Search Results (6,076)

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 1993 and its attendant regulations in South Africa require industries to implement occupational health programmes informed by corresponding occupational health (OH) hazards. The programmes are only inferred and, in certain instances, non-prescriptive, leaving employers with the discretionary latitude to adopt and adapt preferred model programmes. On the other hand, the cited act and the health regulations are enforced using a combination of both prescriptive and performance-based regulatory approaches. Amidst implemented OH programmes and regulatory inspection and enforcement, occupational disease prevalence in the South African industry persists. This study identified the regulatory organisation, enforcement, and reporting practices of occupational health programmes in South Africa. This qualitative study analysed seven health-related regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1993 in South Africa, and 114 company reports (51 sustainability and 63 integrated reports). The frequency of conducting OH programme aspects was clearly prescribed and enforced through the prescriptive regulatory framework. Training, personnel, and risk assessment methods were the most ambiguously regulated programme aspects, and their enforcement varies between prescriptive and performance-based regulatory frameworks. Ninety-nine companies reported implementation of generic occupational health and safety programmes, with twenty-one reporting specific OH programme implementation. The current state of affairs complicates both employer compliance obligations and regulator enforcement efforts. The situation is compounded by an absence of model programmes in some instances and requires policy reforms. Full article

Integrated control systems (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition–SCADA and Manufacturing Execution Systems—MES) constitute the backbone of Industry 4.0; however, research on their implementation remains scarce. This study analyzes the opportunities and challenges of modernizing these systems within the context of the Brazilian industry. A survey of 101 experts was conducted, with results analyzed via Friedman and Holm–Sidak nonparametric tests to establish a clear hierarchy of factors. Findings reveal that while economic efficiency, productivity gains, and real-time remote access represent the most significant opportunities, they are countered by critical structural challenges: obsolete machinery and inadequate infrastructure. These challenges significantly inflate implementation costs and highlight the reality of technological obsolescence that is typical of emerging economies. By applying the Resource-Based View (RBV), this research frames digital integration as a strategic competitive capability rather than a mere technical upgrade. Practically, the study provides a roadmap for industrial leaders to balance digital agility expectations with pragmatic operational constraints. These insights offer a foundation for successful digital transformation, delivering actionable value for academics, industrial managers, and policymakers. Full article

Under the background of accelerating global transitions towards low-carbon development, digital intelligence transformation (DIT) has become a critical force that helps companies overcome green technological constraints and translate external green pressures into substantive green innovation. Taking the establishment of China’s NAIIDTZs as a quasi-natural experiment, this study investigates the impact of DIT on corporate green innovation (CGI) from an internal decision-making perspective. Based on a panel dataset of 19,440 samples from Chinese A-share listed companies during 2012–2023, our findings show that DIT significantly enhances both the quantity and quality of CGI. Mechanism analyses indicate that DIT promotes CGI’s quantity through increased R&D human capital input, while improving CGI’s quality through managerial myopia reduction. Heterogeneity analyses further reveal that the positive effects of DIT on CGI are particularly pronounced in firms operating under fierce market competition, in high industrial technological intensity, and in eastern regions. Furthermore, we find that CGI exerts a lagged effect on carbon emission reduction performance, while the effect of CGI’s quality is stronger than that of CGI’s quantity. These findings extend the dynamic capacity theory to digitalization and provide practical and policy implications for promoting CGI through digital intelligence development. Full article

Modular construction (MC) offers significant environmental and efficiency advantages yet maintains low market penetration in China despite substantial government support. This study addresses the critical knowledge gap by systematically analyzing complex barrier interrelationships across project phases and stakeholder groups (university, construction authority, supplier/manufacturer company) to develop a comprehensive MC promotion framework. A four-phase mixed method approach was employed. (1) Grounded theory analysis of MC policy frameworks was performed in Singapore, the United States, and Hong Kong to extract best practice insights. (2) A systematic literature review and multi-round Delphi expert consultations were used to identify 21 core barriers across six project stages (decision-making, procurement, design, production, transportation, and construction acceptance). (3) The DEMATEL analysis reveals causal relationships among barriers based on experts’ perceived influence between factors. (4) Integrated ISM-MICMAC methodology was used to establish hierarchical structures and barrier classifications. Institutional barriers emerged as the primary impediment to MC diffusion, with unclear authority distribution between government administrations and design organizations identified as the most critical factor. The MICMAC analysis categorized the 21 barriers into four distinct groups based on their driving power and dependence characteristics, revealing complex causal relationships among barriers across the six project stages while highlighting the emergent role of higher education institutions in industrial transformation. Successful MC implementation requires market-oriented, context-specific strategies prioritizing institutional framework development, with the findings providing actionable insights for policymakers to address regulatory ambiguities and practical guidance for industry practitioners developing targeted MC promotion strategies in emerging markets. Full article

Despite the immense potential of digital intelligence technologies to enhance corporate profitability, manufacturing enterprises often face the “digital–green paradox”, which indicates that while companies invest in digital and intelligent transformation, their energy consumption increases rather than promoting green transition. To provide reasonable transformation solutions for manufacturers still caught in this paradox, this paper adopts a single-case study approach from a product lifecycle perspective. Focusing on FAW-Volkswagen—a manufacturing enterprise demonstrating outstanding performance in digital-intelligent green transformation—this study conducts an in-depth investigation into the stage characteristics and underlying mechanisms. The results show that the following: (1) The digital-intelligent green transformation of manufacturing enterprises is an iterative process evolving from “green design, low-carbon production, intelligent service to enterprise spiral value-added”, with distinct digital-intelligent empowerment models at each stage. (2) By leveraging digital-intelligent technologies, manufacturing enterprises can build a multi-tiered “internal-external dual circulation” green development system encompassing the “enterprise—industrial chain—full ecosystem,” driving comprehensive green upgrades across the entire industry and ecosystem. This paper reveals the intrinsic mechanisms through which digital-intelligent technologies facilitate manufacturing enterprises’ green transformation. It expands and enriches the research context and theoretical implications of product lifecycle management, offering management insights and strategic references for other enterprises pursuing green transformation and upgrading pathways in the digital-intelligent economy era. Full article

Green technologies are strongly present in the energy mixes of countries around the world. In addition to the need to reduce the extraction of non-renewable raw materials and the harmful environmental impact associated with energy production, the trend towards renewable energy development should also be linked to the need to minimize energy poverty stemming from high electricity prices and the need to increase the energy efficiency of existing solutions. These issues formed the basis for the study’s objective, which was to examine the regulatory framework for the development of Poland’s energy system, with particular emphasis on sustainable development. A particularly important aspect of the study was the exploration of the market for green technologies introduced into the energy system in Poland, with a primary focus on solutions dedicated to small, individual consumers (households). The cognitive value of the study and its original character is created by the cognitive aspect in terms of the interests and consumer preferences of households in this area, motivated by economic considerations related to the energy efficiency aspect of RES solutions. In this regard, there is a relatively limited number of current studies conducted for the reference country (Poland), justifying the choice of the research topic and theme. For the purposes of the study, a literature review, as well as legal standards and industry reports, was conducted. A practical study was conducted based on the results of surveys conducted by selected companies involved in the sale and installation of heating solutions. Detailed research was supported by statistical instruments using PQstat software version 1.8.4.164. Key findings confirm significant household interest in green electricity production technologies, which enable improved energy efficiency of home energy installations. Importantly, the potential for lower electricity bills, which can be attributed to low system maintenance costs and the ability to manage consumption, is a factor in choosing renewable energy solutions. Current interest in renewable energy solutions focuses on heat pumps, photovoltaics, and energy storage. Renewable energy users are interested in integrating renewable energy technology solutions into energy production and management to optimize energy consumption costs and increase household energy independence. Full article

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb traditionally valued for its aromatic and therapeutic properties. In recent years, however, growing attention has shifted toward the technical and environmental potential of the plant’s industrial by-products, particularly the fibrous material left after extraction. This review integrates botanical knowledge with engineering and industrial perspectives, highlighting the role of licorice fiber in advancing sustainable innovation. The natural fiber obtained from licorice roots exhibits notable physical and mechanical qualities, including lightness, biodegradability, and compatibility with bio-based polymer matrices. These attributes make it a promising candidate for biocomposites used in green building and other sectors of the circular economy. Developing efficient recovery processes requires collaboration across disciplines, combining expertise in plant science, materials engineering, and industrial technology. The article also examines the economic and regulatory context driving the transition toward more circular and traceable production models. Increasing interest from companies, research institutions, and public bodies in valorizing licorice fiber and its derivatives is opening new market opportunities. Potential applications extend to agroindustry, eco-friendly cosmetics, bioeconomy, and sustainable construction. By linking botanical insights with innovative waste management strategies, licorice emerges as a resource capable of supporting integrated, competitive, and environmentally responsible industrial practices. Full article

Driven by the national policy of total water resources control and efficiency improvement, the behavior of water resource utilization reduction by firms is widespread, which may have an impact on the value of firms. This study integrates dynamic capability theory and signaling theory to construct a dual-path analytical framework, systematically investigating the impact of water utilization reduction on firm value and its intrinsic mechanisms. Based on data from Chinese A-share listed companies spanning 2012–2023, fixed-effect models, mediation-effect tests, and heterogeneity analysis are employed for empirical verification. The results reveal that water utilization reduction exerts a significant dual-path promoting effect on firm value: it enhances financial performance (ROA) primarily through technological innovation, reflecting the process of resource orchestration and dynamic capability construction; concurrently, it boosts market performance (Tobin’s Q) mainly by improving ESG performance as a signaling channel, mirroring the capital market’s positive pricing of green signals. Further heterogeneity analysis indicates that these effects are more pronounced during the policy deepening stage, in non-water-intensive industries, and in humid/sub-humid regions. This study contributes theoretical support and empirical evidence for firms’ green transformation and the formulation of differentiated water resource policies by the government, highlighting the synergistic development of high-quality economic growth and ecological civilization construction. Full article

This study aims to explore the relationship between a company manager’s activities and their impact on business performance. Networking is considered a worthy factor in professional and organizational success, providing access to important research, industry insights and future partnerships. Through the analysis of the data used in the study, this paper adopts a methodological approach to examine how managerial networking influences business results, with a particular focus on French small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The findings indicate a strong and positive correlation between the manager’s ability to build and maintain professional relationships and the entire performance of their business. In fact, managers who actively engage in networking often gain access to better business opportunities, funding sources and strategic collaborations that increase growth and competitiveness. Additionally, strong networks facilitate the exchange of knowledge, best practices and innovative ideas, thereby improving decision making and operational efficiency. The review further highlights that networking is not just about expanding contacts, but also about attending meaningful and beneficial affairs that contribute to long-term success. These results underline its importance as a strategic tool for business leaders, sustaining the idea that well-connected managers are better equipped to navigate challenges, catch opportunities and drive sustainable business prosperity in an increasingly competitive market. Full article

This study investigates the impact of city-level capital factor market integration on corporate ESG performance, using a sample of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2024. We find that greater capital factor market integration significantly improves firms’ overall ESG performance. Mechanism analysis reveals that capital factor market integration operates through three channels: market competition, technological advancement, and attention reconstruction, enhancing both firms’ capabilities and incentives to engage in ESG activities. The positive effect is stronger for state-owned enterprises, firms in less polluting industries, and those in regions with high government environmental attention. Further analysis indicates that capital factor market integration suppresses corporate greenwashing behavior and reduces discrepancies across ESG rating agencies. Moreover, capital factor market integration exhibits asymmetric effects across ESG sub-dimensions, significantly improving environmental and governance performance while weakening social responsibility performance. This reflects firms’ preference, under competitive pressure, for environmental and governance domains characterized by shorter payback periods and more readily quantifiable outcomes, as well as their cautious stance toward the social responsibility domain where effects take considerably longer to materialize. This study contributes to understanding the micro-level mechanisms through which capital factor market integration influences corporate sustainable development, providing empirical evidence for China’s construction of a unified national market and the advancement of sustainable development strategies. Full article

Serious games are increasingly recognized as powerful pedagogical tools, often offering engaging, interactive, and practical learning experiences. This paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a 3D virtual serious game specifically tailored for cybersecurity governance and policy education. In particular, the nature of the game is an escape room, drawing on military training principles: players must solve a problem to escape one room before advancing to the next. Set within a virtual company environment, the game features three interactive zones that guide students through analyzing cyber risks, aligning security frameworks, and drafting appropriate policies. This structure cultivates critical thinking and decision-making skills and strengthens practical cybersecurity competencies. The primary contribution lies in the integration of game-based learning and 3D virtual technology to create robust, hands-on educational materials. The design incorporates structural features that create barriers to generative AI delegation to address challenges related to generative AI misuse, ensuring that the activities cannot be easily replicated and thereby supporting academic integrity. A post-activity perception survey (n = 20) suggests that students found this approach both engaging and effective, with participants self-reporting enhanced understanding and enthusiasm toward cybersecurity governance and policy concepts. These findings highlight the potential of gamified environments to bridge theory and practice in cybersecurity education, equipping learners with industry-relevant skills while fostering deeper engagement and active learning. Full article

The mobility of data factors and the adoption of a collaborative innovation framework are key drivers influencing the gaps in total factor productivity (TFP) among enterprises in the digital economy. Using panel data from Chinese A-share listed companies between 2006 and 2022, this study empirically demonstrates how data factor flow reduces TFP gaps. The findings reveal that data factor flow enhances TFP convergence by facilitating knowledge diffusion, improving information transmission, and boosting innovation efficiency. However, the heterogeneity in enterprise RD efforts limits this convergence effect, highlighting the importance of collaborative innovation. The study further shows that the impact of data factor flow is more significant in smaller, privately owned enterprises in the eastern regions and in industries with low to high technology intensity and high market concentration. Key insights include (1) a positive synergy between government data openness policies and enterprise data flow, which reinforces the narrowing of TFP gaps; (2) a nonlinear relationship between data flow and TFP gaps, suggesting an optimal range for its maximum impact. The study concludes that an integrated framework optimizing both data governance and collaborative innovation ecosystems can foster innovation diffusion and support productivity-based competition. These findings provide valuable insights for innovation policy formulation and strategic decision-making in the digital economy. Full article

This study investigates the satisfaction level of dairy farmers with their collaborating dairy industries, focusing on differences between small-scale (1–100 animals) and large-scale (401–1000 animals) farms. Using survey data collected during 2011–2015, the research assesses both satisfaction and the extent to which dissatisfaction leads producers to switch partners. Findings show that larger farms report higher satisfaction due to stronger bargaining power and preferential contractual conditions, whereas smaller farms face greater insecurity and moderate satisfaction. Despite dissatisfaction, most farmers remain with the same companies, highlighting market rigidity. Results remain relevant today, emphasizing the need for policies enhancing small producers’ negotiating power and supporting cooperative structures. Full article

Traditional sustainability frameworks in large scale production systems, such as Process Industry (PI) ones, often overlook operational resilience, creating a “resiliency gap” where systems optimized for efficiency remain vulnerable to disruptions. This study addresses this gap by proposing and empirically validating a Quadruple Bottom Line (4BL) framework that integrates resilience as the fourth pillar alongside economic, environmental, and social goals. The purpose is to evaluate the impact that Autonomic Computing (AC) can imply in this perspective. A Procedural Action Research (PAR) methodology was conducted across four distinct PI industrial cases (asphalt, steel, pharma, and aluminum). This involved the ECOGRAI framework to qualitatively link strategic companies’ objectives to shop-floor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), guiding the assessment of AC systems. The results show benefits at a business level observed following the introduction of AC systems, which were implemented for enhancing resilience by managing ML model drift. Key findings include reduction in plant downtimes, decreases in waste (steel), reductions in gas consumption, and improved operator trust. This research provides empirical evidence that AC can make resilience an actionable component of industrial strategy, leading to measurable improvements across all four pillars of the 4BL framework. Its contribution is methodological and operational, aiming to demonstrate feasibility and causal plausibility. Full article

Financialisation has an increasing influence on the functioning of non-financial enterprises. It is therefore important to examine whether and to what extent food sector enterprises are subject to the process of financialisation. The research objective was to determine the level of financialisation of food industry enterprises in Poland in relation to the whole industry sector. To achieve this objective, the following research hypothesis was formulated: the process of financialisation of food industry enterprises proceeds similarly to the analogous process undergoing in industrial enterprises but varies across different sectors of the food industry. The research was conducted on the basis of statistical data from Statistics Poland (SP) published in various statistical studies. Financial data from 2010 to 2023 were analysed. For this purpose, research tools used in the paper are referred to in the literature as measures of the level of financialisation, so-called balance sheet indicators. The main limitation of the research is that the results can only be applied to countries with similar economic conditions, especially post-communist countries, and that balance sheet indicators are used to measure financialisation, which, although widely used, are limited in their effectiveness because they focus only on balance sheet data. The results support the research hypothesis. The companies in the analysed industries are characterised by a low level of financialisation. The process of financialisation of food industry companies is similar to the one in industrial companies and is more intense in beverage production than in other food industry sectors. There is room for a sustainable financing policy. The results indicate that there is room for higher financing of food industry enterprises in Poland, but excessive financing may lead to excessive concentration and monopolisation of enterprises and even to speculation on agricultural markets. To maintain financial stability, it will be important to pursue a stable monetary policy, limit the risk of food price volatility, improve communication and coordination in international monetary policy, and increase national food self-sufficiency. This study fills a research gap in understanding the process of financialisation, assessing its degree of advancement and diversity in the main sectors of food processing enterprises. Full article