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Quality Management and Sustainable Development

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Economic and Business Aspects of Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2018) | Viewed by 54112

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Economics and Business, University of the Basque Country, San Sebastian, Spain
Interests: corporate environmental management; environmental management systems; energy management; corporate biodiversity management; corporate social responsibility; environmental reporting; socio-economic impact of renewable energy systems; transdisciplinary research; critical management studies

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Guest Editor
Departement of Management, Faculty of Business Administration, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
Interests: sustainability; corporate environmental management; environmental management systems; environmental reporting; energy management; corporate biodiversity management; corporate social responsibility

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Guest Editor
Istituto di Management, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy
Interests: corporate environmental management; environmental management systems; corporate social responsibility; ecolabels; environmental reporting; quality management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The purpose of this Special Issue is to shed light on the potential contributions of Quality Management on Corporate Environmental Management and other related Sustainability issues.

The mainstream scholarly and practitioner literature underlines that best management principles, models, and practices contribute positively to achieve Sustainable Development. In this vein, the relevance of the adoption of management practices, such as Management System Standards—also referred to as meta-standards, such as ISO 9001—and Business Excellence Models (such as the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) self-assessment model or the Deming Prize Model) and their potential positive impact on Sustainability (e.g., the improvement of corporate environmental performance) have been underlined in the literature. The proper ISO 14001 standard for Corporate Environmental Management and other ISO standards of the general field of sustainability (e.g., ISO 50001) are based on a set of Quality Management principles and practices, such as the process and continuous improvement approach, the evidence-based decision making, the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, etc. Nevertheless, the positive win–win relationship between Quality Management (approach and practices) and Sustainability is far from automatic and foreseeable. More research is needed to shed light on the mentioned relationship. Therefore, we call for manuscripts that combine rigor with relevance and shed light on this increasingly relevant topic.

We invite original contributions with theoretical insights, empirical data analysis (qualitative or quantitative), case studies or other suitable methods to try to shed light on the mentioned issues. The scope of the Special Issue includes (but is not limited to) the following topics: Management for Sustainability; implications for Sustainability of the main principles, frameworks, models and/or practices associated to Quality Management; impact of Quality Management standards (e.g., ISO 9001) and/or models (e.g., EFQM) on environmental performance; integration of Management Standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)) and Sustainability implications.

This Special Issue of Sustainability has been promoted by the Research Network on Management Standards-RMS (www.rnms.info), a network which aims to become a scholarly reference in the field of research of Quality Management, Corporate Environmental Management and Management System Standards.

Prof. Dr. Iñaki Heras Saizarbitoria
Prof. Dr. Olivier Boiral
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Francesco Testa
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

  • quality management
  • total quality management
  • environmental management
  • environmental performance
  • ISO 9001
  • ISO 14001
  • Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS)
  • business excellence models
  • European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM)

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 1117 KiB  
Article
The Impact of International Management Standards on Academic Research
by Anna Pohle, Knut Blind and Dmitry Neustroev
Sustainability 2018, 10(12), 4656; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10124656 - 6 Dec 2018
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3999
Abstract
Management standards serve as an effective knowledge diffusion channel, considering that they offer comprehensive scientific and practical knowledge for many different stakeholders. This research aims to study the potential of management standards to diffuse knowledge, especially within the scientific community. Therefore, it analyzes [...] Read more.
Management standards serve as an effective knowledge diffusion channel, considering that they offer comprehensive scientific and practical knowledge for many different stakeholders. This research aims to study the potential of management standards to diffuse knowledge, especially within the scientific community. Therefore, it analyzes the relationship between management standards and the academic literature. It focuses on international management standards, namely ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 and their ‘European counterparts’ EMAS and the EFQM Excellence model. We tested whether scientific publications, which address these international and European management standards, are more likely to lead to follow-up research than comparable scientific publications measured by the impact on average forward citations. Hence, we applied a negative binominal regression model on bibliometric data. Findings show that publications addressing ISO 14001 alone or in combination with other standards lead to higher average forward citations than the comparison group. In conclusion, international management standards foster the academic research progress of the topics addressed by the respective standard. Our research implies the importance of monitoring standards for the scientific community and suggests Standard Setting Organizations to foster actively the research progress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Management and Sustainable Development)
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35 pages, 4503 KiB  
Article
ISO 9001 and Supply Chain Integration Principles Based Sustainable Development: A Delphi Study
by Ali Bastas and Kapila Liyanage
Sustainability 2018, 10(12), 4569; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10124569 - 3 Dec 2018
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7949
Abstract
Driven by the increasing stakeholder and societal pressures, organizations and supply chains face the multi-dimensional challenges of not only integrating economic, environmental and social agendas into their management systems but also driving continual sustainability performance improvement. Aiming to support organizations in this sustainable [...] Read more.
Driven by the increasing stakeholder and societal pressures, organizations and supply chains face the multi-dimensional challenges of not only integrating economic, environmental and social agendas into their management systems but also driving continual sustainability performance improvement. Aiming to support organizations in this sustainable development challenge, this paper explores the strategic management principles of ISO 9001 and supply chain integration from the lens of triple bottom line sustainability. Derived from theoretical synergies, a conceptual framework for integration, measurement, and improvement of triple bottom line sustainability is constructed and a business diagnostic tool introduced to facilitate the implementation of the framework. The developed conceptual framework and diagnostic tool are verified through an expert panel-based Delphi study and positive relationships formulated between the management principles of ISO 9001, supply chain integration and sustainability management. The facilitating and catalyzing role of quality management and supply chain management principles for integration and improvement of organizational sustainability is outlined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Management and Sustainable Development)
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15 pages, 451 KiB  
Article
Lean Energy: Turning Sustainable Development into Organizational Renewal
by Árni Halldórsson, Ida Gremyr, Anette Winter and Naghmeh Taghahvi
Sustainability 2018, 10(12), 4464; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10124464 - 28 Nov 2018
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3933
Abstract
The potential for integrating principles of lean management and sustainability initiatives has been recognized in earlier research. The present study argues for the need to focus on how this should be implemented and to acknowledge the criticality of developing individuals’ competencies to support [...] Read more.
The potential for integrating principles of lean management and sustainability initiatives has been recognized in earlier research. The present study argues for the need to focus on how this should be implemented and to acknowledge the criticality of developing individuals’ competencies to support such integration. The purpose of this paper is to explore the integration of lean and energy efficiency practices and provide practical examples of such integration. This study is explorative in nature and based on a qualitative research approach. Primary evidence was collected through an interview study of 19 participants in a lean energy course, and through a participant observation at a company workshop following up the program results. Secondary evidence was collected on the development and evaluation of this course. By operationalizing sustainability through energy efficiency and combining with lean principles, organizations can exploit continuous improvement efforts for sustainable development. This paper focuses on professional education as a component for integrating improvement initiatives and sustainable development. Whilst professional education enables individual learning, organization-wide efforts are needed to follow up on the educational program and support a scaling-up of lean energy. The scaling-up means that the organization itself encourages the use of principles and tools to identify and remove energy waste and support a move from local practices to shared experience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Management and Sustainable Development)
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24 pages, 9280 KiB  
Article
Sustainability Assessment According to the Selected Business Excellence Models
by Miriam Jankalová and Radoslav Jankal
Sustainability 2018, 10(10), 3784; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10103784 - 19 Oct 2018
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5090
Abstract
Not every Business Excellence model has an integral approach considering the environmental, economic, and social aspects of sustainability. The aim of the paper is to review the selected Business Excellence Models and to introduce a proposal to improve this type of models as [...] Read more.
Not every Business Excellence model has an integral approach considering the environmental, economic, and social aspects of sustainability. The aim of the paper is to review the selected Business Excellence Models and to introduce a proposal to improve this type of models as being applicable for the sustainability assessment. The models that were chosen are used as a basis for organisational improvement. The paper is based on information gathered through extensive literature review (research publications, research studies, documents about The Business Excellence Models) using Internet and research databases and the author’s own experience. Methods of analysis, comparison, selection and statistics are to be used. Although the models are based on similar principles, the differences are in the number and structure of the criteria, respectively, sub-criteria and in the sustainability assessment approach. Therefore, as key criteria in the area of self-assessment, we propose seven non-results criteria and criterion results. The proposed Model is discussed with the analysed models, based on the calculation of their mutual distances. The model, which is closest to the proposed model, is The Singapore Business Excellence Framework. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Management and Sustainable Development)
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21 pages, 1437 KiB  
Article
Mediating Role of the Six Sigma Implementation Strategy and Investment in Human Resources in Economic Success and Sustainability
by Jorge Luis García-Alcaraz, Giner Alor-Hernández, Cuauhtémoc Sánchez-Ramírez, Emilio Jiménez-Macías, Julio Blanco-Fernández and Juan I. Latorre-Biel
Sustainability 2018, 10(6), 1828; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10061828 - 1 Jun 2018
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4888
Abstract
Six Sigma is a methodology widely used in manufacturing production to guarantee quality and several factors facilitate its success. This paper presents a structural equations model to identify the relationships between managerial commitment, Six Sigma implementation strategy, investments in human resources and the [...] Read more.
Six Sigma is a methodology widely used in manufacturing production to guarantee quality and several factors facilitate its success. This paper presents a structural equations model to identify the relationships between managerial commitment, Six Sigma implementation strategy, investments in human resources and the economic benefits obtained; and five hypotheses are proposed. These variables are also related to sustainability, especially human resources, a paradigm very combinable with Six Sigma. The model is evaluated using partial least squares and information obtained from 301 Mexican manufacturing companies from different industrial sectors. The results indicate that managerial commitment is the basis for Six Sigma success, but requires an adequate implementation strategy focused on customers and their needs, which must integrate an investment plan in human resources that is focused on training and teamwork. In addition, managers must have a reward program that encourages motivation and recognizes the achievements of the human resources involved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Management and Sustainable Development)
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17 pages, 1456 KiB  
Article
Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty as a Part of Customer-Based Corporate Sustainability in the Sector of Mobile Communications Services
by Mariana Strenitzerová and Ján Gaňa
Sustainability 2018, 10(5), 1657; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10051657 - 21 May 2018
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 12134
Abstract
In the service sector, the issue of customer satisfaction is being paid great attention. It has become central concern for companies of services to improve service quality, and to maintain customer loyalty within a highly competitive marketplace. The success of customer satisfaction is [...] Read more.
In the service sector, the issue of customer satisfaction is being paid great attention. It has become central concern for companies of services to improve service quality, and to maintain customer loyalty within a highly competitive marketplace. The success of customer satisfaction is not only closely related to a company’s quality management and marketing activities but it also has significant impacts on the company’s future and its customer-based corporate sustainability. Customer satisfaction influences variables that are indicators of customer loyalty and long-time customer relationships. The aim of this paper is to provide information about customer satisfaction with quality of electronic communications services and show the results of application of the European customer satisfaction index (ECSI) model carried out in Slovak electronic communications market. Our marketing research pointed out that the ECSI model can provide a better understanding of the complex relationships of the variables of customer loyalty and customer satisfaction and their impact to sustainability of Slovak telecom provider. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Management and Sustainable Development)
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22 pages, 9469 KiB  
Article
Research on the Spatial Differentiation and Driving Factors of Tourism Enterprises’ Efficiency: Chinese Scenic Spots, Travel Agencies, and Hotels
by Bing Xia, Suocheng Dong, Duoxun Ba, Yu Li, Fujia Li, Haimeng Liu, Zehong Li and Minyan Zhao
Sustainability 2018, 10(4), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10040901 - 21 Mar 2018
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4934
Abstract
Tourism is an important sustainable industry in the economy that optimizes the industrial structure. Thus, as a core part of this market, tourism enterprises perform a key role in the effective operation of this industry. This paper applies data envelopment analysis (DEA) and [...] Read more.
Tourism is an important sustainable industry in the economy that optimizes the industrial structure. Thus, as a core part of this market, tourism enterprises perform a key role in the effective operation of this industry. This paper applies data envelopment analysis (DEA) and Malmquist index (MI) models to calculate the efficiency of Chinese tourism enterprises between 2005 and 2014. Results showed that: (1) The efficiency and the total factor productivity change index (TFPC) of tourism enterprises remained low, and both have decreased. (2) The efficiency of regional tourism enterprises across China cloud be characterized as high in the east region, low in the central region, and high in both northeast and western regions. (3) The efficiency levels of the cities of Beijing and Shanghai were ahead of the country over the period of this study, while Chongqing, Tibet, Qinghai, and Ningxia all possess a number of obvious advantages in the western region. (4) Centers of overall tourism enterprise efficiency mainly moved in a southeast-to-northwest direction over the period of this research. (5) The spatial autocorrelation of tourism enterprise efficiencies is also assessed in this study, and the results show that the comprehensive efficiency (CE) of tourism enterprises in southeastern coastal regions of China tended to a certain spatial agglomeration effect, while the correlation between the central region and northern China was not significant. (6) The Geodetector model is applied to analyze the key factors driving the spatial differentiation of tourism enterprise efficiencies, and the results show that the degree of opening to the outside world, potential human capital, and traffic conditions were the most important factors driving spatial differentiation in the efficiency of tourism enterprises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Management and Sustainable Development)
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Review

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15 pages, 406 KiB  
Review
Quality and Environmental Management Linkage: A Review of the Literature
by Erlantz Allur, Iñaki Heras-Saizarbitoria, Olivier Boiral and Francesco Testa
Sustainability 2018, 10(11), 4311; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10114311 - 21 Nov 2018
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 8862
Abstract
This article presents a conceptual and empirical review of the literature related to the link between the different perspectives, models, and tools associated with Quality Management and Environmental Management. Several academic works identified in the literature that aimed to establish conceptual similarities between [...] Read more.
This article presents a conceptual and empirical review of the literature related to the link between the different perspectives, models, and tools associated with Quality Management and Environmental Management. Several academic works identified in the literature that aimed to establish conceptual similarities between QM and EM are reviewed and discussed. In general, terms, the scholarly literature suggests that the main quality practices and programs associated with the Quality Management paradigm—such as ISO 9001 and Total Quality Management—facilitate the adoption of environmental practices associated with corporate Environmental Management. However, there is evidence of certain limitations driven by different biases, whether or not they are recognized in the reviewed publications. The concentration on some avenues of research focused on very detailed aspects of the linkage between QM and EM is discussed. Conversely, lines that have been overlooked and are in need for more research were also identified. The implications for scholars, such as suggestions for further research, are included as a contribution of the article. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quality Management and Sustainable Development)
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