A multiple criteria approach to map ecological-inclusive business models for sustainable development. Issue 1 (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Norese, Maria Franca; Corazza, Laura; Bruschi, Fabio; Cisi, Maurizio
• Is Part Of: International journal of sustainable development and world ecology. Volume 28:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 75
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: Multiple criteria approach -- mcda -- ecological-inclusive business models -- social entrepreneurship -- bottom-of-Pyramid; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Ecologie; Duurzame ontwikkeling; Ecology; Economic development -- Environmental aspects; Sustainable development; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 338.72
• DOI: 10.1080/13504509.2020.1800531
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-2627

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The paper presents the first attempt to apply a multiple criteria approach to map ecological-inclusive business models and to structure their main features, in terms of sustainable development. Ecological-inclusive business models are presented in this study, and 15 cases pertaining to agro-food organisations located in Sub-Saharan Africa are considered. These companies simultaneously deliver positive social and environmental value, and confirm a well-established market presence. As far as social value is concerned, the companies included in the sample use a Bottom-of-Pyramid approach, involving low-income customers and/or low-income business partners. As for environmental value, all the analysed companies implement frugal innovation or sustainable exploitation of natural resources in the afro-food sector. One of the results that has been achieved is that of disentangling the complexity behind a triple bottom-line business model through a multidimensional analysis framework that identifies the aspects that play a fundamental role in ecological-inclusive business models. An evaluation model and the application of a multiple criteria outranking method are proposed as examples of how some criteria, such as the extent of socio-environmental concerns, strategy orientation and value of partnerships can be used to compare, rank and/or select business models to facilitate decision makers. This work presents the results of an interdisciplinary study on the social entrepreneurship field of knowledge.