Interconnection between the role of blockchain technologies, supply chain integration, and circular economy: A case of small and medium-sized enterprises in Pakistan

Sustainable performance in SMEs using big data analytics for closed-loop supply chains and reverse omnichannel

The study aims to examine the advantages of utilizing big data analytics (BDA) on circular economy (CE) dual systems, which are closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) and the reverse omnichannel (ROC), aiming to enhance sustainable firm performance (SFP) of the small and medium based enterprises (SMEs). The product return knowledge (PRK) can reinforce the proposed network of relationships and facilitate the approach of active returns in CE. Using the structural equation model (SEM) in AMOS v24, the researchers examined the hypotheses using data from a simple random sample of 232 SMEs in Pakistan. Though ROC solutions provide rare performance-related benefits, however, BDA makes the CE system more efficient. CLSC gets strengthened when the PRK is developed. The improved PRK facilitates the CLSC network and enhances its performance. This study adopts a novel approach to studying CE by considering the dual system of CE in the forms of CLSC and ROC. The research investigates whether the BDA facilitates improved product return processes by improving CLSC operations and achieving service capabilities using ROC. Finally, the proposed framework is the first to investigate the benefits evolving from the PRK, which enhance the capability to sense, seize, and reconfigure the process and facilitate the approach of active return in CE. The findings suggest that firms must decide carefully between CLSC and ROC. Choosing CLSC requires higher operational capabilities, whereas deciding on ROC requires higher service capabilities. Lastly, PRK is necessary for achieving the firm's performance objectives.

Unboxing the dilemma associated with online shopping and purchase behavior for remanufactured products: A smart strategy for waste management

Despite an unprecedented shift in favor of sustainable consumer purchase patterns globally, the overall adoption of refurbished products is still scarce. Earlier empirical investigations have tested aspects affecting consumer purchase intentions concerning remanufactured products, yet they largely ignored risks hindering consumers from opting for them. In order to fill the given theoretical gap, the study tests both inhibiting and igniting factors affecting consumer's remanufacturing products purchase behavior through the use of Stimulus Organism Response (SOR) theory. SOR assists in better understanding consumers' digital purchase behavior toward remanufactured products. Moreover, the study extends the knowledge by examining the impact of Perceived Environmental Benefits, Seller's Reputation, Price Sensitivity, and Social Influence on Consumer's Purchase behavior for remanufactured products. It also investigates the mediating role of the Perceived Risk of Remanufactured Products, followed by the moderating role of Consumers Trust. A useable sample data of 361 was collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results indicated the inverse relationship between increased price sensitivity and purchase behavior concerning remanufactured products, and all other stated variables reflected a significant association with consumer purchase behavior. Likewise, both mediating and moderating roles were found to be significant. Along with theoretical contributions, the study contains numerous practical directions for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers to increase consumers' purchase behavior toward remanufactured products.

Corporate social responsibility-an antidote for sustainable business performance: interconnecting role of digital technologies, employee eco-behavior, and tax avoidance

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have consistently contributed significantly to the economy's gross domestic product (GDP). Organizations are motivated to achieve sustainable performance by mitigating the adverse impacts of company operations by improving productivity and optimizing resource utilization. In order to achieve this objective, the businesses are making all their efforts and developing the systems to ensure sustainable performance. Based on the prevailing research gaps, the current study examines the role of a portfolio of responsible digital technologies (DT), which provides a competitive advantage and helps achieve sustainable firm performance (SFP). Using a simple random sampling technique, data from 294 textile manufacturing SMEs is collected and analyzed using the structural equation model (SEM) in AMOS v.24. The results indicated that digital technologies, tax avoidance, green employee behavior, and corporate social responsibility facilitated improving the SFP of SMEs. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the link connecting TA and SFP is unaffected by CSR activities aimed at the environment. This finding, however, should not lessen the importance of TA, which deserves significant attention and thought from management.