Latin American J. of Management for Sustainable Development (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Characterisation of urban solid waste dumped in the municipal landfill of Santiago de Cuba city.  
  by Maritza Mariño Cala, Yanier Sánchez-Hechavarría, Artur José Santos Mascarenhas, Jorge Arce-Castro 
  Abstract: In the present work, the characterisation of the urban solid waste (USW) from two localities of the municipality of Santiago de Cuba is carried out, which are taken as case studies to determine the composition of the USW. The collection and classification of the waste was made from samples of 10 and 25 kg of waste for five days between December 2022 and January 2023. From the results obtained, it was established that in the first case of the study, the total daily generation of USW is between 36 and 40 tons, and in the second case is between 38 and 44.2 tons. From the analysis of the typical urban solid waste composition: the percentage of organic matter for both cases is between 60 to 65%, with 2 to 3% of recoverable materials.
  Keywords: urban solid waste; characterisation; landfills; management.
  DOI: 10.1504/LAJMSD.2026.10076591
   
  
• Board structure and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: an empirical analysis  
  by Geovane Camilo Dos Santos, Camila Lima Bazani, Pablo Zambra 
  Abstract: This study investigates how board characteristics influence Latin American companies commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3. Based on 1,246 observations from 277 firms between 2016 and 2023, logistic regression is employed to estimate the probability of adopting GHG reduction targets. The results indicate that larger and more independent boards increase the likelihood of climate engagement, particularly in non-sensitive sectors, while higher levels of indebtedness constrain sustainability investments. CEO duality appears to be beneficial in sensitive sectors. The study contributes to the literature by using a proxy for corporate climate commitment and by distinguishing between sensitive and non-sensitive sectors, thereby reinforcing Agency Theory. Practical implications include recommendations for more diverse and independent boards and for the development of green financing policies.
  Keywords: greenhouse gas emissions; GHG; board characteristics; corporate governance; Latin America.
  DOI: 10.1504/LAJMSD.2026.10076682
   
  
• Critical factors of design thinking implementation for prototypes within university led-SMEs cluster initiatives: cases from Bolivia  
  by Jazmin Olivares Ugarte, Franco Arandia Arzabe 
  Abstract: This research seeks to identify critical factors that influence the success to implementing design thinking in the prototype design process within SMEs clusters in developing countries like Bolivia. The determinants of design thinking implementation are generally underexplored, therefore exhibiting its innovative point and contributing to the relevant debate in the field of design, as well as organisation management. The qualitative methodology applied is participatory action research and multiple case studies of five design experiences of SMEs clusters facilitated by a public university. The findings are divided in success and impeding factors of design thinking implementation. Success factors are fostering empathy, experimentation/iteration, establishing collaboration/cross-functional teams and collaborative initiative. Impeding factors are time constraints, insecure management support and resource constraints. Additionally, strategies to improve design thinking implementation are set functions for management of design projects, time optimisation, flexible payment plans, strengthen collaborations, use of DT tools and digital simulation softwares.
  Keywords: design thinking; prototypes; critical factors; university-industry collaboration.
  DOI: 10.1504/LAJMSD.2026.10080565
   
  
• Institutionalising sustainability in Brazilian universities: changes over two decades  
  by Orlando Sáenz, Rosamaria Moura-Leite 
  Abstract: This study presents a longitudinal analysis of the incorporation of sustainability issues into Brazilian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), collectively considering all areas of sustainability application. The aim is to reflect on the progress made by Brazilian HEIs in institutionalising sustainability between 2005 and 2025. The research is based on a comparative analysis of two methodologically similar surveys conducted with Brazilian HEIs, examining the integration of sustainability concerns across institutional domains. The comparison reveals that the most significant progress occurred in governance, with an important shift in leadership direction: whereas 20 years ago it was promoted from the academic community up to the university board (bottom-up), today transformation is guided from the highest management levels and stimulated at all institutional levels (top-down). As the surveys do not constitute statistically representative samples and differ in respondent profile and indicators, results must be interpreted cautiously.
  Keywords: Brazil; university; institutional transformation; Agenda 2030.
  DOI: 10.1504/LAJMSD.2026.10080771
   
  
• Investigating demographic differences of sustainable consumption  
  by Janaina De Moura Engracia Giraldi 
  Abstract: This paper aims to scope underlying demographic differences in levels of sustainable consumption between European countries. Descriptive and quantitative research was grounded by a cross-sectional data collection method. Two groups emerged with different frequencies related to certain sustainable behaviours. These groups were named group with more sustainable behaviour and group with less sustainable behaviour. Although there are two groups with different behaviours, no significant differences related to demographic aspects were identified, which allows us to conclude that there is no specific demographic segment of consumers with a consolidated sustainable behaviour. The work conducted here theoretically contributes to bridging the gap between sustainable consumption and demographic variables influence. The differences in the sustainability behaviour degrees have practical implications for government decision-making. Public policy stakeholders can rewire programs, projects, and policies to foster sustainable consumption among citizens by scoping the gap frame.
  Keywords: sustainable consumption; green consumer; sustainable behaviour; quantitative research; factor analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/LAJMSD.2026.10080896