How does ICT-use improve the environment? The case of TurkeyGonel, Feride; Akinci, Atakan
2018 World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development
doi: 10.1108/WJSTSD-03-2017-0007
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the effects of ICT-use on environmental problems in Turkey.Design/methodology/approachThe study focuses on the effects of ICTs on finding the solutions to environmental problems. Inspired by specific classification, these categories that the authors used are as follows: the consumption of material sources; the transportation of people and goods; office spaces and smart building; using data communication and monitoring; ICT equipment (the last category involves the negative effects of ICT equipment itself; since we focus on “by ICT” issues, the authors will not examine this category in detail).FindingsFirst of all, as a developing country, Turkey has an ability to monitor and control data on environment and the country is working to improve on it successfully in cooperation with international-related institutions. At the same time, using ICTs, smart buildings are increasingly becoming popular in Turkey with the help of some regulations. Transportation is another area that uses ICT.Originality/valueTo make a connection between ICT and environmental problems, it is a very new issue in developing countries. It is also new for Turkey. Therefore, as the authors know, this is the first general review on this subject.
University libraries-bridging digital gaps and accelerating the achievement of sustainable development goals through information and communication technologiesAnasi, Stella Ngozi; Ukangwa, Clement Chinemerem; Fagbe, Abimbola
2018 World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development
doi: 10.1108/WJSTSD-11-2016-0059
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role of university libraries in accelerating the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) through information and communication technologies (ICTs).Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a descriptive survey design using a researcher developed questionnaire for data collection. In all, 103 professional librarians working in all the university libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria were surveyed. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 19) was used to run the analysis.FindingsThe university libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria are not lagging behind in the provision of ICT facilities for the delivery of twenty-first century library services. The paper highlights the critical role of university libraries in bridging digital gaps by taking advantage of ICTs to accelerate the attainment of SDGs. ICTs have the capacity to accelerate the actualisation of SDG in all communities. However, illiteracy, lack of political accountability and transparency, lack of financial resources and inadequate power supply were the major challenges impeding the achievement of SDGs in Ogun State, Nigeria.Practical implicationsThis paper establishes the role of university libraries in bridging digital gaps through ICTs in order to facilitate the attainment of SDGs.Originality/valueThe paper originality lies in its concise articulation of the roles of university libraries and ICTs in the actualisation of SDGs. Library and information professionals who are eager to contribute their quota to the achievement of SDGs will find this article useful.
Advancing a culture of effective energy statistics and information managementGreen, Earl; DeLisser, Charmaine D.
2018 World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development
doi: 10.1108/WJSTSD-05-2017-0010
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the issues associated with the use of modern energy statistics and information management (ESIM) constructs as information sharing and decision-making mechanisms in the Caribbean community (CARICOM). The study focuses on the strategies required for advancing accepted regional goals of the creation and utilization of ESIM systems in the CARICOM energy sector, a vital precursor to national and regional generation and integration of energy information.Design/methodology/approachPrimary and secondary data from CARICOM countries were analyzed, supported by an assessment methodology which examines the impact of the current state of the environment, and the policy imperatives on the data.FindingsThe research findings suggest that the creation and usage of energy statistics and information in the region is minimal. Several issues impact negatively on utilization, including political, visibility, awareness, resource, and cultural factors.Originality/valueThere are several possible alternatives for improving the state of ESIM in the region, and better understanding the peoples of the region, and the approaches to regional integration and development are instructive in deciding on the best approach. The solutions articulated in this paper are intended to achieve more inclusive high-value modalities of operation, optimize skills development and knowledge transfer, and positively impact the decision-making processes at both regional and state levels.
Site-specific technical and economic analysis of wind power potential and energy generation using Weibull parametersHulio, Zahid Hussain; Jiang, Wei
2018 World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development
doi: 10.1108/WJSTSD-10-2016-0058
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to find out a new potential site for energy generation to maximize the energy generation via installing utility wind turbines.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, Weibull two-parameter methodologies are used to determine the effectiveness of the wind speed at three different heights including 80, 60 and 30 m. Standard deviation and wind power density (WPD) are also calculated for the site. After analyzing the wind resource, the wind turbine selection is materialized to maximize the energy production, considering the best configuration of the wind turbines that is suitable for the site. In the end, economic aspect is also calculated.FindingsThe mean Weibull dimensionless parameter k is found to be 2.91, 2.845 and 2.617, respectively. The mean Weibull scale parameter c is found to be 6.736, 6.524 and 6.087 at the heights of 80, 60 and 30 m, respectively. The mean standard deviation is found to be 2.297, 2.249 and 2.157 at the heights of 80, 60 and 30 m at the heights of 80, 60 and 30 m, respectively. Wind power densities are calculated to be 265, 204 and 157.9 W/m2 at the heights of 80, 60 and 30 m, respectively (highest in the month of July when the mean wind speed is 7.707 m/s and WPD is 519 W/m2). Finally, site-specific economic analysis of wind turbines is carried out, which shows $0.0230 per kWh at the height of 80 m.Originality/valueThe results show that the site is beneficial for the installation of small and large wind turbines.
Simulating R&D decision for critical subsystems in defence R&D projectsRoy, Soumen Kumar; Sarkar, A.K.; Mahanty, Biswajit
2018 World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development
doi: 10.1108/WJSTSD-06-2016-0040
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the effect of a critical subsystem development indigenously on the outcome of an Indian defence R&D project. Indigenous development of the critical subsystem requires the development of a number of technologies; hence the study is taken up for indigenously development of critical subsystem.Design/methodology/approachA simulation-based approach is used in this paper for studying the effect of indigenization decisions. A defence R&D project with the critical subsystems is modeled in Graphical Evolution and Review Technique (GERT) networks, and simulated in Arena simulation software using discrete event simulation model. The simulation model is thereafter experimented with decision options for the critical subsystem. Data were collected from the project management office (PMO) of short range homing guided missile (SRHGM) for this simulation study.FindingsIt has been found in this case that timely development of technology plays a key role in the Indian defence R&D projects. While indigenization of critical components reduces cost of development, the trade-off lies in much increased project development time. It is imperative that project teams should identify critical components early and work out appropriate strategies of indigenous development to avoid time overrun of the projects.Research limitations/implicationsThe accuracy of results of the study could perhaps be affected on account of the extent of data forthcoming from the PMO. However, GERT framework presented in this paper is realistically derived from the practices used in the SRHGM project.Originality/valueThe study would help the project teams to identify critical subsystems early and work out appropriate strategies of indigenous development to avoid time overrun of the projects. This study would also make the project as well as the R&D teams aware of the causes for delays and cost overruns, and assist to deliver a product meeting end-user requirements.
Validation of technology push strategies for achieving sustainable development in manufacturing organizations through structural equation modelingSingla, Anuj; Ahuja, Inderpreet Singh; Sethi, APS
2018 World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development
doi: 10.1108/WJSTSD-08-2017-0022
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate and select various significant technology push (TP) strategies affecting sustainable development in manufacturing organizations. The study deploys structural equation modeling (SEM) technique to empirically validate the interrelationships amongst significant TP strategies and sustainable development indicators in SEM-TP Model.Design/methodology/approachConfirmatory factor analysis approach is utilized to generate an effective SEM-TP Model by using AMOS 21 (Analysis of Moment Structures) software. The data have been collected from different manufacturing organizations practicing TP strategies, using a well-framed TP questionnaire for the evolution of SEM-TP Model.FindingsSEM modeling of various TP strategies like, innovative capability (IC), research and development, corporate strategy (CS) and export orientation towards achieving sustainable development in manufacturing industries has been performed. SEM-TP Model has been planned and reports obtained before and after modification indices (MI) of the model are correlated, which further establishes improvements in model’s effectiveness. The research concludes that two TP strategies namely, IC and CS are found to be significant in the present context. These strategies have emerged as a foundation for several development initiatives and actively support manufacturing industries in achieving sustainable development. The results obtained from final model may support organizational managers and TP practitioners to improve the overall performance of manufacturing industries involved in the present study. The manufacturing enterprises will be able to frame or enhance their corporate strategies and innovative capabilities in a more appropriate way.Research limitations/implicationsIn the present study, contributions of TP practices are determined to accomplish sustainable development in manufacturing industries. Otherwise, issue-wise independent modeling can also be performed to assess the importance of TP practices towards achieving quality and sustainable development under specific orientations.Practical implicationsThe research gives priority to enhancement in the coordination among various TP practices and sustainable development parameters in the industries, to inculcate TP as a crucial strategy to meet challenges in global markets.Social implicationsIt has been exhibited from model that adequate TP strategies can effectively contribute towards recognition of sustainable development to compete in the highly progressive markets. The results of various interrelationships among TP practices and sustainable development indicators in SEM-TP Model portray the effectiveness of TP practices for accomplishment of organizational and social ambitions.Originality/valueThe outcomes of the study will help organizational managers, HR executives and TP practitioners in manufacturing industries to know about the significant TP strategies to be followed holistically for achieving sustainable development.
The effects of knowledge transfer on farmers decision making toward sustainable agriculture practicesAdnan, Nadia; Nordin, Shahrina Md; Rahman, Imran; Noor, Amir
2018 World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development
doi: 10.1108/WJSTSD-11-2016-0062
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to enhance the adoption decision of farmers and observe the factors that affect the adoption decision of sustainable agriculture practices (SAP) which is the major motivating force of Malaysian economy. The idea behind this study is to transfer knowledge to paddy farmers within regional areas of Malaysia and to comprehend their understanding of social innovation and sustainable agriculture engineering and their overall significance. The outcome of this research will suggest a strategic extensive plan to encourage the use of SAP and also help to develop SAP helping toward building a sustainable society.Design/methodology/approachThis paper encompasses three phases: analyzing the process of SAP among Malaysian Paddy farmers, to agricultural industrialization, until the stage of SAP led by farmer’s co-operatives, discussing the relevant practice together with literature and historically evidencing that there is no better way to promote SAP among regional paddy farmers within Malaysia.FindingsInitial objective of this paper is to establish a thoughtful approach to enable the society to bridge a gap between embracing sustainability. The second objective investigates the misconception among farmers about social innovation. Furthermore, the study builds the conceptual framework and examines the relationship among the relevant constructs, this framework is critically examining the literature within paddy farming context. Harmoniously, there has been limited empirical research performed on the decision of adoption toward SAP usage among paddy farmers in Malaysia.Originality/valueThe clear worth of this research paper is the illustration from past reviews and practices to endorse SAP usage among paddy farmers in Malaysia. Another literature review suggests that these countermeasures comprehensively, historically, and theoretically are proven result oriented. The information about SAP will be beneficial for farmers and policy maker who are interested in the advancement. This learning delivers a comparative summary of knowledge transfer influencing farmer’s intention and behavior of sustainable agriculture engineering to adopt green technology. In a future study, these construct will be empirically tested.