The role of emerging technologies in implementing green practices to achieve sustainable operations

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Umar ◽  
Syed Abdul Rehman Khan ◽  
Hafiz Muhammad Zia-ul-haq ◽  
Mohd Yusoff Yusliza ◽  
Khalid Farooq
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Green Manufacturing ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Green Logistics ◽  
Sustainable Operations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Green Practices

PurposeThe current study investigates the effect of industry 4.0 on green practices, including green manufacturing and green logistics, in the context of emerging economies.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional data were collected from 234 manufacturing firms in Pakistan, and PLS-SEM was employed to test hypotheses.FindingsWith the advent of industry 4.0 in the current era, more emphasis is being given to the adoption of digital technologies in every field. The adoption of the green approach in supply chain management provides firms with socioeconomic and environmental benefits. The study results indicate that industry 4.0 positively affects green practices, including green manufacturing and green logistics. Moreover, the results also illustrate that these green practices have a substantial effect on the sustainability performance of the firms.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides an amplified understanding of the industry 4.0 technologies in the adoption of green practices. The outcomes also offer a policy framework for managers, legislators and manufacturers to promote green practices (i.e. green manufacturing and green logistics) in businesses.Originality/valueAlthough several recent studies have tried to investigate the effect of green practices on sustainability performance. However, as per the author's best knowledge, very few studies have analyzed the influence of industry 4.0 on green practices (i.e. green manufacturing and green logistics) in the context of emerging economies.

Lean links with sustainability

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 7-9 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Operations Management ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Sustainable Operations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Sustainable Operations Management ◽  
Lean Operations ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – The paper reports that lean operations meet a wide range of sustainability outcomes beyond environmental benefits (including supply monitoring, transparency, workforce treatment and community engagement). It specifies the internal and external policies, procedures, tools and strategies for implementation of lean and sustainable operations management. This is encapsulated in the development of a stage-based theoretical model of lean-sustainability. Further, it is proposed that lean implementation and sustainability performance are in fact interlinked. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Do intraday week effect in currencies hourly trading reflect leverage and asymmetric anomalies? Policy implications for traders

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wajid Shakeel Ahmed ◽  
Muhammad Sohaib ◽  
Jamal Maqsood ◽  
Ateeb Siddiqui
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Garch Model ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Asymmetric Effect ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Rational Choices ◽  
Trading Pattern

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine if intraday week (IDW) effect of the currencies reflect leverage and asymmetric impact in currencies market. The study data set comprises of intraday patterns of 15 currencies from developed and emerging economies. Design methodology approach The study applies the exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (E-GARCH) model technique to observe the IDW leverage and asymmetric effect after introducing hourly dummies variables, namely, IDWmon, IDWwed, IDWfrid and IDWfrid-mon. Findings The study results favor the propositions and confirm that IDW effect do exist in the international forex markets in relation to hourly trading pattern for respective currencies. Mostly, currencies do depreciate on Monday and Wednesday compared to the rest of the days. However, on the last trading day, i.e. Friday currencies observe an appreciation pattern which is for both economies. The results have an evidence of leverage and asymmetric effect confirmed by the E-GARCH model as a result of press releases and influence by micro-factors in the currency markets. Practical implications The study believes to have theoretical connection related to the better understanding of currencies trend for developed and emerging economies, as the IDW effect exists. Moreover, confirmation of both the leverage and asymmetric effect in observed currencies would be able to assist the investors in making rational choices during the trading hours and would confirm considerable profits through profit incentivized strategies. Originality value The study not only add knowledge to the previous study work in relation to the hourly trading pattern of currencies with reference to the IDW effects but also highlights the leverage and asymmetric effect in currencies that will help in formulating future trading strategies particular to emerging economies.

Contribution of green manufacturing for realizing business performance in Indian small and medium scale organizations (SME’s)

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahakdeep Singh ◽  
Kanwarpreet Singh ◽  
Amanpreet Singh Sethi
Keyword(s):  
Business Performance ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Green Manufacturing ◽  
Statistical Testing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Scale ◽  
Green Practices ◽  
Significant Factors

Purpose The current manuscript is focused on evaluating the capabilities of green practices that affect various business performance (BP) parameters of small and medium scale Indian manufacturing enterprises (SME’s). This study aims to obtain multiple significant factors that influence the implementation of green practices. Design/methodology/approach The manuscript focuses on statistical testing of responses obtained from 168 Indian SMEs to determine the relationship between input parameters and BP parameters. This paper starts with deploying tests such as Cronbach alpha and inter-item covariance test to obtain confidence in data collected, followed by various statistical tests such as Pearson correlation, multiple regression, canonical correlation to extract various significant factors the study. Further Games-Howell post hoc test is deployed to evaluate the significant improvements in BP gained over a reasonable duration of time. Finally, a discriminant validity test is used to find out the success or failure of the organizations that participated in the survey. Findings This research contributes to the holistic effect of green manufacturing (GM) toward gaining improvements in terms of different BP parameters taken for the study. It has been found that various input factors such as customer attributes, adoption of new technology, social pressure and government pressure are the main parameters for GM implementation. Further, it is observed that those at the maturity phase of GM implementation are reaping higher benefits than the organizations at the transition and stability phase. Originality/value The current study has been accomplished in Indian SME manufacturing organizations to investigate the effects of GM implementation in the organization. Although research findings imply the effective use of green practices within the organization to reap BP parameters and improve the market’s competitive image, the study cannot be generalized and can be used as an insight for both academicians and end-users in understanding the overall achievements of GM.

Implementing strategic responses in the COVID-19 market crisis: a study of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guydeuk Yeon ◽  
Paul C. Hong ◽  
Elangovan N. ◽  
Divakar G. M.
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Strategic Responses ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic presents unprecedented challenges for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies. This paper aims to examine how India's SMEs implement their strategic responses in this crisis. Design/methodology/approach The study uses dynamic capability theory to explore the strategic responses of SMEs. Strategy implementation theory helps to explain how they implement innovative practices for outcomes. A research model defines the COVID-19 challenges, strategic responses and performance outcomes. The study reports the findings of an initial pilot study of 75 firms and follow-up case study results in the context of COVID-19. Findings Firms choose their approaches according to their perceived market risks. Case studies illustrate that firms display diverse attitudes depending on their strategic direction, leadership vision and organizational culture. They achieve different outcomes by implementing specific styles of risk management practices (e.g. risk-averting, risk-taking and risk-thriving). Research limitations/implications Although the study context is Indian SMEs, the findings suggest meaningful lessons for other emerging economies in similar crisis events. The propositions may be extended to future research in broad contexts. Practical implications Even in the extraordinary COVID-19 market crisis, SMEs with limited resources display their strategic potential by recognizing their unique capabilities, translating them into effective actions and achieving desirable outcomes. Social implications In the COVID-19 pandemic, top leaders' mental attitude, strategic perspective and routine practices are contagious. Positive leadership motivates both internal and external stakeholders with an enormous level of collaboration. Originality/value This rare study of Indian SMEs provides a theoretical framework for designing a pilot survey and conducting a case study of multiple firms. Based on these findings, testable propositions are articulated for future research in diverse organizational and national contexts.

Diving into emerging economies bottleneck: Industry 4.0 and implications for circular economy

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciana Oranges Cezarino ◽  
Lara Bartocci Liboni ◽  
Nelson Oliveira Stefanelli ◽  
Bruno Garcia Oliveira ◽  
Lucas Conde Stocco
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Emerging Countries ◽  
Management Decision ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Regulatory Policies ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose In this paper, the authors aim to explore the relationship between the concepts of Industry 4.0 and circular economy (CE) as a contribution to the management decision on emerging countries. By analyzing the trends of scientific production to ascertain the interface of both constructs, the purpose of this paper is to identify limitations for Industry 4.0 and CE implementation in Brazil, as well to present an original framework and strategic pathways to overcome limitations for emerging countries. Design/methodology/approach Supported in the Brazilian case, the authors draw a framework using the structuralism approach to indicate pathways for the strategic positioning of emerging economies that consider their limitation and potential for competitive advantage. By understanding country-related limitations such as social and economic contingencies, the authors conceive a structure of implications for Brazil’s capacity to develop CE in the digital era. Findings Results show that Brazil has a reasonable, institutional and stable environment, as well as strong regulatory policies for solid waste that can stimulate CE in the country. However, it requires more communication between actors, especially public and private institutions, performing long-range relationships. Also, the country requires consolidation of industrial policies and investments in the remanufacturing process in the supply chain. Likewise, despite Brazil’s ability to take advantage of CE’s benefits, the country presents a huge lack of qualification to fulfill the competences that the digitization process demands. Economically, Brazil has been fighting against an economic crisis since 2014 that has limited general investments, especially in the industrial sector. Industry presents low performance and decreasing GDP participation, which leads to constant overseas production transfer as a consequence of the workforce’s high costs. Research limitations/implications The authors can affirm that Brazil is far behind developed countries in searching for the capacity to provide CE through technological industrial change. The main problems are related to the lack of articulation of public and private spheres to promote new digital business models. Therefore, the structured framework enables managers and public agents to provide solutions and to properly address supply chain bottlenecks in emerging economies. Originality/value Exploring the relationship between the concepts of Industry 4.0 and CE through the specific lens of the structuralist method, this work can contribute to the management decision on emerging countries, looking into four important perspectives: political, economic, social and technological.

scholarly journals How do industry 4.0 technologies influence organisational change? An empirical analysis of Italian SMEs

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Cimini ◽  
Albachiara Boffelli ◽  
Alexandra Lagorio ◽  
Matteo Kalchschmidt ◽  
Roberto Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Technology Implementation ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Organisational Change ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Job Profile

PurposeThis article aims to investigate the organisational implications of adopting Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, giving specific attention to operations. The paper addresses these implications in two directions: organisational prerequisites for, and consequences of, I4.0 technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe research is based on a multiple case study of Italian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in manufacturing. Ten case studies have been developed through interviews, company visits and secondary data collection.FindingsThe multiple case study results show that: (1) a lean organisational structure supports effective adoption of I4.0 technologies; (2) introducing such technologies is linked to developing a new kind of job profile (i.e. the “Autonomous Operative Job Profile”); and (3) higher levels of technology adoption create a higher need for non-technical competences.Research limitations/implicationsA limitation of this research relates to the highly heterogeneous maturity levels of the sampled companies, due to the relative newness of the I4.0 paradigm. Future research could, therefore, longitudinally analyse the technology integration process within organisations.Practical implicationsThis research provides preliminary evidence about how organisations and technologies co-evolve, thus suggesting that managers should co-design these areas. It also demonstrates the extreme importance of designing a structured process and a clear set of human resource management tools to favour SME organisational development.Originality/valueThe study is built upon a conceptual framework derived from the sociotechnical perspective that analyses the interconnections between technology implementation and organisational change. From the results, three research propositions are derived to be tested on a larger scale.

Determinants of GRI-based sustainability reporting: evidence from an emerging economy

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurlan Orazalin ◽  
Monowar Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Stock Exchange ◽  
Sustainability Reporting ◽  
Global Reporting Initiative ◽  
Publicly Traded ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Publicly Traded Companies ◽  
Reporting Practices ◽  
Sustainability Performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent and determinants of sustainability performance disclosures reported by publicly traded companies in Kazakhstan by using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework. Among the different possible determinants, stand-alone sustainability reporting (SR), reporting language, leverage, cash flow capacity, profitability, size, age and auditor type were selected to investigate their impacts on the quality and scope of sustainability information. Design/methodology/approach The study analyzes data from publicly traded companies at the Kazakhstani Stock Exchange for the years 2013–2015. To investigate the extent, nature and quality of sustainability reports, the study measures and analyzes economic, environmental and social performance parameters, as suggested in the GRI guidelines. Findings The results indicate that determinants such as stand-alone reporting, reporting language, firm profitability, firm size and auditor type substantially influence the extent, nature and quality of sustainability-reporting practices of Kazakhstani companies. Practical implications The findings of the study suggest that managers, practitioners, regulators and policy makers in emerging economies should adopt the GRI guidelines to report sustainability performance disclosures and focus on specific factors to improve the quality of sustainability disclosures. Originality/value This study is one of the first studies to investigate the extent, nature and possible determinants of corporate SR in central Asian-emerging economies.

Modern divulge in production optimization: an implementation framework of LARG manufacturing with Industry 4.0

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Saad Amjad ◽  
Muhammad Zeeshan Rafique ◽  
Mohammad Aamir Khan
Keyword(s):  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Green Manufacturing ◽  
Agile Manufacturing ◽  
Production Optimization ◽  
Implementation Framework ◽  
Integration Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Manufacturing Organization ◽  
Efficient Manufacturing

Purpose In the modern manufacturing environment, it is imperative to apply the manufacturing concepts of lean, agile, resilient and green, collectively known as LARG manufacturing, to achieve excellence in which lean manufacturing eliminates wastes; agile manufacturing makes processes fast, efficient and flexible; resilient paradigm deals with countering the uncertainty while green manufacturing improves environmental performance. The objective of this study is to develop an integration framework that synergizes LARG manufacturing with Industry 4.0. Design/methodology/approach Through a literature review, the authors have explored the possibility of collaboration between constituents of lean, agile, resilient and green manufacturing with the facets of Industry 4.0. Findings The authors have developed a comprehensive integration framework that has been divided into 11 phases and 31 steps in which the various Industry 4.0 facets have supplemented the lean, agile, resilient and green paradigms. Practical implications This investigation and adoption of technologically intensive automation shall provide clarity to practitioners regarding the synergy of LARG manufacturing & Industry 4.0, so that fast and efficient manufacturing processes can be achieved. Originality/value The framework provides detailed insight towards implementation of LARG practices in a manufacturing organization in coalescence with Industry 4.0 practices.

How environmental awareness and corporate social responsibility practices benefit the enterprise? An empirical study in the context of emerging economy

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed Abdul Rehman Khan ◽  
Zhang Yu ◽  
Muhammad Umar
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Environmental Awareness ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Firm Reputation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Green Practices ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Corporate Social

PurposeThe study explores the linkage between environmental awareness, green practices, firm reputation and performance. Undeniably, very few studies have been conducted on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its effect on firms' performance.Design/methodology/approachIn the current study, the data are collected from 404 firms located in Pakistan, and structural equation modeling (SEM) is employed to validate hypotheses.FindingsThe results show that green practices are statistically significant to build a positive image of firms; also, these practices enhance firm performance. Furthermore, the results also confirmed that CSR practice “indirect support to the community” has an insignificant relationship with firm reputation due to mismanagement and corruption involvement on governmental levels.Research limitations/implicationsThis study suggests that the firms' management should spend money on CSR activities and concentrate on proper monitoring of CSR activities to utilize funds efficiently. The research is conducted in Pakistan's context, while future studies need to be conducted in other emerging economies to investigate the linkage between CSR, firm reputation and performance.Originality/valueAccording to the researcher's best knowledge, very few studies have been conducted regarding the relationship between environmental awareness, green practices, firm reputation and performance in emerging economies like Pakistan.

Developing human capital 4.0 in emerging economies: an industry 4.0 perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohit Kumar Singh ◽  
Soni Agrawal ◽  
Sachin Modgil
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Emerging Economies ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Survey ◽  
The Right ◽  
Key Resources ◽  
Relationship Of

PurposeThe present study is an attempt of identifying the human capital skills and HR-related challenges faced by top management in the perspective of industry 4.0 in emerging economies. In addition, the importance or key resources related to human assets that help in attaining competitive advantages while adopting newer digital technologies are also identified.Design/methodology/approachFor identifying the dimensions of human capital skills in the perspective of industry 4.0, an extensive review of literature was performed. Along with that, feedback from the expert was used to conceptualize the importance and relationship of the skills in the context of industry 4.0. After that, a qualitative survey was launched and triangulate method was applied for identifying the skills. AHP and DEMATEL was used to analyze the relationship among the skills and subskills and to rank them based on their importance.FindingsThe qualitative survey resulted in skills such as “Cognitive, Emotional and Behavioural skills” and subskills of them. AHP results indicated that “Cognitive skills” was found as the most important skill followed by “Emotional skills” and “Behavioural skills”. In addition to this, DEMATEL was applied for seeking the inter-relationship and identifying the “Cause” and “Effect” relationship of skills and sub-skills.Originality/valueThis study prioritizes factors in a coordinated manner and also finds the relative importance in the context of industry 4.0. It will help further in identifying and deploying human capital with the right skills and will play a significant role at the time of formulating organizational and HR level strategies.

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