Avoiding SRE Anti-Patterns in AI Workloads: A Framework for Production-Ready Machine Learning Systems

Purpose This paper develops a hybrid valuation framework for technology startups in the circular construction sector, integrating Real Options Theory, Edgeworth-corrected risk modeling, Operational Excellence 5.0 and Security Token Offering (STO)-based financing. It aims to address the limitations of traditional Discounted Cash Flow models by capturing strategic flexibility, operational performance and alternative financing under Industry 5.0 conditions. The purpose is to provide entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers with a dynamic tool to evaluate startup projects in highly uncertain, innovation-driven and sustainability-oriented environments, particularly in Ibero-American and emerging economies. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a conceptual and simulation-based approach. A binomial real options model is enhanced with Edgeworth expansion to incorporate skewness and kurtosis in startup return distributions. Operational Excellence 5.0 is integrated via a performance multiplier reflecting lean construction, flexible manufacturing and digital interoperability (openBIM). Financing flexibility is modeled through STO-based tokenization of future cash flows. Scenario-based simulations examine the sensitivity of strategic project value to volatility, operational efficiency and distribution asymmetry, using synthetic data sets calibrated with literature benchmarks and expert judgment. Findings Results demonstrate that strategic project value increases significantly with higher market volatility and operational efficiency, confirming the core predictions of Real Options Theory. STO-based financing consistently yields higher valuations, especially under high-volatility conditions. Skewness in return distributions has only a marginal effect compared to the dominant influence of volatility and operational performance. Startups combining lean operations, digital interoperability and innovative financing achieve the highest valuations, while pivot or reactive strategies yield limited upside. The findings emphasize the synergistic effect of external uncertainty and internal operational excellence in driving startup value. Research limitations/implications This study is primarily conceptual and relies on simulation-based data rather than empirical data sets. This limits the immediate generalizability of the results. Future research should validate the model with real-world startup data, explore machine learning integration for real-time scenario analysis and investigate the long-term effects of STO-based financing on governance and liquidity. By highlighting the role of operational excellence and non-normal risk modeling in valuation, this work extends Corporate Finance, Operations and Supply Chain Management (OSCM) and entrepreneurship literature, while pointing to the need for empirical applications in emerging and sustainability-driven industries. Practical implications For managers and entrepreneurs, the model quantifies how operational improvements – through lean processes, flexible manufacturing and digital workflows – directly enhance financial resilience and strategic value under uncertainty. STOs offer startups an alternative to traditional venture capital and debt, enabling liquidity and investor diversification. The framework supports decision-making on when to delay, expand, pivot or tokenize cash flows. It is particularly relevant for startups in emerging economies where access to conventional financing is constrained, demonstrating that combining operational excellence with financial innovation enhances growth potential and competitive positioning in volatile markets. Social implications This study aligns startup valuation with Sustainable Development Goals (8, 9 and 12) by linking operational excellence and circular construction to economic growth, industrial innovation and responsible resource use. By enabling startups to leverage digital finance and sustainable operations, the framework promotes scalable, environmentally conscious business models. It supports job creation, modular and reusable construction methods and enhanced interoperability among stakeholders, contributing to the decarbonization and resilience of urban infrastructure. Broader adoption of such strategies can stimulate inclusive economic development in regions facing both infrastructure deficits and sustainability challenges. Originality/value This paper introduces a novel hybrid valuation framework that integrates Real Options Theory, Edgeworth-adjusted probability modeling, Operational Excellence 5.0 and STO-based financing. Unlike traditional models, it captures strategic flexibility, operational performance and digital financial innovation in a unified structure. Methodologically, it advances real options applications by addressing non-normal risk distributions and embedding operational efficiency as a direct value driver. Conceptually, it bridges corporate finance, OSCM, and entrepreneurship in the context of Industry 5.0 and circular economy startups. The framework offers both academic and practical value for evaluating innovation-driven ventures under extreme uncertainty.

The study's objective was to develop a comprehensive definition for operational excellence (OE) while identifying its attributes, most suitable theoretical lens and dimensions. Attributes of OE were collected by evaluating 32 existing definitions of OE and interviewing 30 OE experts. A focus group interview with 15 OE experts was employed to consensus on the critical attributes and tentative dimensions of OE. Content analysis was employed for data analysis. Continuous improvement of sustainable operational performance, deriving sustainable competitive advantages and implementing the operation strategy consistently and reliably were determined as the critical attributes. Based on the identified critical attributes of OE, the Resource-Based Theory (RBT) was recognized as the most applicable theory for explaining OE. Based on the identified theoretical lens and identified critical attributes, the new definition of OE involves, ‘utilization of valuable, rare, costly to imitate and non-substitutable resources & capabilities to execute the operations strategy consistently and reliably as the organization can achieve: a continuous improvement of the sustainable operational performance and sustainable competitive advantages while upholding the satisfaction of employees, customers, suppliers and other important stakeholders.' Continuous improvement of sustainable operational performance and sustainable competitive advantages were determined as the possible dimensions of OE. 
 Keywords: Operational Excellence; Resource-Based Theory; Construct Definition, Operational Performance, Competitive Advantages

The integration of sustainability principles into manufacturing operations has emerged as a critical imperative for contemporary industrial organizations seeking to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. This research develops a comprehensive conceptual model that systematically assesses sustainability dimensions within manufacturing firms while simultaneously addressing operational performance improvement mechanisms. The model synthesizes theoretical frameworks from sustainable manufacturing, operational excellence, and stakeholder theory to create an integrative assessment tool that captures the multidimensional nature of sustainability. Through careful examination of existing literature and theoretical foundations, this study proposes a framework consisting of three primary pillars: environmental sustainability metrics, social responsibility indicators, and economic performance measures, all interconnected through operational efficiency mechanisms. The conceptual model advances current understanding by explicitly linking sustainability assessment practices to tangible operational improvements, thereby addressing the persistent gap between sustainability commitment and performance outcomes in manufacturing contexts. The framework incorporates feedback loops that demonstrate how sustainability initiatives can drive operational enhancements through resource optimization, waste reduction, process innovation, and stakeholder engagement. This research contributes to both academic discourse and practical application by providing manufacturing organizations with a structured approach to evaluate their sustainability performance while identifying specific pathways for operational improvement. The model's holistic perspective acknowledges the complex interdependencies between sustainability dimensions and recognizes that isolated improvements in one area may have cascading effects across the entire manufacturing system. By establishing clear linkages between sustainability assessment and operational performance, this conceptual framework offers valuable insights for managers, policymakers, and researchers engaged in advancing sustainable manufacturing practices.

The integration of operations excellence, process safety, and sustainability across both upstream and downstream segments of the oil and gas industry is vital for ensuring long-term resilience and social responsibility. Operations excellence encompasses the efficient and effective management of all aspects of oil and gas operations, from exploration and production to refining and distribution. This includes optimizing processes, maximizing productivity, and minimizing costs while maintaining high standards of safety and environmental stewardship. Process safety involves preventing and mitigating the impact of hazardous events within industrial operations. In the context of oil and gas, this includes measures to prevent oil spills, gas leaks, fires, and other accidents that could harm workers, communities, and the environment. Sustainability in the oil and gas industry involves reducing environmental impact, minimizing carbon emissions, and promoting social responsibility throughout the entire value chain. This includes efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce water usage, minimize waste generation, and mitigate the ecological footprint of operations. By integrating operations excellence, process safety, and sustainability principles, ADNOC has achieved several benefits: Enhanced Safety: Implementing rigorous safety protocols and operational best practices reduces the risk of accidents and incidents, safeguarding the well-being of workers, communities, and ecosystems. Improved Efficiency: Optimizing processes and reducing waste not only lowers operational costs but also minimizes resource consumption and environmental impact. Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to stringent safety and environmental regulations ensures legal compliance and reduces the risk of penalties or fines. Reputation Management: Demonstrating a commitment to safety and sustainability enhances ADNOC's reputation, fostering trust among stakeholders and investors. Long-Term Viability: By addressing safety and sustainability challenges proactively, companies can future-proof their operations, ensuring resilience in the face of evolving market dynamics and regulatory requirements. Ten historical process safety incident investigations were reviewed, and root causes were mapped with elements process safety & asset integrity framework and elements of Centre for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) to highlight focus areas to enhance sustainable industrial operations by prevention process safety incidents. Preventing process safety incidents requires a multifaceted strategy that encompasses various stages, from risk identification to continuous improvement. Preventing process safety incidents in the oil and gas industry demands an innovative and holistic approach. This novel strategy encompasses several key components: Advanced Risk Identification and Assessment: Leveraging cutting-edge technologies and methodologies for identifying and assessing risks allows for a more accurate understanding of potential hazards and their implications. Next-Generation Preventive Measures: Incorporating state-of-the-art engineering controls, predictive analytics, and advanced process automation enhances the effectiveness of preventive measures, mitigating risks proactively. Dynamic Barrier Management: Implementing dynamic barrier management systems that adapt to real-time operational conditions ensures the resilience and robustness of safety barriers, minimizing the likelihood of failures. This innovative approach not only addresses traditional aspects such as risk assessment and preventive measures but also integrates cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of process safety strategies in the oil and gas industry.

Purpose The current research aims to explore the lean culture (LC) concept, particularly from the organisational psychology (OPS) perspective and justify its relevance by revealing its relationships with other related organisational concepts reported in the academic literature. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) of peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings identified a total of 522 articles, published between 2014 and 2024. It was collected from four databases: Emerald Online, EBSCO, OpenAIRE and Google Scholar. Finally, 63 articles were included for thematic and relational analysis to answer research questions. Findings The thematic analysis identified the following OPS concepts meaningfully connected to LC: motivation, engagement, empowerment, involvement, teamwork, training and learning, mutual respect, trust, consistency and commitments of leadership, management and employees. The study also revealed that LC directly impacts several organisational concepts, including lean management and manufacturing implementation, management, leadership, organisational culture, academic corruption, positive organisational politics, corporate and supply chain competitiveness and green practices. Additionally, LC positively moderates and mediates the relationship between organisational concepts like lean practice, sustainable performance and operational excellence. These relationships justify the relevance of LC in organisations. Originality/value It is hoped that this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of LC by exploring its connection with OPS concepts and analysing its relevance concerning other organisational concepts.

To achieve top-quartile and sustainable performance for oil and gas operations, the company (PTTEP) established a comprehensive operating management system in 2010: Operational Excellence Management System (OEMS). The OEMS integrates, standardizes, and improves existing management systems to all operating assets. It is structured around 11 elements covering most functions for operating oil and gas production, and it provides the framework to achieve safe, reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective operations (figure 1). The OEMS is designed to elevate PTTEP Group's operations to a world-class standard. OEMS standardizes processes and drives high performance. It is an integrated asset and resource management system with principles to Protect, Engage, Operate, Partner, Lead, and Evolve (PEOPLE principles). The PEOPLE principles build a common platform that captures more synergies, unlocks significant value, and inspires sharing among PTTEP operating assets regarding skills, innovation, and best practices through an assessment process to reinforce the Continuous Performance Improvement culture. As a result, resources continue to produce satisfactory returns regarding maximum profits, safe operations, and sustainable performance.

The concept of excellence in public service delivery has moved from a focus on speed and cost, as exclusive measures of public service delivery, to a broader and all-encompassing concept that includes the capacity for co-creating public value, trust, and managing volatility. From 2020 to 2025, the state has experienced a series of shocks and increased demands for digital-first, inclusive, and transparent public service delivery. During the period, research has been conducted in the following areas that are related and integral to each other, namely, public value and ecosystem thinking that redefines public value beyond customer satisfaction; service excellence and quality management that articulates principles, models, and measurement systems; digital transformation and algorithmic governance that reshape the channel and processes of public service delivery; and operational excellence, co-production, and innovation capacity that translate strategy into sustained performance. This paper synthesizes the research evidence of the last five years and develops an integrative framework of public service excellence that is applicable for public services that experience the logistics of public service delivery, such as transport, border control, urban permitting, and regulatory interactions. Using the PRISMA 2020 reporting guideline as an outlining framework for the systematic review process [1], this paper establishes a mapping of the evidence on how public service excellence is achieved in public service design and measurement and governance. The synthesis of the evidence indicates that public services that achieve public service excellence always involve the design of the citizen’s journey and public service delivery discipline (Lean and standard work), measurement of public service performance within the logic of public service to serve citizens that balances access, responsiveness, and quality [7], and understanding trust as an output of reliability, fairness, and integrity and openness [8, 9]. Digital channels for public value increase with public service quality and the reliability of information provided. Digital channels are seen to increase inequalities among citizens due to digital divide and the opaqueness of algorithms used [10–12]. A blueprint for public service excellence maturity is proposed to link public service excellence standards [2, 3] to innovation capacity [13] and algorithmic governance of public value [14].

Marketing capability is defined as the ability of an organization to understand and fulfil customers' needs at the right time, right place and right cost. Marketing capability is essential for sustainable business performance. Many micro enterprises do not have any marketing strategy and/or have limited marketing activities. A conceptual framework is developed with a view to develop the marketing capability of micro manufacturing enterprises in this research. In this study, four micro manufacturing enterprises were observed over a year. Action research methodology was adopted to test effectiveness of interventions. Some interventions and capabilities were found to be related with marketing capability in micro manufacturing enterprises. Findings showed that empowerment, operational excellence, strategy development and implementation, and collaboration capabilities could enhance marketing capability in micro manufacturing enterprises.

The integration of AI into the hospitality industry is altering operating paradigms and guest service standards, especially within the Food and Beverage (F&B) departments of premium hotels. This study presents a complete framework for AI-driven process and service innovation in the F&B departments of premium hotels located in the National Capital Region (NCR) of India. By exploring current adoption trends, technological enablers, and innovation outcomes, the research aims to identify how AI transforms core processes such as inventory management, kitchen automation, and supply chain coordination, while simultaneously enhancing customer-facing services through personalization, smart menus, and conversational interfaces. Grounded in the Innovation Diffusion Theory, the “Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) Framework,” and Service-Dominant Logic, the study adopts a mixed-methods approach integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews across chosen premium hotels. The resulting AI innovation framework not only highlights the important facilitators and results of AI adoption but also provides strategic insights for hotel managers, policymakers, and technology providers aiming to boost competitiveness and operational excellence in the hospitality sector. The paper finishes with practical implications, obstacles of implementation, and future research possibilities, notably in regard to workforce change and the scalability of AI solutions.

University of Pannonia Sustainability index (UPSi) for corporate sustainability

In spite of efforts of six and half decades, poverty reduction in the country is not in sight. Rightly therefore, the 11th and 12th Five-Year Plans focus on inclusive growth. In order to compare the performance of different states or regions, a comprehensive measure of financial inclusion is necessary which takes into account all its aspects. Review of literature on the subject reveals that measures so far suggested take into account only the supply side. This article suggests a measure taking into consideration supply, demand and infrastructure dimensions. It also takes into account the factors such as population growth, law and order situation and corruption, which have adverse impact on the factors which lead to financial inclusion. These adversely impacting factors are termed as drag. Separate indices are developed for three dimensions, namely, supply, demand and infrastructure, and a composite index of these three dimensions is computed. Also an index of drag factors is calculated. A comprehensive financial inclusion index is arrived at by modifying the former index by giving the effect of impact of drag. The index developed is comprehensive as well as flexible, in the sense that new parameters can be added to any of the dimensions including the drag, depending upon identification of parameter and availability of data. It is most suited to Indian conditions and can be used to measure comparative performance of Indian states or sub-regions of the states. It is also applicable to developing countries in general. The composite index is developed by using displaced ideal method which satisfies intuitive criteria of development index, namely, normality, anonymity, monotonicity, proximity, uniformity and signalling, collectively referred to with the acronym NAMPUS.

This research explores the relationship between sustainability performance and capital structure in industrial and resources firms listed on the Johannesburg and London Stock Exchanges. The study leverages environmental, social, and governance factors to assess their influence on capital structure decisions using machine learning techniques, including Shapley additive explanations analysis. The findings reveal that traditional financial metrics, such as operating profit margin and total assets, are more significant predictors of capital structure than sustainability factors. While environmental, social, and governance factors play a role, their impact on capital structure is limited. The study highlights the importance of integrating sustainable practices with financial performance.

In the design and construction of buildings and infrastructures, the reconstruction of a reliable 3D engineering geological model is an essential step to optimize costs of the construction and limit risks from failure or damage due to unforeseen ground conditions. The modeling of ground conditions is a challenging issue to be tackled especially in the case of geological units with complex geometries and spatially variable geotechnical properties. In such a direction, coupled geological and geotechnical criteria are usually adopted to define engineering geological units.These concepts are considered by the current technical rules for geotechnical design such as the Eurocode 7 and in the national regulations which have followed it, known in Italy as “Norme Tecniche per le Costruzioni (NTC).” Notwithstanding this advanced regulatory framework, no comprehensive indications on methodological approaches were given for the 3D engineering geological modeling and geotechnical characterization of a design and construction site. In this paper, the case study of the highly heterogeneous and heteropic pyroclastic-alluvial stratigraphic setting of the Nola plain (Campania, southern Italy) characterizing the site of the Nola’s logistic plant is dealt with. The approaches are based on the engineering geological modeling analysis of a high number of stratigraphic, laboratory and in situ geotechnical data, collected for the design of the plant, and the use of a specialized modeling software providing advanced capabilities in spatial modeling of geological and geotechnical information, as well as in their visual representation. The results obtained, including also the analysis of statistical variability of geotechnical properties and the identification of representative geotechnical values, can be potentially considered a methodological approach, consistent with the current technical rules for geotechnical design as well as with fundamental concepts of engineering geological modeling and mapping.

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to examine how artificial intelligence and digital transformation affect sustainable organisational performance with a particular emphasis on mediating role of digital leadership. Design/Methodology/Approach: The survey data from 245 employees employed in different industries and enterprises is considered. The data is collected through structured questionnaire and analysed with PLS-SEM. The study investigates the interrelationship between digital transformation, AI and sustainable organizational performance with mediating role that digital leadership. Findings: The conclusions of the study bring about the need for digital leadership in integrating sustainability and artificial intelligence. From this, it could be distinguished that combining digital leadership with AI is going to increase the performance and productivity of an organization. The integration of AI and digital leadership increased the capacity to innovate which in turn made an affirmative effect on sustainable organizational performance. Implications/Originality/Value: This study provides new perspectives towards the importance of AI and creative digital behaviors for the achievement of long-term sustainable organizational performance. It also follows that digital leadership can be viewed as a way to promote an innovative and sustainable culture, hence highlighting the mediation role of digital leadership.

In this study, the ecological pressure intensity-ecological sensitivity-ecological resilience (PSR) model was used to build a comprehensive index of ecological and environmental vulnerability to analyze the characteristics of ecological and environmental vulnerability in Gansu Province of China, and the influence degree of spatial and temporal distribution difference of ecological, environmental vulnerability in Gansu Province of China during 1992-2022 was analyzed.The results showed that (1) the eco-environmental vulnerability index of Gansu Province of China varied from 1.4857 to 4.0896, presenting the grades of mild vulnerability.Regarding spatial distribution, Longnan city and Tianshui city in Gansu Province of China have higher vulnerability levels, while Jiuquan city, Jiayuguan city, Zhangye city and Jinchang city have lower vulnerability levels.(2) Among the land use types in Gansu Province of China, cultivated land was mainly distributed in the mildly vulnerable and moderately vulnerable areas, forest land was mainly distributed in the mildly vulnerable, grassland was mainly distributed in the mildly vulnerable areas, water and construction land were distributed in the potentially vulnerable areas.(3) Average annual temperature, average annual precipitation, biological richness index were the main factors affecting the spatial distribution of eco-environmental vulnerability in Gansu Province of China.