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Sustainability
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Digital Transformation and Sustainability: Enabling the Digital Enterprise
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Digital Transformation and Sustainability: Enabling the Digital Enterprise

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2022) | Viewed by 65235

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Maro Vlachopoulou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Applied Informatics, School of Information Sciences, University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki 54636, Greece
Interests: information systems and E-business; E-mobile marketing; social media marketing; social networks; ICT innovation
Prof. Dr. Michael Bourlakis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research for Cranfield School of Management, Centre of Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedford MK43 0AL, UK
Interests: food supply chain management; retail supply chain management; sustainability in supply chains; IT/E-business and supply chain management; service operations management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Efthymios Constantinides

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Behavioral, Management and Social Sciences (BMS), Department Entrepreneurship and Technology Management, The University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
Interests: digital transformation; digital marketing; big data and consumer neuroscience (or neuromarketing) artificial intelligence; internet of things

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In this new age of technology revolution, digital transformation is the new way of doing business by leveraging digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cloud, Big Data, Internet of Things, Mobile connectivity and Analytics, but also Augmented and virtual reality, resulting in significant changes in customer experience, business processes, and business models, and reshaping every industry across the globe.

Industry structures and business models are being disrupted, digital opportunities for retail are emerging,  and the digitalization of the economy is being rapidly accelerated. An estimated 70% of new value created in the economy over the next decade will be based on digitally enabled platform business models. Since our planet is facing critical challenges such as climate change, natural disasters and other environmental risks, digitization can play a significant role in doing business more sustainable, having a significant impact in terms of the environmental, social, and economic footprints.

This Special Issue will examine the link between digital transformation and sustainability and will focus on the rise of new digital trends, the importance of digitization to support more sustainable operations and the effects of shaping the future of the digital enterprise. In this Special Issue, we are seeking to address research questions on topics including but not limited to disruptive digital technologies and actor-guided organizational transformation of capabilities, structures, processes and business model components in all industries.

Prof. Dr. Maro Vlachopoulou
Prof. Dr. Michael Bourlakis
Dr. Efthymios Constantinides
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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
  • digital disruption
  • technological disruption (blockchain, artificial intelligence, cloud, big data, internet of things, mobile connectivity and analytics, augmented and virtual reality)
  • customer experience
  • business processes
  • suistanable business models
  • digital entrepreneurship
  • digital marketing
  • circular economy
  • waste management
  • green economy & growth

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 1368 KiB  
Article
Understanding Impacts of Service Robots with the Revised Gap Model
by Shengliang Zhang, Chaoying Huang, Xiaodong Li and Ai Ren
Sustainability 2022, 14(5), 2692; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14052692 - 25 Feb 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2728
Abstract
The service quality gap model, which identifies the antecedents of SERVQAUL, reveals that service quality depends on the gap between customer perceived and expected service (Gap 5), which can be caused by other gaps in the service process (Gaps 1–4). The emergence of [...] Read more.
The service quality gap model, which identifies the antecedents of SERVQAUL, reveals that service quality depends on the gap between customer perceived and expected service (Gap 5), which can be caused by other gaps in the service process (Gaps 1–4). The emergence of service robots has affected the quality of services provided; however, little is known about how these impacts happen. Thus, this paper aims to explore the impacts of service robots on service quality by revising the original gap model in the context of robot service. This paper reviews and analyzes the literature related to service robots and develops a revised gap model for robot service by integrating the existing research on the impacts of service robots. By introducing the roles of robots and robot manufacturers into the original gap model, the revised gap model adds three new gaps: Gap 6 (manufacturers’ understanding gap), Gap 7 (technical gap), and Gap 8 (service coordination gap). Based on the revised gap model, the impacts of service robots on service quality are expounded (i.e., Gap 5 can be affected by not only Gaps 1–4 but also Gaps 6–8), and several propositions are introduced. This paper is the first to consider robot manufacturers as part of the service quality gap model, and the first to use a dynamic model to explore the impacts of service robots on service quality. This paper not only supplements the service robot and gap model literature but also provides service companies with a meaningful framework to improve service quality when using robots to provide service. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation and Sustainability: Enabling the Digital Enterprise)
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23 pages, 1953 KiB  
Article
The New Era of Business Digitization through the Implementation of 5G Technology in Romania
by Constantin Aurelian Ionescu, Melinda Timea Fülöp, Dan Ioan Topor, Sorinel Căpușneanu, Teodora Odett Breaz, Sorina Geanina Stănescu and Mihaela Denisa Coman
Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13401; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132313401 - 03 Dec 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3497
Abstract
The main objective of the present research is to identify the advantages and benefits that the use and implementation of 5G technology has on the development and evolution of the Romanian business environment. The study is based on a theoretical documentation regarding existing [...] Read more.
The main objective of the present research is to identify the advantages and benefits that the use and implementation of 5G technology has on the development and evolution of the Romanian business environment. The study is based on a theoretical documentation regarding existing information in the field and a descriptive analysis of the evolution of the technology in Romania and worldwide. The research method chosen is a survey based on an opinion poll (questionnaire) to find out the availability of economic entities regarding the implementation of 5G technologies, the foreseen expectations and those realized by the business environment regarding the effects of 5G technologies on the economic activities and the benefits that 5G networks offer them. The analysis of the results of the questionnaire, through the correlations and contingency tables determined, allowed the validation of the research hypotheses, and the results show availability and interest for the implementation of 5G technology (over 69% agree with the 5G implementation over a period of up to 5 years), conditioned by the costs, the high degree of cyber security, and the competitive advantages it can generate. Competition, low productivity, and even external pressures are the main decisive factors in the implementation of 5G. Thus, it can be considered useful to extend the research by identifying possible viable solutions or alternatives, customized for the implementation of 5G technologies for economic entities from different sectors, as well as the analysis of the implementation costs and the potential economic benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation and Sustainability: Enabling the Digital Enterprise)
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18 pages, 309 KiB  
Article
Has Digital Financial Inclusion Narrowed the Urban-Rural Income Gap: The Role of Entrepreneurship in China
by Xuanming Ji, Kun Wang, He Xu and Muchen Li
Sustainability 2021, 13(15), 8292; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su13158292 - 24 Jul 2021
Cited by 80 | Viewed by 8594
Abstract
The combination of digital technology and finance has brought about a new development model for financial inclusion. What impact will it have on the current imbalance in the distribution of financial resources and the urban-rural income gap in China? To answer this question, [...] Read more.
The combination of digital technology and finance has brought about a new development model for financial inclusion. What impact will it have on the current imbalance in the distribution of financial resources and the urban-rural income gap in China? To answer this question, this paper uses relevant data from 2014–2018 to study the impact of digital inclusive finance on the urban-rural income gap from the theory of financial exclusion, and analyzes the transmission of digital inclusive finance through alleviating financial exclusion, widening financing channels and helping residents with entrepreneurial spirit to start their own businesses, thus increasing jobs, raising the income of rural residents and reducing the urban-rural income gap. The conclusions are as follows: (1) digital inclusive finance can significantly converge the urban-rural income gap; (2) among the dimensions of digital inclusive finance, only the breadth of coverage can significantly reduce the urban-rural income gap, while the effects of depth of use and digitalization are not significant; (3) digital inclusive finance can alleviate the urban-rural income gap through the transmission mechanism of promoting residents’ entrepreneurship; (4) the worse the regional economic development and education, the better the effect of digital inclusive finance on the urban-rural income gap. This paper combines the above results to propose corresponding policy recommendations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation and Sustainability: Enabling the Digital Enterprise)

Review

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21 pages, 2086 KiB  
Review
Big Data Applications in Food Supply Chain Management: A Conceptual Framework
by Ioannis Margaritis, Michael Madas and Maro Vlachopoulou
Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4035; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074035 - 29 Mar 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3413
Abstract
The paper provides a systematic review and analysis of the current literature on big data (BD) applications in the context of food supply chain management (FSCM) in order to categorize the state-of-the-art research trends exploring the adoption and implementation of big data analytics [...] Read more.
The paper provides a systematic review and analysis of the current literature on big data (BD) applications in the context of food supply chain management (FSCM) in order to categorize the state-of-the-art research trends exploring the adoption and implementation of big data analytics (BDA) across different segments of food supply chain (FSC). The use of BDA brings the digital transformation of FSCs closer providing sustainable implications and added value to their operation. Harnessing BD’s potential is becoming more and more relevant in addressing the constantly evolving complexities in food systems. However, the field of BD applications in the FSCM domain is severely fragmented and relatively “primitive”. The present research is one of the earliest attempts to recognize and present a comprehensive analysis for the BD applications across different segments of FSC proposing a conceptual framework that illustrates the role of BD in a data-driven FSCM environment. For the purposes of our research, we adopted the systematic literature review (SLR) method aiming at the identification of the dominant categories and themes within the research area. Based on the SLR findings, we propose a conceptual framework that captures the interconnection between FSC performance and BD applications by using the input-process-output (IPO) model within a data-driven FSCM context. The main research contribution lies on the thematic classification of relevant research, the conceptualization of this fragmented field, the development of a conceptual framework, and the presentation of a future research agenda pertaining to BD applications in a data-driven FSCM context. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation and Sustainability: Enabling the Digital Enterprise)
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Other

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13 pages, 259 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Transformation of Data Marketing: How an Ethical Lens on Consumer Data Collection Shapes the Future of Marketing
by Sophie Hemker, Carolina Herrando and Efthymios Constantinides
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11208; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132011208 - 11 Oct 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 8948
Abstract
With a mass of customer data at our fingertips and the ability to use it to individualize promotion strategies, marketing communications, and product offerings, marketing activities are becoming more and more tailored to the individual customer. However, as concerns about online privacy and [...] Read more.
With a mass of customer data at our fingertips and the ability to use it to individualize promotion strategies, marketing communications, and product offerings, marketing activities are becoming more and more tailored to the individual customer. However, as concerns about online privacy and the handling of personal data take on an ever-increasing significance, marketers must increasingly evaluate and adapt their personalization and data collection methods. As a result, there is an increasing demand to take a critical look at the collection of data for personalization processes from an ethical perspective and to consider implications for further initiatives to maintain consumers’ trust. This research study utilizes a systematic literature review approach to investigate the current state of knowledge on the tradeoff between personalization and customer privacy by synthesizing and integrating extant knowledge. From the results of the present study’s search process, 20 articles were selected and analyzed for this review. Findings emphasize the importance of strengthening consumer relationships by increasing consumer trust, loyalty, confidence, and emotional attachment through specific organizational activities. The adaptation of marketing-related activities can thereby create a competitive advantage for data-collecting companies, as consumer backlash and privacy concerns decrease, and the willingness to disclose data increases. The current research contributes to the field of marketing by reviewing the issue of increasing personalization at the cost of customer privacy and explores how the resulting ethical considerations may affect the future of marketing practices. It thereby serves to help marketeers to implement effective strategies to ensure customer relationships and the resulting willingness to disclose personal data for personalization processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation and Sustainability: Enabling the Digital Enterprise)
21 pages, 8092 KiB  
Systematic Review
Social Media Marketing as a Branding Strategy in Extraordinary Times: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Sanne Ichelle Dubbelink, Carolina Herrando and Efthymios Constantinides
Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10310; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su131810310 - 15 Sep 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 34136
Abstract
This review expands our insight into the ways the required adaptation to digital channels caused by COVID-19 has affected the creation of brand equity through social media marketing. Based on a systematic literature review, we propose a conceptual framework that answers the following [...] Read more.
This review expands our insight into the ways the required adaptation to digital channels caused by COVID-19 has affected the creation of brand equity through social media marketing. Based on a systematic literature review, we propose a conceptual framework that answers the following research question: How can businesses, amidst and after the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt their social media marketing strategy to create positive brand equity? The conceptual framework describes four components as the basis for a potential social media marketing strategy. First, (1) businesses need to develop a clear perspective on their current social media marketing activities, and (2) evaluate current branding elements. Based on this, (3) the timeline of marketing activities must be postponed or adapted to the needs of consumers. Lastly, (4) businesses must adapt their messaging to show empathy and deliver relevant information. Within this process, governmental parties, financial institutions, influencers, and consumers are identified as stakeholders who influence and assist businesses in optimizing their social media marketing strategy. These findings are relevant for academics and businesses to further understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 on social media marketing. Additionally, they highlight that the roles of online channels and the consumer are expanding in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation and Sustainability: Enabling the Digital Enterprise)
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