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Special Issue "Sustainability and Application of Green Production"

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2017) | Viewed by 86084

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Sang-Bing Tsai

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Guest Editor

1. Zhongshan Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Guangdong 528400, China
2. Economics and Management College, Civil Aviation University of China, Tianjin 300300, China
3. Business and Law School, Foshan University, Guangdong 528000, China
4. School of Economics & Management, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai 201306, China
Interests: strategic management; business management; applied mathematics; operations management; green technology; sustainability; big data; computer science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Bin Liu

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Co-Guest Editor

Shanghai Maritime University, China
Interests: sustainability; green production

Prof. Joseph Z. Shyu
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Co-Guest Editor

National Chiao Tung University, Taiwan
Interests: sustainability; green production; operation management

Prof. Dr. Yongjian Li

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Co-Guest Editor

Department Chair, Business School, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, P.R. China
Interests: sustainable supply chain management; reverse logistics; closed-loop supply chains; supply chain disruptions; green production; operation management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Yong Deng
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Co-Guest Editor

Southwest University, China
Interests: green production; operation management

Prof. Dr. Ming-Lang Tseng

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Co-Guest Editor

Institute of Innovation and Circular Economy, Asia University, Taichung 41345, Taiwan
Interests: municipal solid wastes; green supply chain management; corporate sustainability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Jih-Jeng Huang

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Co-Guest Editor

Soochow University, Taiwan
Interests: sustainability; operation management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Green production (GP) refers to a process by which management and technological approaches are used to minimize and control the amount of pollutants produced during industrial production processes. The purpose of GP is to conserve energy, reduce energy consumption, and reduce pollution.

Since the United Nations Environmental Programme began actively promoting green production

（GP）in 1989, GP and green environments have become global topics. Governments in every country are gradually focusing on directing industrial productions to GP and have incorporated GP as a critical element in national development strategies. GP has gradually been developed into a full-range measure that incorporates process, product, and service dimensions for assessing complex topics on the environment, resources, ecology, economy, commercial trade, and sustainability.

We invite investigators to contribute to this Special Issue with original research articles, as well as review articles.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

Green production or clean production
Green production system
Environmental management systems
Green supplier
Green evaluation index
Green management
Environmental performance
Sustainability
Green Corporate Social Responsibility

Prof. Sang-Bing Tsai
Guest Editor

Prof. Bin Liu
Prof. Joseph Z. Shyu
Prof. Ming-Lang Tseng
Prof. Yongjian Li
Prof. Yong Deng
Prof. Jih-Jeng Huang
Co-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 2200 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

Green production
clean production
Green production system
Environmental management systems
Green supplier
Green evaluation index
Green management
Environmental performance
Sustainability
Green Corporate Social Responsibility

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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Open AccessArticle

Research on Customer Satisfaction in Marine Cultural and Sustainable Tourism—A Case Study of Shanghai

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Sustainability 2017, 9(6), 921; https://doi.org/10.3390/su9060921 - 31 May 2017

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4828

Abstract

In recent years, marine cultural tourism, an emerging tourism mode, has become more and more popular among tourists, and demonstrates broad market prospects. However, Chinese marine cultural tourism is still in the development and growth stage, and the level of customer satisfaction is uneven. The improvement of the customer satisfaction level is conducive to meeting customers’ demands in marine cultural tourism and enhancing the competitiveness of Chinese marine cultural tourism. Based on theoretical research and the practical situation of marine cultural tourism, this paper implements empirical investigation and research into customer satisfaction in marine cultural tourism in Shanghai, China. According to the research results, it proposes improving the level of customer satisfaction in Chinese marine cultural tourism from the perspectives of ocean culture tourism promotion, customer satisfaction evaluation, service level management and environment construction of scenic spots, tourism branding and the marine cultural accomplishments of tourists, so as to promote the sustainable development of marine cultural tourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Application of Green Production)

Open AccessArticle

Low Carbon Strategy Analysis of Competing Supply Chains with Different Power Structures

Bin Liu

Tao Li

and

Sang-Bing Tsai

Sustainability 2017, 9(5), 835; https://doi.org/10.3390/su9050835 - 16 May 2017

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 4780

Abstract

This paper investigates the emission reduction performance for supply chain members in both single-channel and exclusive dual-channel cases. Two game scenarios (Manufacturer Stackelberg and Retailer Stackelberg) are examined under different channel structures. Furthermore, we introduce government subsidies as an impact factor of low-carbon strategy adoption. In the single-channel (Case 1), we mainly examine the influence of consumers’ price-sensitivity on channel members’ optimal decisions. In the dual-channel (Case 2), we focus on the joint impact of product substitutability and different channel power structures on the optimal decisions under asymmetric related channel status. The analysis suggests that the Stackelberg leaders always perform better than their corresponding followers before emission reduction, while they may not necessarily yield more benefits after emission reduction. The implementation of low-carbon strategy depends on parameters like product substitutability and channel base demand. Finally, all the supply chain members will encounter a Prisoner’s Dilemma when the product substitutability is relatively high. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Application of Green Production)

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Open AccessArticle

A Cross-Strait Comparison of Innovation Policy under Industry 4.0 and Sustainability Development Transition

Kuan Chung Lin

Joseph Z. Shyu

and

Kun Ding

Sustainability 2017, 9(5), 786; https://doi.org/10.3390/su9050786 - 09 May 2017

Cited by 105 | Viewed by 12144

Abstract

While the advent of Industry 4.0 is emblematic of national strategy for industrial revitalization, the proliferation of technology has drastically changed the landscape of many major sectors of global industries. Industry 4.0 encompasses multi-dimensional concepts—including computerization, digitization, and intelligentization—of business operations based on cyber-physical-systems (CPS) and the Internet-of-Things (IoTs). The vision of Industry 4.0 will bring about improvements in industrial processes, ranging from engineering, material usage, supply chains, and product lifecycle management, to the horizontal value chain. This research project adopts a descriptive analysis with descriptive statistics under the innovation policy framework proposed by Rothwell and Zegveld. This report also informs a comparative policy analysis across China and Taiwan. From the perspectives of industry coalition and competition, this cross-strait comparison lends itself to being a policy-making reference. Results reveal that China, in terms of policy-making, concentrates on ‘political’ and ‘legal/regulatory’ aspects of environmental policy, as well as the theme of ‘public service’ of the demand-side policy. Taiwan also emphasizes the ‘environmental-side’ policy like China, whereas Taiwan focuses more on ‘education/training’ of the supply-side policy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Application of Green Production)

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Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Collection Strategy and Coordination of a Remanufacturing Closed-Loop Supply Chain under Uncertainty

Zongsheng Huang

Jiajia Nie

and

Sang-Bing Tsai

Sustainability 2017, 9(5), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/su9050683 - 26 Apr 2017

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 4053

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the uncertainty factors that impact the collection strategy of a remanufacturing closed-loop supply chain. The basis of this type of supply chain is the collection of used products, without which the remanufacturing of new products would be out of the question. In this paper, we considered the effect of stochastic disturbance on the collection process in a closed-loop supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and a retailer, in which the manufacturer is responsible for collecting the used products. Considering stochastic disturbance, in this research, we proposed a stochastic collection model, and derived the feedback control strategies for both the manufacturer and retailer. Next, we investigated the evolutionary path and probability distribution of the stochastic return rate. Finally, we proposed a contract to coordinate the decentralized closed-loop supply chain. The results showed that the manufacturer would improve the level of return effort as the intensity of stochastic disturbance increases. However, the disturbance would not affect the pricing strategies of the supply chain members. As a result of the stochastic disturbance, the return rate always hovered around the expected return rate, while the expectation and variance of the return rate remained stable from a long-term perspective. The expected value and variance of the return rate could decrease or increase with time, depending on the value of the initial return rate of the system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Application of Green Production)

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Open AccessArticle

A Performance Evaluation Study of Human Resources in Low-Carbon Logistics Enterprises

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Sustainability 2017, 9(4), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/su9040632 - 17 Apr 2017

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3814

Abstract

With China’s rapid economic development, restructuring the economy will require a development model based on high-to-low carbon transition. The development of logistics enterprises has its own characteristics associated with the trend of low carbon. This article discusses the significance of structuring a human resource performance evaluation system for low-carbon logistics enterprises. We used an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and triangle-definite weighted functions as the technology platform to determine the performance evaluation and measure corporate status quo. The results can serve as a reference for companies to make the best talent decisions and achieve long-term development strategies. In addition, this study helps to make up for a lack of relevant research in this area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Application of Green Production)

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Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Driving Factors for Extended Producer Responsibility by Using Interpretative Structure Modelling (ISM) and Analytic Network Process (ANP)

Xiong Zheng

Fangchao Xu

and

Lipan Feng

Sustainability 2017, 9(4), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/su9040540 - 31 Mar 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4211

Abstract

The establishment of an efficient reverse supply chain is important, especially in the electronics industry, considering the environmental and resource pressures worldwide. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), an important environmental policy approach, has been adopted extensively in various countries, and the effectiveness of its implementation has been proven through practical application. However, the establishment and development of EPR are lacking in most developing countries where collection and recycling systems are underdeveloped. This study addresses this problem by exploring the hierarchical relationship among the driving factors of EPR in the electronics industry in China and by identifying and ranking the factors that are critical in EPR implementation. As important managerial conclusions, research results show that EPR-related laws and regulations, the consciousness of senior executives, and corporate image are the three most important driving factors of EPR implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Application of Green Production)

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Open AccessArticle

Environmentally Friendly Supplier Selection Using Prospect Theory

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Sustainability 2017, 9(3), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/su9030377 - 04 Mar 2017

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4027

Abstract

This paper proposes an optimal selection method to address the real-world problem of environmentally friendly supplier selection, based on prospect theory. This study adopted the manufacturer’s point of view, and considered the manufacturer’s psychological and behavioral factors in the process of choosing suppliers. The first step was to build supplier-selection indexes for manufacturers. Then, the study assessed the attribute of manufacturer expectations as a reference point. Next, index gains and losses were evaluated against the expectation reference point, yielding a payoff matrix and loss matrix. Finally, the study used prospect theory to calculate the comprehensive prospect value of each supplier; comprehensive prospect values were sorted in descending order to help manufacturers make the best choice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Application of Green Production)

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Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Legitimacy on a Proactive Green Orientation and Green Performance: A Study Based on Transitional Economy Scenarios in China

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Sustainability 2016, 8(12), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/su8121344 - 20 Dec 2016

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 5818

Abstract

With environmental pollution, climate change and resource scarcity being serious global issues, green entrepreneurship is increasingly seen as an approach to simultaneously address economic performance, environmental impact and social responsibility. As green entrepreneurship needs to consider both venture performance and social responsibility, it will be subject to legitimacy constraints at the system level. Whether these legitimacy constraints are favorable to green enterprise is not yet clear from current research. Especially for transition economies, the problem of whether proactive green enterprises facing legitimacy constraints under institutional uncertainty can achieve green performance requires further study. Thus, a theoretical model to determine the relationship between green proactiveness orientation (GPO), green performance, legitimacy, and transitional economics was proposed. Based on the data from 235 new Chinese green firms, the empirical results suggest that green startups launch with a green proactiveness orientation, which enables them to acquire a green performance advantage over their competitors. Improvements in green performance is also shown to be driven by the pressure from institutional legitimacy. Better green performance can be easily achieved if green startups have a higher level of legitimacy. However, against the background of transitional economies, the increase in institutional uncertainty will damage the promotion of political legitimacy and make the enterprises that are subject to political legitimacy constraints lose their green performance. Currently, political legitimacy is no longer an impetus. However, the increase in institutional uncertainty will strengthen the promotion of commercial legitimacy and cause green-oriented startups to pursue more commercial interests. Thus, to a certain extent, it will lead to market uncertainty. The conclusion of this study not only provides guidance for startups in different industries to develop green actions under the pressure of institutional constraints but also warns governments to improve policies and regulations quickly under different situations of institutional uncertainty. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Application of Green Production)

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Open AccessArticle

Marine Ecological Environment Management Based on Ecological Compensation Mechanisms

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Sustainability 2016, 8(12), 1267; https://doi.org/10.3390/su8121267 - 06 Dec 2016

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 7374

Abstract

The level of marine environmental management is a key factor in the successful implementation of marine power strategies. The improvement in management levels of marine environments requires innovation in marine management. In other words, the transformation of marine environmental management into marine ecological environment management must be done in order to achieve sustainable development of the marine economy. As an environmental economic policy that combines both administrative and market measures, ecological compensation mechanisms have significant advantages in marine ecological environment management. Based on the study of the current development of ecological compensation mechanisms in China, through the analysis of the connotation of marine ecological civilization, existing marine ecological protection practices and marine environmental management methods, this paper posits that the current marine ecological environment management in China should be established on the basis of ecological compensation mechanisms. At present, a lack of laws and regulations for overall marine ecological environment management is the key factor restricting the practice of marine ecological environment management. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the current path of marine ecological environment management in China from the perspective of the construction of legal system of ecological compensation law, the establishment of ecological compensation fees, ecological taxes and ecological compensation fund systems, and the clear status for a marine ecological management and supervision body. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Application of Green Production)

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Open AccessArticle

Application of the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior Model to Investigate Purchase Intention of Green Products among Thai Consumers

Kamonthip Maichum

Surakiat Parichatnon

and

Ke-Chung Peng

Sustainability 2016, 8(10), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/su8101077 - 23 Oct 2016

Cited by 302 | Viewed by 31999

Abstract

Green products are among the widely used products worldwide due to their environmental benefits. However, information on the consumers’ purchase intention towards green products in developing countries, such as Thailand, is lacking. This study aims to investigate Thai consumers who are aged over 18 years, and whose base education is high school, on purchase intention for green products by using an extended framework of the theory of planned behavior (TPB). We derived and examined the model through structural equation modeling in a sample of 483 respondents in Thailand. The findings of this model indicated that consumer attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control have significant positive influences on the purchase intention for green products. Furthermore, our results indicated that environmental concerns have a significant effect on attitude, perceived behavioral control and purchase intention for green products, but subjective norm. Moreover, environmental knowledge had no significant effect on the purchase intention for green products. Instead, it had a distinct indirect effect through attitude towards purchasing green products, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control. The findings from this study contribute to improving the understanding of intention to purchase green products, which could play a major role towards sustainable consumption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainability and Application of Green Production)

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