Search results
1 – 10 of over 123000Ying Ye, Kwok Hung Lau and Leon Teo
This study aims to explore how green supply chain management (GSCM) strategies can be effectively implemented for business supply chain operations, relationship management and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore how green supply chain management (GSCM) strategies can be effectively implemented for business supply chain operations, relationship management and product design to gain green competitive advantages.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory in-depth case study was conducted with one of the largest Chinese electronics manufacturers that is considered a leading GSCM adopter in the industry, to understand how the company adopts green supply chain practices across its multiple product lines.
Findings
The findings show that businesses can build different green focuses across GSCM elements of green operation, green relationship management and green product design to form diverse hybrid strategic solutions. They include green control, lean, leagile, agile and clean innovation while taking consideration of supply chain type and product lifespan. A taxonomy of four key GSCM strategic combinations is proposed based on the findings. The strategies align with green demand and supply chain characteristics balancing a series of business competitive objectives in terms of reducing pollution and waste, improving green cost efficiency, enhancing green demand innovation and building green service effectiveness.
Research limitations/implications
This study lends insight into the strategic alignment relationships between product supply chain types and approaches to GSCM.
Practical implications
The findings of this study can support industry practitioners in formulating aligned GSCM strategies based on product types to achieve optimal results.
Social implications
Optimised green supply chain design, operations and relationship management incorporating product attributes can help further minimise negative impacts of business activities on the environment.
Originality/value
This research provides a systematic understanding of how product supply chain types can influence GSCM strategy formulation. It gives a holistic picture of how hybrid choices of strategies with green supply chain operations, relationship management and product design can be formulated based on product and supply chain characteristics.
Details
Keywords
Glenn Johansson and Maria Huge Brodin
On the basis of empirical studies, the purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse product properties that affect performance of end‐of‐life systems for electrical and…
Abstract
Purpose
On the basis of empirical studies, the purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse product properties that affect performance of end‐of‐life systems for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).
Design/methodology/approach
The research was carried out as case studies of end‐of‐life management of EEE. Case A focused on disassembly of computer screens and TV‐sets, whereas Case B addressed logistics systems for recycling of various types of EEE. Data collection methods include interviews, on‐site visits and observations, video recording, and studies of documents.
Findings
In total, nine product properties that affect performance of end‐of‐life systems for EEE are identified. The properties relate to three different product levels: the product assortment, the product structure, and the component levels. A model is presented which indicates that choices made and decisions taken in the product development process affect the end‐of‐life system performance. Application of modular product architectures and component standardisation are suggested as relevant design strategies during product development.
Practical implications
The implications for managers are that the findings presented in this paper provide strengthened arguments that modular product architectures and component standardisation are favourable approaches to apply in product development. Complementary to the benefits for manufacturing and logistics also end‐of‐life system performance will improve when these approaches are applied.
Originality/value
Previous research has indicated some product properties that are supposed to influence performance of end‐of‐life systems. These properties originate primarily from conceptual discussions rather than empirical studies. This paper adds to current understanding by presenting empirically‐based insights regarding which specific product properties affect performance.
Details
Keywords
Erik Sundin, Kristofer Elo and Hui Mien Lee
The purpose of this paper is to explore how manufacturers can develop automatic end‐of‐life processes facilitated by product design methods, e.g. design for disassembly, recycling…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how manufacturers can develop automatic end‐of‐life processes facilitated by product design methods, e.g. design for disassembly, recycling and remanufacturing. Also to illustrate this kind of product and end‐of‐life process development while maintaining economic and environmental values. Here, the cases of toner cartridges and liquid crystal displays are the focus.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology for this paper began with a literature study within the fields of design for automatic recycling and remanufacturing. It also includes the research performed at two different industrial companies using automation in their end‐of‐life processes. These companies were visited and interviewed several times, in order to understand their processes and what current problems they have in automation and product design.
Findings
Design implications on the end‐of‐life have been explored, and in particular, three general product trends are in conflict with automatic disassembly: products are getting more complex and more heterogeneous; products are getting sleeker; and products are using more proprietary joints. In addition, the three industrial cases describe different problems in industry and how they can be tackled. Although many manufacturers have adapted the design principles of DFM and DFE, there is still much to improve when it comes to designing for the product's end‐of‐life processes. These kinds of adaptations should increase in importance over time as more and more products and components are remanufactured and/or material recycled. These kinds of adaptations will also encourage an increase of products passing through more resource efficient end‐of‐life options.
Practical implications
Manufacturers reading what design problems other companies are experiencing and what solutions can be found would facilitate their own businesses and willingness to start their own and/or improve their existing manufacturing business. This could then be in shape developing products for end‐of‐life processes which also would encourage them to start their own end‐of‐life process facilities.
Social implications
From a societal perspective, an increase in remanufactured products being placed on the market can increase the awareness and confidence of the consumers in non‐new products made from non‐virgin materials. This will increase the market for second‐life products and bring about economics of scale, which in turn will alleviate the problem of depletion of resources.
Originality/value
Most previous research in this area treats the different end‐of‐life processes separately; material recycling and product remanufacturing are but two examples. However, in this paper the focus is more on the overall view of end‐of‐life processes, along with examples of more specific and detailed end‐of‐life processes, such as disassembly and cleaning.
Details
Keywords
Jan Block, Alireza Ahmadi, Tommy Tyrberg and Peter Söderholm
The purpose of this paper is to present the prerequisites for a part-out-based spares provisioning (PBSP) programme during the phase-out of an aircraft fleet. Furthermore…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the prerequisites for a part-out-based spares provisioning (PBSP) programme during the phase-out of an aircraft fleet. Furthermore, associated key decision criteria are identified and a framework for the phase-out management process is presented.
Design/methodology/approach
Once a decision has been taken to phase-out an aircraft fleet, a number of routines for operations, maintenance and storage are affected and new tasks and functions must be introduced before initiating the actual parting-out process. A decision-making system and a management framework is needed to manage spares planning during the end-of-life phase to ensure availability at minimum cost and to ensure a manageable risk of backorders.
Findings
For PBSP programme during the phase-out of an aircraft fleet to succeed and be cost-effective, a number of linked processes, tasks and decisions are required, e.g., those included in the framework proposed in this paper (see Figure 3). A successful implementation of PBSP also requires that these processes and tasks are carried out in a timely manner and that the communications between the concerned parties are prompt, clear and direct. One experience from the studied case is that close and trustful contacts and cooperation between the operator and maintenance provider(s) will greatly facilitate the process.
Originality/value
Although the PBSP method is fairly commonly applied within both the military and the civilian sector, somewhat surprisingly very literature has been published on the subject. Indeed, remarkably little has been published on any aspects of maintenance during the end-of-life period.
Details
Keywords
Kieren Mayers, Chris France, Ann Cleverly, Eletherios Kabouris and Susanna Planas
New European environmental legislation requiring producers to recycle electrical and electronics products at so‐called “end‐of‐life” is likely to introduce new areas of…
Abstract
New European environmental legislation requiring producers to recycle electrical and electronics products at so‐called “end‐of‐life” is likely to introduce new areas of competition to the global market for information technology (IT) products. This paper presents the findings of a study investigating the use and disposal of IT equipment by 151 companies in the UK. Although 71 per cent of companies disposed of their equipment as waste, other “disposal” routes were found to be of greater significance, such as charitable donations, transfer to employees, and resale to second‐hand dealers. Therefore it is argued that the current legal definition of “waste” may be too restrictive to be applied to end‐of‐life IT equipment within the commercial sector. In addition, it is argued that the provision of product “end‐of‐life management” services to commercial customers (in compliance with legislation or otherwise) could help IT producers add value to their existing support services beyond the immediate production and consumption of new technologies. Where only 5 per cent of companies replaced IT products within two years, 76 per cent of respondents identified a need for such services. Specific details of the type of services that would be required have also been investigated and evaluated.
Details
Keywords
Ruchini Senarath Jayasinghe, Raufdeen Rameezdeen and Nicholas Chileshe
The purpose of this paper is to explore the synergies between post-end-of-life of building (PEoLB) concepts and operations to achieve sustainability.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the synergies between post-end-of-life of building (PEoLB) concepts and operations to achieve sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted using 65 articles published between 2006 and 2017, and it has been subjected to descriptive and thematic analysis.
Findings
The descriptive analysis revealed that the majority of the articles were about (60 per cent) PEoLB operations, followed by (23 per cent) PEoLB concepts. Only 17 per cent of the articles have dealt with PEoLB-related strategic approaches. The thematic analysis elaborated on the literature development; interrelationships between PEoLB concepts and operations; impediments of introducing sustainability on these operations, remedial measures and information-based strategic approaches to achieve sustainability. Based on the findings, a conceptual framework for sustainable PEoLB operations is proposed. Furthermore, four areas of potential future research are discussed.
Research limitations/implications
This study presents a future research agenda including best practices to plan PEoLB operations and the development of optimisation models, risk management and information-based strategic approaches.
Practical implications
The proposed conceptual research framework triggers and nurtures potential pathways to introduce sustainable PEoLB operations under sound information flow. This could create a basis for future empirical studies in filling the identified gaps in literature. The framework could also assist practitioners in mitigating risks associated with transportation, storing and contamination of salvaged materials through enhanced information flow. In addition, the framework provides some managerial guidance to organisations seeking ways of establishing sustainability during reverse logistics (RL) operations.
Originality/value
This paper presents an SLR of an emerging area of research that encapsulates closed-loop supply chain through sustainable RL operations. The study highlights the interrelationships between PEoLB concepts and operations. It develops a robust approach to effectively manage the PEoLB operations underpinned by a sound information flow to facilitate sustainability.
Details
Keywords
Ben Hazen, Ilenia Confente, Daniel Pellathy and Ivan Russo
Linear supply chain models often overlook the impact that end-users (i.e. people who “consume” or otherwise realize the intended value of the product or service) can have on core…
Abstract
Linear supply chain models often overlook the impact that end-users (i.e. people who “consume” or otherwise realize the intended value of the product or service) can have on core supply chain processes. As the global trade environment rapidly evolves, business and government leaders are seeking more regionalized, sustainable circular models that position “consumers” at the center of dynamic value creation and consumption networks. This chapter outlines some ways to leverage end-users of the value chain to inform development and sustainment of circular supply chain strategies and processes. First, we describe the economic, social, and ecological trends that motivate organizational leaders and managers to implement more circular supply chain models. We then provide specific ideas on how managers can leverage end-users to close, slow, narrow, intensify, and dematerialize core supply chain processes.
Details
Keywords
Anurag Mishra, Pankaj Dutta, S. Jayasankar, Priya Jain and K. Mathiyazhagan
This paper presents a systematic literature review of the various aspects of reverse logistics (RL) and closed-loop supply chains (CLSC) in implementing and achieving circular…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper presents a systematic literature review of the various aspects of reverse logistics (RL) and closed-loop supply chains (CLSC) in implementing and achieving circular economy (CE) motives. CE is identified as a method of embracing imperishability into the economic structure, helping shift from a linear to a condition leading to ecological and social benefits.
Design/methodology/approach
Systematic literature was used to review a total of 80 peer-reviewed articles are included in the study and covers different concepts related to the implementation of CE, such as cost-saving, network design, sustainable RL, waste management and extended producer responsibility.
Findings
The findings reveal that the research in the domain is in a growing phase, and in recent years, a lot of attention has been given by researchers across the globe. However, further research is required in crucial areas for the adoption of CE, such as retail reverse logistics, pharmaceutical industries and resource recycling industry.
Practical implications
The study discusses the business needs and solutions for industries. Key enablers and barriers are listed along with the main activities involved in each sector in CLSC. Managers can design a pathway to decide which lever to use to overcome a particular challenge.
Originality/value
The work contributes theoretically by developing research themes in RL and CLSC practices applied to CE. It also provides theoretical and practical implications of the study, which can be used as a signboard for further research.
Details
Keywords
Emmanuel Ndzibah, Giovanna Andrea Pinilla-De La Cruz and Ahm Shamsuzzoha
The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework for handling end of life (henceforth EoL) scenarios of solar photovoltaic (solar PV) panels, which includes…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework for handling end of life (henceforth EoL) scenarios of solar photovoltaic (solar PV) panels, which includes different options available to businesses and end-users, as well as promoting the collaboration between government and all relevant stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopts purposeful sampling, secondary data and content analysis to develop an appropriate conceptual framework that helps to create awareness of the appropriate options for dealing with the EoL cases of solar PV panels.
Findings
From the data analysis, it is revealed that reuse, repair and recycling of solar PV panels can ensure value creation, public-private partnership and a solution for education in sustainability, and thus, prolonging the useful life cycle of the products.
Research limitations/implications
This paper limits the analysis on developing economies and the use of selected literature based on the recycling of solar PV panels.
Originality/value
This paper is an initial attempt to create an awareness by identifying, analyzing and educating the stakeholders to handle appropriately any EoL scenario of solar PV panels.
Details
Keywords
Aditi D. Joshi and Surendra M. Gupta
In this chapter, a case of reverse supply chain is considered, where a product recovery facility receives sensors and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags embedded End-Of…
Abstract
In this chapter, a case of reverse supply chain is considered, where a product recovery facility receives sensors and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags embedded End-Of-Life (EOL) products. Sensors and RFID tags can capture and store component’s life cycle information during its economic life. This technology can provide data about contents and conditions of products and components without the need of actual disassembly and inspection. It also determines the remaining lives of the components which eventually translate into their quality levels.
The example considered here presents an advanced-repair-to-order-and-disassembly-to-order system. It disassembles the components to meet the components’ demands, repairs the products to meet the products’ demands and recycles the materials to meet the materials’ demands. The received EOL products may have different design alternatives. The objective of the proposed multi-criteria decision-making model is to determine which of the design alternatives is best in fulfilling the various criteria.
Details