scholarly journals Implementation of circular economy business models by SMEs in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Author(s):  
Amina Kahriman ◽  
Nataša Tandir

Discussion regarding circular economy has gained traction in recent years due to increase in environmental awareness, as well as companies’ quest for ways to reduce their costs. In order to gain understanding of circular economy, it is necessary to understand enablers and barriers for the implementation. Therefore, this research focuses on identifying enablers and barriers for implementation of circular economy in SMEs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as points out to relevant findings regarding the importance and frequency of those factors. These findings are relevant because they will provide reference for SMEs who would like to introduce the concept of circular economy, as well as for legislators in charge of managing such initiatives. By identifying enablers and obstacles, these findings will also help stakeholders devise best strategies and policies for successful implementation, as well as foresee and plan for potential obstacles. The research included 33 SMEs located in Bosnia and Herzegovina and was conducted through e-mail delivered surveys. Research findings suggest that the CE practices are not very widely implemented among the SMEs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to the survey results, “Energy saving programs” was the most implemented CE practice, while “Captation/reuse of wastewater and/or rainwater” was the least implemented one. In addition, “Uncertainty about response times from public” was perceived as the highest barrier, while “Dialogue between institutions, bodies and associations of the territory for the implementation of projects on the circular economy” was perceived as the strongest enabler.

2000 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert DeBard ◽  
Stan Guidera

Two potentially conflicting forces are currently impacting higher education. On the one hand, there is the relentless advancement of educational technology as a means of delivering, enhancing, and otherwise becoming an integral part of the teaching-learning process. On the other, there is continuing concern over the economy and quality of education being provided to college students. We propose that asynchronous communication through the use of e-mail, course Web pages, and the Internet can be adapted in such a way as to not only meet the seven principles of effective teaching but to enhance student outcomes. Without sensitive adaptation, however, such computer technology can actually detract from the educational process. Research findings and the resulting strategies for successful implementation of asynchronous communication in the classroom will be provided.


Author(s):  
Dana Maria (Oprea) Constantin ◽  
Sorinel Căpușneanu ◽  
Dan Ioan Topor ◽  
Hassan Danial Aslam

This chapter aims to synthesize some of the current issues of the circular economy and circular business models. Based on the international literature, the chapter highlights aspects such as the conceptual theoretical approaches of the circular economy and circular business models, interconnecting the principles of the circular economy, the difference between the linear and the circular economy, the circular economy and the sustainable development, the supply chain within the circular economy, possible business models of the circular economy, advantages and limitations in the successful implementation of the circular economy and supporting sustainability, other aspects of the circular economy and sustainability. The covered topics are based on the studies conducted by specialists and also present some author opinions on the sustainable development and circular economy. The chapter ends with the authors' conclusions on the impact of the circular economy and circular business models in the actual ecological context, launching possible future research topics for specialists.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 2809 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrizia Gazzola ◽  
Enrica Pavione ◽  
Roberta Pezzetti ◽  
Daniele Grechi

The significant changes which have occurred in the competitive scenario in which fashion companies operate, combined with deep transformation in the lifestyles of final consumers, translate into the need to redefine the business models. Starting from a general overview of the emerging trends today affecting the fashion industry, the paper will devote particular attention to the analysis of the most important phenomena that are influencing this market and the drivers for long-lasting competitiveness: sustainability and attention to the so-called circular economy. According to the literature, from the consumer behavior’s point of view, the younger generations are paying growing attention to these issues. In light of these considerations, this paper aimed to analyze how sustainability and circular economy principles are influencing the perception of the fashion world among the new generations of consumers. After mapping the emerging trends in the fashion industry and analyzing the role of sustainability from both the demand and supply side, this paper presents the results of a survey conducted through an anonymous questionnaire made in collaboration with Insubria University. The results of the survey describe the students’ behaviour as regards fashion’s emerging trends, with particular attention to sustainability issues and the application of circular economy principles. The survey results were analyzed from both a descriptive and quantitative point of view with the aim to check the different perceptions as regards sustainable fashion and circular economy in fashion, focusing mainly on the so-called Generation Z. The results of the analysis proved to be consistent with the theoretical framework and confirm the relevance of sustainability issues in the fashion industry today in driving the demand of Generation Z, by considering a gender perspective. Moreover, the circular economy is descriptively analyzed with the aim to understand the relevance of the different facets for the entire sample of respondents.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 776
Author(s):  
Deborah Sumter ◽  
Jotte de Koning ◽  
Conny Bakker ◽  
Ruud Balkenende

In a recent study, we identified seven key circular competencies for design: (1) Design for Multiple Use Cycles, (2) Design for Recovery, (3) Circular Impact Assessment, (4) Circular Business Models, (5) Circular User Engagement, (6) Circular Economy Collaboration, and (7) Circular Economy Communication. These were derived from small-scale studies with designers working in the Netherlands. We set out to assess to what extent this set of seven competencies is recognized by an international group of designers and to evaluate whether any competencies are missing. We used an online survey to collect data from 128 respondents from 25 countries working on circular economy projects. The survey results showed that respondents use and have expertise in all seven competencies and they stressed the practical importance of two new competencies: Circular Systems Thinking and Circular Materials and Manufacturing. The resulting set of nine key competencies is the first internationally verified, coherent set of key circular economy competencies for design. This set will strengthen the pedagogical base of design for a circular economy and will guide the development of circular design methodology.


2019 ◽  
pp. 144-151
Author(s):  
Ihor Yatsiv ◽  
Mykhaylo Stupen ◽  
Nadiya Pylypiv ◽  
Diana Shelenko

Given the limited volume of natural resources and the trend towards population growth, the existing linear model of take-use-recycling economy needs rethinking. The idea that underlies the circular model of the economy, according to which goods of today are to become resources of tomorrow, is becoming increasingly relevant. Under these conditions, the agricultural sector must, first of all, ensuring food security, intensify the production of biomass as a renewable source of energy, since bioresources and biomass make up the highest share in agriculture. The article summarizes and proposes the strategic goals and guidelines for the development of the bioenergy component of agriculture. In Ukraine, a significant amount of biomass is produced annually, which is not used efficiently. Instead of addressing the needs of the energy sector, the lion’s share of waste is recovered through incineration, which in itself causes significant damage to the environment in general and the economy in particular. It has been researched that the potential of bioenergy largely depends on the geographical distribution and availability of existing waste and by-products on the one hand, and on the overall strategic orientations of the sector’s development on the other. The article analyzes the strategic goals of the rational use of agricultural waste for bioenergy production, which would certainly be economically viable and contribute to the sustainable development of the state’s economy. Strategic guidelines that are formulated in terms of the requirements and constraints of the circular economy are also offered. They are: 1) Use biomass that is obtained only on the basis of the principle of sustainability; 2) Promote the use of research, development and innovation at various stages; 3) Adhere to the principles of optimal use of bioresources; 4) Transformation of business models of players in the bioenergy market. Successful implementation of the circular business model in the agricultural sector must take into account the interests of all market participants, based on the principle of sustainable development. At the stage of transformation from a linear to a circular economy, the agricultural sector needs to change its existing business models in order to increase its innovation component, improve its logistics processes, develop a strategy for realizing its existing bioenergy potential and sustainable economic development in general. It should be understood that the benefits expected from the bioenergy sector are only possible in the long run.


Author(s):  
Anna M. Walker ◽  
Katelin Opferkuch ◽  
Erik Roos Lindgreen ◽  
Andrea Raggi ◽  
Alberto Simboli ◽  
...  

AbstractThe circular economy (CE) concept has become a major interest for companies, promising new business opportunities and a decrease in environmental impacts. Though research on circular business models has recently increased, few scholars have investigated how companies engaged with CE view the connection between CE and sustainability. To address this gap, this paper uses a semi-quantitative survey and semi-structured interviews conducted with companies based in Italy and the Netherlands. Purposive sampling was employed to target firms associated with national and international CE networks, as these companies already engage with CE practices. The survey was distributed online to over 800 firms, of which 155 provided information on their understanding of the CE concept and its relationship with sustainability. The survey results are complemented through findings from 43 interviews with a subset of the survey respondents. The survey answers show that companies view CE as one of the tools to achieve sustainable development, particularly in the environmental domain, where the focus lies on environmentally friendly resource use. Yet, the respondents are less confident whether CE increases economic and social benefits of firms. Interviews show that a majority of respondents position sustainability as the overarching concept. However, most companies advocate that the private sector should strive for both sustainability and circularity, though the distinction between the two concepts in daily business operations seems synthetic and futile to some. These findings provide an important stepping stone for better understanding how firms could apply CE practices to move towards a more sustainable society.


Author(s):  
Robekhah Harun ◽  
Zetty Harisha Harun ◽  
Laura Christ Dass

The increase in student enrolment and the need  to cater to students of diverse backgrounds have led to the adoption of blended learning in many higher learning institutions. Blended learning, which allows both face to face interaction and on-line delivery, has been adopted into many curricula. One such institution is University Technology MARA which is slowly introducing features of blended learning in its course syllabus beginning with practice to online assessments. However, to ensure successful implementation of blended learning as part of the curricula, there are several aspects for consideration such as learner and teacher readiness for blended learning. This paper examines issues regarding the use of blended learning as a delivery method at UiTM Kedah . The discussion in this paper focuses on learner’ readiness and perceptions of the blended learning environment. The data collected for this study are responses from learners to a questionnaire survey. The research findings form the basis for recommendations for the development of learning and teaching practices using blended learning approaches to enhance learners' learning experiences.  


Author(s):  
Hendarsita Amartiwi

This study scrutinize the factors affecting knowledge management, consisting of acquisition of knowledge, storage of knowledge, distribution of knowledge and use of knowledge, at Private Higher Education Institutions in Garut Regency.  The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors shaping the knowledge management.  By using a survey method with a quantitative approach, the unit of analysis of this study is lecturer at 14 Private Universities in Garut Regency, with 229 lecturers as respondents. Data is obtained from survey results through questionnaires distributed directly to lecturers. Data is processed using descriptive statistical analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The research findings showed that the use of knowledge and the storage of knowledge are the most powerful factors in knowledge management, followed by the acquisition of knowledge, and distribution of knowledge.


Author(s):  
Nataliya Ryvak ◽  
Anna Kernytska

In this paper, digital technologies development was analyzed as the basis for the so-called “fourth industrial revolution” with the potential for the qualitative transformation of the Ukrainian economy based on EU countries’ experience. Industry 4.0 is a new control chain over the entire chain of creating value throughout the product lifecycle. When developing an economic policy, it is important to pay attention to Industry 4.0. It increases productivity, produces new, better, and individualized products, and implements new business models based on “undermining” innovations. A comparative analysis of national initiatives I4.0 with their characteristics according to the main dimensions, including funding, focus, direction, was conducted. Particular attention was paid to considering deterrents to the successful implementation and enforcement of the I4.0 initiative in European countries. The factors of successful implementation of I4.0 initiatives in the EU countries were analyzed. Drawing on the analysis of the European experience of digital transformations in industry and national economies in general, the necessity of critical focus of such transformations in Ukraine was highlighted, and the need for state support of industrial transformation was substantiated. The emphasis was placed on the cooperation development between stakeholders within the implementation of Industry 4.0 – it is necessary to create national and regional 4.0 platforms, following the example of EU countries, which would bring together government institutions, businesses, and academics. The successful positioning of the Ukrainian modern industrial complex on the world markets depends on the high level of the interconnected system providing factors that characterize its development process. Considering the influence of a list of inhibiting factors on implementing the country’s industry accelerated development, a set of measures needed to transform Ukraine’s industry based on European experience was substantiated.


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 505-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seeram Ramakrishna ◽  
Alfred Ngowi ◽  
Henk De Jager ◽  
Bankole O. Awuzie

Growing consumerism and population worldwide raises concerns about society’s sustainability aspirations. This has led to calls for concerted efforts to shift from the linear economy to a circular economy (CE), which are gaining momentum globally. CE approaches lead to a zero-waste scenario of economic growth and sustainable development. These approaches are based on semi-scientific and empirical concepts with technologies enabling 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) and 6Rs (reuse, recycle, redesign, remanufacture, reduce, recover). Studies estimate that the transition to a CE would save the world in excess of a trillion dollars annually while creating new jobs, business opportunities and economic growth. The emerging industrial revolution will enhance the symbiotic pursuit of new technologies and CE to transform extant production systems and business models for sustainability. This article examines the trends, availability and readiness of fourth industrial revolution (4IR or industry 4.0) technologies (for example, Internet of Things [IoT], artificial intelligence [AI] and nanotechnology) to support and promote CE transitions within the higher education institutional context. Furthermore, it elucidates the role of universities as living laboratories for experimenting the utility of industry 4.0 technologies in driving the shift towards CE futures. The article concludes that universities should play a pivotal role in engendering CE transitions.


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