Editorial

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Open AccessEditorial

Interdisciplinary Approaches and Methods for Sustainable Transformation and Innovation

by Sangkyun Kim

Sustainability 2015, 7(4), 3977-3983; https://doi.org/10.3390/su7043977 - 03 Apr 2015

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6241

To increase the likelihood of success and sustainability, organizations must fundamentally reposition themselves and try to change current processes or create new products and services. One of the most effective approaches to find a solution for transformation and innovation is to learn from [...] Read more.

To increase the likelihood of success and sustainability, organizations must fundamentally reposition themselves and try to change current processes or create new products and services. One of the most effective approaches to find a solution for transformation and innovation is to learn from other domains where a solution for similar problems is already available. This paper briefly introduces the definition of and approaches to convergence of academic disciplines and industries, and overviews several representative convergence cases focusing on gamification for sustainable education, environments, and business managements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Approaches and Methods for Sustainable Transformation and Innovation)

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Research

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3106 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of an Adaptive Forecasting System: A Case Study of a PC Manufacturer in South Korea

by Chihyun Jung and Dae-Eun Lim

Sustainability 2016, 8(3), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/su8030263 - 10 Mar 2016

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4363

Abstract

We present a case study of the development of an adaptive forecasting system for a leading personal computer (PC) manufacturer in South Korea. It is widely accepted that demand forecasting for products with short product life cycles (PLCs) is difficult, and the PLC [...] Read more.

We present a case study of the development of an adaptive forecasting system for a leading personal computer (PC) manufacturer in South Korea. It is widely accepted that demand forecasting for products with short product life cycles (PLCs) is difficult, and the PLC of a PC is generally very short. The firm has various types of products, and the volatile demand patterns differ by product. Moreover, we found that different departments have different requirements when it comes to the accuracy, point-of-time and range of the forecasts. We divide the demand forecasting process into three stages depending on the requirements and purposes. The systematic forecasting process is then introduced to improve the accuracy of demand forecasting and to meet the department-specific requirements. Moreover, a newly devised short-term forecasting method is presented, which utilizes the long-term forecasting results of the preceding stages. We evaluate our systematic forecasting methods based on actual sales data from the PC manufacturer, where our forecasting methods have been implemented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Approaches and Methods for Sustainable Transformation and Innovation)

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1006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Resource Allocation Model Using Competitive Advantage

by Sangwon Lee, Suneung Ahn, Changsoon Park and You-Jin Park

Sustainability 2016, 8(3), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/su8030217 - 29 Feb 2016

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4172

Abstract

In general, during decision making or negotiations, the investor and the investee may often have different opinions which result in conflicts. So, an objective standard to mitigate potential conflicts between investors and investees should be provided since it is highly important that rational [...] Read more.

In general, during decision making or negotiations, the investor and the investee may often have different opinions which result in conflicts. So, an objective standard to mitigate potential conflicts between investors and investees should be provided since it is highly important that rational decisions must be made when choosing investments from various options. However, the models currently used come with some problems for several reasons, for instance, the arbitrariness of the evaluator, the difficulty in understanding the relationships that exist among the various investment options (that is, alternatives to investments), inconsistency in priorities, and simply providing selection criteria without detailing the proportion of investment in each option or evaluating only a single investment option at a time without considering all options. Thus, in this research, we present a project selection model which can enable reasonable resource allocation or determination of return rates by considering the core competencies for various investment options. Here, core competency is based on both performance and ability to create a competitive advantage. For this, we deduce issue-specific structural power indicators and analyze quantitatively the resource allocation results based on negotiation power. Through this, it is possible to examine whether the proposed project selection model considers core competencies or not by comparing several project selection models currently used. Furthermore, the proposed model can be used on its own, or in combination with other methods. Consequently, the presented model can be used as a quantitative criterion for determining behavioral tactics, and also can be used to mitigate potential conflicts between the investor and the investee who are considering idiosyncratic investments, determined by an interplay between power and core competency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Approaches and Methods for Sustainable Transformation and Innovation)

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795 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Optimization of Cyclic Links of Live Pig-Industry Chain Based on Circular Economics

by Xing Liu and Xu Xiao

Sustainability 2016, 8(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/su8010026 - 28 Dec 2015

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5923

Abstract

To reduce waste and wastewater pollution and to improve the utilization rate of resources in the pig-industry chain, a circular economy of the chain can be developed. The key to constructing the circular economic system of the pig-industry chain is to determine the [...] Read more.

To reduce waste and wastewater pollution and to improve the utilization rate of resources in the pig-industry chain, a circular economy of the chain can be developed. The key to constructing the circular economic system of the pig-industry chain is to determine the path of the cyclic materials and to design reasonable waste- and wastewater-treatment capacities. This paper focuses on the treatment and recycling of wastewater in the pig-industry chain and the treatment and recycling of waste into manure and feed. After giving the two circular paths, the paper proposes a multi-objective uncertainty-optimization model for the cyclic links of the pig-industry chain with the highest resource-reuse efficiency and the lowest construction cost based on the uncertainty of market demand. Using a combination of the neural network and genetic algorithm method for designing the solution process for the model, the paper finally introduces the determination methods of relevant parameters and verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the model through a case study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Approaches and Methods for Sustainable Transformation and Innovation)

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Open AccessArticle

Google TV or Apple TV?—The Reasons for Smart TV Failure and a User-Centered Strategy for the Success of Smart TV

by Jungwoo Shin, Yuri Park and Daeho Lee

Sustainability 2015, 7(12), 15955-15966; https://doi.org/10.3390/su71215797 - 02 Dec 2015

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 8308

Abstract

Traditional television (TV) has evolved into smart TV in terms of both hardware and software. However, compared with smart phones and tablet PCs, which are huge successes in the market, smart TV has grown more slowly than the market expected and has not [...] Read more.

Traditional television (TV) has evolved into smart TV in terms of both hardware and software. However, compared with smart phones and tablet PCs, which are huge successes in the market, smart TV has grown more slowly than the market expected and has not really changed the TV market. In this study, we investigate reasons for the failure of smart TV from consumer perspectives. We use conjoint analysis to collect stated preference data from consumers. Our analysis consists of two parts: analyzing consumer preferences for six attributes of smart TVs and examining the effects of socio-demographic and behavioral information on purchase intention for a smart TV. Based on the estimation results from the first part, we find that consumers set a higher value on the traditional characteristics of TV than on the functions of smart TV. Thus, smart TV does not have key functions to encourage its adoption over traditional TV. From the second part of our analysis, we identify which factor is most important to increase purchase intention for a smart TV. Based on our results, we can suggest the direction of market strategies about how to cross the chasm of smart TV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Approaches and Methods for Sustainable Transformation and Innovation)

679 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Team Organization Method Using Salary Auction Game for Sustainable Motivation

by Sangkyun Kim

Sustainability 2015, 7(10), 14358-14370; https://doi.org/10.3390/su71014358 - 23 Oct 2015

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5753

Abstract

In performing team-based projects in engineering class, students usually face many problems, such as free-riding, lack of responsibility, boredom, and insufficient initiative. This papers proposes a new method for performing team-based projects in engineering class—specifically, a gamified method for team organization using a [...] Read more.

In performing team-based projects in engineering class, students usually face many problems, such as free-riding, lack of responsibility, boredom, and insufficient initiative. This papers proposes a new method for performing team-based projects in engineering class—specifically, a gamified method for team organization using a salary auction game. On the description of the design and use of a salary auction game in engineering class, a case study conducted using a survey method is reported to validate the practical value of the proposed auction game. The salary auction game proposed in this paper demonstrates that a gamified team organization method in engineering class could be used as an effective tool to enhance motivation and to improve learning outcomes of engineering students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Approaches and Methods for Sustainable Transformation and Innovation)

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1385 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on Diffusion Pattern of Technology Convergence: Patent Analysis for Korea

by Jae Young Choi, Seongkyoon Jeong and Kyunam Kim

Sustainability 2015, 7(9), 11546-11569; https://doi.org/10.3390/su70911546 - 25 Aug 2015

Cited by 62 | Viewed by 7750

Abstract

Technology convergence indicates that technologies of different application areas are converted into a new and common unity of technology. Its range spans from inter-field, whereby technologies are converged between heterogeneous fields in homogeneous sector, to a wider inter-sector, whereby technologies belong to heterogeneous [...] Read more.

Technology convergence indicates that technologies of different application areas are converted into a new and common unity of technology. Its range spans from inter-field, whereby technologies are converged between heterogeneous fields in homogeneous sector, to a wider inter-sector, whereby technologies belong to heterogeneous technology sector are converged. This paper determined the definition of technology convergence from previous literature and classified patents into technology category depending on patent information. Furthermore, we empirically measure technology convergence degree based on co-classification analysis and estimate its diffusion trend at the entire technology domain level by using overall 1,476,967 of patents filed to the KIPO (Korean Intellectual Property Office) from 1998 to 2010. As a result, potential size and growth rate of technology convergence are varied by both technology and type of technology convergence, i.e., inter-field and inter-sector technology convergence. Diffusion pattern of inter-sector technology convergence appears as the more various form than that of inter-field technology convergence. In a relationship between potential size and growth rate of technology convergence, growth rate of technology convergence is in inverse proportion to potential size of technology convergence in general. That is, the faster the growth rate of technology convergence, the smaller the potential size of technology convergence. In addition, this paper found that technology convergence of the instrument and chemistry sector is actively progressing in both inter-field and inter-sector convergence, while the technologies related to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in electrical engineering sector have relatively mature progress of technology convergence, especially in inter-sector technology convergence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Approaches and Methods for Sustainable Transformation and Innovation)

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681 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Overall Environmental Equipment Effectiveness as a Metric of a Lean and Green Manufacturing System

by Rosario Domingo and Sergio Aguado

Sustainability 2015, 7(7), 9031-9047; https://doi.org/10.3390/su7079031 - 10 Jul 2015

Cited by 97 | Viewed by 9996

Abstract

This paper presents a new metric for describing the sustainability improvements achieved, relative to the company’s initial situation, after implementing a lean and green manufacturing system. The final value of this metric is identified as the Overall Environmental Equipment Effectiveness (OEEE), which is [...] Read more.

This paper presents a new metric for describing the sustainability improvements achieved, relative to the company’s initial situation, after implementing a lean and green manufacturing system. The final value of this metric is identified as the Overall Environmental Equipment Effectiveness (OEEE), which is used to analyze the evolution between two identified states of the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and the sustainability together, and references, globally and individually, the production steps. The OEE is a known measure of equipment utilization, which includes the availability, quality and performance of each production step, In addition to these factors, the OEEE incorporates the concept of sustainability based on the calculated environmental impact of the complete product life cycle. Action research based on the different manufacturing processes of a tube fabrication company is conducted to assess the potential impact of this new indicator. The case study demonstrates the compatibility between green and lean manufacturing, using a common metric. The OEEE allows sustainability to be integrated into business decisions, and compares the environmental impact of two states, by identifying the improvements undertaken within the company’s processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Approaches and Methods for Sustainable Transformation and Innovation)

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678 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Managing Sustainability Aspects in Renovation Processes: Interview Study and Outline of a Process Model

by Stefan Olsson, Tove Malmqvist and Mauritz Glaumann

Sustainability 2015, 7(6), 6336-6352; https://doi.org/10.3390/su7066336 - 25 May 2015

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5995

Abstract

In many European countries, there are building stocks in need of extensive renovation. This constitutes an important opportunity to perform energy-saving measures and improve indoor environmental quality aiming at a more sustainable built environment. In this paper, we report results from an interview [...] Read more.

In many European countries, there are building stocks in need of extensive renovation. This constitutes an important opportunity to perform energy-saving measures and improve indoor environmental quality aiming at a more sustainable built environment. In this paper, we report results from an interview study with the aim of obtaining an in-depth understanding of renovation processes and how sustainability aspects are handled by various Swedish property owners. Examples of important barriers revealed in the interviews are insufficient inspection of existing buildings, absence of both overarching and detailed sustainability targets and guidelines, and lack of knowledge about sustainability aspects. Based on the interview study, conclusions are drawn for the further development of a process model which aims at systematize integration and effectively address energy, environmental, and indoor environmental quality aspects throughout a renovation process; we refer to this as sustainable renovation. Some key starting points for the process model are to suggest routines, provide checklists and tools, and offer guidance for formulating sustainability targets. However, the interviews show that in order to reach a more sustainable built environment, there is a need for government subsidies, other incentives or new business models that value environmental aspects higher. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interdisciplinary Approaches and Methods for Sustainable Transformation and Innovation)

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