Search Results (18,550)

This study examines retailers’ information sharing aimed at enhancing product greenness within green supply chains, with consumer participation as a pivotal factor and the overarching goal of advancing the sustainable development of the whole supply chain ecosystem. Each supply chain comprises a green product supplier and a retailer with uncertain demand information. A tripartite evolutionary game model involving manufacturers, retailers, and consumers is constructed to analyze the factors influencing information sharing behavior, which serves as a critical pathway to achieve environmental and economic sustainability in green supply chain operations. The findings highlight two key insights: First, strong consumer willingness to purchase green products may inhibit retailers’ inclination towards information sharing, a counterintuitive outcome that needs to be addressed to align individual stakeholder behaviors with long-term sustainable development goals. Second, lower information sharing costs can motivate retailers to share information with manufacturers; otherwise, manufacturers must adopt technological measures to assist retailers in reducing information sharing-related costs, thereby achieving win–win outcomes across the supply chain and fostering a sustainable and collaborative green supply chain system that balances ecological benefits, economic gains, and social value co-creation. Full article

The complexity of the Water–Energy–Food (WEF) Nexus demands a comprehensive framework for its implementation, particularly concerning place-based governance and sustainable transitions. In this work, the WEF Nexus is conceptualized through the lens of Socio-Technical Systems Transition Theory and its interconnections with geo-ecological system components, enabling its recognition as a place-based Socio-Technical–Ecological meta-System (STES). The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are introduced as landscape drivers of the WEF Nexus, as they acknowledge the crucial role of society, technology and ecological systems in its interconnected domains. A novel integrated methodology to develop the WEF Nexus as a STES transition is presented, encompassing literature review, qualitative analysis, conceptual mapping, and multi-stakeholder co-creation. This theoretical framework was empirically tested and improved across selected case studies on hydrological basins in Africa within the ONEPlanET Horizon Europe Project. Both leverageable subsystems and promising transitional innovation assets were identified. The transitional X-Curve assisted in the discussion in the empirical context of ONEPlanET to generalise the findings and the visual presentation of the identified pathways. The methodology that resulted is suitable for supporting a concrete exploration of systemic mapping, analysis, and planning towards a sustainable WEF Nexus in complex geographies, facilitated through multi-stakeholder engagement and co-creation. Full article

Medical drone delivery (MDD), defined as the use of uncrewed aerial vehicles to transport medical products, is an emerging technological innovation responding to persistent health supply chain challenges in rural and low-resource settings. Within sub-Saharan Africa, MDD systems have demonstrated large-scale success in improving key health outcomes, health supply chain efficiency, and reductions in medical product stockouts and wastage. However, the existing evidence base on the effectiveness of this technology is dominated by quantitative, performance-based evaluations, with limited emphasis on the community-driven mechanisms that shape such outcomes. Drawing on original qualitative research, this article presents a qualitative secondary analysis (QSA) of interview data collected as part of a larger case study on MDD in Madagascar. The QSA, guided by socio-technical systems theory, analyzes a subset of 18 interviews with 23 community-level stakeholders to understand how MDD affects healthcare services in remote regions of the country. Participants reported that MDD led to downstream healthcare improvements in vaccination coverage and malaria-related health outcomes. These improvements were enabled through four interconnected socio-technical mechanisms: (1) improved medical product availability through the mitigation of geographic and transportation barriers, (2) stabilization of vaccine and cold chain transportation, (3) building trust and healthcare-seeking behaviours through predictable service delivery, and (4) reduced physical, mental, and financial burdens experienced by healthcare workers. A final, cross-cutting theme emphasized was the criticality of MDD program continuity, with participants noting that operation disruptions or withdrawals risked reversing benefits and breaking communities’ trust in the health system. By centering lived realities, perceptions, and social processes, this article bridges the gap between predominantly quantitative evidence on MDD systems and the experiences of the communities they are intended to serve. Full article

Background: Informal sewing workers are widely exposed to ergonomic and workload-related risks but remain largely excluded from formal occupational health protection, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study evaluated integrated physical and mental workload risks associated with WMSDs among informal sewing workers to develop contextually feasible preventive guidelines based on the Hierarchy of Ergonomic Control. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted among 150 informal sewing workers in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire, the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Associations between sociodemographic characteristics, ergonomic risks, and WMSDs were analyzed using chi-square tests and correlation analysis. Qualitative data were obtained through a focus group discussion with key stakeholders to develop ergonomic control strategies guided by the HEC framework. Results: The majority of participants were female and middle-aged, with widespread exposure to high-risk ergonomic conditions, including prolonged sitting, repetitive tasks, and awkward postures. A high prevalence of WMSDs was observed, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back. Younger workers and those with lower educational attainment experienced significantly higher ergonomic risk exposure and WMSD prevalence. NASA-TLX results indicated that physical demand and performance pressure were the main contributors to overall workload. Application of the HEC framework showed that elimination and substitution controls were the most effective strategies for reducing ergonomic risks, followed by engineering controls, while administrative measures and personal protective equipment were less effective. Conclusions: Informal sewing workers face substantial ergonomic and mental workload risks that contribute to a high burden of WMSDs. Prioritizing higher-order ergonomic controls, integrating workload management, and implementing community-based ergonomic interventions are essential to improving occupational health and reducing inequities among informal workers. Full article

This study examines the relationship between board composition and integrated reporting quality (IRQ) and tests whether firm performance moderates this relationship. Using content analysis, IRQ is measured through a disclosure index based on the 2021 International Integrated Reporting Framework. The sample comprises 550 integrated annual reports from 110 companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange across multiple sectors for the period 2020–2024. Multiple regression analysis reveals that board size and gender diversity are positively and significantly associated with IRQ, suggesting that larger and more gender-diverse boards enhance monitoring effectiveness and stakeholder-oriented transparency. In contrast, board independence and audit committee size show no significant association with IRQ. The findings further indicate that firm performance does not moderate the relationship between board composition and IRQ, implying that reporting quality is driven more by governance structures than by financial outcomes. This study contributes post-2021 Framework evidence from a mandatory integrated reporting context, refines governance theory by highlighting the importance of board heterogeneity over formal independence, and positions IRQ as a governance outcome rather than a financial signalling mechanism. The results offer practical insights for regulators, investors, and policymakers seeking to enhance reporting quality. Full article

Despite growing scholarly interest in the CSR–sustainability nexus, the mechanisms through which distinct CSR dimensions translate into corporate sustainability performance (CSP) remain theoretically underspecified, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies. This study aims to address this gap by collecting survey data from 473 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Chinese manufacturing industry to explore the relationship between corporate social responsibility, business model innovation, and corporate sustainability performance. This study also includes four dimensions of corporate social responsibility: CSR to the environment (CSRET), CSR to employees (CSRES), CSR to the community (CSRCY), CSR to consumers (CSRCR). Combining structural equation modeling (SEM) with qualitative case evidence, results indicate that all four CSR dimensions—CSRET, CSRES, CSRCY, and CSRCR—positively affect business model innovation (BMI), and BMI, in turn, significantly promotes the development of corporate sustainability performance (CSP). Bootstrap-based mediation tests confirm that BMI serves as a significant mediator in all four CSR-CSP pathways. These findings extend stakeholder theory and the resource-based view by demonstrating how socially oriented organizational commitments are channeled into sustainability outcomes through business model reconfiguration within China’s unique institutional context. Full article

In the context of rural sustainability and poverty alleviation within the developing world, a key dilemma facing the international community is to identify suitable strategies and mechanisms to bring multiple stakeholders together to work in efficient and sustainable ways. This paper focuses on the Public–Private–Producer Partnership (4P), a model that involves cooperation between government agencies, business firms, and small-scale producers to foster mutual trust and enhance collaboration through infrastructure development and capacity building in the agricultural value chain. Drawing on evidence from China, Indonesia, Rwanda, Ghana, and Nigeria, this study examines the impact of 4P on crop productivity, agricultural infrastructure, market access, stakeholder empowerment, employment, the land tenure system, and household income. This paper combines value chain analysis, Theory of Change mapping, and both qualitative and quantitative evaluation techniques to assess how the 4P model functions in different institutional and ecological contexts. While the model promotes inclusive growth, it also faces challenges such as price volatility, insufficient long-term sustainability, and limited integration of smallholder farmers into formal value chains. The paper discusses policy implications for improving the 4P model’s effectiveness in poverty alleviation and local economic development, highlighting the importance of better governance structures, financial mechanisms, and market stability. This paper sheds new light on inclusive, justified, and sustainable collaboration mechanisms for participatory agencies and individuals. Full article

Jordan is among the most water-stressed countries globally, with renewable freshwater availability falling below 100 m³ per capita per year. The Jordan Valley (JV), the country’s primary irrigated agricultural corridor, faces interconnected pressures across water, energy, food, and ecosystem (WEFE) systems under intensifying climatic and demographic stressors. This study evaluates the integrated performance of the WEFE nexus in the Jordan Valley using updated evidence (2018–2023) to quantify cross-sector interactions, performance gaps, and intervention priorities. A mixed-methods empirical assessment integrated quantitative sectoral data on water supply–demand and quality, electricity supply–demand and renewable deployment, agricultural productivity, and ecosystem pressure indicators, complemented by Living Lab–based stakeholder interviews. Sectoral indices were calculated based on supply–demand adequacy and aggregated into an overall WEFE Nexus Index. Results indicate persistent water scarcity, with a domestic supply of 23.48 MCM yr⁻¹ versus demand of 26.00 MCM yr⁻¹ (deficit −2.52 MCM yr⁻¹) and irrigation supply of 206 MCM yr⁻¹ relative to approximately 400 MCM yr⁻¹ demand (deficit −194 MCM yr⁻¹). Water services account for 14% of national electricity consumption, while solar pumping provides approximately 40% of daytime irrigation energy. Agricultural productivity is constrained by salinity and water quality, resulting in yield gaps (e.g., greenhouse vegetables: 4.7 vs. 10.0 t/dunum). Sectoral performance is uneven (Water 0.71; Energy 1.00; Food 0.45; Ecosystem 0.50), yielding an overall WEFE Nexus Index of 0.63 (0.50 after efficiency adjustment). Climate projections indicate continued warming (+1.8 °C) and declining precipitation (−11%) by 2060. Water harvesting, integrated renewable-powered water services, wastewater reuse, salinity management, climate-smart agriculture, and ecosystem restoration are critical to enhancing climate-resilient resource security in the Jordan Valley. The WEFE index developed here offers a tool for integrated planning and underscores that achieving climate-resilient resource security in the Jordan Valley will require strategic, cross-sector interventions and adaptive governance rather than sector-specific fixes. Full article

This study addresses a critical gap in the operationalization of sustainability frameworks at the project level by developing and validating an empirically grounded measurement instrument for assessing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance in manufacturing industry projects. While the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) articulate sustainability aspirations at the national and global level, and ESG frameworks capture organizational-level sustainability performance, no validated instrument exists for measuring ESG integration at the project level where sustainability commitments are ultimately operationalized. Drawing on the theoretical foundations of sustainable project management, stakeholder theory, and the ESG governance literature, the authors developed a 30-item survey instrument capturing six conceptual dimensions of ESG-aligned project performance. Data were collected from 2231 project sponsors and decision-makers in North American goods manufacturing firms classified under NAICS codes 31–33, which collectively encompass the entire manufacturing sector in North America. Through a sequential analytical approach employing principal component analysis (PCA) for initial item reduction, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) for dimensionality assessment, and structural equation modelling (SEM) for confirmatory validation, a parsimonious two-factor model emerged with excellent fit indices (CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.052, SRMR < 0.035). The first factor captures ESG planning activities undertaken during project initiation and planning phases, while the second factor represents ESG monitoring and controlling functions during project execution. The reduction from six theoretical dimensions to two empirical factors reflects lifecycle governance theory, where planning-phase governance and execution-phase control emerge as functionally distinct but correlated constructs. The validated instrument offers practical utility for project managers, organizational sustainability officers, and policy-makers seeking standardized benchmarks for ESG compliance at the operational project level. The validated instrument and complete survey are shared for replication and testing across different industries and countries. Full article

Corporate management has recently shifted from a traditional shareholder-centric approach to sustainability-oriented strategic management, with ESG factors becoming central to corporate strategy. In this study, we identified strategic implications for enhancing corporate sustainability amid these changes. Specifically, we examined the structural context in which voluntary international standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), interact with the rising importance of environmental issues, diverse stakeholders, and intensified corporate competition, leading to a more in-depth discourse on corporate sustainability management. We analyzed corporate sustainability management reports of 102 companies across five industries in South Korea, applying risk management techniques and calculating relative importance indicators for key issues. The analysis revealed that “Response to the Threat of Climate Change” was the top priority across many industries and was closely linked to other issues such as sustainable resource use, customer safety, and supplier management, depending on industry characteristics. Several issues were identified as highly important despite being infrequently mentioned, suggesting they could become key future concerns. Based on our findings, we recommend that companies develop scenario-based, industry-specific strategies to address the threat of climate change, with a focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions. For governments and regulators, these findings are expected to have significant implications for enhancing corporate capacity to respond to Net Zero goals and improve climate change resilience across industries. Full article

Despite the aim of municipal boundaries re-demarcation to improve capacity, functionality, economic viability, and service delivery in South African municipalities, it often leads to community unrest, protests, and violent confrontations. This article examines socio-political factors that contribute to the ongoing disputes in Vuwani and Malamulele communities, Limpopo, South Africa, and their implications for social cohesion and local governance in a post-apartheid context. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 52 community members and other stakeholders who are directly involved in or affected by the disputes. Guided by territoriality theory, through thematic analysis, the study findings reveal that re-demarcation disputes are intertwined with political interests, differentiated ethnic and cultural identities, inadequate community consultation, and governance power imbalances. By situating Vuwani and Malamulele communities within wider debates on municipal border disputes, this study calls for an inclusive, transparent, and culturally sensitive approach to the implementation of municipal boundary changes. This is crucial for building united, peaceful, and sustainable communities, and for local government to regain public trust in post-apartheid South Africa. Full article

Numerous safety hazards in construction projects can readily cause safety accidents. While collaborative governance among stakeholders is vital for construction safety, it is hampered by interest-related factors. Evolutionary game theory is an excellent tool for analyzing participants’ behavioral decisions based on interest factors, and it is employed in this study to explore strategies for promoting collaborative governance. However, existing studies rarely mention the concept of collaborative governance of construction safety risks, seldom focus on construction payment disputes between owners and contractors, and barely take into account the differences in interests and decisions faced by stakeholders under projects of varying costs. Based on this, an evolutionary game model among the government, owner and contractor is established by taking China’s construction industry as an example, and MATLAB numerical simulation is conducted. First, the heterogeneity of the laws of strategy evolution under different cost levels was verified. Subsequently, cost levels were divided into two major categories and four subcategories based on strategy evolution results, and sensitivity analysis was conducted for each corresponding scenario. It was found that rewards for owners and contractors are barely effective, while cutting government regulatory costs and boosting positive governmental incentives generally play a positive role. The effects of penalties for inadequate safety investment and safety accidents on collaboration differ across project costs. Nevertheless, collaborative governance can be achieved via reasonable parameter optimization. This study addresses the critical issue of interest factors hindering collaborative governance, and provides a critical perspective for promoting construction safety and the sustainability of the construction industry. Cost-stratified analysis reduces overly definitive suggestions, offering valuable insights for both theory and practice. Full article

Designing long-range aircraft for 2050 is a complex, multi-disciplinary challenge requiring integration of technical performance with sustainability objectives, including environmental responsibility, economic viability, circularity, and social acceptance. Existing studies on stakeholder needs in aviation are limited, focusing on specific groups, technical requirements, or individual aircraft concepts, resulting in a fragmented understanding of sustainability-driven needs. This study addresses this gap by systematically identifying stakeholders who influence long-range aircraft development and deriving 191 stakeholder needs, organized into coherent categories spanning manufacturers, operators, passengers, regulators, communities, and energy suppliers. Needs were classified across technical, environmental, economic, circular, and social dimensions, based on a comprehensive review of academic and grey literature, regulatory documents, and industry sources. The resulting framework provides a structured, reproducible approach to support conceptual aircraft design and requirement definition within the European EXAELIA project. By integrating multi-dimensional stakeholder expectations early in the design process, this approach facilitates aircraft development that is technically robust, environmentally sustainable, economically viable, circular, and socially inclusive, demonstrating the value of a stakeholder-driven method for sustainable systems engineering. Full article

To comprehend the current state and future of newborn screening (NBS), it is essential to understand its history. Over the past six decades, this well-established and exemplary population-based screening program has been guided by screening principles dating back more than half a century. Advances in laboratory and point-of-care testing, diagnostic methods, and a surge of available treatments and even cures have made it challenging to balance screening criteria that have not kept pace with the current landscape. The availability to screen as well as the demand from parents and stakeholders to screen for more and increasingly complex conditions while limiting the retention of NBS specimens and genetic material has been both exciting and challenging. This paper shares the history of NBS in the United States, followed by the development and integration of genomic sequencing as a complement to current practice. It explores evidence supporting the concomitant use of biomarker- and DNA-sequencing-based approaches for NBS, how disorders are selected for inclusion, and available treatments, and offers recommendations regarding what to consider and how to proceed in this ever-changing NBS landscape. Full article

Objective: This exploratory study presents an international, multi-stakeholder snapshot of perceptions regarding real-world data and real-world evidence in health technology assessment. The aim is to identify perceived opportunities, barriers, and enabling conditions rather than to generate generalizable conclusions. Methods: A 21-item, expert-validated questionnaire was distributed via LimeSurvey to diverse health technology assessment stakeholders, including academia, industry, health technology assessment agencies, healthcare providers, policymakers, patients, and payers. The survey explored perceptions of value, methodological and regulatory challenges, and future outlooks for RWD/RWE use in HTA. Ethical approval was obtained by the University of West Attica Ethics Committee, and pilot testing was conducted prior to dissemination. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, consistent with the study’s exploratory intent and acknowledging that results are preliminary and not statistically generalizable. Results: Thirty-two completed responses demonstrated preliminary stakeholder support for integrating real-world data and real-world evidence into health technology assessment. Respondents represented academia, industry, HTA agencies, healthcare providers, policymakers, and patient/advocacy groups; however, no payer responses were obtained. Respondents emphasized the value of real-world data in complementing clinical trials by capturing real-world effectiveness, patient diversity, and long-term outcomes, especially in rare diseases and cancer. Key challenges included poor data quality, confounding biases, and regulatory barriers. Stakeholders highlighted the importance of standardization, transparency, and international collaboration. Opportunities included better decision-making, personalized healthcare, and improved post-market monitoring, with strong calls for robust infrastructure, clear methodologies, patient involvement, and supportive health policy frameworks. Conclusions: Real-world data and evidence enhance health technology assessment by supporting better decisions and personalized care. However, issues like data quality, methods, and trust must be addressed through standardization, strong infrastructure, and collaboration to ensure effective and impactful implementation in healthcare, while acknowledging these insights are based on a small exploratory sample. Full article