Technological Sustainability

Horani, Lara F.

2023 Technological Sustainability

doi: 10.1108/techs-10-2022-0041

This research aims to explore various definitions of sustainability and sustainable design and determine the researcher's understanding of sustainable design concepts. In the past decades under the three elements of sustainability, between 1975 and 2021. This study is to conceptually construct sustainable design. It enhances and widens previous research to comprehend sustainable design. To this aim, a systematic review of the relevant collection of literature on sustainability and sustainable design will be conducted, guided by two questions: What is sustainable design? Do the sustainable design definitions involve economic, social and environmental elements? Since the concept of sustainability is to balance environmental, economic and social elements in product and service design.Design/methodology/approachThe author conducts an inductive content analysis of concepts and definitions mentioned or discussed in several journals, a total of 573 articles were published, with a clear definition of sustainable design included in the review process. In the analysis, 56 definitions have been used.FindingsIn the analysis, 56 definitions for environments, environmental design, environmental innovations, social design, eco-efficiency, eco-design, ecological product, environmentally friendly product and the concept of sustainable design have been used. The most often used definition, according to the research analysis, is sustainable design. This research found sustainable design definitions might be unclear and the concepts could be misunderstood. Thus, the goal of this research was to provide an effective system for sustainable design definitions, with adequate flexibility to create obvious differences to encourage further research in this field to develop comprehensive definitions for essential concepts, the different definitions of sustainable design show a lack of understanding of the real meaning of the concepts. As a result, these inconsistencies are likely to restrict future research and the adaptation of sustainable design concepts in the industry.Originality/valueThe development of sustainable design concepts and definitions, as used by many authors and organizations, is aided by the availability of numerous information sources. As a result, lots of new terms have emerged in the sustainability field, or old ones have been developed, but definitions and conceptual meanings haven't received sufficient analysis. Because the meanings of certain phrases are poor, identical or just differ slightly, the variety of definitions generates significant misunderstanding regarding their usage.

Kibe, Lucy; Kwanya, Tom; Nyagowa, Hesbon

2023 Technological Sustainability

doi: 10.1108/techs-01-2023-0004

The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has changed the way people operate. All sectors of the economy have been affected by this technological advancement. However, little is known of how 4IR technologies are used in Africa. This paper aimed to investigate how 4IR technologies can be harnessed to support sustainable development in Africa. The objectives of the study were to: examine the infometric patterns of research production on 4IR technologies for sustainable development in Africa; explore the perception of 4IR technologies and their potential for sustainable development in Africa; investigate the extent to which 4IR technologies have been harnessed to support sustainable development in Africa; determine the factors influencing the use of 4IR technologies for sustainable development in Africa; and identify the strategies which can be used to harness 4IR technologies for sustainable development in Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe study applied a mixed methods research approach. Quantitative data was collected through bibliometrics analysis while qualitative data was collected by use of systematic literature review. Data was collected from Google Scholar using Harzing's “Publish or Perish” software and analysed using Microsoft Excel, Notepad, VOSviewer and Atlas.ti and presented using tables, graphs and figures.FindingsThe study retrieved 914 research publications on 4IR and sustainable development in Africa. It emerged that production of research on the subject has increased gradually over the years. The findings reveal that Africa is aware of the potential of 4IR for sustainable development. In fact, it emerged that 4IR technologies are being used to support education, health services, tourism, e-commerce, records integrity and project management. Some of the factors that inhibit the use of 4IR for sustainable development Africa include lack of relevant policies, low skill levels in 4IR technologies, inadequate infrastructure and lack of stakeholder involvement. This study recommends the development of policies in 4IR, capacity building and upgrading of infrastructures. The findings can be used by governments in Africa to harness 4IR technologies for sustainable development.Originality/valueThe research is original in scope and coverage.

Kumar, Shailendra; Choudhury, Sanghamitra

2023 Technological Sustainability

doi: 10.1108/techs-12-2022-0047

The widespread usage of artificial intelligence (AI) is prompting a number of ethical issues, including those involving concerns for fairness, surveillance, transparency, neutrality and human rights. The purpose of this manuscript is to explore possibility of developing cognitive morality in AI systems.Design/methodology/approachThis is explorative research. The manuscript investigates the likelihood of cognitive moral development in AI systems as well as potential pathways for such development. Concurrently, it proposes a novel idea for the characterization and development of ethically conscious and artificially intelligent robotic machines.FindingsThis manuscript explores the possibility of categorizing AI machines according to the level of cognitive morality they embody, and while doing so, it makes use of Lawrence Kohlberg's study related to cognitive moral development in humans. The manuscript further suggests that by providing appropriate inputs to AI machines in accordance with the proposed concept, humans may assist in the development of an ideal AI creature that would be morally more responsible and act as moral agents, capable of meeting the demands of morality.Research limitations/implicationsThis manuscript has some restrictions because it focuses exclusively on Kohlberg's perspective. This theory is not flawless. Carol Gilligan, one of Kohlberg's former doctoral students, said that Kohlberg's proposal was unfair and sexist because it didn't take into account the views and experiences of women. Even if one follows the law, they may still be engaging in immoral behaviour, as Kohlberg argues, because laws and social norms are not perfect. This study makes it easier for future research in the field to look at how the ideas of people like Joao Freire and Carl Rogers can be used in AI systems.Originality/valueIt is an original research that derives inspiration from the cognitive moral development theory of American Professor named Lawrence Kohlberg. The authors present a fresh way of thinking about how to classify AI systems, which should make it easier to give robots cognitive morality.

Angoori, Sukhvinder; Kumar, Sanjeev

2023 Technological Sustainability

doi: 10.1108/techs-02-2023-0006

This paper examine beneficiary women's awareness of the harmful effects of traditional cooking fuels and the benefits of cleaner cooking fuel (LPG) in the Indian state of Haryana after the inception of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.Design/methodology/approachDescriptive statistics, factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis H test were used for the data analysis.FindingsThe paper finds that the women of the scheduled caste were highly aware of the hazards of traditional cooking fuel. They perceived that the usage of LPG led to significant health and environmental improvements. However, the refilling was low among the respondents. So, the only low awareness was not the cause of the low refilling of LPG among Ujjwala beneficiaries.Research limitations/implicationsTechnological advancement, accessibility and successful adoption require convergence with socio-economic and institutional aspects. It was evident that focus on technology might not necessarily serve developmental purposes if it is not integrated correctly with socio-economic and institutional factors. These should have conversed with the household's needs, preferences, affordability, social structures, policy support and delivery mechanism, as it was observed that, in different cases, high-end technologies have limited access.Originality/valueThis study shows that the low awareness is not the barrier to the adoption of cleaner cooking technologies in India. So, the policymakers have to revive and further investigate the real cause of the low adoption of cleaner cooking technologies in India.

Islam, Md. Touhidul

2023 Technological Sustainability

doi: 10.1108/techs-02-2023-0008

This study’s goal is to research and describe developing green technology and green business models, as well as their commercial advantages. However, it focuses on how old business breakthroughs and models may be transformed into new green technologies and innovations that can affect the global business environment. This research concentrates on the technology component of green technologies and provides information on a variety of relevant emerging green business models and innovations such as energy efficiency, renewable energy consumption, commodities and systems, environmental protection, nontoxic materials, and waste minimization, among others. Additionally, this research connects Emerging Green Technology (EGT) innovations to the business for sustainability. It also emphasizes the advantages of green technology adoption in business specially in developing economies.Design/methodology/approachFor that purpose, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was performed based on the “inclusion/exclusion criteria” and “PRISMA flow diagram method”. The first screening and quality evaluation rejected 67 publications, 8 in eligibility and 10 in credibility. In the subsequent round, 45 papers out of 210 that met the search parameters were included to access the findings.FindingsThis study provides a foundation for future research into sustainable economic potential by examining the development, breakthroughs, obstacles, future trends and new research prospects of EGTs. As such, this research will serve as a helpful resource for economically growing nations looking to foster long-term growth in their businesses through sustainable development strategies.Research limitations/implicationsThe first limitation of the study is the generalization of the findings. The sample size of the study is limited. For that purpose, an SLR and “PRISMA flow diagram” methods were performed by “inclusion/exclusion criteria” for literature review. Except these, there are many new techniques of SLR. Further research with more sampling and sophisticated tests could produce better results for this study.Practical implicationsThis research provides valuable insights for businesses and politicians seeking to protect the environment, promote economic growth and create a sustainable society. The findings will be particularly useful for emerging nations grappling with issues related to technical innovation, safe environmental practices, reliable renewable energy sources, and ecological and economic growth.Originality/valueThis study’s findings will aid in the design and implementation of new green technology and innovations in current businesses, which will assist in limiting climate change and eventually affect their move to sustainable growth paradigms. For emerging nations, this study will be useful in addressing issues about technical innovation, safe environmental conditions, reliable renewable energy sources as well as ecological and economic growth. According to our research results, the authorities of developing nations would gain from utilizing green business models and technology to spur economic development. Our findings should thus add to the current body of knowledge.

Nyagango, Alex I.; Sife, Alfred S.; Kazungu, Isaac

2023 Technological Sustainability

doi: 10.1108/techs-01-2023-0002

Factors influencing the use of mobile phone technologies for agricultural market information access remain a mixed debate, and there are contradictive views among studies. This study examined factors influencing the use of mobile phone technologies for agricultural marketing information access. The study is anchored on the technological acceptance model (TAM).Design/methodology/approachA descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted with a sample size of 400 grape smallholder farmers. A structured questionnaire and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used to gather data. Descriptive, ordinal logistic regression and thematic approaches were used in data analysis.FindingsThe study confirmed grape smallholder farmers generally considered mobile phone technologies as an appropriate communication channel to stay informed about agricultural marketing information. It was found that reliable electricity supply, relevance, timeliness, perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) of mobile phone technologies influenced the level of agricultural marketing information access.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to a selected number of grape smallholder farmers in Dodoma, Tanzania, and leaves out those without mobile phones. Also, the study was cross-sectional in nature, so it may not be necessarily capable of consistently providing critical and consistent information about the same population over a series of times.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the body of knowledge by integrating the use of mobile phone technologies to access marketing information in informing policy and decision-making processes to promote grape marketing.