@article{EbingerBerhanBayu2022, author = {Ebinger, Frank and Berhan, Eshetie and Bayu, Fitsum}, title = {Dynamic capabilities for socio-economical sustainability management: evidence from international clothing firms in Ethiopia industrial zones}, series = {International Journal of Business Excellence}, volume = {1}, journal = {International Journal of Business Excellence}, number = {1}, publisher = {Inderscience Publishers}, issn = {1756-0047}, doi = {10.1504/ijbex.2022.10050078}, year = {2022}, abstract = {This paper introduces the strategic micro-foundational construct of dynamic capabilities and explores their causal relationship with socio-economical sustainability variables by considering relational capabilities and focusing on the external environment as a mediating factor. The study used a case study approach targeting export-oriented international clothing firms investing in the industrial zones of Ethiopia. Primary data were gathered for the measurement variables and presented with descriptive and multivariate statistics. Moreover, a system dynamics model was applied to model the dynamic relationship and understand the dynamic capability growth for socio-economical sustainability. The findings show that the firm's accumulated operational capabilities have not significantly influenced socio-economical sustainability. However, a firm's dynamic capabilities to sense, seize, and reconfigure sustainability requirements from the external environment through relational capabilities were more influential. In this regard, it was understood that the firms have a good opportunity to adopt a dynamic capability-driven strategic management approach for sustainable development.}, language = {en} } @article{BayuBerhanEbinger2022, author = {Bayu, Fitsum Getachew and Berhan, Eshetie and Ebinger, Frank}, title = {Sustainability at the firm-level: review and case driven exploration}, series = {International Journal of Sustainable Society}, volume = {14}, journal = {International Journal of Sustainable Society}, number = {2}, publisher = {Inderscience Publishers}, issn = {1756-2538}, doi = {10.1504/ijssoc.2022.124860}, pages = {104 -- 134}, year = {2022}, abstract = {The challenge to integrate, measure, and report sustainability at the firm level has been frequently discussed in theory and practice. However, there is still a limitation on narrowing the sustainability concept at the firm level and addressing the challenges in a holistic approach encompassing the economic, social, and environment triple bottom lines and firm strategic management. This study explores firm-level sustainability through a systematic literature review followed by a case study exploration. Based on the review findings, key measuring dimensions were identified to frame sustainability at the firm level. The dimensions were further explored, taking a country case of large-scale industrial firm zones in Ethiopia. Critical economic, social, environmental sustainability and strategic management concerns are systematically identified and discussed. Finally, a conceptual sustainability assessment framework was proposed to support firm-level sustainability measuring and reporting, which could be considered a steppingstone for the sustainable development of Ethiopia's industrial park.}, language = {en} } @article{BayuBerhanEbinger2022, author = {Bayu, Fitsum and Berhan, Eshetie and Ebinger, Frank}, title = {A System Dynamics Model for Dynamic Capability Driven Sustainability Management}, series = {Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity}, volume = {8}, journal = {Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity}, number = {1}, publisher = {Elsevier BV}, issn = {2199-8531}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc8010056}, pages = {27}, year = {2022}, abstract = {This study aims to develop a system dynamics (SD) model for sustainability management driven by dynamic capabilities (DC) perspective. DC has been suggested as a vital organization theory for gaining sustainable competitive advantage. In contrast, SD has been used to model the complex system and support the decision-making process. Modeling sustainability management with SD driven from DC has not been previously investigated, particularly in global south industrial firms. This study explored the complex and dynamic relationships of the variables involved. For a simulation experiment, the study utilized a case from a large apparel industrial park in Africa, located in Ethiopia. The simulation revealed that the capability growth trend for sustainability management follows a natural sigmoid function or S curve shape supporting the dynamic hypothesis. In particular, sustainability training efforts, waste management practice, ethical management, supervision, and minimum worker's wage have been found to be influential variables and innovation points for capability growth towards sustainability management. The SD model contributes to the empirical gaps on dynamic models to overcome the challenges of firms in simultaneously managing sustainability dimensions. The study is the first to explore DC-driven sustainability management using SD, particularly from the case of a global south country.}, language = {en} } @incollection{BayuEbingerBerhan2022, author = {Bayu, Fitsum Getachew and Ebinger, Frank and Berhan, Eshetie}, title = {Integrating Sustainability Measures and Practices in the Ethiopian Industrial Parks: From Review to Conceptual Model}, series = {Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering}, booktitle = {Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering}, publisher = {Springer International Publishing}, address = {Cham}, isbn = {9783030937119}, issn = {1867-8211}, doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-93712-6_18}, pages = {262 -- 276}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Sustainable performance demands to show a sustained competitive advantage that lasts a long period. "Industrial Parks" is now the gateway to sustainable development, especially in the least developing countries like Ethiopia, for example. The industrial parks are highly attracting foreign direct investment and working for the inclusive development of the country. Though this is a good start, the capability is at an initial stage and needs support in terms of their performance towards creating a sustainable operation. Based on the evidence of both theoretical and empirical literature findings, this study paper conducted a review and identified the sustainability measures and practices from which it tries to filter the key capability measures and practices for the Ethiopian industrial parks. For integrating the identified practices and measures, as a methodological approach, the theory of dynamic capability process is considered, encompassing sensing, learning, and transforming the cyclic loop. Practices and measures are incorporated in each process of dynamic capability pillars. A conceptual model was developed as the final output showing the holistic map of the integrated sustainability measures and practices. The measures and practices identified will fully support the sustainable growth and decision process of the industrial park operation. It also adds value to the body of knowledge in industrial sustainability in special economic zones.}, language = {en} }