It is acknowledged that the primary objective of any company should be the creation of shareholder-value. However, it is also recognised that there are other stakeholders, with their own financial and/or non-financial objectives, which could impact on a company's overall financial performance. Management should therefore identify stakeholder-groups which could impact on the company and formulate a model in addressing their objectives. This study integrates elements from the theory of shareholder-value, the agency-theory, the theory of property rights and different stakeholder orientation-models to develop the approach of responsible stakeholder-management in the creation of shareholder-value. Stakeholders can be grouped into economic, social and environmental components. The concept of sustainable development has exploded in recent years. Three main elements of sustainable development were identified, namely economic, social and environmental development, referred to as "Triple Bottom Line (TBL)". Several organisations have started focussing on the concept of sustainability by guiding the development of sustainability policies. However, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has become the de facto global standard for reporting on sustainable development. The concept of TBL, and how the three elements of sustainability could contribute to the maximisation of shareholder-value, is discussed. The results of the empirical study, where the financial performance and shareholder-growth of companies listed on the JSE and which adopted and reported on the GRI-guidelines, were compared to a group of companies in the same index grouping of the JSE that had not formally adopted and reported on the guidelines, identified a clear trend that those reporting on their sustainability policies had had a much better growth in five of the six financial measures used than the comparative group. / Thesis (M.Com. (Accounting))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

It is acknowledged that the primary objective of any company should be the creation of shareholder-value. However, it is also recognised that there are other stakeholders, with their own financial and/or non-financial objectives, which could impact on a company's overall financial performance. Management should therefore identify stakeholder-groups which could impact on the company and formulate a model in addressing their objectives. This study integrates elements from the theory of shareholder-value, the agency-theory, the theory of property rights and different stakeholder orientation-models to develop the approach of responsible stakeholder-management in the creation of shareholder-value. Stakeholders can be grouped into economic, social and environmental components. The concept of sustainable development has exploded in recent years. Three main elements of sustainable development were identified, namely economic, social and environmental development, referred to as "Triple Bottom Line (TBL)". Several organisations have started focussing on the concept of sustainability by guiding the development of sustainability policies. However, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has become the de facto global standard for reporting on sustainable development. The concept of TBL, and how the three elements of sustainability could contribute to the maximisation of shareholder-value, is discussed. The results of the empirical study, where the financial performance and shareholder-growth of companies listed on the JSE and which adopted and reported on the GRI-guidelines, were compared to a group of companies in the same index grouping of the JSE that had not formally adopted and reported on the guidelines, identified a clear trend that those reporting on their sustainability policies had had a much better growth in five of the six financial measures used than the comparative group. / Thesis (M.Com. (Accounting))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Most theories that attempt to describe the relationship between corporate sustainability strategies and a company’s triple bottom line also make the assumption that there is insufficient evidence to produce generalizable conclusions. This study contributes to the overall body of knowledge, as there is a lack of significant generalizable knowledge on corporate sustainability strategies and a company’s triple bottom line. To provide a methodologically more rigorous review, we performed a meta-analysis on 18 scholarly articles from top-tier academic journals containing 64 experimental treatments that measured an observed (not self-reported) behavioural outcome, which yielded a sample size of 23,871 observations. Most studies combined multiple treatments, which preclude definitive conclusions on the most effective treatments. The findings suggest that there is a positive medium to strong relationship between sustainability-oriented strategies, for both reactive and proactive behaviours (Dyllick et al., 1997; Gminder et al., 2002), and a company’s “triple bottom line.” Furthermore, regardless of the firm type (e.g., multinational corporation or local establishment, emerging economy firm or developed nation business), proactive sustainability-oriented strategies tend to have a higher payoff than firms that adopt reactive sustainability-oriented strategies. This meta-analysis establishes a greater degree of certainty with respect to corporate sustainability strategies and a firm’s triple bottom line relationship than currently assumed by many business scholars. To conclude, the sustainability concept has significantly expanded the scope of measuring organizational performance according to economic, social, and environmental components (Robins, 2006), which are collectively described as the “triple bottom line.” Organizations have determined that specific products and processes can have serious environmental and social implications beyond providing typical economic benefits (Sarkis, 2001). Based on the results of this study, companies should develop more diversified sustainability strategies that will help them to identify and capture value (McMullen, 2001). The results demonstrate that sustainability can provide companies with a strategic advantage, which is vital for the organization’s long-term viability and success (Orlitzky et al., 2003). This study also examines the balance between reasonable return on investment and long-term organizational viability, which greatly impacts organizational decision-makers that contend with numerous stakeholder issues, pressure from environmental agencies, and increased social consciousness that affects workers, consumers, and communities. It supports the conclusion that being proactive in responding to these conflicting pressures and barriers helps organizations to achieve higher levels of performance.

Le travail réalisé dans le cadre de cette thèse propose une démarche de sélection de partenaires (fournisseurs et prestataires) dans une chaîne logistique durable en boucle fermée. Il s’agit d’évaluer les partenaires en fonction de critères économiques, environnementaux, et sociétaux puis de sélectionner ceux qui interviennent dans la chaîne logistique en respectant un ensemble des contraintes. Nous développons une méthode d’évaluation et de classement des partenaires basée sur une approche hybride en utilisant les méthodes AHP et PROMETHEE, dans un environnement flou. Ensuite, nous proposons un modèle mathématique multi-objectif qui permet non seulement de minimiser le coût total de la chaîne logistique, mais également de maximiser la valeur totale de l’approvisionnement, minimiser les émissions de gaz à effet de serre et maximiser le bénéfice sociétal. Nous utilisons une approche max-min pondérée pour résoudre le modèle proposé à l’aide de l’outil de modélisation et d’optimisation GAMS. / Reverse logistics network design is a crucial issue in which it is important to take into account the selection of the most appropriate partner with sustainability concerns. This partner can be a supplier or a third-party reverse logistics provider (3PRLP). However, research works that consider reverse logistics (RL) network design, partner selection, and sustainability issues simultaneously are rather limited till now. This research work proposes an integrated sustainable approach for partner selection and closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) network configuration, particularly in the case of outsourcing reverse logistics process to third-party provider. We propose a trade-off between sustainability criteria for both supplier and 3PRL provider selection. A multi-objective mixed-integer programming (MILP) model is also proposed to configure CLSC network and to select the best partners. The model minimizes the total cost of sourcing, and the total greenhouse gas emissions, while it maximizes the total value of reverse logistics, and the number of new job opportunities. A numerical example is also presented to illustrate the proposed approach.

Until recently, the concept of green logistics has been disregarded by various logistics and transport companies in South Africa. The study on which this dissertation is based explored the green logistics practices that these companies are currently implementing in terms of the key drivers, benefits and barriers. A quantitative research approach was followed, were a survey (Lime) served as the primary research instrument. A census was conducted among 160 companies in Gauteng. The results of the study revealed a significant difference between SMEs (<200) and large (200 and above) companies with regard to their importance rating on green logistics practices. To achieve the primary objective of the study, a framework in green logistics was drafted for SMEs and large companies in South Africa, which outlined practices and opportunities companies can implement in their own businesses to benefit from ‘going green’. The usefulness of the latter mentioned guidelines needs to be tested in future research. / Public Administration and Management / M.. Com. (Logistics Management)

The work is dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its application in the hotel. Part of this work are interviews with representatives of hotels representing the CSR best practices and interviews with other selected subjects. Comparison of the information reflects the current status of implementation of CSR in hotel management in the Czech Republic. The output of work is created CSR matrix. According the principles of 3 BL management matrix visualizes the organization current level of Corporate Social Responsibility and the impact of its activities on a particular area of CSR.

Det är inte längre bara ekonomiska faktorer som bidrar till ett företags långsiktiga framgång, utan numera blir också sociala och miljömässiga faktorer allt mer påtagliga. För dagens moderna konsumenter blir hållbarhet ett mer centralt kriterium och allt fler anser att det är viktigt att företag arbetar aktivt med hållbarhetsfrågor. Produkter är en essentiell del i företags arbete med hållbarhet och de förväntas inte bara att skapa produkter som bidrar med nytt värde, utan de förväntas även göra detta på ett hållbart sätt. En övervägande del av produktens nivå av hållbarhet bestäms i produktutvecklingen, då dennes attribut i stort sett är fixerade när den är klar för produktionslinjen. Detta innebär att det är av central vikt att integrera hållbarhet redan i produktutvecklingen.   Denna studie kommer att fokusera på hållbar produktutveckling, där vi kommer ta en bred och okonventionell ansats genom att titta på designbeslut kopplat till produktlivscykeln, tillsammans med interna förutsättningar för utvecklingen av hållbara produkter, samt hållbara innovationer. Detta kommer sedan att appliceras i den svenska båtindustrin, vilket dels är en bransch vi är intresserade av och dels är en bransch där hållbarhet blir alltmer aktuellt. Det teoretiska ramverket är grundpelaren i studien och vår intention är att bidra med större förståelse för hur dessa teorier kan associeras med det som faktiskt sker i branschen idag. Vårt syfte är således att undersöka på vilket sätt och till vilken grad företag inom den svenska båtindustrin implementerar hållbarhet vid utvecklingen av nya båtar. Studien syftar vidare att fylla luckan gällande hållbar produktutveckling i den svenska båtindustrin, då detta är outforskat i dagsläget. Studien syftar även på att ge en mer sammansvetsad bild av hållbar produktutveckling och bidra med ett bredare perspektiv än enbart de individuella ämnesdelarna.    För att uppfylla syftet har vi genomfört en kvalitativ studie, där vi genom sex stycken djupgående semistrukturerade intervjuer med ledare av svenska båtföretag har skapat oss en god inblick i hållbarhetens roll vid utvecklingen av nya båtar. Studien har präglats av ett deduktivt angreppssätt där vi har varit teoridrivna, samt att vi subjektivt har försökt att tolka och förstå informanternas syn och ageranden gällande hållbar produktutveckling i branschen. För att analysera det empiriska materialet har en tematisk analys använts, och det resulterade i att våra tre huvudämnen även bildade de tre huvudtemana.    Utifrån studiens resultat kan vi konstatera att hållbarhet i dagsläget inte har en övervägande roll vid designen och utvecklingen av nya båtar inom den svenska båtindustrin. Vissa delar av produktlivscykeln ser ljusa ut från ett hållbarhetsperspektiv, men det finns mer att göra i framtiden för att cykeln ska vara fullt ut optimerad. Rådande interna förutsättningar finns det också ljusglimtar när det kommer till hållbarhetsaspekter, men även här finns det stor utvecklingspotential för framtiden. Företagens innovationsarbete när det gäller hållbarhet präglas till stor del av försiktighet, vilket förmodligen lämpar sig bäst för marknaden i dagsläget. Marknadskraven på hållbarhet förväntas dock öka i framtiden och i takt med att företagen ser det som en affärsmöjlighet kommer förändringar mycket troligt att ske i deras innovationsarbete.

This paper explores the extent to which corporations currently increase the voluntary disclosures in triple bottom line (TBL) reports. Although research already has provided substantial contributions as to why and how firms apply TBL reporting, there remains limited understanding of the motivations for and against making voluntary disclosures. Drawing from literature in environmental management and accounting as well as international auditing, this work focuses on guidance, boundarysetting and external assurance for TBL reports. An inductive case study approach is applied to investigate the credibility of TBL reporting by contrasting the competing predictions from legitimacy theory and voluntary disclosure theory on voluntary disclosures. A set of firm and industry specific factors are identified that are expected to determine a firm’s level and extent of reporting. The sample comprises nine US and EU red biotechnology corporations which aligned their TBL reporting to the GRI reporting standards in at least part of their TBL reports that were published between 2000 and 2009. An initial attempt is made to systematically investigate the credibility of TBL reporting to develop the model of voluntary disclosures. The empirical findings of this case study suggest that current guidance, boundary-setting and assurance for TBL reports are not sufficient to increase the credibility, comparability and reliability of reporting. Voluntary disclosure theory can serve to provide economic motivations, while legitimacy theory is helpful to provide a legitimating motivation. The findings support the notion that the economics-based factors better explain the secrecy strategy of providing mainly soft disclosures. The increase of disclosure levels maybe is considered sufficient to respond to public pressure. This work concludes by suggesting some directions of research in the areas of boundary-setting and assurance that have academic and practical implications.

This study has been conducted on behalf of Vectura Consulting AB with the purpose to examine how different actors perceive the dimensions of sustainability and sustainable construction. The purpose is also to provide an understanding of existing barriers and opportunities for sustainable construction within the industry and exemplify with different directions for the actors in order to develop sustainability. The study has approach the research problem by using systems theory, developed by Checkland, to identify the relevant system. Other systems theories has been used as an theoretical framework in order to identify barriers and opportunities, which in this study are based on Hughes’s theory about reverse salients and salients. Interviews with a selection of different actors in the industry and prior research have in this study served as empirics and the perspective of the systems theory defines the necessary tools to be used. The study shows that no consistency prevails regarding the definition of sustainability among the actors. Although, the environmental aspect of sustainability is prioritized by a majority of the actors oppose to social and economic aspects. Furthermore, for some of the actors economy is governing while for others it is decisive. Sustainable construction is characterized by a long-term parallel process with incentives such as branding, recruiting, and optimized operations. Moreover, the study indicates a willingness among the actors to define the concept of sustainability in order to achieve an industry wide definition. Such a definition would be of benefit for simplifying procurement and developing sustainable construction. The study identified two barriers and two opportunities. The actors agrees on that the procurement regulations of the Swedish infrastructure authority “Trafikverket” in combination with contracts defined by multiple products, and the objectives of Trafikverket,  are the two main barriers for holding back the development of sustainability in the industry. However, Trafikverket’s goal to increase the number of contracts based on function is seen as an opportunity as it enables creativity and innovation and a possible side effect of sustainable development. In addition, side bids from different actors are considered as a driver that will accelerate Trafikverket’s work regarding sustainability and especially sustainable construction. Finally, the authors give examples of directions for the industry to enhance sustainable construction and by doing so the authors connect vision with practice.

The construction industry is generally characterised by limited implementation of green logistics. With that in mind, this study aimed to examine the nature and extent of green logistics practices in large construction companies in Botswana. Although empirical studies have analysed green supply chain in the construction industry, most of them have not addressed the challenges and prospects of adopting green logistics by construction companies in a developing country like Botswana. Project Managers were interviewed after which a thematic analysis was used to interpret the qualitative results. Thereafter, a comparative analysis was done between the results obtained from the interviews and from extant literature. The findings showed that the adoption of the green logistics strategies was aligned more to economic reasons than environmental ones. The findings further showed that until and unless the construction, technical and administration issues are addressed, the adoption of green logistics will continue to be a challenge for the construction industry in Botswana / Centre for Transport Economics, Logistics and Tourism / M. Com. (Logistics)