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Digital Transformation Enabling Sustainability in Strategic Management of Enterprise

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 January 2024) | Viewed by 17170

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Dr. Alfredo Jiménez

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Guest Editor

Management, Kedge Business School, Bordeaux, France
Interests: FDI; internationalization; political risk; psychic distance; multinational enterprises; global virtual teams
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Xavier Ordeñana

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Guest Editor

ESPAE Graduate School of Management, Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral, Guayaquil, Ecuador
Interests: FDI; internationalization; emerging markets; global virtual teams; international entrepreneurship
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Dear Colleagues,

The influence of digitalization is significantly increasing in multiple domains, and its critical impact on multiple areas of management has been frequently acknowledged by researchers. Despite the growing literature on this topic, the impact of digital transformation on enabling sustainability in strategic management is not yet fully understood, notably due to the emergence of new technologies and the current turbulent environment. The goal of this Special Issue is to expand the existing literature on these themes, by offering new insights and future perspectives on the various ways in which digital transformation shapes strategic management in a broad sense, and its repercussions in terms of sustainability for the firms in question.

We invite both conceptual and empirical research on the above themes. We are particularly interested in research combining multiple theoretical backgrounds and methodological approaches, as well as literature reviews or theory papers. Examples of relevant research questions for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

What is the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on strategic management and what are the barriers to achieving digital transformation faced by firms?
How do political, institutional, and social trends shape the impact of digital transformation?
What are the differences in the effects of digital transformation between advanced vs. emerging economies?
What is the role of digital transformation in the internationalization of firms?
What are the differences between emerging economies’ enterprises vs. those of advanced economies in the way they embrace and are affected by digital transformation?
How do individual, team, regional, and supranational factors interact with digital transformation, and what are the repercussions for corporations?
How does digital transformation affect small- and medium-sized enterprises vs. large ones?
When and how much does digital transformation increase the attractiveness of firms as targets in M&As?

Dr. Alfredo Jiménez
Dr. Xavier Ordeñana
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

digital transformation
strategic management
Industry 4.0
advanced vs emerging economies
small and medium-sized enterprises

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Need for Standardized Approaches to Manage Sustainability Strategically

by Svala Gudmundsdottir and Throstur Olaf Sigurjonsson

Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2319; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062319 - 11 Mar 2024

Viewed by 888

Abstract

This study aims to explore the challenges and opportunities associated with measuring and assessing sustainability impacts and investigate digitalization’s role in addressing these challenges. The study gathers stakeholders’ perspectives on strategically managing sustainability and employs a qualitative research approach, utilizing semi-structured face-to-face interviews with seven industry participants. The findings reveal that the measurement and assessment of sustainability impacts pose significant challenges due to the lack of standardized approaches and the diversity of evaluation methods. Companies have started to address these challenges by applying digitalization to standardize and streamline sustainability measures. Digital platforms and technologies are being developed to collect, analyze, and report sustainability data, providing a foundation for reliable and comprehensive sustainability reporting. This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the need for standardized approaches and digital platforms for measuring and assessing sustainability impacts. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating sustainability into corporate strategies, as well as the role of digitalization in enabling companies to focus strategically on the most important societal goals. The study also underscores the need for clear definitional parameters and accurate measurement of sustainability performance. Overall, this research highlights the potential of digitalization in driving meaningful change and promoting sustainability in economic, environmental, and social domains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation Enabling Sustainability in Strategic Management of Enterprise)

20 pages, 308 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Overcoming Barriers to Digital Transformation towards Greener Supply Chains in Automotive Paint Shop Operations

by Silvia Carpitella

Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 1948; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16051948 - 27 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 983

Abstract

Given the resource-intensive nature of automotive manufacturing processes and their potential to substantially contribute to ecological footprints, the integration of sustainable logistic practices in the context of digital transformation becomes imperative. This paper focuses on the implementation of green supply chain strategies within the automotive sector, targeting significant risks associated with environmental impact, specifically in the critical domain of automotive paint shops. Automotive paint shops indeed play a significant part in determining the overall sustainability of automotive production. Recognized for their role in vehicle esthetics and corrosion protection, the sustainable integration of these facilities is crucial in the pursuit of a greener automotive future. A comprehensive multi-criteria decision-making framework is herein proposed as a valuable tool in pinpointing the most critical barriers to digital transformation and simultaneously prioritizing suitable green logistic strategies in the context of automotive paint shop risk-management procedures. The practical utility of the model extends to practitioners in the automotive paint shop supply chain, particularly those engaged in digitalizing critical operations, facilitating well-informed decision-making aligned with environmental sustainability goals. The findings of this research highlight the critical importance of implementing tailored strategies, including crisis preparedness, transparent communication, proactive outreach, and strategic investments in technology and partnerships, to address barriers and enhance sustainability practices within automotive paint shop operations, thereby contributing to the overall resilience and long-term viability of automotive supply chains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation Enabling Sustainability in Strategic Management of Enterprise)

17 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Digitalization in Cross-Border E-Commerce Performance of Italian SMEs

by Maurizio Dallocchio, Marcello Lambri, Emiliano Sironi and Emanuele Teti

Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 508; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020508 - 6 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2338

Abstract

The utilization of digital technologies is rapidly increasing businesses’ capacities for innovation and growth, especially in the case of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with strong benefits in efficiency, competitiveness, and market reach. We aimed to study the impact of digital technologies on cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) in Italian SMEs, with regard to three main ICT areas: e-business, e-marketing, and e-commerce. Using a regression analysis, the study found that e-business tools have an unclear impact on cross-border e-commerce, while e-marketing tools, such as data tracking for medium-sized enterprises and social media for all SMEs, have a positive and significant impact on the online export performance. Finally, we examined the impact of being present on a marketplace rather than having a proprietary e-commerce website, and we found that having a presence on marketplaces such as Amazon or Alibaba is more effective than having a proprietary e-commerce website in terms of cross-border online sales. These results are useful both for policy makers and managers, since making informed decisions to develop SMEs is crucial for industrial strategy effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation Enabling Sustainability in Strategic Management of Enterprise)

20 pages, 1489 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Corporate Decision on Digital Transformation: The Impact of Non-Market Factors

by Luyao Zhang, Alfredo Jimenez, Xavier Ordeñana and Seongjin Choi

Sustainability 2023, 15(24), 16628; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416628 - 7 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1061

Abstract

This multiple regression study investigated the relationship between the political network and the adoption of digital transformation strategy and if moderated by perceived corruption and political ideology of top managers among diverse enterprises in China. The aim of this study is to contribute to strategic management research on non-market factors of digital transformation. The instruments used for the study were political network relationships, digital transformation strategies, perceived corruption, economic conservatism, cultural conservatism, social conservatism, and meritocracy of top managers. A basic regression model is a causality test between the political network and digital transformation. In addition, moderated multiple regression analysis with factor analysis to analyze moderator variables perceived corruption and political ideology and their interaction with the political network and effect on digital transformation. The study included 214 firms as a convenience sample. Practical significance indicates that the firm with a higher level of political network relationships is more likely to conduct digital transformation and the higher level of top manager’s perceived corruption and economic conservatism mitigates the positive impact of the political network on digital transformation, while the higher level of top manager’s meritocracy tendency strengthens the positive impact of the political network on digital transformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation Enabling Sustainability in Strategic Management of Enterprise)

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35 pages, 2110 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Managing Document Management Systems’ Life Cycle in Relation to an Organization’s Maturity for Digital Transformation

by Simona Sternad Zabukovšek, Sandra Jordan and Samo Bobek

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15212; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115212 - 24 Oct 2023

Viewed by 3335

Abstract

Document management systems (DMS) have become an important topic regarding digital transformation in organizations because they enable paperless business, speed up processes, lower business costs, and support sustainability activities in organizations. DMSs should be considered as green technology and also as technology crucial for green digital transformation. Sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial for organizations and society, and DMSs, along with paperless business, can contribute to the sustainable orientation of organizations. However, the problem with DMS implementations is that they often fail and that DMS users often use DMSs at a basic level, which means that, among other things, they still prefer to print documents rather than use electronic documents. A framework that can contribute to a better implementation and a higher level of use of DMSs, which both lead to a more green digital transformation of the organization, represents an organization’s maturity. We used the Process and Enterprise Maturity Model (PEMM) to assess the organization’s maturity level concerning the DMS’ life cycle. Findings are presented from the research study. The research study was based on a questionnaire and collected data from DMS users. The research study showed that an organization’s maturity impacts the DMS’ life cycle. Organizations that manage the DMS’ life cycle will better cope with digital transformation and sustainability issues related to paperless business. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation Enabling Sustainability in Strategic Management of Enterprise)

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46 pages, 1997 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Outcomes of Digital Transformation Smartization Projects in Industrial Enterprises: A Model for Enabling Sustainability

by Iryna Bashynska, Sabit Mukhamejanuly, Yuliia Malynovska, Maryana Bortnikova, Mariia Saiensus and Yuriy Malynovskyy

Sustainability 2023, 15(19), 14075; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151914075 - 22 Sep 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1580

Abstract

Digital transformation and smartization projects in industrial enterprises have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, aiming to enhance operational efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. Assessing the outcomes of such projects is crucial to determine their effectiveness in enabling sustainability. In this context, a model for evaluating digital transformation smartization projects (DTSP) outcomes can be developed to provide a comprehensive assessment framework. This study aims to develop and test a model for diagnosing the results of implementing digital transformation smartization projects for industrial enterprises. The methodology presented in this article involves using statistical tests to detect multicollinearity and heteroskedasticity in regression models. It also proposes an economic–mathematical model with three objective functions to optimize the implementation of smartization projects, considering cost minimization, deviations from planned business indicators, and production rhythm disruptions. The most important results of the survey are (1) a proposed matrix for the selection of indicators for diagnosing the results of the implementation of digital transformation smartization projects for industrial enterprises, (2) a two-level model for the economic evaluation of diagnosed digital transformation smartization projects, which can be used at any stage of the digital transformation smartization project and based on it, conclusions can be drawn regarding the effectiveness of the implementation of both the entire project and its individual stages, objects, or elements. The advantage of the model is the possibility of its decomposition, that is, a division into separate parts with the possibility of introducing additional restrictions or, conversely, reducing the level of requirements for some of them. The results were tested at industrial enterprises in Ukraine and proved their practical significance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation Enabling Sustainability in Strategic Management of Enterprise)

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37 pages, 2956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Business IT Alignment Impact on Corporate Sustainability

by Uroš Zabukovšek, Polona Tominc and Samo Bobek

Sustainability 2023, 15(16), 12519; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151612519 - 17 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1952

Abstract

Business–IT alignment (BITA) has become crucial for effective organisational management in today’s interconnected global economy. This article investigates the relationship between BITA and corporate sustainability, exploring how businesses can leverage BITA for sustainable growth and development. The study employs a case research approach in a multinational manufacturing organisation, utilising a mixed methods research (MMR) design. In the quantitative part of the research, the PLS-SEM technique was used to examine the influence of six BITA factors on employees’ self-perceived action competence for sustainability (SPACS). This study confirmed that all six BITA factors strongly influence all three SPACS factors. In the qualitative part of the research, semi-structured interviews were used to measure the BITA maturity level of the organisation and the influence of BITA factors on corporate sustainability. Based on quantitative and qualitative research results, it can be confirmed that BITA strongly influences corporate sustainability. Results also confirm that there is no universal approach to BITA and its influence on corporate sustainability. Organisations must focus on all factors of BITA equally to achieve better levels of BITA and ensure its influence on corporate sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation Enabling Sustainability in Strategic Management of Enterprise)

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14 pages, 1168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Realizing Sustainable Value from ERP Systems Implementation

by Luay Anaya, Leif Flak and Ahmad Abushakra

Sustainability 2023, 15(7), 5783; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075783 - 27 Mar 2023

Viewed by 2485

Abstract

This paper investigates enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementations to improve the ability to realize outstanding value from such systems. In particular, it aims to provide a deep understanding of realizing sustainable value from ERP systems and to examine the relevance of benefits management (BM) in this context. To do so, this research applied a qualitative case study approach to investigate the implementation of Tier-1 ERP systems in two firms. Key findings initially suggest five considerations to better understand the realization of benefits from ERP implementation. Consequently, this research outlines the key activities undertaken by the investigated organizations and aligns them with activities suggested by benefits management literature. In conclusion, this research conjectures that while benefits management is a good practice and a systematic approach to realizing benefits from information systems, it may be ineffective in addressing the benefits that emerge in practice, i.e., when integrating the ERP system with modern digital technologies. Therefore, this research advocates either revisiting the current BM techniques or improving the implementation of digital technologies, including ERP systems with BM concepts and principles by incorporating such BM concepts within the implementation process. This study responds to research calls for maximizing the returned value from the implemented ERP systems by providing insightful recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation Enabling Sustainability in Strategic Management of Enterprise)

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14 pages, 1534 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Information Security by User Behavior Monitoring Algorithm Incorporated in Cloud Enterprise Resource Planning

by Zhujun Wang, Qin Su, Bi Wang and Jie Wang

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3065; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043065 - 8 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1559

Abstract

Cloud enterprise resource planning (Cloud ERP) provides an efficient big data management solution for lithium-ion battery (LiB) enterprises. However, in the open ecological environment, Cloud ERP makes the LiB supply chain face multi-user and multi-subject interactions, which can generate sensitive data and privacy data security issues (such as user override access behavior). In this study, we take the value and information interaction into account to examine the user behaviors of the diverse stakeholders in the LiB supply chain. Therefore, a user behavior monitoring algorithm (UBMA), different from the mainstream supervised algorithms and unsupervised learning algorithms, is proposed to monitor the unsafe behaviors that may threaten data privacy in Cloud ERP. The results show that the UBMA can accurately search out the user behavior sequence where the unsafe behavior is located from a large amount of user behavior information, which reduces the complexity of directly identifying the unsafe behavior. In addition, compared with the recursive unsupervised binary classification method, the UBMA model has a lower resource consumption and higher efficiency. In addition, the UBMA has great flexibility. The UBMA can be further updated and extended by re-establishing the statistical characteristics of the standard user behavior fields to quickly adapt to user changes and function upgrades in the LiB supply chain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation Enabling Sustainability in Strategic Management of Enterprise)

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