Search Results (103)

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of personality traits on students’ intention to accept the SAP S/4HANA business software. Grounded in the Big Five Factor (BFF) model of personality and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the research analyzed the role of individual differences in students’ learning performance using this ERP system. The study was conducted on a sample of N = 418 first-year students who underwent a quasi-experimental treatment based on realistic business scenarios. The results indicate that conscientiousness emerged as a positive predictor, while agreeableness demonstrated negative predictive value in learning SAP S/4HANA, whereas neuroticism did not exhibit a significant effect. Moderation analysis revealed that both Perceived Usefulness and Actual Usage of technology moderated the relationship between conscientiousness and SAP learning performance, enhancing its predictive strength. These findings underscore the importance of individual differences in the process of SAP S/4HANA acceptance within an educational context and suggest that instructional strategies should be tailored to students’ personality traits in order to optimize learning outcomes. Full article

This study explores a conceptual framework for integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, emphasising its transformative potential in highly automated industrial environments, often referred to as ‘dark factories’, where operations are carried out with minimal human intervention using robotics, AI, and IoT. These lights-out manufacturing environments demand intelligent, autonomous systems that go beyond traditional ERP functionalities to deliver sustainable enterprise operations and supply chain management. Drawing from secondary data and a comprehensive review of existing literature, the study identifies significant gaps in current AI-ERP research and practice, namely, the absence of a unified adoption framework, limited focus on AI-specific implementation challenges, and a lack of structured post-adoption evaluation metrics. In response, this paper proposes a novel integrated conceptual framework that combines the Technology–Organisation–Environment (TOE) framework, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and the Information Systems (IS) Success Model. The model incorporates industry-specific dark factors, such as AI autonomy, human–machine collaboration, operational agility, and sustainability, by optimising resource efficiency, enabling predictive maintenance, enhancing supply chain resilience, and supporting circular economy practices. The primary research aim of the current study is to provide a theoretical foundation for further empirical research on the input of AI-ERP systems into autonomous industry settings. The framework provides a robust theoretical foundation and actionable guidance for researchers, technology leaders, and policy-makers navigating the integration of AI and ERP in sustainable enterprise operations and supply chain management. Full article

This study develops a systemic framework to conceptualize digital organizational resilience in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as an emergent property of entangled socio-technical systems. Building on theories of distributed cognition, sociomateriality, and resilience engineering, this paper argues that resilience does not reside in isolated elements—such as leadership, technologies, or procedures—but in their dynamic interplay. Four interdependent dimensions—human, technological, organizational, and institutional—are identified as constitutive of resilience capacities. The research design is conceptual and exploratory in nature. Two theory-driven conceptual statements are formulated: first, that natural language mediation in human–machine interaction enhances coordination and adaptability; and second, that distributed cognition and prototyping practices strengthen collective problem-solving and adaptive capacity. These conceptual statements are not statistically tested but serve as conceptual anchors for the model and as guiding directions for future empirical studies. Empirical illustrations from Ecuadorian MSMEs ground the framework in practice. The evidence highlights three insights: (1) structural fragility, as micro and small firms dominate the economy but face high mortality and financial vulnerability; (2) uneven digitalization, with limited adoption of BPM, ERP, and AI due to skill and resource constraints; and (3) disproportionate gains from modest interventions, such as optimization models or collaborative prototyping. This study contributes to organizational theory by positioning MSMEs as socio-technical ecosystems, providing a conceptual foundation for future empirical validation. Full article

This article deals with the analysis and exploration of the concept of integrating human knowledge (HK) and artificial intelligence (AI) in the management process. The authors point out that the implementation of advanced AI technologies into already functioning and often complex systems, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), presents significant technical challenges and requires a well-thought-out integration strategy. The complexity arises from the need to align new solutions with existing processes, resources, and data. Using the example of a fuel distribution system, the authors present the concept of integrating human knowledge (HK) and artificial intelligence (AI) in the management process. The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the smart upgrade of fuel delivery management (FDM) architecture by incorporating an AI app to solve complex problems, such as predicting demand or traffic flows, as well as correctly detecting near-miss events. Technological convergence enables the mutual pursuit of improving the management process by developing soft skills and expanding knowledge managers. The authors’ findings show that an important factor for successful convergence is horizontal and vertical matching of the human knowledge and artificial intelligence cooperation for archive max positive synergy. Some recommendations could be useful for tank truck operators as a starting point to predict demand patterns, smart route planning, etc., where an AI app could be very successful. Full article

This study examines the dynamic interconnection between entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), placing the research question in a broader socio-technological context. The research was based on a descriptive review of 22 empirical studies drawn from the Scopus database and related to technological innovations adopted by business initiatives aimed at sustainable development. A total of 314 records were identified, 180 screened, and 22 empirical studies included. Studies originated primarily from Europe and Asia and applied quantitative (60%), qualitative (25%), or mixed methods (15%). Through thematic analysis, the dominant technologies (such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, ERP systems, digital platforms, and ESG data analysis) were identified, as well as the methodological approaches followed in the relevant international literature. The main findings indicate that digital transformation offers significant opportunities to enhance innovation, transparency, and social inclusion. However, challenges also arise, such as digital inequalities, the lack of a strategy for alignment with the SDGs, and institutional weaknesses. In conclusion, the transition to sustainable digital business models requires a multidisciplinary approach, strengthened leadership, educational interventions, and institutional support. This study contributes theoretically and practically to the ongoing scientific dialogue on sustainable and digitally supported entrepreneurship. Full article

Food safety management has evolved with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system serving as a global benchmark. However, conventional HACCP does not explicitly address environmental sustainability, leading to challenges such as excessive water use, chemical discharge, and energy inefficiency. Green HACCP extends traditional HACCP by integrating Environmental Respect Practices (ERPs) to fill this critical gap between food safety and sustainability. This study is presented as a conceptual paper based on a structured literature review combined with illustrative industry applications. It analyzes the principles, implementation challenges, and economic viability of Green HACCP, contrasting it with conventional systems. Evidence from recent reports and industry examples shows measurable benefits: water consumption reductions of 20–25%, energy savings of 10–15%, and improved compliance readiness through digital monitoring technologies. It explores how digital technologies—IoT for real-time monitoring, AI for predictive optimization, and blockchain for traceability—enhance efficiency and sustainability. By aligning HACCP with sustainability goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this paper provides academic contributions including a clarified conceptual framework, quantified advantages, and policy recommendations to support the integration of Green HACCP into global food safety systems. Industry applications from dairy, seafood, and bakery sectors illustrate practical benefits, including waste reduction and improved compliance. This study concludes with policy recommendations to integrate Green HACCP into global food safety frameworks, supporting broader sustainability goals. Overall, Green HACCP demonstrates a cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally responsible model for future food production. Full article

This study investigates the impact of digitalisation and intangible investment—specifically digital skills and software adoption—on productivity in the United Kingdom’s banking sector. Software adoption is captured through banks’ investment in enterprise systems (CRM/ERP, cloud computing, and related applications), rather than a single software version. Drawing on detailed bank-level data from six major UK banks over the period 2007–2022, this research provides empirical evidence that higher intensities of digital human capital and intangible assets are positively associated with improvements in both employee productivity and overall bank performance. A standard deviation increase in software specialist employment is associated with productivity gains of 10.3% annually, though this upper-bound estimate likely combines direct effects with complementary factors such as concurrent IT investments (e.g., cloud infrastructure) and managerial innovations. The findings also highlight substantial heterogeneity across banks, with younger institutions experiencing more pronounced benefits from intangible investment due to their greater flexibility and innovation capacity. Furthermore, this study reveals that the adoption of high-speed internet and investment in IT hardware have a strong positive effect on bank productivity, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated digital transformation across the sector. However, the observational nature of the study and the limited sample size necessitate caution in generalising the findings. While the results have implications for digital workforce development and technology infrastructure, policy recommendations should be interpreted as preliminary, pending further validation in broader samples and diverse institutional settings. This study concludes by advocating for targeted strategies to expand digital skills, promote software diffusion, and modernise infrastructure to facilitate productivity convergence, while emphasising the need for future research to address potential endogeneity and external validity limitations. Full article

This research addresses the challenges of proactive scheduling and routing in manufacturing systems governed by the Material Requirement Planning (MRP) method. Such systems often face capacity constraints, difficulties in resource balancing, and limited traceability of component requirements. The lack of seamless integration between customer orders and production tasks, combined with the manual and time-consuming nature of schedule adjustments, highlights the need for an automated and optimized scheduling method. We propose a novel optimization-based approach that leverages mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) combined with a proprietary procedure for reducing the size of the modeled problem to generate feasible and/or optimal production schedules. The model incorporates dynamic routing, partial resource utilization, limited additional resources (e.g., tools, workers), technological breaks, and time quantization. Key results include determining order feasibility, identifying unfulfilled order components, minimizing costs, shortening deadlines, and assessing feasibility in the absence of available resources. By automating the generation of data from MRP/ERP systems, constructing an optimization model, and exporting the results back to the MRP/ERP structure, this method improves decision-making and competes with expensive Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) systems. The proposed innovation solution—the integration of MILP-based optimization with the proprietary PT (data transformation) and PR (model-size reduction) procedures—not only increases operational efficiency but also enables demand source tracking and offers a scalable and economical alternative for modern production environments. Experimental results demonstrate significant reductions in production costs (up to 25%) and lead times (more than 50%). Full article

Rare earth elements (REEs) have garnered significant global attention due to their essential role in advanced technologies. Sri Lanka is endowed with various REE-bearing minerals, including the apatite-rich deposit in the Eppawala area, commonly known as Eppawala rock phosphate (ERP). However, direct extraction of REEs from ERP is technically challenging and economically unfeasible. This study introduces a novel, integrated approach for recovering REEs from ERP as a by-product of nitrophosphate fertilizer production. The process involves nitric acid-based acidolysis of apatite, optimized at 10 M nitric acid for 2 h at 70 °C with a pulp density of 2.4 mL/g. During cooling crystallization, 42 wt% of calcium was removed as Ca(NO₃)₂.4H₂O while REEs remained in the solution. REEs were then selectively precipitated as REE phosphates via pH-controlled addition of ammonium hydroxide, minimizing the co-precipitation with calcium. Further separation was achieved through selective dissolution in a sulfuric–phosphoric acid mixture, followed by precipitation as sodium rare earth double sulfates. The process achieved over 90% total REE recovery with extraction efficiencies in the order of Pr > Nd > Ce > Gd > Sm > Y > Dy. Samples were characterized for their phase composition, elemental content, and morphology. The fertilizer results confirmed the successful production of a nutrient-rich nitrophosphate (NP) with 18.2% nitrogen and 13.9% phosphorus (as P₂O₅) with a low moisture content (0.6%) and minimal free acid (0.1%), indicating strong agronomic value and storage stability. This study represents one of the pioneering efforts to valorize Sri Lanka’s apatite through a novel, dual-purpose, and circular approach, recovering REEs while simultaneously producing high-quality fertilizer. Full article

This study examines how employees perceive technology-based demands during the digital transformation process and how these perceptions affect job performance. The research utilized data obtained from 388 experts in the accounting and financial reporting profession, a knowledge-intensive field that heavily employs new technologies (e.g., ERP systems, digital audit tools). The data collected through a convenience sampling method was analyzed using SPSS 27 and SmartPLS 4 software. The findings reveal that the direct effect of technostress on job performance is not significant; however, this stress indirectly contributes to performance through techno-eustress. In this study, techno-eustress refers to the cognitive appraisal of technology-related demands as development-enhancing challenges rather than threats. This concept is theoretically grounded in the broader eustress framework, which views stressors as potentially motivating and growth-promoting when positively interpreted. The model is based on Cognitive Evaluation Theory, the Job Demands–Resources Model, and Self-Determination Theory. This study demonstrates that digital transformation can promote not only operational improvements but also organizational resilience by enhancing employees’ psychological resources and adaptive capacities. By highlighting the mediating role of techno-eustress, this research offers a nuanced perspective on how human-centered cognitive mechanisms can strategically support performance and sustainability in the face of technological disruption—an increasingly relevant area for organizations striving to thrive amid uncertainty. Full article

Background: Logistics and supply chain management are crucial in modern commerce, impacting global competition, and both can directly benefit by using enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. This case study examines key success factors behind a significant operational transformation in a company in the countryside of Alagoas, Brazil. From this context, two research questions emerge: (a) What are the main success factors that drove a significant operational transformation in logistics and supply chain management, and how did these factors impact the company’s growth? (b) How does digital transformation and adopting an ERP impact the company’s logistics activities? Methods: Data were collected through on-site observations, interviews with supervisors and a manager, and analysis of company-provided documentation. Results: The study identified key processes, stakeholders, and practices, focusing on critical success factors, mission-critical processes, and the integration of core and support functions. Notable changes were observed through key logistics performance indicators, tracking the evolution from pre-implementation to post-implementation and revealing their impact on the company’s growth. Conclusions: Improved decision making between departments significantly enhanced performance and growth. The analyzed company’s success can be attributed to a process-oriented approach, digital transformation in logistics, and investment in information technology. Full article

IT (Information Technology) support plays a major role in CPSs (cyber-physical systems). More and more IT solutions and CIS (complex information system) modules are being developed to help engineering systems to a higher level of efficiency. The different specificities of different technological environments require a very different IT approach. Increasing the efficiency of different manufacturing processes requires an appropriate architecture. The Zachman framework guidelines were applied to design a suitable framework architecture for the welding process. A literature search was conducted to explore the conditions for component matching to a complex information system, in which advanced data management and data protection are important. In order to effectively manage the standards, a dedicated module needs to be created that can be integrated into the MES-ERP (Manufacturing Execution System-Enterprise Resource Planning) architecture. The result of the study is the creation of business UML (Unified Modeling Language) and BPMN (Business Process Model and Notation) diagrams and a roadmap to start a concrete application development. The paper concludes with an example to illustrate ideas for the way forward. Full article

Ensuring robust health, safety, and environment (HSE) practices is a priority for organizations across various sectors, given their critical role in safeguarding employee well-being and minimizing operational risks. The adoption of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems has emerged as a viable solution for enhancing HSE management by integrating real-time monitoring, compliance tracking, and risk mitigation processes. However, the effective implementation of ERP systems in HSE applications is influenced by multiple factors, which remain insufficiently explored in existing research. This study identifies and evaluates the key factors that impact the successful deployment of ERP systems in HSE management. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to establish an initial set of factors, which were then validated through expert interviews using the content validity ratio (CVR) method. Subsequently, a survey was administered to professionals within the United Arba Emirates’s public sector to assess the significance of each factor using the relative importance index (RII) method. The findings indicate that safety-related factors, including incident frequency, fatality rates, and injury tracking, are the most critical for ERP implementation. Technology utilization, engagement and training, and incident response time also emerged as key determinants. Conversely, factors related to risk management and mitigation strategies were ranked lower in terms of impact. This study provides practical recommendations to optimize ERP integration for HSE, such as enhancing data analytics for predictive safety insights, improving mobile accessibility for real-time reporting, and strengthening training programs. By prioritizing these factors, organizations, particularly in the UAE public sector, can leverage ERP systems to foster a proactive HSE culture, enhance regulatory compliance, and improve overall safety performance. This research contributes to bridging the knowledge gap on ERP-HSE integration and establishes a framework for future studies to refine and expand upon best practices in this domain. Full article

Agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP) is vital to sustainable agricultural development (SAD), which plays a pivotal role in achieving high-quality economic growth in China. The current research quantified China’s AGTFP from 2007 to 2019 with the Super-SBM model and the GML index. Subsequently, it examined the impact of environmental regulation (ER) on AGTFP and its heterogeneity. Finally, this study developed a mediating effect model and a panel threshold model to investigate the role of technological innovation (TI) in affecting environmental regulation (ER) on AGTFP. The findings indicate that the following: (1) The average annual growth rate of AGTFP is 7.84%, which is mostly driven by green technological innovation progress. (2) ER has a significant positive impact on AGTFP with noticeable regional differences. The eastern and central regions experience a more substantial promotion effect compared to the western region. Additionally, the prominent grain-producing areas and main grain-marketing areas have a more significant promotion effect compared to the grain-balanced areas. The promotion effect of heterogeneous ER on AGTFP varies, with the effects of command-and-control environmental regulation (ERC), market-based incentives for environmental regulation (ERM), and public participation regulation (ERP) decreasing in magnitude. (3) The mechanism analysis reveals that promoting TI is a crucial way to enhance AGTFP through ER. There exists a notable dual threshold for TI in ER, encompassing both ERC and ERM. Moreover, AGTFP becomes increasingly pronounced. This study presents a novel perspective for promoting SAD, with a focus on the rise in AGTFP and the path to achieving it. Full article

Background: Supply chain collaboration technologies (SCCTs) are digital tools designed to enhance communication, coordination, and integration among supply chain stakeholders. These tools are essential for enhancing transparency, efficiency, and traceability within complex supply chain networks, particularly in the food industry. Methods: This study focuses on the statistical analysis of survey data to evaluate the adoption and impact of SCCTs, including blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and artificial intelligence (AI), in Nigeria’s food industry. Results: The results reveal critical insights into the adoption barriers, perceived benefits, and gaps in implementation. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques highlight significant variations in technology across different sectors, uncovering key factors influencing the integration of SCCTs. The findings demonstrate that while the technologies hold substantial potential to optimize supply chain performance, their acceptance is constrained by infrastructural deficiencies, regulatory challenges, under-developed trust-building mechanisms, and limited technical expertise. Conclusions: This paper underscores the importance of targeted interventions, policy support, and resource allocation to foster the effective utilization of SCCTs. The study provides data-driven recommendations for improving technology uptake, contributing to the sustainability and competitiveness of Nigeria’s food supply chain. Full article