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1 – 6 of 6Lee Matthews, Minelle E. Silva, Marina D. Figueiredo and Jia Yen Lai
In response to the worsening environmental crisis, there have been multiple calls for sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) scholars and practitioners to adopt a…
Abstract
Purpose
In response to the worsening environmental crisis, there have been multiple calls for sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) scholars and practitioners to adopt a “business-not-as-usual” approach based on justice, fairness, equity and sustainability. We add to this literature by proposing environmental justice (EJ) as a key concept for the theory and practice of SSCM.
Design/methodology/approach
This conceptual article builds SSCM theory on EJ and contributes to supply chain justice research and practice by introducing the concept of the “environmentally just supply chain” and presenting pathways for operationalizing it in practice.
Findings
Three pathways are proposed to leverage transformative SSCM to create environmentally just supply chains: human rights due diligence, resilience thinking and coproduction of environmentally just supply chains.
Practical implications
The three pathways can be used by actors within a supply chain to create environmentally just supply chains.
Originality/value
This article extends transformative, non-instrumental perspectives on environmental sustainability within SSCM scholarship to provide insights into how supply chains can be transformed through EJ. Not only does the article show the relevance of EJ for SSCM theory and practice, but it elaborates pathways for moving from harm reduction to transformative sustainability actions.
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Aino Heiskanen and Toni Ryynänen
It is suggested that the detrimental externalities of intensive livestock production can be reduced by manufacturing animal proteins with cellular agriculture technologies. This…
Abstract
Purpose
It is suggested that the detrimental externalities of intensive livestock production can be reduced by manufacturing animal proteins with cellular agriculture technologies. This study explores consumer attitudes towards cultured proteins based on representative Finnish survey data (n = 1,452).
Design/methodology/approach
Sum variables from the principal component analysis were utilized in the cluster analysis to identify potential consumer groups of cultured proteins in Finland. A regression analysis was used to find out the explanatory factors of positive first reaction, willingness to taste, willingness to use and support for the establishment of a national cultured meat sector.
Findings
Most of the respondents (72%) would taste cultured products, but attitudes of optimists (n = 516), moderates (n = 479) and sceptics (n = 457) differ in terms of the environment, livestock farming and cultured proteins. Most optimists (77%), almost quarter (23%) of moderates and less than a fifth (18%) of sceptics support cultured proteins. The environmental concerns are shared by optimists and moderates, whereas moderates and sceptics tend to be more suspicious. Positive attitudes are significantly influenced by social norms and respondents' beliefs regarding their global and national benefits. Major concerns pertain to anticipated dictation force of big companies, negative effects on Finnish agriculture, product attributes, use of genetically modified organisms and experienced (un)naturalness of cultured foods.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the understanding of Finnish consumers' attitudes towards cultured proteins. The identification of potential consumer segments and the elucidation of their attitudes are relevant, given the anticipated acceleration in the development of cultured foods.
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Marcus Carter and Ben Egliston
The resurgence of VR began in 2009 with Palmer Luckey's project to create a head-mounted 3D VR gaming device, leading to the development of Oculus. This movement was heavily…
Abstract
The resurgence of VR began in 2009 with Palmer Luckey's project to create a head-mounted 3D VR gaming device, leading to the development of Oculus. This movement was heavily influenced by hardcore gaming values, particularly those of John Carmack, a pioneer in first-person shooter games. The Oculus Kickstarter in 2012 emphasised VR for hardcore gamers, aiming for high graphical fidelity and immersive experiences. However, this focus has limited VR's potential. The chapter examines two case studies: SuperHot VR and Beat Saber. SuperHot VR challenges the emphasis on photorealism by offering immersion-through-proprioception, providing a unique VR experience without relying on high graphical fidelity. Beat Saber, though often seen as a casual game, has become the bestselling VR game by offering a pleasurable, short-play experience reminiscent of Nintendo Wii's casual games. The success of these games suggests that VR can thrive by appealing to a broader audience beyond hardcore gamers. By focusing on embodiment rather than purely visual immersion, these games highlight the potential for diverse VR experiences. This chapter argues that the fixation on hardcore gaming values, characterised by hyper-realistic graphics and intense gameplay, has restricted VR's growth. The success of games like SuperHot VR and Beat Saber demonstrates that VR can achieve broader appeal and greater success by catering to more varied gaming preferences and moving beyond the narrow confines of hardcore gamer culture.
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Ramya Singh, Archana Sharma, Nimit Gupta, Manish Mishra and Rohit Kushwaha
The rapid growth of the gig economy has reshaped the labor market and provided flexible work opportunities but also exposed gig workers to challenges such as job insecurity…
Abstract
Purpose
The rapid growth of the gig economy has reshaped the labor market and provided flexible work opportunities but also exposed gig workers to challenges such as job insecurity, anxiety and mental health concerns. For women gig workers, these challenges are often more pronounced due to the precarious nature of gig work and the lack of social protections.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 603 women gig workers across various sectors in India’s major metro cities. The survey used a combination of Likert scale and structured questionnaire to assess anxiety, mental health, job insecurity, workplace challenges and overall well-being, with reliability tests confirming internal consistency.
Findings
Descriptive statistics revealed moderate levels of anxiety, job insecurity and workplace challenges, with most respondents reporting relatively positive perceptions of well-being. Reliability analysis indicated satisfactory internal consistency across the survey constructs, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.774 to 0.789. Hypothesis testing showed significant negative correlations between anxiety, job insecurity, workplace challenges and well-being, indicating that higher levels of these stressors are associated with lower well-being. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions and policy enhancements to improve the working conditions and support systems for women gig workers.
Research limitations/implications
The study highlights the need for tailored policies and interventions to address the unique challenges faced by women gig workers. Enhancing social protections, providing mental health support and ensuring safer working conditions could help improve their overall well-being.
Originality/value
This study adds to the limited literature on women gig workers in India by examining the specific factors influencing their well-being. It offers new insights into the intersection of gender and gig work, emphasizing the need for policy frameworks that better support this vulnerable workforce.
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Zijun Lin, Chaoqun Ma, Olaf Weber and Yi-Shuai Ren
The purpose of this study is to map the intellectual structure of sustainable finance and accounting (SFA) literature by identifying the influential aspects, main research streams…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to map the intellectual structure of sustainable finance and accounting (SFA) literature by identifying the influential aspects, main research streams and future research directions in SFA.
Design/methodology/approach
The results are obtained using bibliometric citation analysis and content analysis to conduct a bibliometric review of the intersection of sustainable finance and sustainable accounting using a sample of 795 articles published between 1991 and November 2023.
Findings
The most influential factors in the SFA literature are identified, highlighting three primary areas of research: corporate social responsibility and environmental disclosure; financial and economic performance; and regulations and standards.
Practical implications
SFA has experienced rapid development in recent years. The results identify the current research domain, guide potential future research directions, serve as a reference for SFA and provide inspiration to policymakers.
Social implications
SFA typically encompasses sustainable corporate business practices and investments. This study contributes to broader social impacts by promoting improved corporate practices and sustainability.
Originality/value
This study expands on previous research on SFA. The authors identify significant aspects of the SFA literature, such as the most studied nations, leading journals, authors and trending publications. In addition, the authors provide an overview of the three major streams of the SFA literature and propose various potential future research directions, inspiring both academic research and policymaking.
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The purpose of this research is to investigate the acceptance and support of neurodiverse people in society, with a focus on autism, and to use this to propose a framework to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to investigate the acceptance and support of neurodiverse people in society, with a focus on autism, and to use this to propose a framework to enhance inclusivity that can inform pedagogy within the education sectors.
Design/methodology/approach
Three case studies from higher education have been presented and mapped onto a multi-dimensional spectrum of characteristics normally associated with autistic people. Further examples have been taken from the general population and these have been used, along with user scenarios to propose a framework for inclusivity.
Findings
A framework, the human spectrum, has been proposed which encompasses all of society, regardless of diagnoses and within which people have mobility in terms of their characteristics. It is proposed that this framework should be incorporated into pedagogy in primary, secondary and tertiary education so that teaching and assessment is inclusive and so that people’s understanding of human nature is built from an early age to counter stigma and herd mentality, or othering.
Social implications
The contribution of this paper could have significant implications for society as the framework provides a structure to enable people to consider others with new perspectives.
Originality/value
The framework proposed provides a new and original way of shaping the way people think within the education sector and elsewhere.
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