Examining Decision Making Practices in Biodiesel Production Processes within Emerging Renewable Energy Industries

Harunsyah Harunsyah; M. Yunus; Sariadi Sariadi; Alfian Putra; Salmyah  Salmyah

doi:10.55927/fjst.v5i1.385

Authors

Harunsyah Harunsyah Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe
M. Yunus Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe
Sariadi Sariadi Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe
Alfian Putra Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe
Salmyah Salmyah Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/fjst.v5i1.385

Keywords:

Biodiesel Production, Decision-Making Practices, Renewable Energy Industry, Production Process, Sustainability

Abstract

The biodiesel industry faces production decision-making challenges driven by technological constraints, regulatory dynamics, and market uncertainty. This qualitative case study examines strategic and operational decision-making in a medium-scale biodiesel plant in Indonesia, focusing on raw material selection, production processes, efficiency, sustainability standards, and risk management. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with six key informants and document analysis, and analyzed thematically. The findings show that biodiesel production decisions are adaptive and multidimensional, influenced by technical, economic, regulatory, sustainability, and market considerations, with professional experience playing a key role under information constraints. The study highlights the importance of an integrated decision-making framework to enhance performance, sustainability, and competitiveness in the biodiesel industry, and provides managerial and policy-relevant insights for the renewable energy sector.

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