Impact of Digitalization on Process Optimization and Decision-Making towards Sustainability: The Moderating Role of Environmental Regulation

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This study analyses how digitalization has influenced process optimization and decision-making towards sustainability with a case drawn from Pakistan's manufacturing sector. The moderating role of environmental regulations between digitalization and sustainable practices as also studied.. The findings show digitalization's positive and significant 26 influence on process optimization and decision-making. Overall, the work is potentially useful by some comments are essential to improve it as follows:

1. The authors worked on digitization but there are some processes before digitization could be successful. They can briefly comment about the preparation made by these companies for digitization.

2. Also, some comments about the social and cultural influence of Pakistan on the digitization is necessary.

3. Add three 2023 relevant articles

4. How has Industry 4.0 impacted on the process?

Author Response

Reviewer 1

This study analyses how digitalization has influenced process optimization and decision-making towards sustainability with a case drawn from Pakistan's manufacturing sector. The moderating role of environmental regulations between digitalization and sustainable practices as also studied. The findings show digitalization's positive and significant influence on process optimization and decision-making.

Response:

Thanks a lot. We are delighted to hear that you found our paper interesting and potentially useful in practice. Your encouraging comments are truly motivating for our team. We have put a lot of effort into this research, and it's reassuring to know that our work is perceived as valuable.

Overall, the work is potentially useful by some comments are essential to improve it as follows:

1. The authors worked on digitization but there are some processes before digitization could be successful. They can briefly comment about the preparation made by these companies for digitization.

Response:

Thank you for your thoughtful comment. Indeed, the preparation made by companies before digitization plays a pivotal role in the success of such initiatives. While our current study solely focuses on the impact and outcomes of digitization, and the preparation necessary or taken by these companies are out of the scope of this research.

We appreciate your suggestion to include insights into the preparatory phases undertaken by companies. And add your comment to the future research work of the study.

2. Also, some comments about the social and cultural influence of Pakistan on the digitization is necessary.

Response: Thanks a lot for your suggestions. We really appreciate it.

We would like to acknowledge that our study currently has limitations in addressing this aspect in detail. However, we recognize the importance of this dimension and have duly noted it as an area for future work. Exploring how Pakistan's culture, and social influence the digitalization process will undoubtedly contribute valuable insights to the field.

3. Add three 2023 relevant articles

Response: Added with Thanks

4. How has Industry 4.0 impacted on the process?

Response: We appreciate your comment and suggestion. By digitization we mean industry 4.0. please refer to the following section of the study. However, we have added it to be explore further into the future work also. Thanks once again.

The manufacturing sector has long been renowned for focusing on machinery and physical processes [17]. However, the emergence of digital technology has brought about a significant change in how industrial processes are carried out [18]. This transition, often known as the "fourth industrial revolution, " entails incorporating digital technology into manufacturing-related processes. The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of several main forces behind this technological shift [19]. It has made the collection of real-time data and communication possible by connecting sensors, machines, etc., to the Internet; now, machines can communicate throughout the manufacturing process with each other [20]. The real-time data makes predictive and preventive maintenance possible, reducing fixing time, losses, and expenses [21]. Another core of this revolution is data analytics and artificial intelligence, which allows manufacturers to gather and analyze vast amounts of data generated at various stages of the production process [22]. This improves quality control while simultaneously optimizing processes. Early detection of faulty products reduces waste and enhances the quality of the product. The manufacturing sector's DT is in line with sustainability [23]. Data analytics identifies areas to reduce waste and increase energy efficiency, supporting environmentally friendly processes [24]. The manufacturing sector's DT has reshaped how products are produced, from enhanced efficiency in operations to better quality control and more environmentally friendly [25]. Despite the difficulties, there are enormous potential advantages, and companies that adopt DT will succeed within the current manufacturing landscape [26].

 

 

Reviewer 2 Report

The paper presents a clear research methodology, survey based, to understand and evaluate the impact of digitalization on process optimization and decision-making towards sustainability. The moderating role of environmental regulation is taken into consideration properly. The respondents base is limited to a set of pakistani enterprises. The type of questions related to the hypotheses are common sense and the results probably confirm an expected situation. The methodology is properly presented even if the article doesn't add crucial insights. The methodology could be used by other scholars to investigate similarly in different domains.

Page 16: The conceptual framework of this study contributes of knowledge. The framework has one independent variable named digital transformation, which is causing its effects on a single variable named sustainability by meditating the process optimization and decision-making and moderation of the environmental regulation.  

Please revise the sentence and the verb 'meditating'.

Author Response

Reviewer 2

The paper presents a clear research methodology, survey based, to understand and evaluate the impact of digitalization on process optimization and decision-making towards sustainability. The moderating role of environmental regulation is taken into consideration properly. The respondents base is limited to a set of pakistani enterprises. The type of questions related to the hypotheses are common sense and the results probably confirm an expected situation. The methodology is properly presented even if the article doesn't add crucial insights. The methodology could be used by other scholars to investigate similarly in different domains.

Response:

Thanks a lot. We are delighted to hear that you found our paper interesting and potentially useful in practice. Your encouraging comments are truly motivating for our team. We have put a lot of effort into this research, and it's reassuring to know that our work is perceived as valuable.

Comment: Page 16: The conceptual framework of this study contributes of knowledge. The framework has one independent variable named digital transformation, which is causing its effects on a single variable named sustainability by meditating the process optimization and decision-making and moderation of the environmental regulation.  

Please revise the sentence and the verb 'meditating'.

Response: Thanks a lot for highlighting this. We have incorporated as suggested and believe that the clarity has increased.

The conceptual framework of this study contributes of knowledge. The framework has digital transformation as an independent variable, having effect on sustainability, a dependent variable; the process optimization and decision-making as meditators, and the environmental regulation as moderator.

Reviewer 3 Report

The topic of the paper is very relevant and actual for many companies. The research gap is clearly defined, as well as research hypothesis.

However, It could be more clearly specified how theoretical framework (theories) are connected with research question and hypothesis.

Be aware of using abbreviations. They should be explained first time mentioning in the text (line 63, line 174, line 531 etc).

It is not clear how reference 101 is relevant?

All the best with your future work!

Author Response

Reviewer 3

The topic of the paper is very relevant and actual for many companies. The research gap is clearly defined, as well as research hypothesis.

Thanks a lot. We are delighted to hear that you found our paper interesting and potentially useful in practice. Your encouraging comments are truly motivating for our team. We have put a lot of effort into this research, and it's reassuring to know that our work is perceived as valuable.

However, It could be more clearly specified how theoretical framework (theories) are connected with research question and hypothesis.

Response: We acknowledge your point about the need for a clearer specification of how the theoretical framework and theories are connected to our research question and hypothesis. This has been discussed in the following part of the paper.

2.8.5. Theoretical Mechanism

The combination of DD, LM, RCT, and SST demonstrates how the PO and DM processes, which are all intended to promote sustainability, are strongly impacted by digitalization. Businesses are pushed to adopt digital tools by the theory of DD, which is shifting to a new digital era [93]. As a result, data can now be collected and analyzed in real-time, immediately informing and improving decision-making. Similarly, by embracing the concepts of LM, digitalization makes it easier to identify inefficiencies and inefficient behaviour through analysis of data, improving the effectiveness of processes [94]. In addition, RCT become relevant as accurate data becomes more readily available and decision-makers are given the tools to make informed decisions that balance short-term benefits versus long-term sustainability [95]. In the end, this comprehensive integration confirms the STT, since accountability and transparency brought by digitalization drive industries towards more sustainable practices. Together, these elements provide a holistic framework that uses digitization as an engine to promote efficient, informed, and sustainable operations in manufacturing industries. The theoretical framework and hypotheses as shown in Fig.1 is based on this mechanism.

Comment: Be aware of using abbreviations. They should be explained first time mentioning in the text (line 63, line 174, line 531 etc).

Response: Incorporated with thanks

Comment: It is not clear how reference 101 is relevant?

Response: Thanks a lot for highlighting the issue. We have updated now. Thanks once again.

McRae, B. M. (2019). Technology and Organizational Decision-Making: A Qualitative Case Study Approach (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University).

All the best with your future work!

Thanks a lot. We are delighted to hear that you found our paper interesting and potentially useful in practice. Your encouraging comments are truly motivating for our team. We have put a lot of effort into this research, and it's reassuring to know that our work is perceived as valuable.

Reviewer 4 Report

The paper is interesting and, at least at a first sight, it appears as potentially useful also in practice.You have written a good paper. I wish you all the bests.

Author Response

Reviewer 4

The paper is interesting and, at least at a first sight, it appears as potentially useful also in practice. You have written a good paper. I wish you all the bests.

Response:

Thanks a lot. We are delighted to hear that you found our paper interesting and potentially useful in practice. Your encouraging comments are truly motivating for our team. We have put a lot of effort into this research, and it's reassuring to know that our work is perceived as valuable.