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1 – 10 of 56Argues that a company‐based environmental management system is nolonger an option. Its stance is that much can be learned from theexperiences of the development of total quality…
Abstract
Argues that a company‐based environmental management system is no longer an option. Its stance is that much can be learned from the experiences of the development of total quality management and that central to any system has to be the notion of a continuous cycle of improvement. Lays out a possible organizational structure of an environmental management system and discusses the stages to the development of that structure and the important characteristics of the system. Discusses links to quality systems and in particular to BS 5750, along with an overview of BS 7750. Identifies critical success factors in the operation of the environmental management system.
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Samuel Cameron and Richard Welford
Technological innovation has opened up the possibility of reproduction through non‐traditional methods. Once it was only possible to have children through direct sexual…
Abstract
Technological innovation has opened up the possibility of reproduction through non‐traditional methods. Once it was only possible to have children through direct sexual intercourse. Those seeking to bear children would therefore adhere to a traditional form of the family or would form a one‐off contract or liaison with some person who abdicates responsibly for the child after birth. The latter method could be used simply for the sake of having children but appears to function as a means of providing children where there is a problem with conception in a traditional family. The available alternatives involve the artificial bringing together of reproductive elements without direct human contact. In the traditional family structure, depending on the problems faced, artificial insemination by partner (Al) or artificial insemination by donor (AID) can be used. In the United Kingdom AID is provided administratively rather than through the market and the normal expectation is that it is a means of sustaining the traditional family. Donors of sperm receive a small fixed fee and there is an attempt to match their physical characteristics with those of the would be father they are deputising for.
Environmental auditing is becoming increasingly important for businesswho wish to demonstrate their corporate responsibility and commitment toenvironmental improvement. It offers…
Abstract
Environmental auditing is becoming increasingly important for business who wish to demonstrate their corporate responsibility and commitment to environmental improvement. It offers a methodology to evaluate the environmental performance of companies and is likely to become increasingly widespread as more and more environmental regulations and codes of practice have to be adhered to in industry. Outlines the benefits of environmental auditing and offers a methodology for undertaking the audit procedure. Examines the aims and objectives of the audit process, analyses incentives to undertake the audit and maps out the practice of implementing the audit. In an analysis of the EU Euro Eco‐management and Audit Scheme, shows how this scheme will increase the attractiveness of environmental auditing to companies who wish to be recognized as leaders in the field.
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The ‘impact on society’ component of the EFQM business excellence model proves a stumbling block for many organizations. While they are adept at compiling hard data on products…
Abstract
The ‘impact on society’ component of the EFQM business excellence model proves a stumbling block for many organizations. While they are adept at compiling hard data on products and processes, the ‘softer’, social issues still elude them.
To apply a consumer‐based approach to the study of the underlying concepts involved in social enterprises.
Abstract
Purpose
To apply a consumer‐based approach to the study of the underlying concepts involved in social enterprises.
Design/methodology/approach
The report aimed to examine social enterprises from the consumer’s point of view and address the question of how social enterprise can make its case for consumer support. Pays particular attention to market segmentation, including: the ethical marketplace; under‐served markets; companies; public sector; voluntary sector; and consumer agents.
Findings
It is suggested that there are three schools of thought on how social enterprises should be promoted: the first focusing on social enterprises as “ethical businesses”, with the term used as an umbrella term for a wide range of firms practising corporate social responsibility (CSR); the second emphasising the role of social enterprise in trading for a social purpose; and the third focusing on social ownership.
Research limitations/implications
Future research may be directed towards further investigating the market analysis and testing of the concept, identifying the core brand and value proposition of a label, and identifying business plan models for viable growth, including its impact on social enterprise development and growth.
Originality/value
Provides a valuable contribution to the social enterprise literature which tends not to take a consumerist viewpoint.
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Provides a brief outline of the background of British Book TradeHistory studies as an introduction to the establishment of the BritishBook Trade Index within the relevant library…
Abstract
Provides a brief outline of the background of British Book Trade History studies as an introduction to the establishment of the British Book Trade Index within the relevant library of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. This is a computerized index of the names and brief biographical and trade details of all those who worked in the book trade in England and Wales, starting work prior to 1851. Discusses the conduct and present state of the project, as well as its uses.
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George Kofi Amoako, Gifty Agyeiwah Bonsu, Livingstone Divine Caesar and Freeman Osei-Tete
The purpose of this conceptual paper is to explore the connection between green supply chain practices (GSCPs) and sustained business advantage from an emerging market…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this conceptual paper is to explore the connection between green supply chain practices (GSCPs) and sustained business advantage from an emerging market perspective. Research on the phenomenon is limited in developing countries where green supply chain (GSC) concepts are now increasingly gaining ground. The study also attempts a general literature review to examine the mediating role of effective environmental benchmarking and leadership factors on the relationship. It further provides insight on the moderating effect of constructs such as people involvement and customer preferences.
Design/methodology/approach
Separate searches were conducted in key academic databases such as Emerald Online Journals, Taylor and Francis Online Journals, JSTOR Online Journals and Elsevier Online Journals. Also, version 7 of the Publish or Perish software was used to search for paper focused on GSCPs and sustainability. In total, 19 articles met the predefined criteria and were used.
Findings
The results from the synthesis of the reviewed literature shows that despite the fact that leadership factors mediates the positive relationship between GSCPs and sustained business advantage, research on supply chain (SC) leadership as a construct is limited and requires further empirical research.
Research limitations/implications
Some limitations must be considered and could provide guidance for future study; this study did not collect data to test the proposed model. Moreover the study hypotheses proposed need to be tested to validate the model proposed.
Practical implications
This research by promoting an understanding of how GSCPs impacts the activities of buying and supply organizations in emerging markets. Findings on the leadership factors and people involvement constructs will assist SC operators in emerging markets to tap the tremendous potential inherent in participatory SC approaches to remain competitive and acquire sustained business advantage.
Originality/value
The study offers opportunity for empirical testing of the mediating (effective environmental benchmarking and leadership factors) and moderating (people involvement and customer preferences) variables in an emerging market context as this could provide fresh insights on the complexity of the relationships.
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Daniel S. Fogel and Janet Elizabeth Palmer
Water is a unique resource that does not receive enough attention among companies given its essential contribution to human life. Its uniqueness among all resources results from…
Abstract
Purpose
Water is a unique resource that does not receive enough attention among companies given its essential contribution to human life. Its uniqueness among all resources results from its environmental, socio-political and economic characteristics. The purpose of this paper is to explore water's uniqueness to companies, especially how one company, Coca-Cola, is currently managing this resource and to describe a few serious challenges that companies will face.
Design/methodology/approach
Coca-Cola has become a leader among these corporations, and we can learn from this company about suggested actions that others might want to use.
Findings
The major actions that companies must take relate to impact assessment and reporting, increased stewardship as a corporate responsibility, observing principles of sustainability and the increased recognition of water in all environmental policies and regulatory actions, partnerships with government and non-government organizations, and technology and design, i.e. allocating financial and human capital to develop new technologies.
Originality/value
Several corporations, in recognizing water's uniqueness as a resource, have taken actions for its management.
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Maisam Abbasi and Fredrik Nilsson
The purpose of this article is to explore themes and challenges in making supply chains environmentally sustainable.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to explore themes and challenges in making supply chains environmentally sustainable.
Design/methodology/approach
The study began with a systematic review, and content analysis of articles in top‐ranking related journals from logistics, transport, sustainability and environmental areas, and ended with research propositions contributing to the further advancement of supply chain management.
Findings
The findings illustrate the major themes published in 18 journals concentrating on sustainable supply chains with special focus on environmental issues. From the systematic review five major areas of challenges for supply chain management are derived: costs, complexity, operationalisation, mindset and cultural changes, and uncertainties. From all of these areas synthesising discussions are provided and research propositions suggested. It is concluded that there is a great need for models and frameworks that consider the complexity involved, take holistic perspectives, and challenge the basic assumptions underlying most of the research published (i.e. reductionism, positivism and economic growth).
Research limitations/implications
Sustainability in this article is mainly related to environmental issues. Analysis of complex interactions between environmental, social and economic aspects might provide opportunities for future research.
Practical implications
The results presented in this paper provide a systematic structure for classifying issues related to logistics sustainability; something which will be beneficial for managers and policy‐makers when they approach sustainable supply chain management challenges.
Originality/value
This paper provides propositions for research based on the emergent outcome of challenges that can guide research, industry and policy‐makers in future sustainability efforts.
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