Journal of Strategic Innovation and Sustainability

Greenhouse Gas Emission – A Perspective

2024-05-31T04:13:02-04:00

Climate change is an ongoing discussion especially concerning greenhouse gases and their emission. Greenhouse gases and emission are terms used in newspapers, television and much of today’s common press often without an explanation of the terms’ definition or meaning. Discussing these terms classifies their genesis together with greenhouse emission sources and creation. Concerns and consequences of greenhouse gas emissions, together with current reporting guidelines, are summarized to provide an understanding of the enormity of the issues. A sample of corporations’ existing goals, aims, and projects illustrate how the entities plan to meet their net-zero greenhouse gas emission promises illustrate efforts underway to harness environmental contamination.

Eco-Design in Products and Services of SMEs: Motivation and Results

2024-05-31T04:24:29-04:00

This research study examines the direct influence of customer preference and the potential moderating influence of laws and green purchasing on eco-design of products/services in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Also studied is the relationship between these variables and environmental and economic performance in SMEs. The analysis uses theoretical underpinning of stakeholder and neo-institutional theories, and survey data collected from a sample of SMEs. Regression path analysis is applied, bootstrapped with .95 CI (Bias Corrected and Accelerated) and 2,000 samples on all regressions. Significant relationships were found between customer preference and eco-design, moderated by impact of laws, and between eco-design and environmental and economic performance. Green purchasing was found to have no moderating effect on adoption of eco-design. Managerial implications are indicated and discussed.

Challenges in Technical Education in Bolivia During COVID-19 Pandemic

2024-05-31T04:29:22-04:00

This research delves into the profound effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on technical and technological education within Bolivia’s Higher Education sub-sector, particularly focusing on Technical and Technological Training Institutes. The interruption of practical teaching, inherent in the curriculum of these institutes, due to stringent containment measures imposed by the Bolivian State since 2020, has presented significant challenges for both educators and students. Through a comprehensive examination employing interviews, surveys, and focus groups, the study identifies key concerns such as limited internet access, insufficient ICT proficiency, and pedagogical hurdles specific to technical subjects. The transition to virtual learning has widened the pedagogical gap in technical education, exacerbated by disparities in technological resources, particularly impacting rural educators and those teaching practical courses. Economic vulnerability among technical professionals, especially in the informal sector, underscores the necessity for financial literacy and access to credit. As Bolivia moves towards resuming in-person classes, the study advocates for sustained teacher training in ICTs, development of virtual labs for practical subjects, and targeted social programs to support vulnerable technical professionals.

Impact of the AI Dependency Revolution on Both Physical and Mental Health

2024-06-05T21:54:58-04:00

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers capabilities beyond human performance, which has led to the global transformation of various industries, sectors, and other elements of our daily lives. Whether we use an application like Siri to send a text message or facial recognition to access a device, AI is an integral part of everyday technology. Artificial Intelligence has especially been integrated into various healthcare sectors, improving patient health outcomes and overall healthcare delivery. Diagnostic AI systems enhance clinical decision-making, personalizing treatment, and reducing stigma. However, its extensive use raises concerns about dependency, credibility, and its effects on physical and mental health. This research explores the advantages and drawbacks of AI dependency, emphasizing the need to use AI judiciously to safeguard decision-making capabilities. Additionally, trust and confidence in AI is vital for its successful implementation in healthcare. In mental health, AI offers promise for early detection and personalized treatment, addressing accuracy and accessibility limitations. To fully harness AI’s potential, ethical concerns, data privacy, and algorithmic bias must be addressed to harness AI’s potential in mental health care.

That Thing in Your Pocket: Cultivating a Geo-Sustainable Mindset in High School Chemistry Students Using GIS to Study Smartphone Components

2024-06-05T22:10:39-04:00

Smartphones are ubiquitous in high schools across the US, but students rarely learn about the complex world of elements and materials beneath their shiny exteriors. Educators can bridge the gap between the abstract concept of smartphone elements and the real-world geography of their origin and impact by integrating ArcGIS geospatial software into their curriculum. A team of researchers has been working with high school teachers to infuse geospatial concepts and technologies into their teaching. One project involved a teacher using GIS to revisit his approach to teaching the periodic table: he would have his students investigate the global origins of smartphone components. This approach equipped students with essential knowledge about the materials that power their daily lives and nurtured critical thinking skills and an awareness of the environmental and ethical dimensions of technology consumption. This paper includes a description of the project and how geospatial technology was utilized, as well as a discussion on the implications and future research in this area.

Removing Barriers to Degree Completion: The Dennis-Montagnino TEAMS Model for Student-Centered Transfer Credit

2024-06-05T22:21:23-04:00

This paper presents the development of a comprehensive framework from which to engage with the process of college transfer credit. The Dennis-Montagnino Transparency, Empowerment, Attainability, Mentorship, and Sustainability (TEAMS) Model provides guidelines for the development of clear and accessible policy that serves to empower students and institutions alike. Further, the model outlines effective practices for improving the attainability of credit through streamlined and engaging practices, such as mentorship. Sustainability is discussed in the context of relevant innovations in the higher education landscape. Future directions, including the design and implementation of a pilot are discussed.

National Research and Innovation Policy the Case of Greece: A Benchmarking Exercise to Assist Evidence-Based Policies on Research, Innovation, and Technological Entrepreneurship

2024-06-13T22:28:36-04:00

Greece has made considerable effort to develop and implement a concise research and innovation policy during the last decades aiming at a knowledge-intensive economy. New legal frameworks and funding schemes are introduced, funding increased, but evaluation of impact is implemented marginally. The landscape in the early 2020ies has little in common with that in the late 1970ies. The active participation of Greece to the European Union’s framework programs and the European institutions’ prioritization of research and innovation increased the impetus for the policy makers at national level and for an informed policy in this field. Nevertheless, the data are relentless in the demonstration of the effectiveness of the policies. Despite the efforts deployed, Greece continues to lag most European countries, pairing mostly with its neighbors. This proves a strong need for improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the policies. It shows that politicians and policy makers are ill prepared to face the new challenges in global competitiveness. Greece is not the only case in this position.