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Article
Publication date: 14 June 2011

Evangelos L. Psomas, Christos V. Fotopoulos and Dimitrios P. Kafetzopoulos

The purpose of this paper is to examine the motives for implementing the ISO 14001 standard, the difficulties in meeting the standard's requirements and the benefits derived, and…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the motives for implementing the ISO 14001 standard, the difficulties in meeting the standard's requirements and the benefits derived, and to determine the most significant latent constructs (unobserved variables) of these.

Design/methodology/approach

A research project was carried out in 53 ISO 14001‐certified Greek companies. Exploratory Factor Analyses were applied in order to refine the latent constructs of the ISO 14001 motives, difficulties and benefits.

Findings

Obtaining a competitive advantage, the social requirement and the environmentally‐friendly policy were the extracted latent constructs of the ISO 14001 motives. The decision of the companies to be ISO 14001‐certified was mostly influenced by internal motives. The ISO 14001 requirements and the determination of environmental performance issues were the extracted latent constructs of the difficulties faced during the implementation of the standard. However, according to the findings, the level of these difficulties was not high. The improvement of a company's position in the market, the transition from conventional to sustainable practices, the improved relationship with society due to better environmental performance and the improvement of waste processing were the extracted latent constructs of the benefits derived. Even though they were not extremely high, the internal were more significant than the external benefits.

Research limitations/implications

The subjective character of the data collected, the small size of the sample of the participating companies and their diversity with respect to their sector and size, are the main limitations of the present study. Future studies can use these limitations as suggestions for further research.

Practical implications

The latent constructs extracted through the analysis of the ISO 14001 motives, difficulties and benefits may encourage non‐certified companies to implement an Environmental Management System (EMS) according to ISO 14001. The ISO 14001 certified companies can focus on specific factors in order to strengthen their motivation, avoid difficulties, maximise benefits and consequently to improve their environmental management and performance.

Originality/value

This paper describes the underlying structure of the ISO 14001 motives, difficulties and benefits and determines the respective latent constructs.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 22 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 September 2012

Cory Searcy, Oguz Morali and Stanislav Karapetrovic

The purpose of this paper is to present concrete recommendations on how the ISO 14001 standard for environmental management systems can be improved.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present concrete recommendations on how the ISO 14001 standard for environmental management systems can be improved.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the key results of a Canadian colloquium on ISO 14001. The theme of the colloquium was “How can ISO 14001 be improved in its next incarnation?” In total, 22 people from a wide variety of sectors participated in the colloquium. The discussions included a combination of plenary and small group discussions and were led by two professional facilitators. The colloquium was a part of a series of four events that have occurred since 2002. The next colloquium will be held in approximately two years.

Findings

The improvements suggested by the participants were organized around seven key areas: definitions; purpose; environmental policy; public reporting; monitoring and measurement; management review; and other changes. The changes are presented in detail in the paper.

Originality/value

The participants in the colloquium believed that the suggested changes will make significant improvements to ISO 14001. The suggestions are timely, given that the standard is up for review in the near future.

Details

Journal of Global Responsibility, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2041-2568

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2013

Andrea Chiarini

The main objective of this paper is to investigate how a group of 18 companies, which are very committed to the environment, have developed a pattern in order to design a…

3022

Abstract

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to investigate how a group of 18 companies, which are very committed to the environment, have developed a pattern in order to design a sustainability supply chain. The pattern is based on several requirements, including ISO 14001. Furthermore, the paper tries to identify the common pattern to optimizing the designed sustainability chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This research has been conducted with 18 worldwide manufacturing companies that have their headquarters or their overseas headquarters in Europe. The 18 companies each have more than 2,000 employees and belong to different sectors. The 18 companies represent a multi‐case study and the research was carried out by the means of interviews with the supply managers.

Findings

The multi‐case study analyzed in this paper has enabled the outline of an interesting pattern for improving supply chain environmental sustainability. This pathway is underpinned by the ISO 14001 standard requirements and divided into five steps. The first two allow the supplier to remain in the company vendor list. The other three improve the environmental performances of the supplier by the means of an environmental management system and Key indicators. In the last stage the supplier obtains the status of “green partner”.

Research limitations/implications

This research has some limitations due to the fact that it is derived from case studies and consequently cannot be generalized. Therefore the theory derived from such an inductive inquiry, including the proposed five‐step pattern, should be more thoroughly tested.

Practical implications

The paper supplies a practical five‐step pathway for improving a sustainability supply chain. The pathway can be implemented by practitioners at different levels and opens a scientific debate concerning how to design such similar patterns.

Originality/value

In the fifth step of the pattern, a new concept concerning “green partnership” has been discussed. The company can help its supplier concerning the introduction of new technologies for the reduction of environmental impacts, or can share environmental knowledge and research.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 June 2013

Alexandra Simon and Alex Douglas

In this article, the authors aim to start from the premise that management system standards (MSSs), such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001, should not be considered individually, but in…

1097

Abstract

Purpose

In this article, the authors aim to start from the premise that management system standards (MSSs), such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001, should not be considered individually, but in conjunction with other systems, because of the similarities and parallelisms among them and the potential benefits of adopting an integrated management system (IMS). This paper attempts to compare the usage of integrated management systems in two of the European countries with more tradition in the field of management systems standardization: England and Spain.

Design/methodology/approach

As an exploratory study, the authors used a case study approach based on the results of a questionnaire administered to quality and environmental managers working in firms registered to at least both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards in the two countries.

Findings

The results of this exploratory study reveal some differences regarding the integration practices between the English and the Spanish organizations, namely in the audit process and in the difficulties and benefits encountered during the implementation of the IMS.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is the sample size, as the results of six organizations are not representative of the whole population. However, as an exploratory study, the results that the authors find can be useful for the analysis of the geographical dimension of IMS.

Originality/value

The results of the study contribute to characterize a phenomenon that occurs in many countries, the integration of management systems. The article helps to understand whether and how the location of companies impacts on the integration of MSSs. This is, as far as the authors know, the first empirical paper that tackles this topic.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 30 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 March 2014

Manuel Ferreira Rebelo, Gilberto Santos and Rui Silva

The purpose of this paper is to propose a generic model of Integrated Management System of Quality, Environment and Safety (IMS-QES) that can be adapted and progressively to…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a generic model of Integrated Management System of Quality, Environment and Safety (IMS-QES) that can be adapted and progressively to assimilate various Management Systems, of which highlights: ISO 9001 for Quality; ISO 14001 for Environment; OHSAS 18001 for Occupational Health and Safety.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was designed in the real environment of a Portuguese Organization and 160 employees were surveyed. The rate response was equal to 86 percent. The conceived model was implemented in a first phase for the integration of Quality, Environment and Safety Management Systems.

Findings

Among the main findings of the survey the paper highlights: the elimination of conflicts between individual systems with resources optimization; creation of added value to the business by eliminating several types of wastes; the integrated management of sustainability components in a global market; the improvement of partnerships with suppliers of goods and services; reducing the number of internal and external audits.

Originality/value

This case study is one of the first Portuguese empirical researches about IMS-QES and the paper believes that it can be useful in the creation of a Portuguese guideline for integration, namely the Quality Management Systems; Environmental Management Systems and Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems among others.

Article
Publication date: 27 July 2012

Cory Searcy, Oguz Morali, Stanislav Karapetrovic, Kristine Wichuk, Daryl McCartney, Sheldon McLeod and Don Fraser

The purpose of this paper is to present the key findings of a colloquium on ISO 14001. The colloquium focused on three key areas: critical loops and synergies among management…

3737

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the key findings of a colloquium on ISO 14001. The colloquium focused on three key areas: critical loops and synergies among management system elements, the full spectrum of management system auditing, and integrating management systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 40 Canadian experts on environmental management systems from a wide variety of sectors participated in the colloquium.

Findings

The colloquium provided insights into implementation issues around the three key areas noted above. The colloquium focused on discussing issues associated with corrective and preventive action, objectives and targets, internal and external auditing, and integrating change into management systems. The issues are presented in detail in the paper.

Originality/value

The participants in the colloquium believed that the findings will be of interest to both practitioners and academics in environmental management systems. The findings will also be of interest to practitioners and academics in quality and other standardized management systems.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 29 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 September 2011

Sandra Patrícia Bezerra Rocha, Eduardo José Oenning Soares and Denise Dumke de Medeiros

The purpose of this paper is to set out a method for evaluating environmental impacts in the area of gas stations.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to set out a method for evaluating environmental impacts in the area of gas stations.

Design/methodology/approach

The design and implementation of this study followed steps that enabled a survey to be conducted by combining a wide variety of sources and bibliographical material, such as manuals, regulations, standards, laws and articles necessary for drawing up the model and the indicators of environmental impacts; and next the authors used two case studies to test the proposed model and exemplify the application.

Findings

This research identified the sources that cause adverse environmental impacts and the main preventive actions, as well as those for eliminating environmental impacts caused by the activities of the gas stations, so was possible developing a model which evaluated the real environmental situation of gas stations, using indicators to identify opportunities for improvements in the enterprises with ISO 14001 certification and non‐certificated enterprises.

Research limitations/implications

This study used some international standards and some specific laws from Brazil, but it can be adapted to the current standards for gas stations in other countries.

Practical implications

Based on findings, it is believed that by using the model proposed in this research study, it is possible to diagnose the real environmental situation of the gas stations, thereby contributing to the preservation of the environment, sustainable development and above all to improving people's quality of life.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is the development of a viable model that can be used by enterprise, researchers and governmental environmental agencies for evaluating the environmental impacts of gas stations, integrating four different variables.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 22 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2017

Farah Rashid and Nosheen Fazal

The purpose of this paper is to study the environmental indicators of an ISO 14001:2004 certified thermal power plant located at Raiwind road Lahore.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the environmental indicators of an ISO 14001:2004 certified thermal power plant located at Raiwind road Lahore.

Design/methodology/approach

The research study included employee interviews, noise monitoring, effluent and ground water sampling, stack emission testing, and assessment of the solid waste management system.

Findings

Semi-structured interviews randomly conducted with employees showed a 57 percent environmental awareness response. The stack emission results showed that the nitrogen oxide (NOx) from engine no. 5 and 7 was 2,447 and 2,624 mg/Nm3, respectively, higher than the World Bank limit of 2,300 mg/Nm3 as well as exceeding the 600 mg/Nm3 set by the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) with no emission control technology in place. The ground water and effluent samples were found unfit for irrigation purposes. Electrical conductivity exceeded the permissible level of Directorate of Land Reclamation (DLR) irrigation water quality criteria of 1.5 dS/m. Similarly, the sodium absorption ratio (SAR) exceeded 10 mmolc/l. Residual sodium carbonate was more than the DLR permissible level of 2.5 me/l. The noise level in the engine hall was 103 dB(A) which is beyond the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s permissible exposure limit of 90 dB(A) and the NEQS for industrial area at day time, i.e. 75 dB(A).

Research limitations/implications

The research analysis shows that environmental survey may serve as an example for other power plants to review their environmental policy and be more vigilant as an environmentally conscious organization.

Originality/value

This paper underscores an easy understanding and evaluation of environmental indicators that are minor but neglected in a thermal power plant. The sampling, testing, and employee awareness are crucial to gauge the level of an organization’s conformity with the international quality, occupational health, and environmental standards.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 March 2014

Alexandra Simon, Luc Honore Petnji Yaya, Stanislav Karapetrovic and Marti Casadesus

The difficulties in the integration of management systems (MSs) and their relationship with innovation and customer satisfaction are explored by proposing a model that links these…

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Abstract

Purpose

The difficulties in the integration of management systems (MSs) and their relationship with innovation and customer satisfaction are explored by proposing a model that links these three concepts together. Integration, innovation and customer satisfaction are relevant issues for the competitiveness of companies, especially for the ones that have implemented several MS standards. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study derives from a survey carried out in 76 Spanish organizations registered to at least both ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004 standards for quality MSs and environmental MSs, respectively. An exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) are utilized to assess and confirm the proposed scales validity and the relationships of the conceptual model.

Findings

Based on the empirical study, the second-order SEM shows that the difficulties of integration are directly and negatively related to both of MS documentation and procedures. This level is also directly related to the innovation and satisfaction. Nevertheless, no relationships were found between the difficulties of integration and the integration level of MS human resources. Moreover, no direct relationships were found between the difficulties of integration and both the constructs of innovation and satisfaction. Also, the results showed the integration level of MS procedures was not related to the construct of innovation.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to relate integration difficulties with innovation and customer satisfaction, with a conclusion that an organization should give more importance to the difficulties of integrated MSs that have been uncovered to have a relationship with innovation and customer satisfaction.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 114 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2016

Ioannis S. Arvanitoyannis, Konstantinos Samourelis and Konstantinos V. Kotsanopoulos

The purpose of this paper is to summarize and analyse the results of several food quality and safety audits (ISO 9001, ISO 22000, ELOT 1416 and Codex Alimetarius) carried out in…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize and analyse the results of several food quality and safety audits (ISO 9001, ISO 22000, ELOT 1416 and Codex Alimetarius) carried out in Greek food companies processing products of animal origin.

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, both a quantitative and a qualitative review of the results were carried out.

Findings

It was revealed that the biggest ratio of non-conformities was recorded within the frame of ELOT 1416 standard (Greek scheme for the certification of HACCP Management Systems), or ELOT 1416 and ISO 9001 where a combination of standards was used. The highest ratio of observations was recorded against ELOT 1416 when used in combination with ISO 9001. The highest average of non-conformities per audit was recorded in meat (red meat and poultry) companies. With regards to the observations recorded, the highest average per audit was recorded in companies processing eggs. Considering the number of workers, the highest average of non-conformities per audit was observed in small companies.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the present study can be summarized into the fact that although a high number of audit reports were taken into account, an audit is an observation of the condition of a company on the day of the audit and the results can also be highly dependent on the skills of the auditors.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge this is the first paper that analyses a high number of audit reports from Greek food companies and its conclusions can be of significant value to both the auditors and the industry enabling a more focused approach in the conduction of audits and implementation of the standards.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 118 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

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