Search Results (458)

Background: Although green supply chain management (GSCM) has been widely examined, prior studies have often treated it as a homogeneous construct and have paid limited attention to how different types of GSCM practices operate in logistics firms. This study addresses this gap by distinguishing between technical GSCM practices and behavioral GSCM practices and examining how both dimensions influence organizational performance through green innovation culture (GIC). Methods: Drawing on data from a cross-sectional survey of 426 logistics practitioners involved in supply chain, operations, and sustainability-related functions in Guangzhou, China, the study tested the proposed model using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: Both technical and behavioral GSCM practices positively influence GIC, with behavioral practices having a stronger effect. GIC significantly improves organizational performance. Technical and behavioral GSCM practices also directly enhance organizational performance, indicating partial mediation. The indirect effect of behavioral GSCM practices through GIC is stronger, suggesting that behavioral governance is especially important for developing an innovation-oriented green culture. Conclusions: The study advances GSCM and green innovation literature and suggests logistics firms can achieve more sustainable performance improvements by combining technological upgrading with leadership support, employee involvement, stakeholder collaboration, and an innovation-oriented green culture. Full article

Background: The Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) is foundational to logistics optimization, yet its alignment with the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains fragmented. This study conducts a strategic bibliometric audit of 301 peer–reviewed publications (1992–2025) to quantify the evolutionary progression and thematic maturity of sustainable routing research. Methods: A four–stage scientometric framework was employed, utilizing Scopus–based data retrieval, longitudinal mapping, and Python 3.14–driven text mining to visualize keyword co–occurrence networks, author collaborations, and regional research clusters. Results: Findings reveal a pronounced “Sustainability Asymmetry,” where 51.5% of studies prioritize economic efficiency, while only 2.6% address the social pillar. Additionally, social sustainability remains an “isolated island” with minimal cross–citation to the research core. Geographic analysis identifies a heavy concentration in China, the USA, and Western Europe, uncovering a critical North–South—collaboration gap. Conclusions: The study proves that while environmental themes reached maturity between 2018 and 2022, social indicators exhibit a significant maturity lag. This quantified social deficit, centered on the neglect of SDG 3 and SDG 10, mandates a fundamental paradigm shift toward a geographically inclusive and socially conscious research agenda to ensure global logistical equity. Full article

The promotion of rapidly scaling technology startups has become a major policy priority. Sustainable startups are increasingly viewed as potential contributors to resilient and environmentally responsible economies, as they may combine economic growth with environmental and social objectives. Based on entrepreneurial ecosystem theory, the resource-based view, and Schumpeterian creative destruction, this study identifies innovation ecosystem conditions associated with sustainable startup growth. Turnover growth is used as a proxy for the economic pillar of the Triple Bottom Line framework and as a measure of startup scaling capacity. K-means clustering is applied to identify distinct growth profiles. To analyse relationships between startup growth and innovation ecosystem variables, the study employs a multi-method semiparametric framework. The results show multifaceted associations between ecosystem factors and startup growth. Market access and human capital are positively associated with global business models and innovation, while sectoral relatedness and knowledge spillovers may show negative associations, potentially through stronger competition and higher talent acquisition costs. Venture capital is positively associated with startup growth, whereas public R&D investment and direct government funding show no consistent positive relationship. The study is limited by using financial growth as a proxy for economic sustainability and by focusing on four European innovation ecosystems. Full article

Although many organizations have started to adopt sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), many organizations still face challenges in achieving their long-term sustainability goals due to pressures such as ever-changing environments and stakeholder conflicts, which are wicked sustainability problems. This present study develops a value-driven sustainable supply chain management (VSSCM) framework that advances existing integrative SSCM conceptual models by adopting an open-system perspective. This developed framework differs from previous frameworks that focus primarily on sustainability practices or performance dimensions. Based on the General System Theory and Mindsponge Framework approaches, the VSSCM framework presented describes the mechanism by which sustainability values are deeply embedded in organizational culture, translated into sustainable supply chain management practices, and transformed into adaptive and buffering capabilities that drive the performance of sustainable supply chains. The output eventually creates long-term values of stakeholder satisfaction, stakeholder well-being, and brand equity. Along with the feedback loop process, the system allows the organization’s values and beliefs to be continuously reviewed and developed to respond to and address the dynamic environmental changes. Finally, this VSSCM theory provides theoretical propositions, practical implications, and directions for future research development. Full article

The increasing demand for sustainable industrial practices has intensified the search for manufacturing processes that minimize environmental impacts without compromising technical performance or economic viability. In this context, powder metallurgy has emerged as a promising alternative in mechanical manufacturing due to its potential for raw material reuse, waste reduction, lower energy consumption, and near-net-shape production. However, despite the growing body of research on this topic, there is still a lack of a comprehensive and integrated framework that systematically organizes and correlates the factors influencing sustainability across environmental, economic, and social dimensions, which limits a holistic understanding of the process. Therefore, this study aims to analyze and classify the main factors affecting sustainability in powder metallurgy. A Systematic Literature Review was conducted following the PRISMA method, using the Scopus, Web of Science and Wiley databases. The initial search identified 1753 articles, of which 56 were selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. The analysis considers the three pillars of sustainability and examines how variables related to raw materials, energy consumption, processing technologies, waste reuse, product performance, and operational conditions influence process sustainability. The results enable the identification of the most recurrent factors in the literature and support the development of a structured theoretical framework, contributing to a more integrated understanding of sustainability in powder metallurgy. Full article

The transition from sustainable human resource management (S-HRM) toward common good human resource management (CG-HRM) has introduced new research challenges for the academic community. This study examines the nexus among CG-HRM, employee resilience, and sustainable corporate performance, as assessed through the triple-bottom-line framework. First, the study evaluates the relationship between CG-HRM and sustainable corporate performance, followed by an examination of whether employee resilience moderates these relationships. The study also examines the moderated mediation effect of employee resilience via social performance on the relationship between CG-HRM and both economic and environmental performance. The research was conducted with 370 respondents from companies in the Republic of Serbia, using the PLS-SEM methodology. The results suggest that CG-HRM is directly related to environmental and economic performance, but not to social performance. Moreover, social performance showed a positive relationship with environmental and economic performance. The results also suggest that CG-HRM is indirectly associated with environmental and economic performance through the mediating effect of social performance, with employee resilience moderating the first segment of these indirect relationships. Thus, the study enhances the understanding of the mechanisms connecting CG-HRM, employee resilience, and sustainable corporate performance. Furthermore, the findings provide useful implications for managers seeking to integrate sustainability into HRM systems and improve sustainable business outcomes. Full article

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are rapidly developing to meet Industry 5.0 demands, highlighting human–machine collaboration, sustainability, and institutional resilience. Existing literature primarily explores artificial intelligence (AI), learning analytics (LA), and sustainability as discrete components within HEI. Limited studies examine how these disciplines intersect to impact institutional developments, especially from the perspective of strategic decision-making. Hence, this research explores how HEI leaders perceive the integration of artificial intelligence, learning analytics, and sustainability within strategic planning. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 leaders from diverse HEIs using the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) and the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) theory frameworks. Thematic analysis demonstrated that AI and LA improve efficiency and decision-making but face ethical and cultural obstacles, while sustainability is often fragmented despite its reputational value. The results highlight a lack of holistic integration across domains. This research suggests theoretical and practical insights for aligning innovation and sustainable principles to build agile, ethically grounded, and future-ready universities. Full article

In the context of growing global concerns about food safety, sustainability, and corporate responsibility, voluntary food safety certifications (VFSC) such as ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, HACCP, and Halal play a critical role in shaping the performance of food processing companies. This study analyzes the impact of VFSC on the triple bottom line (TBL) performance, encompassing environmental, economic, and social aspects, of food processing companies in Pakistan. To accomplish this objective, the study utilizes panel data from 19 listed companies involved in food processing while fixed-effect regressions are employed for empirical estimations. The results indicate that the resource efficiency of ISO 22000-certified food processing companies is, on average, 0.17 points greater than that of non-certified companies. Likewise, the sales of the companies that implement ISO 22000 are, on average, 0.13 percentage points higher than those of companies with no ISO 22000. This suggests that implementing ISO 22000 has a significant impact on enhancing the environmental and economic performance of food processing companies. Furthermore, the sales of companies implementing FSSC 22000 are, on average, 0.17 percentage points higher, whereas the sales of companies implementing HACCP are, on average, 0.23 percentage points higher than those of non-certified companies. Finally, the social performance of companies implementing FSSC 22000 is, on average, 0.06 points higher, whereas the social performance of companies implementing HACCP is, on average, 0.05 points higher than that of non-certified companies. This implies that the implementation of FSSC 22000 and HACCP contributes positively to economic and social performance. These findings offer profound insights for managers, decision-makers, and relevant actors in the food sector, highlighting the importance of strategically implementing VFSC to achieve long-term sustainability and competitiveness. Full article

Selecting sustainable third-party logistics providers (3PLPs) is essential for enhancing competitiveness and sustainability performance. However, conventional approaches often fail to adequately capture sustainability dimensions and manage uncertainty arising from hesitant and incomplete information. To address these limitations, this study proposes a novel decision-making framework that extends the Triple Bottom Line by incorporating a technical dimension. The model integrates Dempster–Shafer theory for uncertainty modeling, Deng entropy for objective criteria weighting, Murphy’s combination rule for improved evidence aggregation, and the Combined Compromise Solution method for ranking. The core novelty lies in the unified integration of these techniques to simultaneously address uncertainty within a comprehensive evaluation framework. A case study, along with sensitivity and comparative analyses, demonstrates the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed approach, providing a reliable tool for sustainable 3PLP selection. Full article

The agricultural sector in Mexico, specifically the coffee and sugarcane supply chains, faces the critical challenge of reconciling economic profitability with environmental sustainability and rural social progress. This study presents a critical literature review and conceptual framework that evaluates existing analytical models and proposes methodological integration pathways to simultaneously optimize Triple bottom line (TBL) dimensions in vulnerable smallholder systems. Unlike prior reviews that focus on generic Sustainable Supply chain management (SSCM) practices, this work explicitly addresses the suitability and limitations of multi-objective optimization (MOO) and Life cycle assessment (LCA) for regenerative supply chain objectives in the Mexican coffee and sugarcane context. A critical review of 76 core articles published between 2020 and 2025 was conducted, employing comparative evaluation criteria and narrative synthesis to assess trade-offs, data requirements, and scalability constraints. The review reveals that while agricultural intensification often exacerbates environmental degradation, the adoption of sustainable practices can impose significant financial burdens on vulnerable smallholders. However, analytical models like MOO and LCA serve as robust decision-support systems that effectively evaluate trade-offs and balance competing economic, environmental, and social objectives by identifying optimal production scenarios. The contribution of this work is threefold: (1) a critical synthesis distinguishing regenerative from sustainable supply chain paradigms, (2) a comparative assessment of analytical model applicability to smallholder contexts, and (3) a conceptual framework integrating local socioeconomic realities, traditional knowledge, and modern technological approaches. Fostering resilient supply chains in Mexico requires customized analytical frameworks that explicitly operationalize social indicators, address data limitations, and enable cross-sector collaboration. Ultimately, localized models are essential to simultaneously enhance rural livelihoods, reduce carbon footprints, and maintain economic viability. Full article

The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz on 28 February 2026 disrupted approximately 20 million barrels (bbl) per day of crude oil transit, constituting the largest supply shock in global oil market history. This study quantifies the resulting economic losses under three blockade-duration scenarios and evaluates the Northern Sea Route (NSR) as a partial mitigation mechanism through a novel framework integrating sustainable supply chain resilience (SSCR), the Triple Bottom Line (TBL), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A 3 × 3 scenario matrix crossing three blockade durations with three NSR utilization levels estimates global and country-level impacts using data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the Centre for High North Logistics (CHNL). Even under maximum feasible NSR utilization, net environmentally adjustment mitigation offsets only 1.1–3.6% of total global losses, demonstrating that the Northern Sea Route functions as marginal insurance rather than a viable substitute for Hormuz-dependent supply chains. Global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) losses range from USD 330 billion to USD 2.2 trillion, with South Korea (68–70% Middle East crude dependency) and Japan (approximately 95%) disproportionately affected. After TBL environmentally adjustment monetizing CO₂, black-carbon, and icebreaker costs, the NSR mitigates 1.1–3.6% of total losses, functioning as insurance rather than substitution. The SDG assessment reveals a fundamental trade-off: the NSR offsets energy-security losses (SDGs 7, 9) but worsens climate and marine outcomes (SDGs 13, 14). Theoretically, this study proposes “alternative maritime route availability” as a conceptual extension of supply chain resilience (SCRes) capabilities and outlines a sustainability-adjusted resilience score (SARS) framework that, pending further validation, could serve as a replicable assessment tool. These findings underscore that accelerating the energy transition remains the most effective long-term response to chokepoint vulnerability. Full article

Vulnerabilities in conventional agri-food supply chains (CAFSCs) necessitate a shift toward resilient, localized production models. Within the Agri-Food 4.0 landscape, urban Controlled-Environment Hydroponic Agriculture (CEHA) systems address these challenges by shortening supply chains and mitigating climate-induced breakdowns. However, structurally aligning Triple Bottom Line (TBL)-oriented stakeholder needs with complex technical specifications remains a critical challenge in sustainable CEHA system design. To address this challenge, the present study proposes a novel framework integrating the Full Consistency Method (FUCOM) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) within a Finite Interval Type-2 (FIT2) Gaussian fuzzy environment. This approach systematically translates TBL-oriented priorities into precise engineering specifications, mapping 17 stakeholder needs (SNs) to 30 technical design requirements (TDRs) while capturing linguistic uncertainty and hesitation. The findings reveal a clear strategic focus on environmental and social sustainability. Specifically, high product quality, food safety and traceability, consumer acceptance, and minimization of environmental impacts emerge as the primary drivers of CEHA adoption. The QFD translation identifies scalable IoT infrastructure, sensor maintenance and calibration, and AI-enabled decision support as the most critical TDRs. The framework’s reliability and structural robustness were rigorously validated through comprehensive analyses, including Kendall’s W test to confirm expert consensus, alongside a Leave-One-Out (LOO) approach, weight perturbations, and a structural evaluation of TDR intercorrelations. These findings provide a scientifically grounded roadmap for designing sustainable, intelligent urban agricultural systems. Ultimately, this framework offers actionable managerial implications for agribusiness stakeholders to bridge strategic TBL-oriented goals with practical engineering, significantly enhancing agri-food supply chain resilience. Full article

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggle to integrate Lean practices with sustainability due to high methodological complexity and the frequent neglect of the social dimension. This study develops the Simple, Sustainable, and Inclusive Lean Model (SSILM), a conceptual framework designed to bridge these gaps. The methodology involved a systematic meta-evaluation of 31 existing Lean–Sustainability models against 14 operational criteria tailored for SMEs. Findings reveal that current models lack social integration and practical scalability for resource-constrained environments. The proposed SSILM is structured in six phases, from characterization to analysis, prioritizing low-cost participatory tools and strategic innovation. This study contributes a theoretical bridge between operational efficiency and the Triple Bottom Line, specifically emphasizing the social pillar. As a conceptual paper, its primary limitation is the lack of empirical field testing, which establishes a clear roadmap for future longitudinal research in industrial contexts. Full article

Background: In 2022, the German healthcare system generated 400,000 tons of waste. Reducing this number could lower greenhouse gas emissions. The waste management plan at the University Medical Center Regensburg, and those of other comparable German facilities, require that glass, cardboard/paper, residual waste, and other non-hazardous materials are collected separately. Objectives: To assess the personal interest, proficiency, opinion, and awareness of waste management among German dermatology staff to develop customized, resource-saving process optimization and training programs. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among German dermatology healthcare professionals between 27 February and 4 October 2024. Out of the 100 responses, 84 were complete and subsequently analyzed. Respondents included staff at dermatology wards, outpatient units, and private practices. Data were analyzed descriptively; comparisons were made between clinics and outpatient units, and correlations were identified among the items. Results: Most respondents perceived the amount of waste generated during wound dressing changes as high; more than 60% expressed an interest in receiving further training on sustainability and waste reduction. Although many respondents reported having a good understanding of waste separation, they identified time pressure and stress as the two main obstacles to consistent implementation. Higher self-reported knowledge did not correspond with greater confidence in recycling as an effective waste reduction measure. Conclusions: The findings suggest a discrepancy between awareness and practice regarding sustainable waste management in dermatology. Combining structural and organizational measures with targeted training and workflow optimization could promote more sustainable clinical practices. Full article

Bangladesh is one of the major global garment-sourcing hotspots. Sustainability has become a megatrend and is shaping the international apparel industry. Given that Bangladesh is one of the largest garment exporters, it is essential to investigate the current sustainability initiatives being developed within the Bangladesh garment industry. Therefore, this study investigated the types of sustainability practices currently adopted within the garment industry in Bangladesh by analyzing publicly available sustainability reports from 25 garment factories published between 2020 and 2021. Guided by the triple bottom line theory, this study revealed through content analysis that companies prominently highlight environmental and social sustainability efforts, while economic sustainability receives comparatively limited attention. These insights identify areas for improvement in the current sustainable practices of the Bangladesh garment industry. Industry professionals, scholars in academia, and other stakeholders may use the primary findings of this study to holistically devise and implement strategies for sustainability practices in the Bangladesh garment industry. Full article