Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• The future of gas stations: sustainability perspectives and trends  
  by Maria Gomes Peres, Leandro F. Pereira, Álvaro L. Dias, Jean-Baptiste Igonetti, Rui Vinhas Da Silva 
  Abstract: The use of vehicles powered by fossil fuels has a significant impact on the environment, as the process of extracting, transporting and burning them produces large amounts of CO2. At the same time, there is growing public dissatisfaction with the price of fossil fuels, as oil-importing countries are subject to market volatility and oil shocks. Consumers have made their calculations and believe that electric vehicles will be more economical in the long run. Both factors have contributed to the growing interest in alternative fuel cars. The research highlights the need for petrol stations to redefine their strategy and expand their business and revenue streams, and suggests some solutions to combat the fragility, risks and uncertainties of these markets.
  Keywords: sustainability; fossil fuels; CO2; electric vehicle; sustainable mobility; sustainable development; dynamic capabilities.
  DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2023.10061190
   
  
• Corporate social responsibility and innovation: boosting consumer satisfaction through reputation  
  by Carla Campos, Rui Gonçalves, Renato Lopes Da Costa, Leandro F. Pereira, Álvaro Dias 
  Abstract: This study investigates the influence that corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and innovations adopted by companies have over their own reputation and consumer satisfaction. Furthermore, it explores the mediating role of corporate reputation in the relationships between CSR, innovation initiatives and consumer satisfaction. To evaluate these relationships, a questionnaire was used to collect the information needed to test the conceptual model developed using the PLS-SEM technique. The results prove the positive influence that both CSR activities and innovation initiatives have over consumer satisfaction and business reputation. This study's conclusions contribute with further knowledge to existent literature and, with new information which allows the development of theory in the corporate reputation domain. Besides, it can help companies in choosing which action to adopt given that, in this study, CSR activities are considered a successful method to boost public perceptions and firms and stakeholders’ outcomes.
  Keywords: corporate reputation; consumer satisfaction; innovation; corporate social responsibility; CSR.
  
  
• An artificial intelligence approach to assessment and guidance for circular transition  
  by Júlio Dias Do Prado, Jonny Carlos Da Silva, Lucila Maria De Souza Campos, Marina Ilka Baumer-Cardoso 
  Abstract: Manufacturing companies face several challenges to sustainable production. Companies and governments face complex challenges beyond climate change, for example, the scarcity of resources, difficulty accessing raw materials, pandemic scenarios, or international conflicts. By adopting circular practices, companies can operate in a closed production cycle, contributing to an economic balance and greater efficiency in the use of natural resources. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) can help companies in the challenges of finding a more sustainable production. Knowledge-based systems (KBS), a subarea of AI, are systems that use human knowledge to solve specific problems in a given domain that companies in both public and private companies can use. The objective of this article is to present the development of a KBS prototype, which assists in the assessment and guidance for the transition to a circular economy. The proposed KBS focuses on a key industrial field which is the metal-mechanical sector.
  Keywords: artificial intelligence; circular economy; overall circularity effectiveness; metal-mechanical sector; knowledge-based systems; KBS.
  
  

Special Issue on: REAL CORP 2024 Human Aspects in Smart Cities Integrating Sustainable Practices and Technological Advancements

• The role of employee behaviour in the digital transformation process  
  by Lara Sehlmeyer 
  Abstract: Digital transformation is a dynamic process shaping global economic and social landscapes. Experts see it as a turning point, making unrestricted global communication essential for business growth. Alongside its advantages, researchers highlight inherent risks that leaders must proactively address. Cybersecurity emerges as a significant challenge, with employee behaviour posing an often-overlooked threat. This study aimed to identify risks linked to employee behaviour, assess their likelihood and potential damage, and propose strategies for mitigation through literature review, focus groups, and surveys. Findings revealed high correlations between risk factors like overwhelm and lack of transparency, suggesting actionable internal risk management strategies.
  Keywords: digital transformation; cybersecurity; employee behaviour; risk management.
  
  
• Sustainable HRM practices and their effects on stress, engagement, commitment, and turnover intention  
  by Henning Tirrel, Marleen Christ 
  Abstract: Sustainability is becoming more important in German companies. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the relationships between sustainable HRM (SHRM) and various employee performance indicators. Using structural equation modelling, we conducted a quantitative analysis to assess anticipated relationships. We generated and analysed a sample of 228 German employees. Notably, the study found no association between SHRM and employee stress, while SHRM and employee engagement are positively and significantly linked. Additionally, employee engagement serves as an indirect-only mediator between SHRM and employees turnover intentions. This paper advances the literature by firstly creating a framework of SHRM on employee performance indicators. Secondly, the innovative findings especially the aforementioned mediation highlight its relevance for theory and practice. The key finding is that employee engagement mediates the relationship from SHRM to turnover intentions. Thus, SHRM is the starting point of indirectly affecting employees willingness to stay with a company. This is the first study to examine these relationships, underlining its originality and contributions to the academic debate. These findings highlight the strategic importance for companies to focus on SHRM to enhance employee retention.
  Keywords: sustainable human resource management; SHRM; commitment; turnover; stress; employee performance; PLS-SEM; Germany; War for Talent; conceptual framework.
  DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2025.10072287