Sustainability

This study aims to design a local model of social responsibility in digital marketing in small online retail businesses in Iran. The present research is  applied  in terms of purpose and a qualitative research  in terms of data collection method. The statistical population in the qualitative section included 11 experts. The main tools for data collection in the field included semi-structured interviews. The grounded theory approach using MAXQDA software was adopted to analyze qualitative data and present a paradigm model. Based on the results of qualitative analysis, six categories of factors were identified  including causal conditions, underlying factors, strategies, pivotal phenomena, intervening factors and consequences . Targeted marketing was identified as the main category in relation to the context. In relation to causal conditions, two main categories were identified, including moral responsibility and environmental responsibility. In relation to digital marketing as a central phenomenon of research, the indicators of giving customers the right to choose, retaining customers, providing services in accordance with customer demands, establishing appropriate relationships and relationships with customers, and creating value for customers were identified. Commercialization strategies were identified as the main category of strategies and actions. Competitiveness of companies has been identified as the most important intervening factors; and economic development and service quality improvement were identified as the main categories of outcomes.

The Covid-19 outbreak has had a severe effect on the world economy. The company's business operations and profitability are damaged during the covid 19 outbreak. This deterioration is not only threatening the company’s survival position but also destroy the investor’s investment return. Therefore, it is vital to establish an effective early prediction technical method to foresee a corporate distress by a Pro-technical measurement to enhance the corporate sustainability. This study applies Altman Z-Score Model to as a Pro-Technology technique to the financial distress prediction of Malaysia’s Government Linked Plantation Companies (GLC-P) over a period of 10 years starting from 2012 to 2021. The significant contribution of the study is that the Z-Score Model provides an advanced indication tool regarding the financial stability of the respective GLC-P companies. The findings indicate that Financial Distress Prediction was dependent via in-time application of leverage, liquidity, activity, and profitability to the Altman Z-Score Model. Profitability and leverage were found to be superior prediction tool to financial distress.

Technology innovation affects both the public and private non-financial sectors, the zakat institution (Islamic social finance) included. The institution uses an online system to communicate with zakat payers and zakat recipients to ensure its effectiveness in terms of collection and distribution. This research focuses on the adoption of a technique known as AD/AC and ZP/ZR, which is mainly utilized by partially and non-privatized State zakat institutions in Malaysia. To this end, three (3) techniques pertaining to appraising the performance of Malaysia’s Zakat institutions in managing Zakat funds were established. The analysis also includes the adverse impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the performance of zakat collection of the respective zakat institutions in Malaysia. In this relation, a quantitative approach was adopted using the primary and secondary data collected from JAWHAR and various states’ zakat institutions. By utilizing a technique of online data collection and applying the AD/AC as well as ZP/ZR methods, the performance of Malaysia’s zakat institutions is appraised. Furthermore, with the help two (2) ratios and eight (8) scenarios the performance of the innovative technique of AD/AC and ZP/ZR for zakat collection and disbursement, efficiency and sustainability of zakat institutions in Malaysia were evaluated. The results show that most zakat institutions, particularly those that deal with zakat payments, have begun to use the technique AD/AC and ZP/ZR within their organizations. The performance of zakat institutions in all states in terms of zakat distribution and disbursement do not have a consistent trend for the period 2016-2020. However, there is still a dearth of technology being used for zakat disbursements and fund reporting. From the observed data, with 2016 being the exception, for each remaining year, a state in Malaysia is ranked as the best technology performer or the most efficient. Selangor - fully privatized state (2017), Pulau Pinang - fully privatized state (2018), Federal Territory - partially privatized state (2019) and Negeri Sembilan-partially privatized state (2020) are the most efficient for the respective year. The sustainability of each zakat institution in Malaysia in the presence of Covid-19 pandemic was ascertained as well. Interestingly, contrary to the efficiency result, all non-privatized states (Kedah, Sabah and Kelantan) and one partially privatized state (Negeri Sembilan) were sustainable in coping with Covid-19 pandemic, while all fully privatized states (Selangor and Pulau Pinang) were not. Overall, it was conjectured that the technique AD/AC as well as ZP/ZR would help to improve the operations of zakat institutions to become more efficient and successful in distributing zakat fund to the poor. However, as zakat collecting and distribution involved millions of records, its management is still debatable by all parties.

Sustainability has been recognized as one of the greatest challenges facing social systems in the 21st century. Social systems should have the knowledge and the power to lead this transition and to induce the changes towards this new paradigm. In this regard, it is of crucial importance to achieve a correct and comprehensive understanding of the concept of sustainability and its key components. Although some successful studies have been reported, there is a lack of a local framework for investigating the sustainability of social systems in the context of the Islamic approach, as well as the use of a mixed methods approach to support an integrated and holistic conceptualization and implementation of sustainability. This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework for the sustainability of social systems based on the Holy Qur’an and assess its validation in universities, which was conducted in two studies, respectively. In the first study, after extracting the key themes from the Qur’an, the relationship between them was shown in the proposed framework consisting of foundations, principles, factors, and dimensions of sustainability. Then, in the second study, the cross-validation method was used. In this section, confirmatory factor analysis was carried out (N=61) to evaluate the fit, reliability, and validity of the framework. Further, concurrently percentage agreement coefficient of semi-structured interviews (N=10) was used to analyze the internal validity of the framework. The results of both quantitative and qualitative studies confirmed the fit, reliability, and validity of the framework. The present research contributes to this literature by presenting a local framework for the concept of sustainability of social systems based on the Qur’an, in a holistic and inclusive perspective, using a mixed methods approach. This study can be a useful and effective initiator for studies and theoretical extensions in conceptualizing sustainability based on Qur’anic teachings, and also pave the way for the application of this knowledge in the functional-practical areas of social systems in Islamic societies.

The global energy transition towards low-carbon systems has brought to the fore the underexplored sociopolitical dynamics shaping transition pathways in fossil fuel-dependent developing countries. This study addresses this critical research gap by conducting a comprehensive, multidimensional analysis of the complex interplay between public attitudes, interest group pressures, political institutions, and cultural narratives influencing Iran's energy transition strategies amidst evolving global realities. Employing a novel analytical framework that synthesizes resource dependence, sociotechnical transitions, punctuated equilibrium, and complex interdependence theories, the research draws upon rich insights from 11 semi-structured interviews with leading Iranian experts across policy, engineering, economics, sociocultural, and governance domains. Through a rigorous discourse analysis of interview data and an extensive literature review, the study examines the way in which entrenched hydrocarbon interests, institutional fragmentation, geopolitical tensions, public perceptions, demographic divergences, and cultural identities shape Iran's complex energy landscape. The findings underscore the importance of responsive communication, inclusive stakeholder engagement, adaptive governance, and regional cooperation in navigating the sociopolitical terrain underpinning Iran's sustainable energy transition. The study generates actionable policy recommendations spanning public outreach, political economy management, institutional capacity building, and international diplomacy, advancing theoretical understandings of energy transitions in resource-dependent Global South contexts, while providing guidance for policymakers navigating complex reform pathways amidst societal resistance and geopolitical uncertainties.

Today, many consumers advocate green products to reduce the effect of their consumption practices on the environment For this reason, companies have tried to produce green products, but many of the actions of companies in the field of green product production are misleading and deceptive, which is called greenwashing. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of understanding greenwashing, attitudes, and beliefs on green purchase intention among environmentalists. The population included the environmentalists in Kerman, to whom a standard electronic questionnaire was sent for data collection. Finally, 384 questionnaires were collected and analyzed. The findings indicated that the understanding of greenwashing has a positive effect on the confusion of green consumption and an increase in perceived risk. However, it can reduce the perceived benefit, satisfaction, and loyalty. In addition, the attitude and beliefs of the environmentalists have a positive effect on the perceived benefit, satisfaction, and loyalty. If environmentalists have a positive attitude toward green products, there will be less confusion about consuming green products.

The present study aims to evaluate the sustainability of water resources management among wheat farmers in the villages of Maragheh City in Iran. This study is applied research conducted using a survey method. The statistical population includes all irrigated wheat farmers in Maragheh City (N=240). According to Krejcie and Morgan's table, the statistical sample size is estimated to be 149. The samples are selected using the stratified sampling method. A correlation test and a multiple regression analysis are used to analyze the data and the Radar is used to assess the sustainability of agricultural water resources management. The results indicate that there is a direct and significant relationship between the farmers' application of measures related to sustainable water resources management and their attitudes toward sustainable water resources management, agronomic, economic, educational-extensional, policy-making, and institutional factors, the area under cultivation, and income. Moreover, there is an inverse and significant relationship between the farmers' application of measures related to sustainable water resources management and membership in rural organizations. The results of multiple regression analysis, which is used to investigate the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable (the application of measures related to sustainable water resources management in agriculture) show that five variables of economic, educational-extensional, social, and agronomic factors and farmers' attitudes toward sustainable water resources management explain about 63% of the variance of the dependent variable. From the perspective of irrigated wheat farmers in Maragheh City, the sustainability of agricultural water resources management is evaluated to be at a moderate level according to the total scores obtained for them.

Purpose: This article aims to investigate the impact of strategic human resources management (SHRM) on organizational excellence across various sectors. Methodology: This study, aimed at practical application, employs a descriptive-survey research design for information gathering, situating it within the quantitative descriptive-analytical category. The statistical population consists of managers, deputy managers, and employees of the Zahedan Education Organization, totaling 1929 individuals. The sample size was determined to be 320 participants based on the Krejcie and Morgan table, considering the total population number. A stratified random sampling method, organized by educational region, was utilized for selecting the sample. For research question exploration and data analysis, both descriptive and inferential statistical methods were applied using the SPSS 23 and Amos software programs. Findings: The SEM analysis demonstrated all paths to be significantly accepted, with p-values ranging from <0.001 to 0.003, indicating strong statistical support for the hypothesized relationships. This evidences a robust model that accurately captures the dynamics and influences within the organization, providing a solid foundation for strategic planning and implementation. Conclusion: Strategic HRM is pivotal in achieving organizational excellence, necessitating a holistic and strategic approach to managing human resources. Organizations that effectively integrate SHRM practices within their strategic planning processes can enhance performance, adaptability, and resilience, achieving a sustainable competitive advantage. Future research should explore the dynamic interactions between SHRM practices and emerging global challenges to further understand HRM's evolving role.

Eco-friendly product usage is a defining trend in consumer purchase intentions during this decade. Younger, tech-savvy consumers are often more sensitive to environmental concerns when purchasing products due to the abundance of information available on social media platforms. In the food and beverage industry, this trend has led many younger consumers to prefer purchasing eco-friendly, sustainable cutlery for food and beverage consumption. With online social commerce platforms selling eco-friendly utensils readily available, a larger group of consumers, primarily young adults, seem to purchase these products impulsively due to various factors. The four independent variables proposed in this study that seem to influence the online impulse buying behavior of young adults toward these eco-friendly products are fear, serendipity, electronic word of mouth (eWOM), and website quality. Convenience sampling was utilized to gain a greater understanding of the targeted consumer group, using a 5-item Likert scale to collect data from respondents. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire items were further confirmed using statistical methods, namely average variance extracted (AVE), composite reliability (CR), and Cronbach’s alpha. The hypotheses were tested using AMOS software (version 24) through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to tabulate the results. Based on the study conducted, it is concluded that fear and eWOM do influence the online impulse buying of eco-friendly food utensils among young adults in Kuala Lumpur. It is further suggested that elements such as fear and eWOM play a significant role in online impulse purchases of eco-friendly utensils, as young adults rely heavily on social media marketing. This reliance contributes to these consumers’ growing concern for their future, prompting them to be more environmentally conscious.

This study aims to assess the efficiency of the eHealth program by conducting a comparative study between public and private healthcare settings in Bangladesh and Malaysia. A detailed literature review gathered from leading databases, articles, and case studies was conducted to achieve the study’s objective. After evaluating the literature and utilizing reducing methods the factors were organized and categorized into the four SWOT groups. The study exhibits that the government of Bangladesh has taken multiple approaches to efficient usage of their resources and providing primary healthcare services at grassroots levels. However, compared to a developing country like Malaysia it is far lag and struggling with multiple challenges like inadequate ICT infrastructure interoperability issues, low adoption of services, privacy and trust issues inadequate data security lack of policies and regulations, and insufficient funding along with multiple threats like resistance to change, cultural influence, and native environmental issues. Nonetheless, these challenges can be addressed through the development of adequate infrastructure, technology, financial support, and human resource capabilities. This will help to achieve the goal of universal health coverage and digital healthcare. This paper identified and explored numerous eHealth concerns and institutionalized favorable policy recommendations to establish an effective and successful eHealth system and boost the healthcare sectors of Bangladesh and similar emerging economies.  Being the first to incorporate SWOT analysis and eHealthcare programs, the suggested approaches can have a significant positive impact on the implementation of an effective and sustainable eHealth system.

Smart packaging plays a pivotal role in food distribution by integrating innovative technologies to enhance product safety, quality, and efficiency throughout the supply chain. Leveraging smart packaging minimizes waste, reduces spoilage, and enables real-time monitoring. However, producers face a few challenges with smart packaging, including high initial investment costs, compatibility issues with existing infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles concerning data privacy and safety standards. Additionally, ensuring widespread adoption and addressing consumer acceptance pose significant challenges and the need for continuous innovation to keep pace with evolving market demands and technological advancements. Therefore, this study aims to identify the current landscape of smart packaging within food distribution, outline the main themes within this field, highlight potential areas for further study, and provide a roadmap for future research endeavors. To fulfill this aim, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis was undertaken, utilizing data extracted from the Scopus database. A total of 1,094 documents relevant to the chosen keywords were successfully gathered for analysis. Frequency analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel, while citation metrics and further analysis were performed utilizing R package software. The outcomes of this investigation are presented using standard bibliometric metrics, encompassing publication year, authorship, subject area, document type, source title, citation analysis, keyword analysis, active institutional participation, geographic distribution, and language. The analysis revealed a significant increase in publications concerning smart packaging within food distribution since 1990. This upward trend underlines the crucial role of technology in the food industry, potentially impacting the environment, economy, and societal dynamics.

This study critically examines the sustainability challenges within the lithium-ion battery (LIB) supply chain in India's electric vehicle (EV) sector, an area of growing importance due to the rapid expansion of EV adoption. While LIBs are essential for EVs due to their high energy density and reliability, their production and disposal pose significant environmental, social, and economic sustainability challenges. These include resource depletion, environmental degradation, ethical concerns in raw material sourcing, and inefficient recycling processes. This study adopts a qualitative case study approach, focusing on three leading Indian automotive companies, to explore these challenges in depth. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders involved in various stages of the LIB supply chain, including production, waste management, and recycling. Key findings reveal that the primary environmental challenge is the lack of advanced green technologies for recycling and disposal, leading to high water and energy consumption, as well as hazardous waste emissions. Social challenges include unsafe labor practices, particularly in raw material extraction, and a shortage of skilled labor in battery recycling operations. On the economic front, the reliance on imported raw materials, coupled with high production and recycling costs, undermines the sector’s sustainability and profitability. The research contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive understanding of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability in the LIB supply chain. It also offers practical insights for stakeholders and policymakers aiming to foster a greener and more sustainable EV sector in India.