Towards a standardised management system for corporate sustainable development

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 411-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Asif ◽  
Cory Searcy
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Management System ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Basic Structure ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Development Management ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives

Purpose – The systematic implementation and assessment of corporate sustainable development is difficult in the absence of a structured approach. The existing management systems and frameworks do not provide a balanced approach to the management of the triple bottom line of sustainable development. The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibility of developing a sustainable development management system (SDMS) and provides a basic framework for such a system. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reviews the approaches that can be employed to embody the various elements of a SDMS – including underlying values, system requirements, continual improvement, and assessment approaches. Advantages and disadvantages of developing a SDMS are also reviewed. Findings – Descriptive guidelines augmented by prescriptive requirements could provide a comprehensive guide to corporate sustainable development management and assessment through a hybrid approach. A basic structure for the descriptive guidelines, prescriptive requirements, and assessment approaches is provided. Practical implications – The paper could provide a needed starting point for managers to structure their thinking related to their organisation's sustainability initiatives. Originality/value – The existing systems and guidelines addressing sustainable development are characterised by several limitations. This paper provides a unique framework for corporate sustainable development that has not been addressed in previous publications.

Sustainable development and the circular economy in Greece: case examples from Costa Navarino and Grecotel

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 609-621
Author(s):  
Justin Darayus Khodaiji ◽  
Dimitra Christopoulou
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Circular Economy ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Development Goals

Purpose This paper aims to identify and analyse sustainable development in the Greek hospitality industry. Drawing on an evaluation of two leading hotel groups in Greece, TEMES S.A. and Grecotel Hotels and Resorts and their respective landmark hotels Costa Navarino and Grecotel (Lux Me) Rhodos, the authors focussed on the role that the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have played in the industry and in a country heavily reliant on its tourism industry. Additionally, this paper examines and assesses the concepts of the triple bottom line and the circular economy and suggests practical approaches by which hotels may achieve sustainability. The recommendation relies on the belief that the two concepts are interconnected in tackling and achieving a successful vision of the future of sustainability through until 2030. Design/methodology/approach The case study focus with regard to the two hotel groups relied heavily on their respective 2018 sustainability reports. Additionally, further secondary research was conducted via several journal databases from 2013 to 2020. Third-party sites were also leveraged including the UN and Forbes. Findings It is evident that hotel companies often highlight their sustainability programmes online so that they are accessible to consumers and other stakeholders – including investors. This enables companies to create and close business loops in innovative ways. Their actions on sustainable development help the local economy and in turn help the country. This paper showcases examples of two leading Greek hotel groups, TEMES and Grecotel already working towards a more sustainable operating future. Originality/value In spite of research that was limited to secondary sources, the topic of sustainability in Greece is of great value as it is yet to be fully explored. This paper does yield some practical insights that will be of interest to the industry as to how to use the UN’s SDGs as pathway drivers for a successful circular economy.

Corporate Social Responsibility in hospitality: are sustainability initiatives really sustainable? Case examples from CitizenM, Lefay and Six Senses

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 525-545
Author(s):  
Virginia Maria Stombelli
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Decent Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Future ◽  
Virtuous Cycle ◽  
Positive Direct ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose In 2016, the United Nations published the agenda for sustainable development with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), asking everyone to commit to reach the Goals’ targets by 2030. Accordingly, hospitality brands developed Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to deliver positive direct, indirect and induced impacts to the triple bottom lines’ environmental, social and economic dimensions. The purpose of this paper consists in investigating the benefits that companies want to obtain, engaging in these activities. Three very different hotel brands’ CSR are analyzed to consider their undeclared coordination with the UN SDGs namely CitizenM, Lefay and Six Senses. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on secondary qualitative data retrieved from websites. Findings When choosing to commit to CSR initiatives, companies not only behave as good corporate citizens but also pursue their economic interests. By so doing, they receive benefits that vary from improved image and reputation amongst guests to enhanced satisfaction and commitment amongst employees, passing through reduced fiscal burdens and financial savings. Practical implications The UN SDGs seem to potentially create a virtuous cycle in which Goal 8, decent work and economic growth, must be a leading cornerstone. To make the cycle work, socio-economic engagement and factual certainly should be improved and hospitality companies should pay a role both by measuring and publishing the benefits of committing to CSR and funding sustainability research that can be beneficial to their business, too. If this happens and the UN SDGs’ targets are met, the future will benefit from a circular economy, whereby resources will not be disposed of but maintained, repaired, reused, remanufactured and refurbished before being recycled. In other words, sustainability is not only about creating a better life for every living being but also about developing favourable business environments to benefit companies. Originality/value The comparison of hospitality brands’ with theoretically identified benefits represents the starting point of a wider multi-dimensional reflection on coordination between companies’ CSR and UN SDGs. Recommendations to sustain the sustainability virtuous cycle and to look at the future are drawn.

Risks typology of the banking system economic security and methodological approaches to their assessment

2020 ◽  
pp. 90-97
Author(s):  
Elena V. FLENOVA
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Banking System ◽  
Economic Security ◽  
Capital Adequacy ◽  
Threshold Values ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Security Indicators

The aim of the study is to identify the advantages and limitations of the system of standards used in modern Russia as threshold values of indicators of threats to the economic security of the banking system. During the study, we developed the conceptual apparatus of the theory of economic security management, determined the composition of risks of the sustainable development of the banking system and analyzed indicators of threats to its functioning. In accordance with the goal, we presented interpretation of the conceptual structures “economic security of the banking system” and “banking security”. We carried out scientific research using the gnoseological potential of the theory of economic security, the theory of credit and banking, and the theory of risk management. To solve the research problems, we used methods of economic grouping, economic comparison (comparison), abstract-logical method, etc. The use of these methods made it possible to present a typology of risks and threats to the economic security of the banking system, as well as to analyze the methodological approach adopted by the banking segment of the Russian economy to determine threshold values of economic security indicators based on the use of standards. These standards are based on the accounting of indicators of capital adequacy level and indicators of return on capital. We formulated the advantages and disadvantages of this approach taking into account the interests of owners, managers and clients of banks and non-bank credit organizations. It is necessary to develop a methodology for determining the level of risks of the sustainable development of the banking system, taking into account the increase in the level of uncertainty of environmental factors. The obtained conclusions are a starting point for further study of indicators of threats to the economic security of the banking system and justification of their thresholds.

Educating academic staff to reorient curricula in ESD

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 179-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Biasutti ◽  
Vassilios Makrakis ◽  
Eleonora Concina ◽  
Sara Frate
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Teaching Methods ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Cognitive Strategies ◽  
Curriculum Planning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Design Skills

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a professional development experience for higher education academic staff within the framework of an international Tempus project focused on reorienting university curricula to address sustainability. The project included revising curricula to phase sustainable development principles into university courses. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was used to examine perceived professional development. Focus groups have been conducted with the academic staff who participated in the project. Findings The results provided evidence that revising their curricula offered the participants an opportunity to discuss different principles, teaching methods, didactic processes and practices in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Several strategies emerged during curricula revision such as a positive attitude towards meta-cognitive strategies and a goal-oriented approach to curriculum planning. Moreover, the project induced the academic staff to reconsider their teaching methods. Research limitations/implications The main limitation is the restricted generalisability of the findings, because of the small number of participants. Further research is needed to confirm the theoretical model that emerged. Implications of the results for professional development and the induction of change in academic staff are also discussed. Originality/value There is little information about training experiences for enhancing professional development in academic staff using ESD principles, and this study provides a starting point. According to the results, the project had an impact on the participants’ attitudes, teaching principles and methods, course design skills and assessment approaches.

scholarly journals A hybrid approach for supporting adaptivity in e-learning environments

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 333-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Al-Omari ◽  
Jenny Carter ◽  
Francisco Chiclana
Keyword(s):  
Learning Styles ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Intelligent Agents ◽  
Management System ◽  
Learning Management System ◽  
Hybrid Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Learning Management ◽  
System Prototype

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify a framework to support adaptivity in e-learning environments. The framework reflects a novel hybrid approach incorporating the concept of the event-condition-action (ECA) model and intelligent agents. Moreover, a system prototype is developed reflecting the hybrid approach to supporting adaptivity in any given learning management system based on learners’ learning styles. Design/methodology/approach This paper offers a brief review of current frameworks and systems to support adaptivity in e-learning environments. A framework to support adaptivity is designed and discussed, reflecting the hybrid approach in detail. A system prototype is developed incorporating different adaptive features based on the Felder-Silverman learning styles model. Finally, the prototype is implemented in Moodle. Findings The system prototype supports real-time adaptivity in any given learning management system based on learners’ learning styles. It can deal with any type of content provided by course designers and instructors in the learning management system. Moreover, it can support adaptivity at both course and learner levels. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous work has been done incorporating the concept of the ECA model and intelligent agents as hybrid architecture to support adaptivity in e-learning environments. The system prototype has wider applicability and can be adapted to support different types of adaptivity.

Promoting sustainable development in higher education institutions: the use of the balanced scorecard as a strategic management system in support of green marketing

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 1477-1505
Author(s):  
Paulo Fuchs ◽  
Carlos Raulino ◽  
Diogo Conceição ◽  
Samara Neiva ◽  
Wellyngton Silva de Amorim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Strategic Management ◽  
Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Management System ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Green Marketing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Balanced Scorecard

Purpose Sustainability is understood as a complex and integrating area, involving the most diverse areas and fields of knowledge. Because of the innumerable socio-environmental challenges in the current scenario, a sustainable development that finds the necessary changes and advances for communities, industry and the various stakeholders involved is required. In this process of promoting sustainable development, universities stand out for being institutions capable of taking an analytical and questioning look at the directions of the society in which they are inserted and not just helping them to pursue them, serving as a model and living laboratory for the implementation of greener practices in cities. One of the actions that contributes to the consolidation process of a more sustainable university and the development of the green campus is the use of green marketing, understood as a set of all the practices that involve conventional marketing, focused on the search to reduce the negative impact or promote positive effects on the relationship between the institution and the environment. This paper aims, based on the balanced scorecard (BSC), to propose a strategic management tool as support for green marketing strategies, thus promoting, more quickly, the promotion of sustainable development in higher education institutions (HEIs). Design/methodology/approach Four universities were chosen, from the literature, in terms of best practices for sustainable development, where the main dimensions used by green marketing were mapped. Based on them, the BSC structure was adapted to enhance its strategies. Findings To achieve the objective of this work, this paper proposed an adaptation of the original BSC for better management of green marketing strategies for universities, based on four dimensions: community members, university members, product and strategy. Originality/value The main contribution of this paper is to propose a BSC as a strategic management system focused on the green marketing of universities to accelerate the promotion of sustainable development in HEIs.

Process Improvements in Supply Chain Operations

2018 ◽  
pp. 1119-1141
Author(s):  
Alan D. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Corporate Sustainability ◽  
Triple Bottom Line ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Process Improvements ◽  
Supply Chain Relationships ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives ◽  
Development Objectives

The nature of SCM research is constantly evolving and must address a variety of concerns like poor service, large inventory levels, and friction among suppliers and manufacturers. Analytical databases and techniques in SCM are an important part of this research. Many researchers and practitioners have depended on secondary data, but given the dynamic nature of global competition, more recent and relevant data must be gathered. These efforts need to be geared to the development of properly managed supply chain relationships and corporate sustainability initiatives that ultimately promote broad-based sustainable development objectives for the good of people, plants, and profits (i.e., triple bottom-line).

Process Improvements in Supply Chain Operations

2015 ◽  
pp. 263-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan D. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Corporate Sustainability ◽  
Triple Bottom Line ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Process Improvements ◽  
Supply Chain Relationships ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives ◽  
Development Objectives

The nature of SCM research is constantly evolving and must address a variety of concerns like poor service, large inventory levels, and friction among suppliers and manufacturers. Analytical databases and techniques in SCM are an important part of this research. Many researchers and practitioners have depended on secondary data, but given the dynamic nature of global competition, more recent and relevant data must be gathered. These efforts need to be geared to the development of properly managed supply chain relationships and corporate sustainability initiatives that ultimately promote broad-based sustainable development objectives for the good of people, plants, and profits (i.e., triple bottom-line).

Future direction of sustainable development in private hospitals: general similarities and specific differences

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 537-550
Author(s):  
Rocío Rodríguez ◽  
Göran Svensson ◽  
Carmen Otero-Neira
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Healthcare Industry ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Private Hospitals ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Environmental Actions ◽  
The Future ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives ◽  
Future Direction

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the future direction of sustainable development in the healthcare industry. This study aims to reveal general similarities and specific differences between private hospitals and enabler or hinders of sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach Based on an inductive approach, judgmental sampling was applied to select relevant healthcare organizations. Informants were identified according to their knowledge of their organizations’ sustainability initiatives. Findings In the context the homogeneity that could be expected, the studied hospitals range from having a very strong organizational conviction as to the future direction of sustainable development to a very weak one. There are some general similarities and specific differences between them reported. Research limitations/implications There is no common formula applicable across private hospitals to determine the future direction of their sustainable development. Although hospitals benchmark best practices, others use them only as a general frame of reference. This scenario offers opportunities for further research. Practical implications The economic, social and environmental sustainable development across private hospitals may evolve from general principles or guidelines, but the specific sustainable development at each hospital may well evolve along tailored economic, social and environmental actions. Originality/value Developing a framework considering similarities and differences between the sustainability actions of each hospital in the healthcare industry is important for understanding future directions. This study provides insights into factors that could enable success or constitute hinders of sustainable development. They can also guide the industry toward a common objective which improves the hospitals sustainability actions in the future, also minimizing the effort required.

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