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Social Responsibility of the Manager in the Smart City Concept - Science 2 Business

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Urban and Rural Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 June 2024 | Viewed by 11849

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Renata Włodarczyk

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Guest Editor

Department of Advanced Energy Technologies, Faculty of Infrastructure and Environment, Czestochowa University of Technology, Dabrowskiego Str. 69, 42-201 Czestochowa, Poland
Interests: materials in energy; corrosion and degradation of materials; production of protective coatings; hydrogen technologies; nanomaterials in energy and environmental engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Michał Dziadkiewicz

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Management, Czestochowa University of Technology, Dabrowskiego Str. 69, 42-201 Czestochowa, Poland
Interests: strategic management; business development; strategic planning; entrepreneurship; organizational theory; entrepreneurship development; small business management; outsourcing; social entrepreneurship

Dr. Judyta Kabus

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Guest Editor

Department of Logistics, Faculty of Management, Czestochowa University of Technology, Dabrowskiego Str. 69, 42-201 Czestochowa, Poland
Interests: management; CSR; sustainable development; logistics; city logistics; handel; supply chain; innovations; FMCG; entrepreneurship
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are preparing a Special Issue with the aim of systematizing knowledge in the field of practical application and the importance of innovative solutions in the economic and social area. We propose that this Special Issue should constitute a knowledge base regarding the basic concepts of Corporate Social Responsibility—CSR, formulating the important role of property management and managers in the context of corporate social responsibility, smart governance, smart economy, and smart cities.

In Special Issue of MDPI’s journal Sustainability, we will offer a scientific discussion covering the following topics: the social and pro-ecological responsibility of the manager, and the principles of intelligent property management and intelligent economy. Important aspects of urban development include the introduction of the principles of smart cities to intelligent construction, the possibility of large-scale implementation of innovative zero-emission energy generation technologies for the needs of society, including the use of hydrogen technologies as generators of electricity and heat in residential buildings, and methods of energy storage for housing purposes. An important aspect of the discussion in this Special Issue will be the analysis of the possibility of using BIM technology in construction and real-estate management.

Original research articles and reviews are welcome. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Renata Włodarczyk
Dr. Michał Dziadkiewicz
Dr. Judyta Kabus
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

social and pro-ecological responsibility of the manager
social innovation
innovation incubators, think tank
smart governance, smart economy, smart city
innovative emission-free energy generation technologies
energy storage for residential use
hydrogen technology in residential buildings
BIM technology in construction real estate management

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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26 pages, 2162 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Prevalence and Impact of Innovative CSR Strategies in Manufacturing Enterprises in the Silesian Voivodeship: A Multifaceted Analysis of Benefits, Challenges, and Market Adaptability

by Radosław Wolniak, Joanna Sadłowska-Wrzesińska, Ireneusz Miciuła, Henryk Wojtaszek, Maja Głuchowska-Wójcicka, Klaudia Skelnik, Roman Tylżanowski and Żaneta Nejman

Sustainability 2023, 15(22), 16116; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152216116 - 20 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1140

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the occurrence of innovative solutions in accordance with CSR in various companies. It turns out that 71% of medium-sized enterprises (50–249 people) and 64% of smaller companies (10–49 people and up to 9 people) declare the introduction of innovative solutions in CSR strategies, which proves that innovations are not limited to large companies. A responsible approach to business can affect competitiveness and positive public perception. The implementation of a CSR strategy increases profits, improves image, increases customer loyalty, attracts media attention, and opens up new markets. The hindering factor is the additional cost of implementing CSR activities, insufficient knowledge and awareness of CSR, and unclear regulations and market conditions, as well as the need to adapt the organizational structure and culture. CSR strategies are important for the success of enterprises and society, and solving potential problems allows for effective introduction of responsible practices. In order to obtain the presented data, two research methods were used: an analysis of the international literature sources and a survey by manufacturing firms in the Silesian Voivodeship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Responsibility of the Manager in the Smart City Concept - Science 2 Business)

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19 pages, 3554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Utilization of Digestate from Agricultural and Food Waste for the Production of Biochar Used to Remove Methylene Blue

by Katarzyna Wystalska and Anna Kwarciak-Kozłowska

Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 14723; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152014723 - 11 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1239

Abstract

The treatment of waste or by-products from the agri-food industry in agricultural biogas plants results in the production of biogas. After anaerobic digestion, digestate remains and is often used for soil fertilization. The solid digestate (SD) can also be used for the production of biochar, a material with specific properties and many applications. Such a model of operation fits perfectly into the concept of a circular economy, because the waste material can be used to produce an adsorbent that can be used to treat industrial wastewater. The research assumption of this study was to investigate selected properties of biochar prepared at variable temperatures in the pyrolysis process from solid. The potential of biochar for methylene blue (MB) sorption was also initially investigated in terms of biochar’s suitability for immobilizing metals in degraded soils. Biochar was produced at temperatures between 400–900 °C, with a temperature gradient of 50 °C. The efficiency of the production was in the range of 51–40% and decreased with the increasing temperature. The rising process temperature was also accompanied by a decrease in the nitrogen and hydrogen content of biochar. The produced biochar had an alkaline pH ranging from 11.40 to 12.69 and it increased as the temperature increased. The rise in the pyrolysis temperature effected a significant increase in the specific surface area BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) in the case of biochar BSD₇₅₀, BSD₈₀₀, and BSD₈₅₀ (BSD—biochar solid digestate). When analyzing the C content of individual biochar variants, there was no clear downward or upward trend, just as in the case of TOC (total organic carbon) value for the produced biochar. The greatest potential for removing MB (methylene blue) from solutions was demonstrated by biochar produced at 650–900 °C. The ability to remove MB rose along with the production temperature of the biochar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Responsibility of the Manager in the Smart City Concept - Science 2 Business)

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26 pages, 2490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social and Environmental Responsibility Manager on the Example of Companies from Poland and Germany

by Henryk Wojtaszek, Ireneusz Miciuła, Miłosz Gac, Dominik Kabus, Robert Balcerzyk, Jerzy Będźmirowski and Anna Kowalczyk

Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14359; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914359 - 28 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1518

Abstract

Here, the role of business managers in Poland and Germany in creating responsible business was analyzed. The authors examined CSR strategies, challenges in balancing interests and integrating CSR principles with business practices. They emphasize the importance of education and the active involvement of managers in CSR strategies for the company’s long-term benefits. The article uses three key research methods. The first is a review of the Polish and foreign literature, allowing for an understanding of the global context of CSR. The second method is the analysis of CSR reports from Poland and Germany, giving insight into practices and standards in these countries. The third method is research based on a questionnaire survey conducted in Poland and Germany, enabling a direct understanding of the attitudes and practices of managers. Polish companies lean towards sustainable purchasing and training more than their German counterparts, pointing to a nuanced approach to CSR in Poland. Meanwhile, German firms appear more invested in community and environmental programs, highlighting their particular emphasis on certain social and environmental dimensions of business. There is a clear commitment to CSR in both countries, but the varied nature of the initiatives suggests differing cultural or regulatory influences. Enhancing CSR awareness, particularly around sustainability education and emission reductions, emerges as a priority for both nations. The data indicate that managers are crucial in steering CSR practices, with their active involvement often leading to positive outcomes. The study provides an analysis of current CSR landscapes in Poland and Germany. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Responsibility of the Manager in the Smart City Concept - Science 2 Business)

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40 pages, 3076 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceptions and Attitudes of Generation Z Students towards the Responsible Management of Smart Cities

by Sorin-George Toma, Cătălin Grădinaru, Oana-Simona Hudea and Andra Modreanu

Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13967; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813967 - 20 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1796

Abstract

The emergence and development of smart cities represent a significant challenge for the post-modern world. Generation Z members currently entering adult life will play an important role in the implementation of the concept of a smart city. The objective of this study is to identify and analyze Generation Z students’ perceptions and attitudes towards the responsible management of smart cities. Following a quantitative approach, the authors designed and applied an online survey in order to reach the purpose of the study. The research sample comprised 468 representatives of Generation Z final-year undergraduate students at a university located in a smart city in the making, Bucharest (Romania). The data were statistically analyzed and interpreted using various tools and methods, such as Cronbach’s alpha and correlational analysis. The results show that students are aware of the role played by the city government in ensuring responsible management of the economic, social, and environmental issues of a smart city. Also, they emphasize that most of them are involved in or would like to be involved in different projects specific to smart cities. These results may represent the starting point for understanding Generation Z students’ expectations regarding responsible management in the context of smart cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Responsibility of the Manager in the Smart City Concept - Science 2 Business)

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25 pages, 3509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modern Hydrogen Technologies in the Face of Climate Change—Analysis of Strategy and Development in Polish Conditions

by Renata Włodarczyk and Paulina Kaleja

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 12891; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712891 - 25 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1148

Abstract

The energy production market based on hydrogen technologies is an innovative solution that will allow the industry to achieve climate neutrality in the future in Poland and in the world. The paper presents the idea of using hydrogen as a modern energy carrier, and devices that, in cooperation with renewable energy sources, produce the so-called green hydrogen and the applicable legal acts that allow for the implementation of the new technology were analyzed. Energy transformation is inevitable, and according to reports on good practices in European Union countries, hydrogen and the hydrogen value chain (production, transport and transmission, storage, use in transport, and energy) have wide potential. Thanks to joint projects and subsidies from the EU, initiatives supporting hydrogen technologies are created, such as hydrogen clusters and hydrogen valleys, and EU and national strategic programs set the main goals. Poland is one of the leaders in hydrogen production both in the world and in Europe. Domestic tycoons from the energy, refining, and chemical industries are involved in the projects. Eight hydrogen valleys that have recently been created in Poland successfully implement the assumptions of the “Polish Hydrogen Strategy until 2030 with a perspective until 2040” and “Energy Policy of Poland until 2040”, which are in line with the assumptions of the most important legal acts of the EU, including the European Union’s energy and climate policy, the Green Deal, and the Fit for 55 Package. The review of the analysis of the development of hydrogen technologies in Poland shows that Poland does not differ from other European countries. As part of the assumptions of the European Hydrogen Strategy and the trend related to the management of energy surpluses, electrolyzers with a capacity of at least 6 GW will be installed in Poland in 2020–2024. It is also assumed that in the next phase, planned for 2025–2030, hydrogen will be a carrier in the energy system in Poland. Poland, as a member of the EU, is the creator of documents that take into account the assumptions of the European Union Commission and systematically implement the assumed goals. The strategy of activities supporting the development of hydrogen technologies in Poland and the value chain includes very extensive activities related to, among others, obtaining hydrogen, using hydrogen in transport, energy, and industry, developing human resources for the new economy, supporting the activities of hydrogen valley stakeholders, building hydrogen refueling stations, and cooperation among Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic as part of the HydrogenEagle project. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Responsibility of the Manager in the Smart City Concept - Science 2 Business)

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28 pages, 3370 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modern Management Methods in the Area of Public Housing Resources in the Community

by Judyta Kabus and Michał Dziadkiewicz

Sustainability 2023, 15(10), 7776; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15107776 - 09 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1207

Abstract

Real estate management is a complex process that consists of making or indicating decisions of both a tactical and strategic character. To ensure the realization of the tasks, real property owners need to adjust their services to respond to technological pressure, a dynamically changing market, and the demands of the customer, thus resulting in various innovations introduced by the owners in the process of the public housing management. A review of the subject literature was the source of the theoretical motivation to conduct the empirical research on the innovations implemented by property owners. The main objective of said research was to ascertain which innovations have been implemented by the entities that were owners of public property in the Częstochowa City Commune and how were they evaluated by the residents. A questionnaire survey was used to verify the hypotheses. Statistical analyses were also carried out using the IBM SPSS Statistics 26 package, which was used to analyze basic descriptive statistics, including the Shapiro–Wilk test, the Student’s t-test for independent samples, Spearman’s rho correlation analysis, Pearson’s r correlation analysis, and linear regression analysis. The research presented in this paper was conducted in the Q3 and Q4 of 2020 among the residents of the public housing in Częstochowa, Silesian Voivodeship, Poland. The measurement tool used was a survey form. The survey itself was submitted by 444 respondents (n = 444). The results of the research made it possible to determine which innovations were implemented by the municipality in question and to what extent they were important or for the residents. The main finding of the survey is that residents of the municipal housing stock consider the innovations implemented by the municipality to be important. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Responsibility of the Manager in the Smart City Concept - Science 2 Business)

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Review

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32 pages, 737 KiB

Open AccessReview

Start-Up Accelerators and Their Impact on Entrepreneurship and Social Responsibility of the Manager

by Michał Bańka, Mariusz Salwin, Roman Tylżanowski, Ireneusz Miciuła, Monika Sychowicz, Norbert Chmiel and Adrian Kopytowski

Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8892; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118892 - 31 May 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2277

Abstract

Startup accelerators are a highly useful part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. They are responsible for supporting young innovative enterprises with innovative ideas at the early stages of their development. Problems related to building a business model, raising funds for business development, or determining the directions of development of the products and services offered are often just the tip of the iceberg, which can be a serious obstacle preventing survival on the market and achieving commercial success. Accelerators are entities supporting innovation, which, using the tools and programs they have, can significantly facilitate issues related to running a business by immature start-ups and significantly contribute to overcoming the challenges that constantly appear before them. Due to the importance of innovation in the global economy and its obvious connection with start-ups, scientists in the last decade have clearly marked their interest in the subject of start-up accelerators. The purpose of this research work is to present the current state of knowledge in the area of accelerators and to systematize it. For this purpose, a literature review describing issues related to start-up accelerators was reviewed and a bibliometric analysis was carried out. As a result of the research, the topics in the area of accelerators that were most often taken up by scientists and the details on which previous publications focused were shown. The authors hope that the presented study will be valuable material for theoreticians conducting future research on start-up accelerators, and will also be a useful support for practitioners from such entities as start-ups, accelerators, corporations, and government agencies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Responsibility of the Manager in the Smart City Concept - Science 2 Business)

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