of interest to students at an advanced level, academics and reflective practitioners in the fields of sustainable development, management studies, organizational studies and corporate social responsibility

    A Hybrid Method for The Closed-loop Supply Chain to Minimize Total Logistics Costs

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    This is the final version. Available on open access from the International Journal of Technology via the DOI in this recordCrow search algorithm for binary optimization (BinCSA) is currently used in some ideal models of the uncapacitated facility location problem (UFLP), but studies on its use in real-world supply chain cases remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to address the gap by introducing a hybrid method that combined the BinCSA with an exact method to solve a CLSC problem, including location allocation, transportation, and supplier selection challenges. The initial sections of the study included theoretical foundations and experimental results of the BinCSA. Subsequently, how the BinCSA works in the proposed hybrid method was discussed, and the computational results were showed to evaluate the performance of the proposed method

    Craftmanship and Digitalization in the Italian Knitwear Industry. A Paradigm Shift for the Narrative of Made in Italy

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    Knitwear is a consolidated industry in Italy and, at the same time, a typical expression of the Made in Italy paradigm linked to the ideas of craftsmanship. While, on the one hand, knitwear is associated with the idea of craft and manufacturing traditions, on the other hand, it is nowadays produced by numerical control machines (CNC) where the technological contribution and the level of automation are very relevant. The convergence of physical and digital environments, at the heart of the Fashion Industry 4.0 debate, is an established feature of knitwear design practice. In the contemporary industrial scenario, knitted items are produced on digitally programmed machines through sophisticated software, and the manual contribution of the individual operator during the knitting phase is reduced to a minimum. In the light of these premises, this contribution questions the opportunity and value of the integration of digital technologies in the storytelling of traditional manufacturing without losing the power to evoke Made in Italy’s values such as quality, aesthetic refinement, and exclusivity. To analyze these issues, the authors report the case study of SMT – Società Manifattura Tessile, a leading knitting company where the technological presence equals that of traditional manufacturing craftmanship, keeping both elements at balance. The case study suggests the importance of the contemporary knitting craftsman to increasingly develop communication skills to make the relationship between technology andmanufacturing explicit and possibly smoothly blend it with the Made in Italy archetypes

    Collaborative digitally-enabled business models for a circular economy: Sustaining, managing and protecting value in the UK plastics sector

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    Designing circular business models requires a combination of systems-level and company-level approaches, highlighting the importance of collaboration. While digital technologies can enable such business models, studies that shed light on the creation of multiple types of value in collaborative and digital technology-driven environments are currently limited. This paper, therefore, aims to explore the process of designing digitally enabled collaborative business models, using the UK plastics sector as a context that has seen a rise in new digital technology applications to plastics mandated by new regulations. To this end, we have worked with fifteen plastics sector organisations as part of an empirical qualitative study aiming to develop collaborative business models for a future plastics circular economy system in the UK. Together with the stakeholders, we have co-designed the value-retention and data-as-a-service business models that could be enabled by digital technologies such as tags. We show that the main stakeholder tensions relate to digital technology investments, access to recyclate and data, and digital asset management. We argue that such tensions might be the key cause of delaying experimentation with circular business models and enacting collaborations at the systems level. We suggest that future research could draw on quantitative data, such as investment costs to test these circular business models, in order to inform the discourse on infrastructural investments for sustainability.<br/

    To what extent do circular economics principles apply in rural planning in India?

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    This dissertation provides an in-depth examination of the applicability of circular economy principles within the realm of rural planning in India. The circular economy, characterized by its focus on waste minimization, resource efficiency, and the creation of closed-loop systems, has gained prominence as a sustainable economic model. However, its adaptation to rural settings poses unique challenges and opportunities, shaped by the distinctive socio-economic and environmental contexts prevalent in India's rural areas. The primary objective of the study is to analyse the extent to which circular economy principles are integrated into rural planning practices in India. By exploring the potential benefits and challenges associated with the adoption of circular economy principles, it seeks to provide valuable insights into rural development strategies. These insights are particularly pertinent in the Indian context, where rural areas constitute a significant portion of the population and play a crucial role in the nation's economic and environmental landscape. To achieve this objective, the study incorporates inductive approaches and methodologies. It commences with a comprehensive literature review then analysing two case studies in the same setting against the set fame work. These regions are further compared to draw conclusion based on the current scenarios and policies, giving insights to reality and identifying the niche which could be worked on. This foundational phase sets the stage for understanding the core concepts, potential advantages, and key challenges associated with the circular economy model. In conclusion, this dissertation aspires to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge surrounding circular economy practices in rural planning, with a specific focus on the Indian context. Its findings aim to serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, planners, researchers, and stakeholders involved in rural development efforts. Ultimately, the study endeavours to build on the guidance and insights that foster sustainable rural development practices in India, aligning with the principles of the circular economy

    The Pragmatic Development of a Carbon Management Framework for UK SMEs

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    The UK's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 is challenged by critics citing current government strategies as inadequate, marked by a lack of concrete action and aspirational guidelines. Notably, businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which constitute about half of all business emissions, are pivotal to this goal. Yet, existing policies and standards often neglect the significant role of SMEs, who face barriers such as limited knowledge and resources in implementing carbon management practices. This thesis explores the development of a novel carbon management framework specifically designed for medium-sized organisations in the UK to address these problems. The research adopts a practical approach through collaboration with an industry partner, facilitating a case study for real-world application. Adopting a mixed-methods research design grounded in pragmatism, the study commenced with a qualitative study in the form of a focus group. This exploratory phase, critical for understanding SME challenges, yielded rich data revealing key management themes in strategy, energy, and data. The framework design was supported by a materiality assessment and input from key stakeholders on three major iterations. The final framework comprises three phases: establishing a baseline carbon footprint, creating a carbon reduction plan, and strategically implementing this plan. The validation process, conducted at Knowsley Safari, successfully tested the initial two phases but faced constraints in fully assessing the third phase due to time limitations. While the research achieved its primary aim of developing a novel carbon management framework for SMEs, it encountered limitations, notably in time and the generalisability of findings due to reliance on a single case study. Future research could test the framework across diverse SME settings to establish its broader applicability and effectiveness in aiding the UK's net-zero emission goals
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