Digital Transformation as a Driver of Sustainability Performance—A Study from Freight and Logistics Industry

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

In the era of climate change, the sustainable development of companies is very important. Especially in the transport and logistics companies studied by the author, which have a significant impact on the natural environment in their operations. The created model and the result of the research make a scientific and practical contribution to the issues of sustainable development of the surveyed enterprises. They can also help executives make decisions about sustainability aspects not only in the Saudi Arabian market, but also in other regions. Congratulations, very good scientific article.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for taking the time to review my paper, titled “Digital Transformation as a driver of sustainability performance – a study from freight and logistics industry”. I look forward to any additional guidance you may provide during the final stages.

Sincerely,

Authors

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper is interesting and carefully statistically developed. However, it contains elements that need improvement and completion.

(8) The abstract should clearly describe the research problem and indicate the specific purpose of the work. The research method should also be described. The results obtained should be precisely outlined. The practical utility of the results should also be stated.

(15) What did the deductive study consist of? How was it formally defined? No information on this in the article.

(27) Keywords should be re-edited. They are currently repetitive and overlapping.

(31-32) The hypothesis posed in this sentence has not been adequately documented. References to two, rather random items, certainly do not prove it.

(33-37) This hypothesis is very controversial. Sustainability does not reduce risks and costs. It is more of a political objective (increasing business problems) than a business objective. This thesis should be proven or the text should be improved.

(45-47) It is not indicated how sustainable development is supposed to contribute to the country's goals. Item [11] does not explain this either.

(48-49) This claim is not documented with a reference to the literature.

(51-52) Likewise note (33-37).

(53-54) This claim has not been documented.

(54-57) This conclusion does not follow from item [13].

(72) I suggest correcting this sentence stylistically.

(101-103) This thesis has not been documented.

(123-126) The link of the previous argument to sustainability is not clear. Clarify how DT affects sustainability and cite relevant literature.

(169-246) Hypotheses are vague. What is the measure of a positive link? What use is being referred to? To what specific extent? 

(267-289) Similar comment as for hypotheses H1-H6.

(302-303) Please provide more details about the experts (scientists, entrepreneurs, managers, others).

(306) Who were the respondents?

(309) Sustainability Innovation Exploration/Exploitation - the questions do not refer to the effects of the actions taken only to the execution of the actions. Please clarify this in the article.

(309) ESP - what precise quantitative measures were used? Were the results standardized? The lack of such measures results in high subjectivity of answers. Please explain this in the article.

(310) Was the survey sample representative of Saudi Arabia?

(349) Why were the survey results not presented?

(458-465) The conclusions are vague. What does positive impact mean? What is the measure of this impact?

(474-479 These conclusions do not correspond to the results presented. They should be removed from the article!

(486-491) These conclusions are not the result of the study, but assumptions for the study - this should be corrected!

(491-494) From what content of the article does this conclusion directly follow?

(495-514) This is a literature analysis and not the conclusion of the paper! This should be removed.

(515-520) These conclusions do not correspond to the results presented.

 

 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

There are linguistic and stylistic faults in the article.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for reviewing my paper, titled “Digital Transformation as a driver of sustainability performance – a study from freight and logistics industry”. Your feedback has been invaluable in improving my work. I have carefully considered your comments (and other two reviewers) and made significant revisions, please see the attached files.

Sincerely,

Authors

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The author of the research paper aims to investigate the impact of digital transformation factors on sustainability innovation balance and how this balance influences Environmental Sustainability Performance in the context of the freight and logistics industry. The goal of the research paper is clearly outlined, and no further improvements are necessary.

The research paper demonstrates a comprehensive literature review to support its research objectives so that the literature analysis is sufficient.

The research methods used in the study include developing a theoretical model proposing relationships between digital transformation factors, sustainability innovation balance, and Environmental Sustainability Performance. Empirical testing of the model was conducted through a survey methodology involving a large number of professionals in the Freight and Logistics industry in Saudi Arabia. The data collected was analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. One can conclude that the use of established methodologies and statistical analyses enhances the rigour and validity of the research findings. Nevertheless, the author could consider including other research methods in the current or similar study, e.g., longitudinal studies and mixed-methods approaches could strengthen the methodology and provide a more holistic understanding of the relationships in the Freight and Logistics industry context.

The research results are clearly presented, and the conclusions drawn in the current article are well-supported by the findings presented within the paper, so no further improvements are necessary.

The paper is well-researched and, after minor revisions, could be considered for publication.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for reviewing my paper, titled “Digital Transformation as a driver of sustainability performance – a study from freight and logistics industry”. Your feedback has been invaluable in improving my work. I have carefully considered your comments (and other two reviewers) and made significant revisions please see the attached files.

Sincerely,

Authors

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Thank you for the clarifications provided and the changes made to the paper. One important point remains.

(314-315) Please state clearly: sample size, method of sample selection, including how subjects were drawn for the survey, confidence level, the proportion of the phenomenon in the general population, maximum estimation error, equation used to calculate sample size, etc. 

Author Response

 

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you for your valuable feedback and suggestions regarding our manuscript, Digital Transformation as a driver of sustainability performance – a study from freight and logistics industry. We have carefully considered your comments and have revised the "3.2 Sample and Data Collection" section to address the concerns about the sample size, sampling method, confidence level, proportion of the phenomenon, maximum estimation error, and the equation used for calculating the sample size. Below, we outline how each point has been addressed in the revision:

1. Sample Size: We clarified that the sample size of 374 participants was determined using a confidence level of 95% with a margin of error of 5%. This sample size is sufficient to ensure that our findings are representative of the broader population within the Saudi Arabian Freight and Logistics sector.
2. Method of Sample Selection: We employed a convenience sampling technique, targeting professionals in the Saudi Arabian Freight and Logistics sector. We detailed the process used to recruit participants, involving contacting 500 companies within the sector through corporate emails. Of these, 324 companies nominated senior employees to participate. This approach ensured that the respondents were well-qualified to provide informed responses relevant to our study.

3. Drawing Subjects for the Survey: Participants were drawn for the survey through direct nominations by their respective companies. This approach allowed us to specifically engage individuals who held key positions relevant to the areas of innovation, ESG, performance management, IT, and CSR. The senior employees nominated were then sent an email outlining the purpose and ethical considerations of the study, and were directed to complete the survey via an online platform (Google Forms).

1. Confidence Level: We specified that our study was conducted with a 95% confidence level, which is standard for ensuring reliability in social science research.
2. Proportion of the Phenomenon in the General Population: The proportion of the attribute of interest was assumed to be 0.5 in our calculations to maximize the variability, thereby ensuring the robustness of our sample size calculation.
3. Maximum Estimation Error: The margin of error was set at 5%, which balances the need for precision and the practical constraints of sample size.
4. Equation Used to Calculate Sample Size: We included the formula used to calculate the sample size: ?=?2×?×(1−?)?2n=E2Z2×p×(1−p)​ where ?n is the sample size, ?Z is the Z-score corresponding to a 95% confidence level (1.96), ?p is the estimated proportion of the attribute in the population, and ?E is the margin of error.

These revisions have been highlighted in bold in the revised manuscript for your convenience. We believe that these changes address your concerns comprehensively and enhance the clarity and rigor of our study. We appreciate your guidance in improving our work and look forward to your feedback on our revised submission.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Author,

Author Response File: Author Response.docx