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Integrating Sustainable IT Solutions for Long-Term Business Growth and Development

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This study investigates the barriers, adoption rates, performance impacts, and cost-benefit dynamics associated with sustainable IT implementation across various industries. The analysis highlights key barriers to sustainable IT adoption, including cultural resistance, regulatory requirements, lack of expertise, and cost of implementation. Cost, identified as the most significant barrier, affects approximately 40% of organizations, emphasizing the need for affordable and scalable sustainable IT solutions. The relationship between the sustainable IT index and business performance was also examined, revealing a positive correlation and organizations with higher sustainable IT investments demonstrated greater revenue growth, supporting the economic viability of green initiatives. Further, industry-specific adoption rates of sustainable IT practices were evaluated, showing that the technology sector leads in adopting energy-efficient hardware, green data centers, and cloud computing, with adoption rates exceeding 80%. Conversely, retail exhibits comparatively lower adoption, likely due to budget constraints and differing operational priorities. Findings indicate that sustainable IT practices significantly enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, though their direct impact on revenue growth is moderate. Finally, a cost-benefit analysis over a ten-year period reveals that while initial implementation costs are high, cumulative benefits from sustainable IT practices increase substantially over time, surpassing costs by year six. These findings underscore the long-term financial and operational advantages of sustainable IT investments, providing valuable insights for businesses considering such transitions.
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Journal of Business and Management Studies
ISSN: 2709-0876
DOI: 10.32996/jbms
Journal Homepage: www.al-kindipublisher.com/index.php/jbms
JBMS
AL-KINDI CENTER FOR RESEARCH
AND DEVELOPMENT
Copyright: © 2023 the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Published by Al-Kindi Centre for Research and Development,
London, United Kingdom.
Page | 152
| RESEARCH ARTICLE
Integrating Sustainable IT Solutions for Long-Term Business Growth and Development
Md Munna Aziz1, Md Mizanur Rahaman2, Mohammad Muzahidur Rahman Bhuiyan3 and Md Rashedul Islam4
1234College of Business, Westcliff University, Irvine, CA 92614, USA
Corresponding Author: Md Rashedul Islam, E-mail: m.islam.480@westcliff.edu
| ABSTRACT
This study investigates the barriers, adoption rates, performance impacts, and cost-benefit dynamics associated with sustainable
IT implementation across various industries. The analysis highlights key barriers to sustainable IT adoption, including cultural
resistance, regulatory requirements, lack of expertise, and cost of implementation. Cost, identified as the most significant barrier,
affects approximately 40% of organizations, emphasizing the need for affordable and scalable sustainable IT solutions. The
relationship between the sustainable IT index and business performance was also examined, revealing a positive correlation and
organizations with higher sustainable IT investments demonstrated greater revenue growth, supporting the economic viability
of green initiatives. Further, industry-specific adoption rates of sustainable IT practices were evaluated, showing that the
technology sector leads in adopting energy-efficient hardware, green data centers, and cloud computing, with adoption rates
exceeding 80%. Conversely, retail exhibits comparatively lower adoption, likely due to budget constraints and differing
operational priorities. Findings indicate that sustainable IT practices significantly enhance customer satisfaction and operational
efficiency, though their direct impact on revenue growth is moderate. Finally, a cost-benefit analysis over a ten-year period
reveals that while initial implementation costs are high, cumulative benefits from sustainable IT practices increase substantially
over time, surpassing costs by year six. These findings underscore the long-term financial and operational advantages of
sustainable IT investments, providing valuable insights for businesses considering such transitions.
| KEYWORDS
Business Growth, Development, IT Solutions, Sustainable Business
| ARTICLE INFORMATION
ACCEPTED: 15 November 2023 PUBLISHED: 29 December 2023 DOI: 10.32996/jbms.2023.5.6.12
1.0 Introduction
In recent years, integrating sustainable information technology (IT) solutions has emerged as a vital strategy for achieving long-
term business growth and development. As environmental awareness and regulatory pressures increase, businesses are
recognizing that sustainable IT practices are not only beneficial for the environment but also essential for enhancing operational
efficiency and reducing costs. Sustainable IT encompasses a range of practices, from energy-efficient hardware and data
management to green software engineering, which collectively reduce the environmental impact of technology (Jones & Smith,
2021). Integrating these practices into business operations can support long-term resilience by lowering energy consumption,
minimizing waste, and fostering a positive corporate reputation. The role of sustainable IT in business development extends
beyond immediate environmental benefits; it aligns with broader strategic objectives. Research indicates that companies adopting
sustainable IT practices often experience improved customer loyalty and brand equity, as consumers increasingly favor
environmentally responsible businesses (Adams et al., 2022). Furthermore, sustainable IT solutions can drive innovation by
encouraging businesses to explore new methods of data processing, storage, and resource management, thereby creating
pathways for technological advancements that support sustainable development goals (Brown and Clarke, 2006). For instance,
companies adopting cloud-based services reduce their reliance on physical servers, significantly decreasing their carbon footprint
and reducing operational costs (Miller and Chen, 2022).
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Moreover, integrating sustainable IT solutions enables businesses to comply with evolving regulations focused on environmental
sustainability. Governments worldwide are implementing policies to curb carbon emissions and promote green technology, and
companies that align with these regulations benefit from tax incentives, subsidies, and reduced regulatory risks (Nguyen & Patel,
2020). These regulatory frameworks underscore the necessity of sustainable IT practices, as failing to comply can result in fines,
legal implications, and reputational damage. As such, adopting sustainable IT practices can serve as a proactive measure for
businesses to stay ahead of regulatory developments and mitigate risks associated with environmental non-compliance (Williams
et al., 2021). Despite these advantages, integrating sustainable IT into business operations presents certain challenges. For instance,
the initial costs of adopting energy-efficient technology and transitioning to cloud-based systems can be high, which may deter
small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from investing in sustainable IT solutions (Garcia and Lee, 2021). Additionally, the
process of implementing green IT practices requires a cultural shift within organizations, as employees and stakeholders need to
understand the long-term benefits of sustainability initiatives. However, as sustainable IT solutions become more accessible and
cost-effective, more businesses are likely to adopt these practices, ultimately benefiting from enhanced resource efficiency and
cost savings over time (Brown et al., 2021).
In conclusion, integrating sustainable IT solutions is crucial for businesses aiming for long-term growth and development. By
aligning with sustainability goals, reducing energy costs, and complying with environmental regulations, companies can foster a
sustainable competitive advantage that supports both financial performance and environmental stewardship. As global businesses
continue to embrace sustainability, sustainable IT is likely to play an increasingly central role in achieving durable growth and
resilience in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
2.0 Research Methodology
The research methodology for this study on integrating sustainable IT solutions to drive long-term business growth and
development involves a mixed-methods approach. This approach combines qualitative interviews and quantitative data analysis
to gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing sustainable IT adoption and its impact on business development.
2.1 Research Design
This study employs an exploratory sequential design, starting with qualitative data collection through in-depth interviews followed
by a quantitative survey to validate findings and explore broader trends (Creswell and Plano Clark, 2018). The qualitative
component allows for a detailed exploration of decision-makers’ perspectives on sustainable IT practices, while the quantitative
data provides statistical insight into the prevalence and impact of these practices across different industries.
2.3 Qualitative Phase
2.3.1 Sample Selection
The qualitative phase involves purposive sampling to select IT managers and business executives from organizations known for
their sustainable IT practices. This sample is chosen to capture insights from experienced professionals who have implemented or
overseen sustainable IT initiatives, ensuring that the findings are grounded in real-world experiences (Patton, 2002).
2.3.2 Data Collection
Data is collected through semi-structured interviews, allowing participants to share their views on sustainable IT integration,
including motivations, challenges, and perceived benefits. Open-ended questions encourage participants to describe their
experiences and insights in depth, enabling the research to capture nuanced information that quantitative methods may overlook
(Kvale, 2007). Each interview is audio-recorded, transcribed, and anonymized to maintain confidentiality.
2.3.3 Data Analysis
Thematic analysis is applied to identify recurring themes and patterns within the qualitative data. Using NVivo software, coding is
conducted to categorize responses into themes such as “operational efficiency,” “cost reduction,” “environmental compliance,”
and “competitive advantage.” This analysis approach allows for a systematic examination of participant responses, facilitating the
identification of underlying factors that influence sustainable IT adoption (Braun and Clarke, 2006).
3.0 Quantitative Phase
3.1 Survey Design
Following the qualitative phase, a structured survey is developed based on themes identified from the interviews. The survey
includes both closed-ended and Likert-scale questions to measure the extent of sustainable IT adoption, perceived challenges,
and business outcomes. The survey is distributed to a larger sample of businesses across sectors such as finance, manufacturing,
and technology to gather statistically significant data (Dillman et al., 2014).
Integrating Sustainable IT Solutions for Long-Term Business Growth and Development
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3.2 Sample and Data Collection
A stratified random sampling technique is used to ensure diverse representation from various industries. This approach minimizes
sample bias and ensures that findings are generalizable across sectors. The survey is administered online, targeting respondents
in managerial roles who are directly involved in IT decision-making.
3.3 Data Analysis
Quantitative data is analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics provide an overview of sustainable IT practices’ prevalence,
while regression analysis is employed to explore the relationship between sustainable IT adoption and business performance
indicators such as revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and cost reduction (Field, 2018). Additionally, factor analysis is conducted
to validate the thematic constructs identified in the qualitative phase, strengthening the study's validity.
3.4 Integration of Qualitative and Quantitative Findings
Finally, the results from both phases are integrated to provide a holistic view of sustainable IT practices in long-term business
growth. By comparing qualitative insights with quantitative trends, this study aims to develop a comprehensive framework for
understanding how sustainable IT adoption influences business development outcomes (Creswell and Plano Clark, 2018).
4.0 Results and Discussion
4.1 Barriers to Sustainable IT Implementation and Its Impact on Business Performance
The bar chart represents the primary barriers to sustainable IT implementation, as perceived by organizations. For cultural
resistance, around 15%, indicated organizational reluctance to change established processes or values, whereas approximately
20% of regulatory requirements, reflecting challenges in aligning sustainable practices with existing regulatory constraints. Roughly
30% lack expertise highlighted a skill gap in sustainable IT knowledge within organizations. The most significant barrier at over
40% (Cost of Implementation), indicates that high costs deter companies from adopting sustainable IT practices (Figure 1A). The
scatter plot shows the relationship between the Sustainable IT Index and Business Performance (measured in revenue growth). It
demonstrates a positive correlation, suggesting that higher investments in sustainable IT practices are associated with better
business outcomes. Companies with a Sustainable IT Index above 50 tend to experience noticeable revenue growth, while lower
indices correspond to less significant growth (Figure B).
Figure 1. Showing Barriers to sustainable IT implementation and its impact on business performance.
Similar studies have shown that cost and lack of expertise are common barriers to sustainable IT adoption. For instance, Chari and
Ramesh (2020) found that over 50% of firms cited financial constraints as a critical barrier, while 35% pointed to a lack of skilled
personnel, aligning with the findings here. Furthermore, cultural resistance has been reported in studies (Martin and Green 2019),
where over 20% of surveyed firms indicated resistance to organizational change as a deterrent to sustainability initiatives. Also,
research has consistently shown a positive correlation between sustainable IT practices and business performance. Studies by Kim
et al. (2021) demonstrated that companies with sustainable IT practices reported up to a 15% increase in revenue growth.
Additionally, Johnson and Lee (2022) highlighted that firms ranking higher in sustainability indices had improved brand reputation
and customer loyalty, further enhancing revenue growth. These findings support the correlation observed in the scatter plot
between the Sustainable IT Index and revenue growth.
4.2 Adoption Rates of Sustainable IT Solutions Across Different Industries
This bar chart illustrates the adoption rates of various sustainable IT solutions like Energy-Efficient Hardware, Green Data Centers,
and Cloud Computing-across four industries: Finance, Manufacturing, Retail, and Technology. In the case of Finance, Energy-
JBMS 5(6): 152-159
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Efficient Hardware shows the highest adoption rate, exceeding 80% and green data centers and cloud computing have adoption
rates around 60%, indicating significant but slightly lower implementation. For the manufacturing, adoption is relatively balanced,
with energy-efficient hardware leading slightly above 60%, and green data centers and cloud computing follow closely at
approximately 55%, showing a moderately even uptake of sustainable IT solutions in this sector. However, adoption rates are lower
in Retail compared to other sectors and cloud computing leads, with an adoption rate around 60%, while energy-efficient hardware
and green data centers trail, each below 50%. High adoption rates are observed for all three solutions, with Cloud Computing
leading at 85% for the technology. Energy-efficient hardware and green data centers both show adoption rates above 75%,
reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable IT practices in this sector (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Showing Adoption rates of sustainable IT solutions across different industries
Previous studies indicate that the finance industry prioritizes energy-efficient solutions, driven by cost savings and regulatory
compliance. A report by PwC (2020) found that over 70% of financial institutions had adopted energy-efficient hardware, aligning
with the high adoption rate observed in this figure. The study also noted a growing interest in Green Data Centers due to rising
data storage needs, consistent with this chart's findings. The manufacturing industry has been slower to adopt sustainable IT ,
mainly due to cost concerns and complexity. According to Gupta and Kumar (2021), only 50% of manufacturers surveyed had
implemented green data solutions, which aligns closely with this chart. Retail has seen a moderate uptake of cloud computing due
to its scalability and flexibility, especially in e-commerce. A study by Deloitte (2019) highlighted that over 55% of retail companies
had adopted cloud computing, similar to the adoption rate shown here. The technology sector is often at the forefront of
sustainable IT adoption, driven by innovation and environmental commitments. Research showed that over 80% of tech firms had
integrated cloud computing, which aligns with this chart’s data (Lee and Wong 2022).
4.3 Impact of Sustainable IT Practices on Key Business Performance Indicators
This radar chart illustrates the impact of sustainable IT practices on five business performance indicators: Customer Satisfaction,
Operational Efficiency, Revenue Growth, Brand Reputation, and Regulatory Compliance. High rating, close to 0.8, indicates that
sustainable IT practices significantly improve customer satisfaction, likely due to increased transparency and environmentally
responsible operations. Also rated close to 0.8 for operational efficiency, reflecting that sustainable IT practices enhance
operational processes, reducing waste and improving productivity. Moderate impact, with a score of about 0.4, suggesting that
while sustainable IT contributes to revenue, the correlation may be weaker than with customer satisfaction or efficiency. Eve n
moderate rating, around 0.5, indicating that while sustainability efforts boost brand reputation, it may vary depending on the
industry and customer awareness. In the case of regulatory compliance, rated around 0.6, showing that sustainable IT practices
support compliance with environmental and data regulations, though it may depend on specific regulatory demands (Figure 3).
Integrating Sustainable IT Solutions for Long-Term Business Growth and Development
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Figure 3. Impact of sustainable IT practices on key business performance indicators
Studies have shown that companies implementing sustainable IT often see increased customer satisfaction, as consumers
increasingly value environmental responsibility. For instance, a survey revealed that 75% of customers favored companies with
visible sustainability practices, aligning with the high score observed here. Sustainable IT practices are known to enhance
operational efficiency by reducing energy consumption and optimizing resource (PwC 2021). According to Chen and Zhang (2020),
firms with sustainable IT frameworks reported up to a 20% increase in efficiency, consistent with the high operational efficiency
rating in this chart. While sustainable IT can contribute to revenue growth, its impact tends to be indirect. In a study, only 45% of
businesses reported a direct increase in revenue from sustainable IT, aligning with the moderate score for revenue growth observed
(Deloitte 2019).
Moreover, sustainable IT initiatives have been shown to improve brand reputation, though the effect varies. According to Martin
and Lee (2022), around 60% of firms saw reputation benefits from adopting green IT, which supports the moderate brand
reputation score in this figure. And the regulatory compliance: Sustainable IT aids compliance with environmental regulations,
particularly as regulations increasingly favor green practices. A study found that 70% of companies adopting sustainable IT
experienced smoother regulatory compliance, aligning with the moderate score for regulatory compliance (Johnson et al. ,2020).
4.4 Cost-Benefit analysis of sustainable IT Implementation Over Time
This line graph illustrates the cost-benefit dynamics of implementing sustainable IT solutions over a ten-year period, comparing
Implementation Costs (in red) with Cumulative Benefits (in green). Initially high at around $100,000, implementation costs slightly
decline over time, stabilizing by year 10. This trend indicates a significant upfront investment requirement, followed by minimal
decreases in subsequent years, likely due to maintenance rather than new investments. Starting near zero, cumulative benefits
increase steadily, surpassing $80,000 by year 6 and continuing to grow exponentially. By year 10, cumulative benefits surpass
implementation costs, indicating that sustainable IT investments begin yielding positive returns after the initial years. This cost-
benefit trajectory suggests that while sustainable IT incurs high initial costs, long-term benefits outweigh these expenses, leading
to net financial gains over time (Figure 4).
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Figure 4. Cost-Benefit Analysis of Sustainable IT implementation over time.
From previous studies, high initial implementation costs are a common challenge in sustainable IT adoption. A study by Kim and
Lee (2021) noted that most organizations face substantial upfront costs in the first few years of adopting green technologies,
averaging around $120,000, consistent with the costs observed here. The long-term financial benefits of sustainable IT practices
have been supported in prior research. According to Gupta and Shankar (2019), cumulative benefits in energy savings and
operational efficiencies tend to surpass initial costs within 5–7 years, aligning closely with this figure’s crossover point around year
6. Their study emphasized the compounded nature of savings in energy efficiency and reduced maintenance needs over time.
Studies show that ROI for sustainable IT generally improves over extended periods. The companies implemented sustainable IT
achieved positive ROI by year 8, with benefits reaching 150% of the initial investment by year 10 (Wang et al., 2020). This aligns
with the exponential growth in cumulative benefits seen in the graph, underscoring the long-term financial viability of sustainable
IT investments.
5.0 Challenges and Future Directions
The integration of sustainable IT solutions for long-term business growth and development is met with a range of challenges, from
technological to organizational. One of the primary challenges is the high initial cost of implementing sustainable IT systems.
Transitioning to energy-efficient hardware, cloud-based services, and green data centers requires substantial upfront investment,
which can be prohibitive for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (Adams et al., 2022). Furthermore, as sustainable IT
is a rapidly evolving field, the technology is often quickly outdated, requiring businesses to make continuous upgrades to maintain
efficiency and competitiveness, further escalating costs (Garcia & Lee, 2021). Another significant challenge lies in the lack of
expertise and skilled personnel to manage and implement sustainable IT practices. Sustainable IT requires a specialized knowledge
base, combining skills in IT management, environmental impact assessment, and regulatory compliance (Jones & Smith, 2020).
Many businesses find it difficult to recruit or train staff with these skills, creating an internal barrier to adopting sustainable
practices. This challenge is compounded by cultural resistance within organizations. Employees and decision-makers may be
hesitant to adopt sustainable practices due to perceived risks, costs, or a lack of understanding of long-term benefits (Williams et
al., 2021). In addition, regulatory pressures pose both a challenge and an opportunity. As governments worldwide implement
stricter environmental regulations, businesses that fail to adopt sustainable practices may face penalties or lose access to specific
markets (Nguyen & Patel, 2020). However, navigating these regulations can be complex, as they vary significantly across regions
and industries. Compliance requires substantial resources, and regulatory shifts may force businesses to adapt their strategies
frequently, which can be costly and disruptive (Chen et al., 2021).
However, addressing these challenges requires strategic investments in new technologies and skills development, as well as
innovative approaches to sustainable IT. One promising direction is the increased adoption of cloud computing and virtualization.
Cloud technology enables companies to reduce their dependence on physical infrastructure, leading to significant reductions in
Integrating Sustainable IT Solutions for Long-Term Business Growth and Development
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energy use and operational costs over time. Virtualization further enhances this by allowing multiple virtual environments on a
single physical machine, optimizing resource use (Lee and Brown, 2023; Rahaman et al., 2023; Islam et al., 2023). Furthermore,
research suggests that integrating artificial intelligence (AI) can play a crucial role in optimizing sustainable IT operations. AI can
be employed to monitor energy consumption, predict equipment maintenance needs, and optimize server loads, thus enhancing
the efficiency of IT resources while minimizing waste (Adams et al., 2022). As AI-driven analytics continue to advance, their
integration into sustainable IT practices will allow businesses to create dynamic, responsive systems that support long-term growth
(Nguyen & Patel, 2020). Education and skills training are also essential to overcoming the human resources gap in sustainable IT.
Many organizations are collaborating with universities and training institutions to develop curricula that focus on sustainable IT
skills, bridging the knowledge gap (Jones & Smith, 2020). Programs that emphasize green IT principles, regulatory compliance,
and environmental impact assessment will empower future professionals to lead in sustainability-focused roles.
In summary, while integrating sustainable IT solutions poses financial, regulatory, and organizational challenges, the development
of new technologies, strategic training, and evolving industry standards can facilitate their widespread adoption. By addressing
these challenges, businesses can harness sustainable IT as a driver for growth and resilience, positioning themselves
advantageously in an environmentally conscious market.
6.0 Conclusion
Integrating sustainable IT solutions is essential for businesses seeking long-term growth and resilience in today’s environmentally
conscious marketplace. Sustainable IT practices, such as energy-efficient hardware, cloud-based infrastructure, and green data
centers, not only minimize environmental impact but also enhance operational efficiency and cost savings. While the initial
investment and implementation challenges, such as high costs and skill requirements, can be substantial, the long-term benefits
significantly outweigh these barriers. Adopting sustainable IT supports compliance with evolving environmental regulations and
meets growing consumer expectations for corporate responsibility. Additionally, sustainable IT fosters a culture of innovation,
encouraging companies to explore advanced technologies, including AI and cloud computing, to optimize resources and maintain
a competitive edge. Moving forward, businesses can enhance sustainable IT adoption by investing in workforce training,
collaborating with technology providers, and leveraging data analytics to measure and improve sustainability efforts continuously.
In conclusion, sustainable IT integration is a strategic pathway for businesses to balance economic performance with environmental
stewardship, thereby strengthening their position in a sustainability-driven economy. Companies that embrace sustainable IT will
likely see enhanced growth potential, brand reputation, and operational efficiency, positioning themselves advantageously for the
future.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgement: We would like to express our gratitude to all the co-authors for their contribution and critical reviews from
the anonymous reviewers.
ORCID ID:
Md Munna Aziz: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4845-8340
Md Mizanur Rahaman: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5915-7114
Mohammad Muzahidur Rahman Bhuiyan: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1774-9726
Md Rashedul Islam: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9301-7949
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The Learners Information System (LIS) was introduced by the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines to streamline administrative processes and enhance educational governance. However, its effectiveness in rural settings remains underexplored. This study evaluates the implementation of LIS in a rural Philippine high school using the E-Government and Digital Inclusion frameworks. A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was employed, combining surveys and focus group discussions with 69 participants, including teachers, LIS coordinators, and the school principal. Findings reveal that LIS improves record-keeping and reduces administrative workload, but faces significant challenges, including inadequate IT infrastructure, technical failures, high maintenance costs, and limited inclusivity. These barriers hinder its potential to support Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) and DepEd’s digital transformation goals. The study recommends targeted investments in IT infrastructure, offline functionalities, stakeholder training, and accessibility features to enhance the efficiency and inclusivity of LIS. Addressing these issues is critical for ensuring equitable digital transformation in rural education.
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The cybersecurity threat landscape is constantly actively making it imperative to develop sound frameworks to protect the IT structures. Based on this introduction, this paper aims to discuss the application of cybersecurity frameworks into the IT security with focus placed on the role of such frameworks in addressing the changing nature of cybersecurity threats. It explores widely used models, including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, Zero Trust Architecture, and the ISO/IEC 27001, and how they apply to industries including finance, healthcare and government. The discussion also singles out such technologies as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) as the core for real-time threat detection and response mechanisms. As these integration challenges demonstrate, the study provides tangible and proven approaches to tackle framework implementation issues such as legitimate security issues, limited availability of funds and resources, and compliance with legal requirements. By capturing current trends and exposures, the findings promote strong, portfolio-based and risk-appropriate security approaches adjusted for organizational goals and capable to prevent advanced cyber threats.
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Globally, approximately one-third of the total food produced is wasted. The environmental effect of such wastage is the contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, and economically, money that could have been reinvested in the economy is lost. This research showcases the ability of IoT devices to gather data on wastage and management as they happen, as well as big data analytics in facilitating data acquisition for enhanced decision-making. The research proposal seeks to show how the use of these technologies can support waste minimization, efficiently utilize resources, and promote sustainability in the agro-food chain. Thus, a literature survey will be applied to outline the meth-odologies currently in use, the holes in current practice, and new ideas on how to incorporate IoT and big data in waste management. Furthermore, several case studies 'success stories' are highlighted to explain and quantify an actual application of these technologies in different sectors of the agro-food chain with tangible results in terms of reduction of the number of wastes and gains in efficiency. The application of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and big data analytics for real-time handling of agro-food waste is a major problem in the agro-food sector. The conclusions highlight the positive effect of IoT and big data in tackling agro-food waste; at the same time, they give practical suggestions for the key players throughout the supply chain. Thus, our study gives insights into a shift in the management of agro-food waste through efficient technology and rallying policymakers, industry experts, and researchers to fully capture technological improvements for development.
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The globalization of the retail industry exposes its supply chain to risks that affect operation, increase cost, and reduce customer satisfaction. This research focuses on exploring how generative AI can be implemented to improve the supply chain supply chain agility in the retail context. In this case, Generative AI will be functional in creating different supply chain schedules and analyzing these scenarios to predict disruptions and create responses appropriately. The supplier, logistics, and demand forecasting systems provide real-time information to formulate risk management strategies effectively. A detailed case within the retail industry for example shows that supply chain effectiveness increases of up to forty percent during disruption. The evidence points to Generative AI’s central function in the creation of durable supply chains that can effectively and continuously provide service and maximize retailers’ competitiveness.
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Businesses use Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support their marketing practices more often now. This paper proposes a new kind of Generative AI solution that would help with content generation, both copy and visuals, and the determination of customers’ segments. Based on the analysis of the past campaigns and the market, the data sets for the AI model create marketing content more appealing and effective for interaction and advertising revenues. A survey carried out in a retail grocery chain revealed an enhanced thirty percent in the relative effectiveness of the given promotion campaign and a significant decrease of overall marketing expenditures. The results presented have confirmed the ability of Generative AI to shift the Retail Marketing paradigm towards relying on data to make marketing decisions with little to no human influence. Empirically, this study expands the knowledge of AI applications in the retail context and provides applied recommendations for marketing managers wanting to implement sophisticated technological tools.
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This paper focuses on the research question: 'How do Large Language Models avoid the cold start problem frequently encountered in e-commerce product listing creation? Historically, Recommendation systems use user interaction data and hence cannot come up with quality recommendations during the invention of products. Our contribution is an approach that utilizes LLMs to produce descriptive, contextually appropriate content for products without assuming the existence of user-item interactions. This shortens the time it takes to achieve optimal model performance, thus providing accurate recommendations in a shorter time. Because of such an approach, the quality of the presented product lists increases, and the consumers feel comfortable observing products from the beginning. Further, optimizing the initial listing generation process can make training multiple cycles faster, lessen the amount of manual work, and decrease operation expenses. Finally, this work offers light to the retailers in not encountering barriers associated with recommender analysis in the early stages of accrual. It was set to enhancing the overall attractiveness, efficiency and consumer orientation in all social buying platforms.
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The integration of machine learning (ML) into health information technology (HIT) is revolutionizing data-driven healthcare systems, yet several key challenges and areas of focus remain. Electronic health records (EHRs) constitute most of the data source (60%), with wearable devices and interviews/focus groups comprising smaller portions. This indicates a continued reliance on traditional health records, although emerging technologies are beginning to play a role. Another key preprocessing challenge, with data cleaning consuming the most effort (40%), followed by data anonymization and feature selection, each requiring substantial effort in ensuring the accuracy and privacy of patient data. Supervised learning dominates in healthcare applications, followed by deep learning and unsupervised learning. In terms of accuracy, EHR data consistently yields the highest performance, around 85%, closely followed by wearable devices, genetic data, and lifestyle data. However, challenges remain in addressing data privacy and algorithm transparency, as highlighted by the distribution of effort in ensuring compliance and maintaining data privacy. The findings suggest a need for further exploration into wearable devices and the real-time monitoring capabilities they bring to healthcare, alongside tackling data preprocessing and ethical challenges in HIT.
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Thematic analysis is a poorly demarcated, rarely acknowledged, yet widely used qualitative analytic method within psychology. In this paper, we argue that it offers an accessible and theoretically flexible approach to analysing qualitative data. We outline what thematic analysis is, locating it in relation to other qualitative analytic methods that search for themes or patterns, and in relation to different epistemological and ontological positions. We then provide clear guidelines to those wanting to start thematic analysis, or conduct it in a more deliberate and rigorous way, and consider potential pitfalls in conducting thematic analysis. Finally, we outline the disadvantages and advantages of thematic analysis. We conclude by advocating thematic analysis as a useful and flexible method for qualitative research in and beyond psychology.
Sustainable IT Investments and Organizational Growth
  • R Adams
Adams, R. (2022). Sustainable IT Investments and Organizational Growth. Journal of Sustainable IT Practices, 14(2), 120-135.
Financial and skill-related challenges in sustainable IT adoption
  • A Chari
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Operational efficiency and the role of sustainable IT
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Navigating Regulatory Pressures for Sustainable IT Compliance
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Revenue impact of sustainable IT: A comprehensive study
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Internet, Phone, Mail, and Mixed-Mode Surveys: The Tailored Design Method
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Dillman, D. A., Smyth, J. D., & Christian, L. M. (2014). Internet, Phone, Mail, and Mixed-Mode Surveys: The Tailored Design Method. John Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781452224041
Discovering Statistics Using SPSS
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Field, A. (2018). Discovering Statistics Using SPSS. SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-77249-6