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Sustainability Management Strategies and Practices—2nd Edition

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 September 2025 | Viewed by 35456

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ming-Tsang Lu

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Guest Editor

Department of Business Administration, National Taipei University of Business, Taipei, Taiwan
Interests: sustainability; MCDM; green innovation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Jung-Fa Tsai

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Guest Editor

Department of Business Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
Interests: sustainability; information management; optimization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Yi-Chung Hu

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Department of Business Administration, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan 32023, Taiwan
Interests: sustainability; soft computing; MCDM; information management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Ming-Hua Lin

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Guest Editor

Department of Urban Industrial Management and Marketing, University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
Interests: sustainability; management science; information management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainable development and sustainability are increasingly relevant issues for a wide range of organizations and cover economic, environmental, social dimensions, thus requiring a multidisciplinary approach in order to explore, examine, and critically engage with issues and advances in these and related areas. In addition to covering the three pillars of sustainable development, other areas were covered, including governance and sustainability, energy return on investment, renewable energy self-sufficiency, and sustainability assessment and policies. Therefore, sustainability management strategies and practices are of growing significance. Many sustainability impacts are strongly influenced by management decisions, and the operations management function embraces the requirements of sustainability management. This has implications for processes and decisions associated with all aspects of operations management, including design, planning and control, strategy, and enhancement. This Special Issue aims to address questions related to the impact of management on the sustainable development or sustainability of organizations.

Thus, to explore challenges from various topics, this Special Issue invites research papers that may contribute to the applications or practices of sustainable development and sustainability in all fields. The papers should address but are not limited to:

Environmental sustainability;
Economical sustainability;
Social sustainability;
Sustainable supply chain management;
Business models for sustainable supply chains;
Governance and sustainability;
Sustainability assessment and policies;
Multiple-criteria decision-making;
Soft computing on production, manufacturing, and logistics;
Supply chain operations for a circular economy;
Renewable energy self-sufficiency;
Energy return on investment;
General and related topics.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Ming-Tsang Lu
Prof. Dr. Jung-Fa Tsai
Prof. Dr. Yi-Chung Hu
Prof. Dr. Ming-Hua Lin
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

environmental sustainability
economical sustainability
social sustainability
sustainable supply chain management
business models for sustainable supply chains
governance and sustainability
sustainability assessment and policies
multiple-criteria decision-making
soft computing on production, manufacturing, and logistics
supply chain operations for a circular economy

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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33 pages, 2531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Game Model of Fresh Supply Chain, Considering Preservation Efforts and Member Behavior Under Government Subsidies

by Haiping Ren, Yuanda Xu, Lian Han and Xiaoqing Huang

Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4820; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114820 - 23 May 2025

Viewed by 292

Abstract

With the improvement of living standards, consumer demand for fresh produce has witnessed a remarkable upsurge. Fresh products present significant preservation challenges, as their freshness directly correlates with sales performance and ultimately impacts the sustainable development of the fresh supply chain. Enhancing freshness preservation standards, boosting market demand, strengthening brand reputation, and promoting the development of a fresh supply chain are urgent problems that need to be solved. This paper delves into the dynamic optimal decision-making processes within a fresh food supply chain, which is composed of a supplier and a retailer, under different government subsidy scenarios: centralized decision-making, decentralized decision-making under supplier myopia, and decentralized decision-making under supplier’s foresight. Herein, a differential game model is constructed, and through the utilization of dynamic optimization and backward induction techniques, feedback strategies for various decision-making paradigms are derived. A comparative evaluation of decision-making models is conducted, grounded in theoretical frameworks and substantiated through numerical simulations, to assess critical parameter impacts. The results indicate the following: (1) the effect coefficients of consumer preference and preservation efforts show significant positive correlations with suppliers’ preservation strategies and retailers’ promotional tactics, respectively; (2) supply chain profitability reaches its Pareto-optimal state under centralized decision-making structures, while myopic supplier behavior leads to systematically lower profits than foresighted supplier strategies; (3) retailers demonstrate stronger collaboration preferences toward foresighted suppliers, as such partnerships ensure enhanced quality consistency and supply continuity; and (4) government agencies should implement dynamically adjusted subsidy schemes during preservation initiatives to facilitate sustainable operational frameworks in fresh produce supply chains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Management Strategies and Practices—2nd Edition)

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23 pages, 592 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectuation in Crisis: How Displaced Women Entrepreneurs Adapt Strategies for Sustainable Business in Ethiopia

by Kassa Woldesenbet Beta

Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4740; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104740 - 21 May 2025

Viewed by 344

Abstract

This study investigates how displaced women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia’s fragile institutional environment apply effectuation principles to sustain their businesses. Through analysis of five effectuation dimensions, we find that while affordable loss strategies and means orientation enhance business resilience, traditional effectuation approaches like partnership formation and rigid control mechanisms often prove ineffective in displacement contexts. This research makes three key contributions: first, it extends effectuation theory by identifying how institutional fragility fundamentally alters the utility of entrepreneurial strategies; second, it reveals displaced women’s innovative adaptations through informal networks and risk-minimising approaches; and third, it challenges universal applications of effectuation principles in crisis settings. This study contributes to sustainable entrepreneurship by demonstrating both the relevance and constraints of effectuation theory in crisis-affected environments. It underscores the importance of flexible, resourceful strategies for women entrepreneurs navigating systemic challenges, offering insights for policymakers and support organisations. Practical implications include designing capacity-building programmes that promote adaptive strategies, such as risk management and resource optimisation, while addressing the challenges of partnerships and rigid control mechanisms. By aligning with the goals of sustainable development, this research not only highlights the potential of effectuation principles but also unravels their limitations, providing a nuanced understanding of how entrepreneurial strategies can foster resilient livelihoods and sustainable economic practices in crisis-affected regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Management Strategies and Practices—2nd Edition)

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21 pages, 2159 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing the Nexus Between Project Constraints and Social Sustainability in Construction: A Case for a Developing Economy

by Muhammad Shahzaib, Arslan Aziz, Kashan Fayyaz, Muhammad Irfan, Wesam Salah Alaloul and Muhammad Ali Musarat

Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9875; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229875 - 12 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1519

Abstract

The construction industry plays a crucial role in the development of emerging economies; however, project constraints can pose significant challenges to achieving social sustainability. Therefore, this study investigates the nexus between project constraints and social sustainability factors within Pakistan’s construction industry. The study adopted a quantitative approach and analyzed the collected data through descriptive and inferential tests. Data were collected from 100 civil engineers registered with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) through structured questionnaires. Analysis methods included the mean, standard deviation, Relative Importance Index (RII), and multiple regression tests. Cost (mean = 3.98) and time (mean = 3.90) emerged as the most significant project constraints, while poor safety on sites had the lowest means (3.49). In social sustainability factors, improving quality of life (mean = 3.73) ranked highest, with diversity in the workforce scoring lower (mean = 3.35). RII revealed cost (RII = 0.796) and time (RII = 0.780) as top constraints, while safety ranked lowest (RII = 0.698). Multiple regression showed that cost (slope = 0.390, p = 0.027) and unskilled workforce productivity (slope = 0.312, p = 0.073) significantly affect client social sustainability. Consultants prioritized poor productivity (slope = 0.623, p = 0.003), and contractors showed positive trends in cost and planning. The study highlights challenges like workforce skill gaps and safety enforcement, stressing the need for interventions to enhance social sustainability outcomes in Pakistan’s construction sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Management Strategies and Practices—2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 3516 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comprehensive Evaluation Model for Sustainable Supply Chain Capabilities in the Energy Sector

by Mehdi Safaei, Khalid Yahya and Saleh Al Dawsari

Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9171; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219171 - 22 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1473

Abstract

This study introduces a comprehensive model to evaluate multiple capabilities within the sustainable supply chain evaluation framework. The primary aim is to determine the significance of various capabilities in the context of sustainable supply chains. The research involved a sample of sixteen companies operating in Iran’s energy sector. The findings indicate that the majority of these companies are at level two in terms of capability. Therefore, it is recommended that these companies employ this model to assess their capability levels and identify any existing gaps. Methodologically, a checklist tool was used to refine the criteria using the fuzzy Delphi method. Subsequently, an appropriate model was chosen and developed by reviewing existing evaluation models. The criteria were compared and finalized using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Finally, the criteria were further refined and validated through a fuzzy expert system, incorporating Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System and Fuzzy Inference System. The developed model was then simulated and validated using MATLAB Simulink software (R2017b). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Management Strategies and Practices—2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 888 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mediating Role of Eco-Innovation between Adaptive Environmental Strategy, Absorptive Capacity, and Environmental Performance

by Juan Manuel Bucheli, Ricardo Santa, Thomas Tegethoff and Katherine Quintero

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6504; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156504 - 30 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1653

Abstract

This article delves into the role of adaptive environmental strategies, absorptive capacity, and eco-innovation in enhancing environmental performance, particularly in the context of market turbulence. The study, conducted among 568 companies in Colombia, employs structural equation modeling to evaluate relationships between the studied variables. The findings suggest that adaptive strategies alone do not directly impact environmental performance, emphasizing the need for integration with eco-innovation initiatives. Moreover, organizations with high absorptive capacity can leverage market turbulence to drive eco-innovative initiatives, highlighting the indirect yet significant impact of market turbulence on environmental performance through absorptive capacity. The study underscores the critical role of eco-innovation in directly influencing environmental outcomes, suggesting that the effectiveness of adaptive strategies and absorptive capacities hinges on successful eco-innovation initiatives. These insights offer practical guidance for organizations seeking to enhance their environmental performance in turbulent markets, providing a roadmap for sustainable business practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Management Strategies and Practices—2nd Edition)

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16 pages, 932 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Solutions in E-Commerce: An Examination of Customer Acceptance of Automated Delivery Stations in Vietnam

by Jung-Fa Tsai, Hong-Ngoc Ngo, Zhen-Hua Che and Ming-Hua Lin

Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4570; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114570 - 28 May 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2309

Abstract

The rapid emergence of e-commerce in Vietnam has resulted in significant pressure on freight traffic and the environment, particularly in urban areas. Automated delivery stations (ADSs), also known as smart lockers or parcel lockers, offer a promising solution to improve the sustainability of last-mile delivery systems. However, the adoption of such a sustainable alternative by Vietnamese customers is inadequately understudied. This study primarily aims to investigate factors impacting Vietnamese customers’ acceptance of these automated delivery points. Utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM), a survey following convenience sampling was carried out in Vietnam to assess recent experiences at automated delivery stations. The results showed that innovativeness and location convenience positively influenced consumer intention to use ADS, while perceived time pressure had no impact on consumer intention to use automatic delivery systems. This study provides valuable insights to e-commerce companies to customize their services to match customer preferences, which will optimize last-mile delivery options and thereby promote sustainable practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Management Strategies and Practices—2nd Edition)

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25 pages, 2648 KiB

Open AccessReview

Empowering Communities to Act for a Change: A Review of the Community Empowerment Programs towards Sustainability and Resilience

by Diana Dushkova and Olga Ivlieva

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8700; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198700 - 9 Oct 2024

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 19838

Abstract

At the global level, significant efforts have been made to address societal challenges and improve the lives of people and restore the planet’s ecosystems through sustainability and resilience programs. These programs, however, tend to be driven by governments, private sectors, and financial institutions, and therefore often lack a process of empowerment to ensure that the local communities can participate actively in co-designing and implementing these programs. More knowledge is needed on how to develop such programs and how the process of empowerment can be organized so that it supports in the long run sustainability transformation. Against this background, the paper explores the role of community empowerment programs as a critical tool for sustainability management strategies and practices. A semi-systematic review of 21 community empowerment programs for sustainability and resilience is conducted. The analysis reveals that the programs mostly aimed to address challenges such as the lack of education and capacity, limited access to basic services and resources, and poor governance and management. The programs initiators involve a diverse set of actors, especially through established partnerships and networks. Most of the programs address the specific needs of vulnerable or marginalized groups or communities. The structure of the programs typically follows a phased methodological approach, beginning with awareness-raising and problem identification, followed by capacity building that allows for making decisions collaboratively and for co-creating innovative solutions based on local knowledge and values. Also, monitoring and evaluation of transformative impact are mentioned as important structural elements. Specifically, the analysis highlights four main focus areas of empowerment: (1) capacity building, (2) self-reliance, control, ownership, responsibility, and independence, (3) participation, engagement, and collective action, and (4) integration of local knowledge and values. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to such programs. Instead, successful empowerment programs towards sustainability depend on a deep understanding of local contexts and the ability to tailor strategies to meet specific community needs. The review also identified knowledge gaps that require further investigation to enhance the effectiveness of empowerment programs for both people and nature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Management Strategies and Practices—2nd Edition)

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45 pages, 3994 KiB

Open AccessReview

Integrating Perishables into Closed-Loop Supply Chains: A Comprehensive Review

by Mobin Zarreh, Mohammad Khandan, Alireza Goli, Adel Aazami and Sebastian Kummer

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6705; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156705 - 5 Aug 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6649

Abstract

In an era where sustainability and efficient resource utilization are paramount, the closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) emerges as a critical approach, particularly in the context of perishable goods. The perishability of products adds a layer of complexity to supply chain management, necessitating innovative strategies for maximizing product life and minimizing waste. This comprehensive review article delves into the integration of perishable products within the framework of CLSC. The study thoroughly examines existing research to identify gaps and outline future research directions. It emphasizes the unique challenges and complexities of managing perishable goods, a crucial but often overlooked component in sustainable supply chain practices. The review highlights the balance between efficiency and sustainability, underscoring the importance of reverse logistics and circular economy principles in enhancing supply chain resilience. By synthesizing various methodologies and findings, the article presents a holistic view of the current state of perishable product management in CLSCs, offering valuable insights for academia and industry practitioners. The study not only contributes to the theoretical understanding of CLSCs, but also proposes practical approaches for their optimization, aligning with broader sustainability goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability Management Strategies and Practices—2nd Edition)

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