Journal of Strategic Innovation and Sustainability

Artificial Intelligence: Increasing Business Profits at the Cost of Consumer Privacy

Martin S. Bressler — 2024-01-26

Artificial Intelligence may be the most significant technological breakthrough since the development of computers. The promise of greater efficiency and effectiveness is very appealing, especially as that translates into more profitable businesses. The potential applications appear almost endless, crossing every industry and every form of business activity. The potential results cannot even be estimated.

Artificial Intelligence can assist in detecting misinformation, but it can also assist in spreading misinformation when faulty algorithms collect incorrect data. An example of this occurs when customer demographic data mixes information from consumers with the same names. Persons who frequently relocate may also be more likely to have faulty consumer data collected by business research companies. However, in our rush to be the first and the best, we must ask ourselves how much of our privacy we are willing to give up? In this paper, the authors examine this fascinating emerging technology with a preview of the technology’s business potential.

The Ethical Considerations of Business Artificial Intelligence Exploration Through the Lenses of the Global AI Technology Acceptance Model

Sean Edgington — 2024-01-26

The present study aims to examine the ethical considerations about the exploration of Artificial Intelligence technology. As the field of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow, it is important to examine the ethical implications of its use. The Global AI Technology Acceptance Model and Innovation Resistance Theory are two theoretical frameworks that can be used to understand the impact of AI on ethical considerations. By analyzing these frameworks, we can better understand the factors contributing to adopting AI and how ethical concerns can be addressed. This paper aims to explore the intersection of these two theories and their potential implications for ethical considerations in the development and deployment of artificial intelligence. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI. It provides insights into how we can ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically. The result of this study is of great importance given the rapid pace of technological advancement and the potential for AI to significantly impact society.

Small Initiative, Big Impact: The Case of the Green and Blue Quetta Project

Zainab Gohar — 2024-01-26

Climate change has created several challenges worldwide, especially in developing countries. Recent research on community participation in efforts dealing with climate change indicates a promising direction for communities in developing countries to take. This research is based on the Green and Blue Quetta project, which was led by a resident and involved a team of dedicated volunteers concerned about the city’s deteriorating environment due to climate change. Actively seeking participation by residents by the Green and Blue Quetta team and meticulous planning resulted in 10,000 trees planted in and around the city and significantly increased the awareness of climate issues among residents. People of various backgrounds, especially children, received education on climate change and the ways individuals can make their contributions to deal with environmental challenges. It is suggested that the case provides lessons that have implications for future environmental efforts for communities in developing countries.

What Drives Renewable Energy Consumption in Asia

Evelina Mengova — 2024-01-26

In more recent years Asia has had the highest level of investment in renewables and the highest level of electricity generation from renewable sources. This paper analyzes the determinants of renewable energy consumption in Asia and the Pacific from 1996 to 2018. It explores the major challenges this region has faced in moving towards a more environmentally friendly generation and use of energy. We find that the renewable electricity output, GDP per capita, merchandise trade, the value added of the manufacturing sector and the income share held by the poorest population boost renewable electricity consumption. On the other hand, energy use per capita, access to electricity, energy imports, broad FDI, population growth and the income share held by the richest population lower consumption of electricity from renewable sources. Trade openness and being an island do not seem to have a statistically significant impact in our sample over the observed period.

Trade-In Programs in the Fashion Industry: A Win-Win Sustainability Strategy for Consumers and Brands

Nguyen T. Pham — 2024-01-26

The fashion industry is renowned for its negative impact on the environment. To mitigate the adverse effect, some companies have recently adopted the circular economy model, which introduces used clothes in good condition back into the cycle through trade-in programs. Giving used garments a second life helps reduce the company’s carbon footprint and waste. It also provides consumers with an affordable and sustainable option, which is consistent with the growing trend of eco-conscious consumerism. In this study, we aim to explore consumers’ perceptions of trade-in programs in the fashion industry. We also examine how companies can leverage these programs as a powerful strategic tool to build brand trust and brand affect among younger generations (such as Gen Z and Millennials). This research draws upon different literature streams on signaling theory, brand trust, and brand affect. Our findings hold significant value for managers who wish to create strategically effective trade-in programs as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Deploying AMT for Scale Versus Scope: A Contingency Approach

Rajeev Sawhney — 2024-02-06

Flexibility and efficiency are twin capabilities of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT). Much research has focused on AMT’s role in bolstering manufacturing flexibility. Meanwhile, AMT’s potential for efficiency is often disregarded, even proscribed by researchers, because that dampens the effect on flexibility. Yet, research shows that practitioners frequently implement AMT to pursue efficiency over flexibility. This problem has not been addressed in the literature. We approach this problem by viewing AMT through a strategic lens and examining AMT at the deployment level. Firms with different strategic goals must deploy AMT differently due to flexibility and efficiency often being opposite ends of a tradeoff. We identify two modes of deployment – AMT_Scale versus AMT_Scope – with characteristically different features, which explains AMT’s ability to support opposed strategies. Our unique conceptualization puts into proper perspective the mixed empirical results reported in the literature. Drawing on the contingency theory, we find that firms deploying AMT_Scope (to support a ‘differentiation’ strategy) derive flexibility, while firms deploying AMT_Scale (to support a ‘cost-leadership’ strategy) sacrifice flexibility.

Enhancing Microbial Fuel Cell Performance Prediction and IoT Integration Using Machine Learning and Renewable Energy

Tanay Panja — 2024-02-06

This study aims to enhance Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) reliability for remote environmental monitoring, emphasizing unexplored facets of accurate energy prediction and the integration of renewable energy-powered Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Following comprehensive research, design, and component procurement, an innovative and cost-effective IoT system was developed, leveraging renewable energy from MFCs. Using an Arduino UNO-WiFi, data was collected and showcased on a web page while logged in a Google Firebase database, with an Android app created for intuitive smartphone visualization. Over four months, sensor data was accumulated. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) model, employing Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), precisely forecasted MFC energy production (RMSE: 0.0119 and 0.0113 for trials 1 and 2). Despite the initial energy production surge, a subsequent decline occurred due to organic matter depletion. This prototype represents an affordable and sustainable solution for cloud-based IoT environmental monitoring with AI-driven energy forecasts, embodying innovation in renewable energy applications and sustainable practices.

Decision Making in an Academic Department of Medicine: The Role of a Management Control System

James E. Calvin, Jr. — 2024-01-26

Academic Departments of Medicine have several challenges in managing resources, meeting academic goals and clinical demands. In this paper, we describe a management control system installed in 2014: the Strategic Plan, a Balanced Scorecard reflecting clinical research and educational performance, Annual feedback and review by Departmental and Divisional Chairs, and Improvement Plans.

This system over 8 years resulted in a reduction in 30-day re-admissions of 14%, a decline in length of stay of 0.55 days, and reduced absolute in-hospital mortality of nearly 2%. Clinical revenue increased 42% from 2016 to 2022 largely due to increased ambulatory and procedural volumes. Teaching time and ratings were unaffected by the installation of this system. Return on investment for newly hired researchers and scientists was 67.5% with a 12.7% increase in peer-reviewed funding. We conclude that the Decision Management Control System was feasible to create and allowed capable monitoring of performance and informed decision-making. Major metrics improved after its implementation.

Collaboratories: Designing Universal Innovation Ecosystems in the Era of Transitions

Artur Serra — 2024-01-26

This paper discusses the development of the Col.laboratori programme in Catalonia as a model for testing the theory of universal innovation ecosystems. This programme aims to address the challenges faced by societies in the current era of transitions by combining theories of techno anthropology, social innovation, and living labs.

The authors propose collaboratories as crucial social innovations that can facilitate the absorption of changes and promote creative construction. These collaboratories are considered meta socio-digital innovation mechanisms that establish quadruple helix collaborative structures, bridging different actors, types of innovations, and diverse worldviews.

To achieve a Just Triple Transition (social, green and digital), the paper suggests bringing together actors from business, academia, government, and society in collaborative processes that generate short-term optimal results and long-term synergies. This approach involves including society as the end-user in common tasks to ensure better design and higher-value outcomes. The paper advocates for a democratization of the innovation ecosystems, aiming for a broader distribution of social benefits through negotiated approaches focused on solving common challenges in pursuit of the common good.

Trends & Challenges in the Food Supply Chain

Philipp Haessner — 2024-01-26

The food supply chain (FSC) comprises food production, storage, delivery, and retailing of food to reach the final customers by the due date. In general, the modern FSC is extraordinarily complex and challenging to manage; therefore, an efficient and effective supply chain requires appropriate management. All actors in the FSC have to keep track of the most recent trends and challenges and respond to changes quickly to keep up production and stay competitive. This paper explains some selected trends and challenges in the modern FSC. Moreover, the influence of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the Ukraine war on the FSC are investigated. Despite the new trends and massive improvements in the FSC in terms of efficiency, some current problems remain unsolved, whereas new issues will arise in the future. The COVID-19 outbreak and the Ukraine war are two examples that imposed new challenges and significant consequences on the FSC.

Examination of the Concept of Green City in the Context of the Urban Qualities of Sarajevo

Zahide İnal Karić — 2024-04-01

Historically recognized as central hubs for population, culture, innovation, and governance, cities face challenges like climate crisis and pollution due to urbanization, necessitating a shift towards sustainability. The green city concept emerges to address this, focusing on efficient resource use and reduced pollution. This study examines Sarajevo through green city criteria, delving into its geographical, historical, and cultural dimensions. Pollution types are scrutinized for environmental impact. Findings drive recommendations for Sarajevo s evolution into a sustainable urban hub, emphasizing the broader importance of crafting resilient, environmentally conscious cities that prioritize resident well being and preserve resources for the future.

Are Connected Fitness Machines the New Blue Ocean Marketing Strategy for Tourism Marketing (Red Ocean) or the Wellness Industry (Red Ocean)? An Exploration of Connected Signaling

Reccia N. Charles — 2024-04-01

The question is centered around connected (Internet of Things) Fitness Machines which virtually transport the user of the machine to a destination (Spain, Italy, St. Lucia, Fiji, New Zealand to name a few) while the user is engaged in some form of fitness activity (running, walking, rowing, cycling, etc.). The intended idea or primary marketing message is that the user gets a ‘personal’ trainer to aid in their fitness journey while at the same time enjoying the ‘outdoors’ in the comfort of their home. The seemingly unintended consequence is that each ‘outdoor’ location is marketed uninterrupted for 15 to 30 minutes at least. This begs the question – will these connected machines encroach on traditional advertising expenditure for destination marketing? Can connected (internet of things) Fitness machines move two product categories from Red Ocean competitiveness to Blue Ocean Competitiveness? Does the signaling engagement positively affect customer choice/willingness to choose a destination?