Machine Tool Transition from Industry 3.0 to 4.0: A Comparison between Old Machine Retrofitting and the Purchase of New Machines from a Triple Bottom Line Perspective

The emerging scenario designed by digital technologies connected to Industry 4.0 is pushing towards increasingly sustainable companies. Access to the multiple benefits of digitalization (such as increased productivity, flexibility, efficiency, quality, lower consumption of resources, and the improvement of worker safety) is possible by purchasing new-generation machinery. However, thanks to smart retrofitting processes, companies can extend the shelf life of machinery without replacing it entirely. This work aims to present a framework to assess the sustainability of implementing a smart retrofitting process in old machines as an alternative to replacement from a triple bottom line (economic, environmental, and social) perspective. Due to the multidimensional and multidisciplinary variables that the proposed framework must consider, a multicriteria decision-making process is developed to identify the best transition solution from Industry 3.0 to 4.0. Then, we analyze a case study in which, thanks to the previously proposed methodology, two types of smart retrofitting on a column drill are compared with three replacement options for the same machine tool. In conclusion, the case study shows that retrofitting in the context of Industry 4.0 (or smart retrofitting), despite its high acquisition cost, is the best solution in terms of sustainability, and that this is because the smart retrofitting solution not only positively influences all parameters of digitization but also has a strong impact on the safety criterion.

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Utilization of adaptive methodology to underpin rail transportation systems: Sydney metro’s methodical formulation

Journal of Engineering Design and Technology ◽

10.1108/jedt-06-2020-0259 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Koorosh Gharehbaghi ◽

Kerry McManus ◽

Matt Myers

Keyword(s):

Complex System ◽

Triple Bottom Line ◽

Transportation Systems ◽

System Thinking ◽

Rail Transportation ◽

Bottom Line ◽

Content Type ◽

Transportation Projects ◽

Separate Dimension

Purpose As a part of adaptive and complex system thinking, geographic information systems (GIS) are beneficial particularly for transportation projects, where uncertainty is frequent. Accordingly, this paper aims to examine the utilization of GIS in line with adaptive and complex system thinking, as the basis of the methodical formulation of perceived gaps within the integrated transportation planning (ITP) specifically for the mega transportation projects. Such a framework is undertaken, as the mega transportation projects although may seem straightforward, however, are problematic and require more consideration than the traditional triple bottom line factors. Using the Sydney Metro as the case study, the outcome demonstrates the significance of the fourth separate dimension of engineering into the aforementioned bottom-line factors. Design/methodology/approach The research examines the utilization of adaptive and complex system thinking, as the basis of the methodical formulation of perceived gaps within the ITP. The use of Sydney’s Metro project is a novel example of the proposed methodical formulation and its empirical assessment and provides a better understanding of the use of mapping and planning tools for mega transportation projects. Findings Aptly, using the developed conceptual framework, this research further validates the inclusion of a separate engineering dimension with the usual triple bottom line factors. Such inclusion is paramount in responding to the existing ITP gaps found within the current literature. Originality/value This research uses GIS and ITP process to support the aforementioned adaptive and complex system thinking. This, in turn, is used as the basis of a methodical formulation framework in dealing with mega rail transportation infrastructure. To support such a proposition, Sydney Metro is examined as the basis of a case study.

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A modularization method based on the triple bottom line and product desirability: A case study of a hydraulic product

Journal of Cleaner Production ◽

10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122198 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 271 ◽

pp. 122198

Author(s):

Marcelo Bataglin ◽

Joao Carlos Espindola Ferreira

Keyword(s):

Triple Bottom Line ◽

Bottom Line

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How social enterprises called benefit organisations fulfil the triple bottom line

Social Business ◽

10.1362/204440820x15813359568228 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 47-63

Author(s):

Hem Raj Dhakal

Keyword(s):

Theoretical Foundation ◽

Triple Bottom Line ◽

Limited Liability ◽

Social Enterprises ◽

Bottom Line ◽

Holistic Thinking ◽

Body Of Knowledge ◽

Benefit Corporations ◽

Paradoxical Thinking

The purpose of this qualitative multi-case study was to explore how the leaders of benefit organisations fulfil the triple bottom line (social, economic, and environmental missions) of social enterprises that were formed as benefit corporations, benefit LLCs (limited liability companies), and certified benefit corporations between 2010 and 2015 in Maryland and Virginia. The theoretical foundation used for this study was the triple bottom line (TBL) model. This research contributed to the existing body of knowledge by investigating the interdependence between the three components of the TBL. Thirteen top leaders of benefit organisations participated in this study. The data were collected from documentation, interviews, and questionnaires. The key findings of this study indicated that leaders of social enterprises used holistic thinking instead of paradoxical thinking to fulfil the TBL. These leaders developed internal and external collaboration and coordination to accomplish the triple missions. Finally, the data of this study revealed the synergistic interrelationships between these missions.

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Triple bottom line assessment of raw water treatment: methodology and application to a case study in the municipality of Oppegård in south-eastern Norway

Environmental Technology ◽

10.1080/09593330.2015.1018337 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 36 (15) ◽

pp. 1954-1965 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

G. Venkatesh ◽

Kamal Azrague ◽

Stig Bell ◽

Bjørnar Eikebrokk

Keyword(s):

Water Treatment ◽

Triple Bottom Line ◽

Raw Water ◽

Bottom Line ◽

South Eastern ◽

Eastern Norway

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Triple Bottom Line Accounting and Energy-Efficiency Retrofits in the Social-Housing Sector: A Case Study

Accounting and the Public Interest ◽

10.2308/apin-10359 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 105-131 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kathryn Bewley ◽

Thomas Schneider

Keyword(s):

Energy Efficiency ◽

Social Housing ◽

Quantitative Methods ◽

Triple Bottom Line ◽

Fair Value ◽

Data Availability ◽

Housing Sector ◽

Bottom Line ◽

The Social

ABSTRACT This paper reports the findings of a case study conducted to learn about the information, actors, actions, and processes involved in energy-efficiency investment decisions in the social-housing sector. These decisions draw on environmental, social, and economic factors, which are studied from a “triple bottom line” (TBL) accounting perspective. The quantitative methods we use rely on Levels I, II, and III fair-value measures similar to those used in financial accounting. The qualitative methods rely primarily on interviews conducted and transcribed by the researchers. Our main findings show that a pure financial bottom-line approach would not fully indicate the overall desirability of the type of energy-efficiency investment undertaken in this case. By factoring in other quantitative and qualitative outcomes drawn from the research methods applied, a different conclusion may be reached. Data Availability: Available upon request from the authors.

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Industry 4.0 in the Context of the Triple Bottom Line of Sustainability

Customer Satisfaction and Sustainability Initiatives in the Fourth Industrial Revolution - Advances in Marketing, Customer Relationship Management, and E-Services ◽

10.4018/978-1-7998-1419-1.ch001 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-20

Author(s):

Julian M. Müller

Keyword(s):

Literature Review ◽

Systematic Literature Review ◽

Industry 4.0 ◽

Triple Bottom Line ◽

Three Dimensions ◽

Journal Articles ◽

Bottom Line ◽

Comprehensive Overview ◽

Current State ◽

Depth Analysis

Industry 4.0 and sustainability are trending topics in the industry and scientific research. However, there is currently no comparable study, which summarizes the impacts of Industry 4.0 on all three dimensions of the Triple Bottom Line at the same time. This chapter aims to present a comprehensive overview of Industry 4.0 in the context of the Triple Bottom Line of sustainability. For this reason, a systematic literature review is conducted to find out the current state of literature about this topic. The chapter presents a systematic literature review on 64 peer-reviewed journal articles, which have been published between 2014 and 2019. An in-depth analysis of the content as well as an analysis of the empirical methodologies are conducted. To structure the existing knowledge, a framework is developed, and the findings are categorized into ecological and social aspects. On this basis the content is evaluated to discuss key findings and relating interdependencies.

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