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1 – 10 of 10Alejandro J. Useche, Jennifer Martínez-Ferrero and Giovanni E. Reyes
The goal is to investigate the relationship between financial performance and environmental, social and governance (ESG) indicators and disclosures for a sample of Latin American…
Abstract
Purpose
The goal is to investigate the relationship between financial performance and environmental, social and governance (ESG) indicators and disclosures for a sample of Latin American firms.
Design/methodology/approach
Dynamic panel data regressions are used to analyze a sample of 114 companies listed on the Latin American Integrated Market, MILA (Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru) for the period 2011–2020. The Altman Z-score and Piotroski F-score are used as indicators of the probability of default and comprehensive financial strength. Models are developed in which the relationship between economic value added (EVA) and Jensen’s alpha are evaluated against firms’ ESG practices.
Findings
A direct relationship between ESG strategies and financial performance was found. Better practices and transparency in ESG are related to lower probability of bankruptcy, greater financial strength, greater EVA and superior risk-adjusted returns.
Research limitations/implications
ESG data were obtained from the Bloomberg system based on a methodology that may differ from other sources. The sample covers four Latin American countries and large corporations. Independent variables were selected for their perceived validity, given their frequent use in previous studies.
Practical implications
Evidence for company management regarding the importance of strengthening ESG practices and reporting should be part of their balanced scorecards. For investors, the results support the importance of evaluating ESG practices in asset selection.
Originality/value
The present study is the first research to present empirical evidence on the relationship between ESG scores and disclosures for MILA countries, using a comprehensive set of financial performance indicators (Altman Z-scores, Piotroski F-scores, EVA and Jensen’s alpha).
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Reyes González-Ramírez, Jose Gasco and Juan Llopis
Despite the evident link between digitalisation and sustainability, many organisations have these two strategies operating on a parallel basis and not in a coordinated manner…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the evident link between digitalisation and sustainability, many organisations have these two strategies operating on a parallel basis and not in a coordinated manner. Hence the objective of this work, which consists of proposing a model to analyse the connection existing between both strategies within the business environment, additionally relating them to innovation and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Design/methodology/approach
With that aim, the results of a survey answered by 98 managers of Spanish enterprises are examined using the PLS software, especially suited for the study of structural equations like the one put forward in this paper.
Findings
The conclusions drawn suggest that the most innovative firms are indeed the ones that invest to a greater extent in digitalisation and sustainability. It was also possible for us to verify that digitalisation exerts a positive influence on sustainability and that both the latter and digitalisation directly relate to CSR strategies. However, innovation as such does not constitute a requirement for CSR; instead, these Social Responsibility actions will take place when innovations rely on digitalisation and sustainability strategies.
Originality/value
Until now, most studies have addressed digitalisation and sustainability independently, with contradictory theoretical approaches in the literature about these two topics and a paucity of empirical results about the link between digitalisation and sustainability. The present study clarifies the relationships between sustainability and digitalisation, also relating them to innovation and CSR in the business environment.
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Ebenezer Afum, Yaw Agyabeng-Mensah and Charles Baah
This study aims to explore how logistics firms exploit lean logistics and corporate green practices as significant catalysts for achieving business excellence via the mediation…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore how logistics firms exploit lean logistics and corporate green practices as significant catalysts for achieving business excellence via the mediation roles of green internal stakeholder satisfaction and green external stakeholder satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
Questionnaire is used in garnering data from 137 Ghanaian logistics firms. Structural equation modeling, particularly partial least squares, was applied to test all hypotheses.
Findings
The results confirm the notion that although lean logistics has positive effect on business performance, the effect is insignificant; hence, it is the concurrent implementation of lean logistics and corporate green practices that leads to superior business performance. The mediation analysis further confirms that both green internal stakeholder satisfaction and green external stakeholder satisfaction are significant precursors through which logistics firms can achieve superior business performance when lean logistics and corporate green practices can influence business performance.
Research limitations/implications
Data is collected from logistics firms from a single country. Hence, the results obtained cannot be imported to reflect the general occurrence in other geographical settings.
Practical implications
This study informs managers of logistics firms that lean and green strategies are compatible when implemented together; hence, it should not be treated in isolation. Managers are further enlightened that in their pursuit of business excellence, there is a need to prioritize green internal stakeholder satisfaction and green external stakeholder satisfaction via prudent investment in lean and green practices.
Originality/value
The research model proposed in this study magnifies the literature on lean and environmental management via bridging the literature gap concerning the interrelationship between lean logistics, corporate green practices, green internal stakeholder satisfaction, green external stakeholder satisfaction and business performance.
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Kasturi Muniapan, Rosmaini Ahmad, Muhammad Shahar Jusoh, Shaliza Azreen Mustafa and Tan Chan Sin
This paper proposes an assessment method for lean and sustainability (LS) practices for shop-floor workers, designed to evaluate their current practice culture.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper proposes an assessment method for lean and sustainability (LS) practices for shop-floor workers, designed to evaluate their current practice culture.
Design/methodology/approach
The method is developed in five phases: setting predefined indicators, constructing the assessment mechanism, implementing the assessment procedure, analyzing data and delivering results with recommendations. Validation is performed using two worker groups – line supervisors and operators – within the light-emitting diode (LED) manufacturing industry.
Findings
The results showed that workers’ familiarity and understanding of LS practices do not always correspond to their awareness levels. Key recommendations include prioritizing training for critical cases and adapting training approaches to fit the specific knowledge profiles identified.
Research limitations/implications
Firstly, the company should integrate the proposed assessment into an online platform that can automatically generate individual statistical results and priority levels. This reduces the burden of manual work and makes large-scale assessments more practical. Secondly, the study should expand to other shop-floor workers, such as technicians and engineers, to assess their knowledge profiles for future LS development initiatives.
Practical implications
The recommendations provide managers and training departments with guidelines to revise current training approaches. The methodology is validated, enabling the identification and mapping of each worker’s knowledge profile.
Originality/value
This study presents an original assessment method for evaluating the knowledge profiles of shop-floor workers regarding LS practices. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior literature has reported on an assessment method targeting this specific group. The proposed approach supports the decision-making process for better LS practices in the company.
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Varimna Singh, Preyal Sanghavi and Nishant Agrawal
Industry 4.0 (I4.0), the Fourth Industrial Revolution, integrates Big Data analytics, blockchain, cloud computing, digitisation and the Internet of Things to enhance supply chain…
Abstract
Industry 4.0 (I4.0), the Fourth Industrial Revolution, integrates Big Data analytics, blockchain, cloud computing, digitisation and the Internet of Things to enhance supply chain (SC) activities and achieve sustainable growth through dynamic capabilities (DCs). This approach equips businesses with the necessary tools to optimise their operations and remain competitive in a dynamic business environment. The value proposition of a business encompasses a wide range of activities that add value at each stage. By leveraging DCs, a firm can achieve innovation, gain a competitive advantage and enhance its adaptability. Conversely, effective value chain management can amplify the influence of a firm's DCs on SC sustainability, by reducing waste, optimising resource utilisation and fostering strategic partnerships. This mutually beneficial connection takes the form of a dynamic interaction in which I4.0 technologies act as a catalyst to help organisations become more resilient, adaptive and responsive. The adoption of these technologies denotes a comprehensive approach to business shift, not merely technical integration. I4.0 has an impact on several organisational disciplines outside of manufacturing, from automation and efficiency advantages to quality enhancements. This chapter offers an extensive literature review to explore the level of SC sustainability that a business can achieve by combining its DCs and implementing strategic I4.0 adoption. The function of value chain management in moderating the effects of I4.0 and DCs on SC sustainability is also assessed. This study proposes a theoretical model that is grounded in the insights extracted from the literature review.
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Giulia Piantoni, Laura Dell'Agostino, Marika Arena and Giovanni Azzone
Measuring shared value (SV) created in innovation ecosystems (IEs) is increasingly relevant but complex, given the multidimensional and multiactor nature of both concepts, which…
Abstract
Purpose
Measuring shared value (SV) created in innovation ecosystems (IEs) is increasingly relevant but complex, given the multidimensional and multiactor nature of both concepts, which challenges traditional performance measurement systems (PMSs). Moving from this gap, the authors propose an integrated approach to extend the balanced scorecard (BSC) for measuring and monitoring SV creation at IE level.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed approach combines the most recent contributions on PMS in IEs and SV to define perspectives and dimensions that are better suited to deal with the nature of both IEs and SV. The approach is also applied to the real case (Alpha) of an Italian IE through a step wise method. Starting from the IE vision, the authors identify in the strategy map the specific objectives related to each perspective/dimension combination and then associate a performance indicator with each objective.
Findings
The resulting SV BSC is composed of indicators interconnected along different perspectives and dimensions. The application of the approach to the real case proves its feasibility and highlights characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the SV BSC when used at IE level. The authors also provide guidelines for its application to other IEs.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the research on PMS by introducing and applying to a real case an integrated approach to assess SV in IEs, overcoming the shortcomings of PMS framed for single firms. It can be of interest for both researchers in the field of ecosystems value creation and practitioners managing or promoting such complex structures.
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Muhammad Imran Qureshi, Mehwish Iftikhar, Yasmine Muhammad Javaid Iqbal, Chaudry Bilal Ahmad Khan and Jia Liu
Despite the growing interest in closed-loop manufacturing, there is a lack of comprehensive frameworks that integrate product development, production processes, people and…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the growing interest in closed-loop manufacturing, there is a lack of comprehensive frameworks that integrate product development, production processes, people and policies (4Ps) to optimize sustainable manufacturing performance. This study investigates the influence of the four Ps of closed-loop manufacturing systems (product development, production processes, people and policies) on sustainable manufacturing performance (SMP).
Design/methodology/approach
To investigate the influence of the four Ps on SMP, a hybrid analytical model was employed, combining structural equation modeling (SEM) with artificial neural networks (ANN). Data were collected through a structured survey administered to 353 manufacturing firms in Malaysia. SEM was used to assess the relationships between the variables, while ANN was employed to capture nonlinear relationships and improve prediction accuracy.
Findings
The research findings demonstrate that product development practices, including eco-design, life cycle assessment and resource planning, exert the most significant influence on SMP. Furthermore, implementing green and lean manufacturing techniques, energy modeling and material utilization/toxicity planning significantly enhances sustainability outcomes. While the social setting (employee motivation, turnover and work–life quality) does not directly impact SMP, it plays a pivotal role in facilitating the implementation of internal environmental policies. Moreover, environmental management practices, both mandatory and voluntary, serve as intermediaries between the four Ps and SMP within closed-loop manufacturing systems.
Practical implications
The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, industry leaders and manufacturing organizations. By prioritizing product development, implementing green and lean manufacturing practices and fostering a positive social setting, organizations can significantly enhance their sustainable performance. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of effective environmental management practices in mediating the relationship between other factors and SMP.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive framework for understanding the factors that drive sustainable manufacturing performance. The hybrid SEM-ANN model offers a robust and innovative approach to analyzing the complex relationships between the four Ps and SMP.
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The concept of a sustainable warehouse management system (WMS) is a relevant yet under-researched area within warehousing logistics. The purpose of this research is twofold…
Abstract
Purpose
The concept of a sustainable warehouse management system (WMS) is a relevant yet under-researched area within warehousing logistics. The purpose of this research is twofold: first, to review the literature on the topic of socially and environmentally sustainable practices; second, to lay the theoretical base for identifying social and environmental sustainability practices in warehousing operations that can serve as focus areas for WMS operational functions.
Design/methodology/approach
This research built knowledge on a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis in Scopus Elsevier and Web of Science Core Collection databases. After comprehensively filtering English literature from 2016 to 2024, only 43 out of the initial 601 studies comprised relevant warehousing practices that can be incorporated into the scope of WMS activities.
Findings
As a result, retrieved practices were allocated to a specifically designed warehouse model within the main processes, equipment and resources. This model could serve as a baseline for incorporating 48 sustainable WMS practices. The prevailing share of practices focuses on environmental rather than social warehouse sustainability. WMS should adopt sustainable warehousing practices to reduce warehouses' carbon footprint, energy and resource consumption and improve working conditions in a warehouse.
Originality/value
There have not been any existing reviews on warehouses' social and environmental sustainability to synthesize knowledge and serve as a base for WMS sustainability. This research will contribute to developing more sustainable and environmentally responsible warehousing operations, ultimately benefiting society and the environment. By incorporating such practices into WMS, warehouse owners can ensure efforts toward social and environmental sustainability while still maintaining efficient operations.
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Imen Ouragini, Imen Ben Achour and Lassaad Lakhal
The current study’s goal is to investigate how lean, agile, resilient and sustainable human resource management (LARS HRM) affects green innovation and environmental performance…
Abstract
Purpose
The current study’s goal is to investigate how lean, agile, resilient and sustainable human resource management (LARS HRM) affects green innovation and environmental performance, both directly and indirectly.
Design/methodology/approach
Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data based on a sample of 273 Tunisian businesses in the industrial and service sectors that were certified ISO 9001.
Findings
With the exception of AHRM–GPdtI, the results show that the mainstream advanced theory on direct effects was verified. With regard to indirect effects, everything of the literature that was presented was accepted, with the exception of the relationship between AHRM–GPdtI–EP, AHRM–GPssI–EP and RHRM–GPdtI–EP.
Originality/value
This research is distinctive in that it aims to incorporate every LARGS paradigm within the HRM field. By taking green innovation into consideration, it closes the current gaps on the direct and indirect effects of LARS HRM on environmental performance. Our study is unique in that it incorporates large, industry-operating, certified ISO 9001 firms with those in the service sector, with the goal of achieving greater generalization of results.
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This research analyses the linkages between green manufacturing (GM) and manufacturing performance (MP) dimensions comprising sustainable performance (SuP) (economic [EcP], social…
Abstract
Purpose
This research analyses the linkages between green manufacturing (GM) and manufacturing performance (MP) dimensions comprising sustainable performance (SuP) (economic [EcP], social [SP] and environmental [ENP]) and operational performance (OP) with supply chain alertness (SCAL) and supply chain preparedness (SCP) as mediators.
Design/methodology/approach
This deductive-quantitative approach embraces the explanatory design. It analyses 285 datasets gathered from structured questionnaires via structural equation modelling.
Findings
The study found that GM, SCAL and SCP significantly improve manufacturing firms' operational and sustainable performance. Also, SCP and SCAL partially mediate the GM-MP correlations among manufacturing firms in Ghana, a developing economy.
Research limitations/implications
The paper is limited to the quantitative methodologies given its relevance in examining causal relationships among constructs. Also, it was conducted within the scope of manufacturing firms in developing economies, specifically Ghana. Despite the limitations, the study's outcomes imply that manufacturing firms can perform well in sustainable and operational aspects if they prioritise green manufacturing practices, supply chain preparedness and alertness.
Practical implications
This research offers new insights into the significant contributions of adopting the GM practice to MP (SuP and OP). Also, it advocates for more investments into GM, SCAL and SCP to ensure sustainability in today's highly disruptive manufacturing environment, leading to superior manufacturing performance. The study provides relevant directions for policymakers, industry players and supply chain practitioners in adopting GM throughout their production processes to attain manufacturing performance targets.
Social implications
By advocating for sustainable manufacturing practices like green, the study contributes to a cleaner environment, resource conservation, and ultimately, a more sustainable future. The shift towards eco-friendly production methods can influence public attitudes towards manufacturing and promote environmentally conscious practices.
Originality/value
The study's originality lies in examining the mediation roles of SCAL and SCP on the GM-MP nexus of manufacturing industries in a developing economy, where environmental sustainability and disruptions along supply chains are becoming major concerns.
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