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The pulp and paper industry has significant sustainability implications and necessarily requires a careful consideration of direct and lower-tier suppliers for effective sustainable supply chain management. This paper utilized an extensive literature review and semi-structured interviews of experts in the Chinese pulp and paper industry to unearth the factors that highly influence multi-tier supply chain sustainability. A Technological-Organizational-Environmental (TOE) and Human-Organizational-Technological (HOT-fit) based theoretical framework was employed to classify the identified factors. Then, an Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) based methodology was applied to determine the relative importance of the factors. A comparison analysis of the relative importance of the factors as determined by the experts in the focal companies, Tier-1 suppliers and Tier-2 suppliers of the Chinese pulp and paper industry is presented. The results show that institutional and technological factors are most critical to actualizing multi-tier supply chain sustainability. Thus, the study outcomes present relevant theoretical and practical implications for the managers and practitioners in the pulp and paper industry on how to facilitate multi-tier supply chain sustainability for increased competitiveness. Furthermore, this study provides guidelines for other industries as well and sets the stage for subsequent theorization and exploration of multi-tier supply chain sustainability for expected performance gains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is an inclusive approach based on the concept of waste and variation reduction to achieve quality and sustainability. The successful adoption of any approach depends upon the awareness and readiness measures of a particular one. This paper contributes toward Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to adopt a comprehensive LSS approach in their existing system through the identification, analysis, and prioritization of LSS enablers and barriers. In the present study, 25 enablers and 21 barriers of LSS adoption are identified through literature review and are validated by using questionnaire-based survey. The screened enablers and barriers are further formulated into logical groups using factor analysis. These formulated groups are prioritized through Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and compared the obtained results with the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (Fuzzy-DEMATEL). The result reveals that among the main group of enablers, "management-based factor" is the top-ranked followed by "training- and education-based factor" and "technology-based factor" with AHP weights 0.4008, 0.2742, and 0.1465 respectively. On the other hand, among the main groups of barriers, "training and education based factor" is at first rank trailed by "management-based factor" with AHP weights 0.4780 and 0.2915 respectively. The outcomes of current research will facilitate the MSMEs to make a favorable environment toward the LSS approach for increasing productivity and profitability dynamics. An engineering manager can use this paper to enhance social sustainability through the incorporation of LSS approach in the communities where they work. Moreover, this study provides a guiding reference for practitioners and academicians to undertake similar nature of problems into other industrial sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As climate change becomes an urgent issue that must be tackled immediately, several disciplines are making efforts to mitigate its effects. One of the disciplines that must be addressed to mitigate the negative impacts it has on the environment is the installation of telecommunication towers. An ever-increasing number of telecommunication towers may have negative impacts on the environment because of the use of diesel, not environmentally friendly materials or the waves emitted to the surrounding environment. Literature review showed different sustainable approaches that were proposed for use in telecommunication towers. However, there is a gap in having a comprehensive approach for making the overall factors of the telecommunication towers more sustainable. Green rating systems are used as guidelines for making buildings more sustainable. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system is the most widely used green rating system in the world; however, it doesn't have any guidelines for applying sustainable measures in telecommunication towers. Therefore, this paper proposes a green rating system that is based on LEED's main categories, to limit the negative impacts telecommunication towers have on the environment. Then, 21 questionnaires were distributed among engineers from various backgrounds in Egypt as a case study to come up with proposed weights for categories and subcategories. The questionnaire analysis is based on Analytical Hierarchy Process. It is concluded that the sustainable site category has the highest weight, as the optimum selection of site would help in improving the overall factors that affect the environmental behavior of the tower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stakeholders worldwide commit to the goal of sustainable development and transport, and to the promotion of public transport (PT) as one backbone of sustainable transport. Evaluation frameworks have been developed to aid municipalities and operators in purposefully shaping their PT systems. These frameworks differ greatly in their scope and consideration of the different sustainability dimensions, and in addition, they focus on industrialized countries. The goal of this study is to provide a systematic overview of existing frameworks for evaluating the sustainability of PT systems with a particular focus on Latin America for the first time, to identify possible gaps that result from the specific characteristics of Latin American PT systems and finally to derive research needs and recommendations for this region. The analysis includes three types of articles: scientific papers, international guidelines published by NGOs, and local as well as national Latin American guidelines for PT evaluation. The 69 identified relevant references reveal that Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM), followed by Assessment Indicator Models (AIM) are the preferred evaluation frameworks. Among the MCDM methods, the Analytical Hierarchy Process was the most frequently approach. We found a high prevalence of studies taking society and municipalities' perspective (both 46%), followed by combinations (users, operators, municipalities − 37%), and the users' perspective (14%). The review further shows that the Latin American context is not sufficiently considered in the existing frameworks and that further research is needed to develop frameworks that comprehensively and systematically consider all sustainability dimensions for this specific spatial context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facing the contradiction between increasing maintenance demand and limited financial, as well as smaller social and environmental impacts, the optimisation of bridge maintenance strategies should be carried out. In this paper, the assessment model of four objectives, including the safety performance, economic, social and environmental impacts, in sustainability criteria are proposed. Moreover, a systematic optimisation framework of maintenance strategy of deteriorating bridges considering sustainability criteria and a novel decision-making method are developed, based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and a decision-making algorithm based on linear programming techniques for multidimensional analysis of preference (LINMAP). The case analysis results verify the effectiveness and superiority of the previous optimisation framework, and also show that the final optimal strategy obtained by the proposed decision-making algorithm can reflect the will of experts well. Compare with the essential maintenance, the implementation of preventive maintenance is more conducive to realise the sustainable development of the deteriorating bridges. The sensitivity analysis results show that the monetary discount rate has a greater impact on the life cycle maintenance cost, which is mainly controlled by the total social cost, while the direct maintenance cost only accounts for a small part. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus system is essential for addressing Water-Energy-Food Security and Environmental Protection in urban agricultural areas. However, there is currently no standardized framework for measuring and comparing sustainability indicators in these areas using the WEF Nexus practices. This study proposes sustainability measurement indicators to evaluate the WEF Nexus sustainability. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to identify the most crucial indicators for policymakers. The WEF nexus sustainability indicators were selected based on three dimensions of sustainability: social, environmental, and economic. The study focused on Varamin, a semi-arid city in Tehran that serves as a center for urban agriculture. Research results indicate that water-related components are crucial in arid and semi-arid regions. Based on the environmental sustainability indicators, pollution prevention, with a priority of 52.8%, is a critical component of sustainability. Finally, several key indicators are recommended for decision-makers to address sustainability. Allocating national budgets to create environmental policies and increasing public education on environmental issues are two priorities for achieving sustainability goals. However, future studies should utilize the Analytic Network Process (ANP), which enables interdependencies among decision components, as the AHP approach has some limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) plays an important role in the success of the company's sustainability progress. Industrial management faces difficulty designing a resilient, sustainable supply chain (SSC) with emerging new needs. Hence, the industrial management needs to integrate the customers' requirements (CRs) in designing the SSC as customer satisfaction plays an important role in the success. Knowing the CRs, the industries may figure out the technical requirements (TRs) that may enhance the industries' technical capability. This study proposes an integrated approach to help design a resilient SSC by considering both CRs and TRs. The integrated approach consists of the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM), fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP), fuzzy measuring attractiveness by a categorically based evaluation technique (FMACBETH), and quality function deployment (QFD). The results obtained with FAHP and FMACBETH are incorporated into QFD to identify needed TRs. A case study is conducted to verify the integrated approach. Reduced carbon footprint, affordable cost, and on-time delivery are the three important CRs: financial strategy, green supply chain management, and government assistance are the three critical TRs. Based on the outcomes, the study suggests some implications that assist industrial management in improving sustainable supply chain management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green spaces are foundational to urban social sustainability and solidarity since they are accessible to all citizens without discrimination or restriction. Such spaces enable social interactions, and as places of convergence offer a sense of belonging, participation and social sustainability. Green spaces also can directly contribute to SDG 11 "Sustainable cities and communities". This research investigates the effects of urban green spaces on the promotion of social sustainability in a case study of Tehran, Iran. By adopting both quantitative and qualitative methods, this study employs a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis in combination with an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) implemented in Expert Choice software and focus group discussions. Results revealed that in order to improve social sustainability, the risk of growing insecurity in green areas among citizens and the spreading of disease due to proximity to dangerous sites were the highest overall priority values. In contrast, the lowest overall priority values belonged to the factors of sports equipment for physical activities and intellectual games and lack of attention to trees and seasonal flowers in some obsolete green spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular economy (CE) has grown in popularity among policymakers as a novel approach to sustainable development, and a trending tool driving sustainable development in many countries around the world. Fundamentally, interactions between socioeconomic, socioecological, and technological factors determine sustainable development. Para rubber is a vital feedstock for bio-based industries. However, utilizing para rubber resources inefficiently can be a barrier to the desirable shift towards a CE system and sustainable development. In this present study, the sustainability factors enhancing the implementation of the CE potential of Para rubber resources in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, was evaluated. The classical Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) were complementarily used to evaluate the main factors and sub-criteria for para rubber CE potential. The findings revealed the factors that will facilitate the implementation of para rubber CE and enhance sustainable development in the following order of priority: resource (0.420)> development (0.177)> environment (0.162)> economy (0.127)> population (0.114). Consequently, the para rubber resource has been identified as a bioeconomic gem in Thailand, with the potential to facilitate CE and enhance sustainable development in the study area. This study is useful to all stakeholders, including policymakers, in promoting para rubber resource efficiency, sustainable consumption and production trends at the national, provincial, and district levels, as well as improve the social, economic, ecological, and cultural resilience of rural areas. To drive Thailand's CE transition, a comprehensive scientific assessment of Songkhla megatrends and prospects is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel approach for evaluating the performance of sustainable manufacturing by integrating the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) concept. The research incorporates various novel metrics, including machine performance, physical load, and mental load. Additionally, the evaluation of sustainable manufacturing takes into account the workload assigned to each workstation in the production process. This research utilizes the Delphi approach, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), Sustainable Value Stream Mapping (SVSM), and Traffic Light System (TLS). The Delphi method is employed to assess pertinent indicators. Meanwhile, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is utilized to evaluate the importance of the TBL and workstation indicators. The SVSM and TLS techniques were employed to chart the TBL indicators. The Manufacturing Sustainability Index (MSI) scores were computed using indicators, workstation weights, and indicator efficiency. Additionally, a case study is provided on the tire sector in Indonesia. The tire industry's MSI findings showed a performance score of 85.52%, signifying the need for improvement in performance. The findings of this study have research implications as they contribute to the advancement of theory in evaluating sustainable manufacturing performance. Furthermore, this study offers managerial recommendations for the tire business to enhance sustainable production performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To decide dyeing process parameters according to various color fastness values for different usage areas of the linen fabric, the TOPSIS method, which is one of the multi-criteria decision-making methods, has been employed. Method Dyeing procedures The dyeing of fabrics were carried out in different liquor ratios (1/30, 1/40, 1/50) with the use of different amounts of dye source (1:0.5/1:1/1:2) which show the amount of textile material to natural dye sources amount. Keywords: ; ; ; ; ; ; ; Cellulose; linen; dyeing; madder; multi-criteria decision making-topsis method; sustainability ZH EN Cellulose linen dyeing madder multi-criteria decision making-topsis method sustainability 8993 9008 16 11/21/22 20221220 NES 221220 Introduction Sustainable or eco-friendly products are a key concern of today's consumer. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers across the globe are developing different admixtures compositions to enhance sustainability of product. Fair sustainability assessment of these compositions still remains a major obstacle in adoption. The present work focuses on performing sustainability assessment of three different concrete composition developed by authors in their previous work. A sustainability score (SC) assigned to control concrete, as-received sugarcane bagasse ash (AR-SBA) and thermo-mechanical-treated sugarcane bagasse ash (T-SBA) blended concretes, is evaluated based on economic, environmental, technical and social criteria. Lifecycle assessment is performed to quantify the environmental criteria. The GWP for T-SBA is observed to be 5170 kg CO2 equi. which is the least, attributed to reduced cement consumption. acidification potential of AR-SBA was least, 19.2 kg SO2 equi. on account of no pretreatment of ash being used in concrete. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was considered for calculating the SC. Some alternatives performed well for certain indicators while lacked in other indicators making sustainability assessment even more challenging. The T-SBA blended concrete achieved the highest SC of 0.38 attributed to about 45% reduced GWP and around 22% reduction in water usage indicating higher sustainability. Such robust framework can be used for comparison of alternatives thereby increasing the scope for application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food supply chains are receiving increased attention due to rapid depletion of natural resources, increasing quality standards and rising food safety and security concerns. Implementing sustainability practices in food supply chains is believed to overcome such emerging challenges. However, limited studies address sustainability implementation concerns, particularly in cold food supply chains. Thus, this study attempts to identify factors hindering sustainability implementation in cold food chain networks by considering a case of UK artisan cheese producers. Survey data is utilised to identify and prioritise barriers for implementing sustainability following fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and sensitivity analysis. The analysis identified several key barriers, including initial investment cost, firm size and unawareness of government regulations. The internal barriers significantly dominate the implementation of sustainability practices in comparison to external barriers. Lack of consensus regarding the concept of sustainability by different stakeholders is observed to be an issue negatively affecting the level of integration in SMEs. Findings will help food and dairy SME's in gaining competitive advantage through the successful implementation of sustainability practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to present a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) for comprehensive performance evaluation of the alternative design of timber–concrete composite (TCC) floor system. Considered objectives are serviceability and sustainability performance with associated criterion as (1) comfort class regarding springiness and vibrations, (2) architectural quality with associated criterion as open spaces, (3) environmental aspect with associated criterion as CO2 emissions and (4) cost aspect with associated criterion as the total costs. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS) as the methods in the multi-criteria analysis have been combined for (1) determining the weighting of criteria based on the survey results, (2) verifying the consistency ratio of decision matrix made by experts and (3) for ranking and selecting the optimal concept design among design candidates. According to the results, the TCC floor with the span length of 7.3 m belonging to comfort class A has got the highest ranking. However, sensitivity analysis indicates that the TCC floor with a 9.0 m span length belonging to comfort class A shall be selected as the optimal concept design. The study contributes by developing a complete concept design tool for TCC floor systems using AHP combined COPRAS methods to handle both beneficial and non-beneficial criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various extensions of the environmentally-conscious quality function deployment (QFD) were explored to address sustainable product design. To provide a systematic computational platform, the integration of fuzzy set theory and multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods becomes a popular approach. However, most applications of the fuzzy QFD-MCDM approaches are concentrated on the product planning phase, which limits overall sustainability considerations in the remaining design phases. Thus, this work adopts the means-end chain (MEC) model of the QFD, along with the sustainability agenda of the stakeholders. Succinctly, the proposed framework transforms the MEC model into a series of interconnected hierarchical networks, and each network representing a phase is translated into a supermatrix of the analytic network process (ANP). The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) are used to populate the supermatrix. To demonstrate its efficacy, an actual case study of vegetable cooking oil is reported in this work. The findings illustrate the capability of the proposed framework in translating the sustainability agenda into insights in the design phases. This consistency of information flow allows stronger associations of the design parameters, ensuring communication of sustainability agenda across phases. The limitations and managerial implications are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]