Guest Editorial : Socially responsible and sustainable operations through digital transformation: Deepening understanding of digital tools in operations management

Abstract

The study of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) enjoys a long and rich history in information sciences. However, the rise of Industry 4.0 has generated vigorous debate about the merits of AR and VR, particularly in quality control and product development, and its implications for a more sustainable society. For practitioners and researchers, sustainable and socially responsible digital business operations are at the center of the discussion on how digital transformation impacts the firm's social, environmental and economic goals. Manufacturing firms require real-time information exchanges at all phases of the product lifecycle, including design, prototyping, production process, assembly, repair or maintenance, to stimulate and improve procedures before they are implemented. Recent researchers' interest in big data and the Internet of things enable the combination of AR and VR as a distinction information source. Companies that defined and managed the “Total Quality Management (TQM)” revolution in the 21st century are gaining much attention from academics and practitioners in logistics and operations management. Quality control is a complex and multifaceted process with profound implications for manufacturing organizations' production decision-making.