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Article
Publication date: 3 April 2007

Hassan Qudrat‐Ullah and Mustafa Karakul

The purpose of this paper is to provide a long‐term assessment of Pakistan's electricity policy in the context of both environmental and resource constraints. To increase the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a long‐term assessment of Pakistan's electricity policy in the context of both environmental and resource constraints. To increase the sustainability of energy supply, the Government of Pakistan introduced a series of reforms in the electricity supply sector during 1990‐1995. In response to these policy incentives, most of the independent power producer offers included coal, oil, and/or gas‐based power plants. Considering that Pakistan produces only up to 40 percent of its oil demand domestically and thermal power generation causes CO2 emissions, there is a great need for an assessment of the existing electricity policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on system dynamics methodology, this study presents and utilizes a dynamic simulation model that captures the dynamics of the sectors underlying the electricity supply system including investments, capital, production, resources, financial resources, and the environment.

Findings

The key findings of this study are: policy incentives encouraged thermal‐based generation at the potential expense of hydro power generation; and the evolution of electricity supply related CO2 emissions exhibits an exponential growth.

Research limitations/implications

While there are other emissions related to the electricity supply system with potentially severe environmental concerns, for example SO2, this study focuses only on CO2 emissions.

Originality/value

The paper offers a system dynamics model and provides some useful policy insights for the electricity supply sector of Pakistan.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 1 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 22 May 2007

486

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 1 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Article
Publication date: 24 January 2023

Mahnaz Hosseinzadeh, Marzieh Samadi Foroushani, Hakim Ghayem and Mohammad Reza Mehregan

While the petroleum industry remains to be the main source of energy in the world, it is responsible for a large amount of resource consumption, environmental emission and safety…

Abstract

Purpose

While the petroleum industry remains to be the main source of energy in the world, it is responsible for a large amount of resource consumption, environmental emission and safety issues. In this industry, most of the refinery equipment are running out of their designed life cycle, leading to many challenges regarding equipment reliability, products quality, organizations’ profitability, human resources safety and job satisfaction, and environmental pollution, which affects not only the human resources of the refinery but also the people who live in the vicinity. This study aims to model and simulate the maintenance system of an oil refinery to reduce the rotating equipment’s downtime while simultaneously considering the three pillars of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the complexity of the system and its inherent dynamism, System Dynamics (SD) approach is applied to model and simulate the maintenance system of an oil refinery, aiming at reducing equipment’s downtime considering the three pillars of sustainability simultaneously. As a case study, the maintenance system of rotating equipment in the Abadan oil refinery of Iran is investigated.

Findings

Individual policies are investigated and categorized into three main groups: economic, social and environmental. The dynamic nature of the system demonstrates that applying combinations of the policies would be more effective than performing individual ones or even a combination of all policies at the same time. The findings show that to manage the maintenance and reliability issues in complex industries, only operational level maintenance strategies would not be helpful; rather, a holistic strategic solution counting different suppliers or even the government policies supporting the operational level maintenance decisions would be effective.

Originality/value

This study is the first which brings the perspective of sustainable policy-making in the SD modeling of a complex maintenance system like that of the petroleum industry. The developed model considers economic, environmental and social objectives simultaneously. Besides, it reflects the role of different stakeholders in the system. Furthermore, the policy-making attempt is not limited to the operational level corrective and maintenance solutions; instead, a comprehensive, holistic view is applied.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 40 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2024

Nasiru Zubairu, Ahmed Mohammed and Zeinab Zohny

Despite the increasing demand for renewable energy (RE) as a low-carbon energy source, the transition to RE is very slow in many regions, including Oman, the case country for this…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the increasing demand for renewable energy (RE) as a low-carbon energy source, the transition to RE is very slow in many regions, including Oman, the case country for this study. It is critical to offer strategic insights to energy supply chain participants towards the sustainable transition to renewable energy (STRE). The purpose of this study is to identify viable RE sources in Oman as a case study of a GCC member country, develop a comprehensive framework of STRE, and suggest future research opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper addressed this problem through a country/regional study of Oman by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR) of RE-related peer-reviewed publications spanning over 21 years from January 2000 to February 2021. The qualifying articles are evaluated using template analysis qualitatively to identify viable renewable energy sources, build a holistic framework of STRE and recommend future research opportunities.

Findings

Findings confirm the potential of solar, wind, biomass and geothermal energies driven by environmental, economic and social sustainability concerns. However, results suggest that to fast-track the STRE, more emphasis should be accorded to solar and wind energies owing to the geographical composition of Oman. Findings reveal that policies and regulations, advanced and cost-effective technologies, subsidy regimes, grid connectivity and capacity, storage capacity and land availability influence the STRE. Gaps in the literature are identified from the results to clarify and suggest future research opportunities.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that conducted an SLR that was evaluated using the template analysis technique to build a novel and updated framework that facilitates a crystalline understanding of STRE to guide policymakers and professionals in strategic decision-making.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 35 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 December 2024

Mahadi Hasan Miraz

Green investment funds are still imperative in clarifying the fundamental components of their relationship to sustainability. This study aims to investigate the impact of…

Abstract

Purpose

Green investment funds are still imperative in clarifying the fundamental components of their relationship to sustainability. This study aims to investigate the impact of different factors, such as green product design and innovation, green product entry barriers and green environmental awareness, on the success of green investment funds projects to finance environmentally friendly products. The research also investigates how green investment funds facilitate these factors to encourage environmentally sustainable business.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a questionnaire to collect insights from 210 green entrepreneurs in Asia, Africa, Europe and America. The data were then investigated using statistical tools, such as quantitative analysis of green entrepreneur surveys collected from various industries. The relationship between green product design and innovation, barriers to entry, environmental awareness and green entrepreneurship performance was investigated using partial least squares structural equation modelling, with green investment funds as a mediator.

Findings

The results indicate that every construct/variable included in the study supported the success of the sustainable business. The observation was made that the development phase tends to diminish the positive relationship between the success of green investment funds and green product codesign strategies. Implementing green product design and innovation improves the success of a green firm. Also, the progress of such companies might be hindered by entry barriers, and corporate performance is improved by environmentalism. This study found the role of green investment funds in promoting product innovation and positive environmental outcomes while reducing barriers to entry.

Significance of the study

Given these results, this work provides a theoretical explanation. Also, it gives doable recommendations for more successful green investment funds of environmentally friendly goods. The analysis emphasises the need for green product innovation and investment funds to mitigate entry obstacles. Corporate entities, investors and lawmakers receive pragmatic guidance on sustainable business practices.

Originality/value

This research, unique because of its multidisciplinary methodology and theoretical advances, examines the relationship between business, finance and sustainability. It provides valuable insights for academics, professionals and decision-makers, enhancing the understanding of green investment and entrepreneurship and offering practical global sustainable economic growth strategies. This paper investigates the impact of green investment funds on product innovation, entry obstacles, environmental consciousness and the success of green entrepreneurs. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is one of the limited numbers that models these features, enhancing the precision of green project success information.

Details

Studies in Economics and Finance, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1086-7376

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 December 2021

Bocun Tu, Jian Zuo, Rui-Dong Chang, Ronald J. Webber, Feng Xiong and Na Dong

Building information modeling (BIM) is recognized as one of the technologies to upgrade the informatization level of the architecture engineering and construction (AEC) industry…

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Abstract

Purpose

Building information modeling (BIM) is recognized as one of the technologies to upgrade the informatization level of the architecture engineering and construction (AEC) industry. However, the level of BIM implementation in the construction phase lags behind other phases of the project. Assessing the level of BIM implementation in the construction phase from a system dynamics (SD) perspective can comprehensively understand the interrelationship of factors in the BIM implementation system, thereby developing effective strategies to enhance BIM implementation during the construction phase. This study aims to develop a model to investigate the level of BIM implementation in the construction phase.

Design/methodology/approach

An SD model which covered technical subsystem, organizational subsystem, economic subsystem and environmental subsystem was developed based on questionnaire survey data and literature review. Data from China were used for model validation and simulation.

Findings

The simulation results highlight that, in China, from 2021 to 2035, the ratio of BIM implementation in the construction phase will rise from 48.8% to 83.8%, BIM model quality will be improved from 27.6% to 77.2%. The values for variables “BIM platform”, “organizational structure of BIM” and “workflow of BIM” at 2035 will reach 65.6%, 72.9% and 72.8%, respectively. And the total benefits will reach 336.5 billion yuan in 2035. Furthermore, the findings reveal five factors to effectively promote the level of BIM implementation in the construction phase, including: policy support, number of BIM standards, owners demand for BIM, investment in BIM and strategic support for BIM.

Originality/value

This study provides beneficial insights to effectively enhance the implementation level of BIM in the construction phase. Meanwhile, the model developed in this study can be used to dynamically and quantitatively assess the changes in the level of BIM implementation caused by a measure.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 July 2023

Khadija Echefaj, Abdelkabir Charkaoui, Anass Cherrafi, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes, Syed Abdul Rehman Khan and Abla Chaouni Benabdellah

Selecting the optimal supplier is a challenging managerial decision that involves several dimensions that vary over time. Despite the considerable attention devoted to this issue…

Abstract

Purpose

Selecting the optimal supplier is a challenging managerial decision that involves several dimensions that vary over time. Despite the considerable attention devoted to this issue, knowledge is required to be updated and analyzed in this field. This paper reveals new opportunities to advance supplier selection (SS) research from a multidimensional perspective. Moreover, this study aims to formalise SS knowledge to enable the appropriate selection of sustainable, resilient and circular criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is developed in two stages: first, a systematic literature review is conducted to select relevant papers. Descriptive and thematic analyses are employed to analyze criteria, solving approaches and case studies. Second, a criterion knowledge-based framework is developed and validated by experts to be implemented as ontology using Protégé software.

Findings

Evaluating the viability of suppliers need further studies to integrate other criteria and to align SS objectives with research advancement. Artificial intelligence tools are needed to revolutionize and optimize the traditional techniques used to solve this problem. Literature lucks frameworks for specific sectors. The proposed ontology provides a consistent criteria knowledge base.

Practical implications

For academics, the results of this study highlight opportunities to improve the viable SS process. From a managerial perspective, the proposed ontology can assist managers in selecting the appropriate criteria. Future works can enrich the proposed ontology and integrate this knowledge base into an information system.

Originality/value

This study contributes to promoting knowledge about viable SS. Capitalizing the knowledge base of criteria in a computer-interpretable manner supports the digitalization of this critical decision.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 34 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 April 2020

Olufunke Olufunmi Oladimeji, Heather Keathley-Herring and Jennifer A. Cross

This study investigates system dynamics (SD) applications in performance measurement (PM) research and practice. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to investigate the maturity…

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates system dynamics (SD) applications in performance measurement (PM) research and practice. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to investigate the maturity of this research area and identify opportunities for development.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to provide a comprehensive and rigorous review of the existing literature. The search was conducted on 10 platforms identifying 97 publications, which were evaluated using bibliometric analysis.

Findings

The analysis revealed that applications of SD are most commonly used in the PM system design phase to model organisational performance. In addition, the bibliometric results showed a highly dispersed author set, with most studies using exploratory methods, suggesting that the research is in a relatively early stage of development. The results also showed that over 50 per cent of the causal models were not validated, emphasizing an important methodological gap in this research area.

Research limitations/implications

This SLR is limited to indexed publications on 10 platforms, the search strategy was relatively precise and only available papers in English language were used for the literature review.

Practical implications

PM systems supported by SD can help managers understand and improve organisational behaviours by addressing dynamic complexities and relationship between variables. This study evaluates the maturity of this research area including information about the current development of this area and opportunities to build on existing knowledge.

Originality/value

This study identifies how SD approaches are applied to PM and highlights areas that require further research consideration. This paper is the first of two publications to result from this study and focuses on evaluating the current state of this research area.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 69 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2020

Olufunke Oladimeji, Jennifer Cross and Heather Keathley-Herring

A systematic literature review (SLR) was used to identify and analyze literature related to use of system dynamics (SD) applications in organizational performance measurement (PM…

Abstract

Purpose

A systematic literature review (SLR) was used to identify and analyze literature related to use of system dynamics (SD) applications in organizational performance measurement (PM) research. The purpose of this article is to present the results of a thematic analysis (TA) conducted to synthesize existing empirical evidence, investigate trends and evaluate developments in the research area.

Design/methodology/approach

A SLR was conducted resulting in a dataset of 97 articles in this research area. Using TA, major themes/subthemes were inductively synthesized to explore the current development and emerging trends and provide guidance for future research.

Findings

The TA resulted in seven themes in the research area – Enhancing knowledge, Approaches to operationalizing PM systems, Utilizing simulation models, Improving organizational outcomes, Achieving strategic alignment, Applying systems thinking and Identifying critical variables. The analysis suggests that although SD has the potential to improve PM systems, there are many limitations and challenges that must be addressed to improve implementation and practical applications. In addition, the results showed that much of the work is exploratory and many fail to fully validate their models suggesting that this research is still in an relatively early phase of development.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study are limited to the 97 articles identified using the SLR protocol. Although the search was designed to be comprehensive, there may be other relevant literature that was excluded. Further, the TA was limited to addressing the research questions.

Practical implications

A key insight for managers is that these tools would support decision-makers in understanding performance behaviors and identifying performance drivers for improvement. This suggests that stakeholders can adopt the approach to improve understanding and effectiveness of PM, and to enhance strategic decision-making.

Originality/value

This study provides a distinct and thorough analysis of this research area by conducting an inductive synthesis of developments and challenges and guidance for future research and practice. The resulting thematic model, identified code definitions and proposed framework of strategies to overcome challenges, provide a general overview and resource to support future studies in the research area and facilitate practical use of SD capabilities to support PM.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 59 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

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