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11 – 20 of 117Qinghua Zhu and Qing Liu
This paper aims to develop a framework for Chinese telecommunication network companies on how to implement eco‐design by benchmarking its parent foreign company.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a framework for Chinese telecommunication network companies on how to implement eco‐design by benchmarking its parent foreign company.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study approach is used to study key aspects for eco‐design planning in Alcatel Shanghai‐Bell Co. Ltd (ASB). Challenges and possible solutions are discussed.
Findings
It is reasonable and effective for Chinese joint ventures to develop their eco‐design planning by benchmarking their parent companies. Key aspects for such eco‐planning include top management commitments, awareness of employees, and training of eco‐design tools.
Research limitations/implications
Eco‐design is still an emerging environmental tool among Chinese telecommunication network companies. As a result, quantified data about eco‐design practices and performance improvements are not available. How to record such data still requires further study and data acquisition.
Practical implications
This paper provides ideas for Chinese (and other) telecommunication companies to develop their eco‐design planning. The proposed solutions can guide Chinese telecommunication network companies to overcome challenges for their eco‐design planning and implementation.
Originality/value
This paper puts forward a framework for Chinese telecommunication companies to initiate their eco‐design practices by benchmarking their leading parent companies. The framework can be applied to Chinese and other telecommunication network companies with few environmental experiences and practices.
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Jennifer L. Schneider, Anna Wilson and Joseph M. Rosenbeck
The purpose of this research paper is to benchmark the evolution of reported sustainability activity in the pharmaceutical sector, which has been recognized as a leading sector in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research paper is to benchmark the evolution of reported sustainability activity in the pharmaceutical sector, which has been recognized as a leading sector in industrial sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors examined recent published corporate sustainability activity reports for 11 pharmaceutical sector‐related companies and compared this to a similar earlier study.
Findings
Sustainability related activity has increased in breadth and depth, but activity is now being shifted toward corporate social responsibility, which is reflective of corporate need to satisfy public sentiment.
Research limitations/implications
The paper is formed on the basis of voluntarily reported activities and published documentation, therefore, it does contain a potential for bias and “greenwashing”; however, regardless of the impetus, the integration of sustainability is still evident.
Practical implications
The paper is of value to the practicioner and manager to benchmark the venues and activities reported for sustainability, in other words, what is the sector participating in and what is it reporting?
Originality/value
Benchmarking of corporate practice in a sustainability leadership sector provides a glimpse into the emerging standard of practice for industry.
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Sarah Shaw, David B. Grant and John Mangan
The purpose of this paper is to review extant literature and present a proposed research agenda to examine whether environmental, i.e. green performance measures, can be…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review extant literature and present a proposed research agenda to examine whether environmental, i.e. green performance measures, can be integrated within an existing supply chain performance framework, explore what a meaningful industry‐recognised environmental measure should look like, and understand the direct benefits of incorporating environmental measures within a supply chain performance framework.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on an extensive literature review in four key areas: performance management, supply chain performance management, environmental management and benchmarking.
Findings
The literature suggests there is an opportunity to explore the relationship between the environment and logistics and that environmental supply chain performance measurement (SCPM) should enable organisations to more effectively benchmark their supply chain environmental performance. A framework incorporating these notions and a research agenda for empirical study are also presented.
Practical implications
The paper provides direction for practitioners on measuring the environmental impact of their supply chains in the context of their overall business performance. The proposed research agenda integrates an environmental measure into an extant supply chain performance framework to provide practitioners with a more holistic view of their supply chain performance in relation to competitors.
Originality/value
There has been limited research conducted in this area. This paper provides insights into developing a green SCPM framework.
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Adrien Presley and Laura Meade
The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology and framework to assist construction firms and contractors in incorporating sustainability measures into their benchmarking…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology and framework to assist construction firms and contractors in incorporating sustainability measures into their benchmarking efforts.
Design/methodology/approach
A methodology that incorporates both strategic and activity‐based criteria for identifying areas for benchmarking is developed by modifying an existing methodology of enterprise performance management. The benchmarking framework makes use of aspects from well‐established management practices such as activity‐based management, balanced scorecard, and multi‐attribute decision models. It allows for the integration of sustainability measures into more conventional measures of construction practice.
Findings
The paper finds that activity and strategic metrics can be integrated into a framework for benchmarking. Additionally, metrics specific to sustainability can be incorporated with more traditional measures to provide a holistic analysis of construction practices.
Practical implications
The framework for sustainable construction is useful for benchmarking. It provides a generic structure, which allows for flexibility when applied to a specific organization. The methodology and model, while geared toward the construction industry, can be easily adapted to other industries.
Originality/value
The paper presents a framework for benchmarking in the important area of sustainability within the construction industry. The framework represents a novel integration of activity and strategic analysis into the benchmarking process.
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David Heikkinen and Joseph Sarkis
Reports that EDI systems differ from traditional computer systems and, therefore, have special disaster recovery issues that need to be addressed; the main difference being that…
Abstract
Reports that EDI systems differ from traditional computer systems and, therefore, have special disaster recovery issues that need to be addressed; the main difference being that EDI systems cross organizational boundaries. Explains that this crossing of boundaries means that an organization must look beyond its own walls when constructing a disaster recovery plan. Identifies various concerns for inter‐enterprise systems. Presents a framework based on how the phases for disaster recovery planning can be used to address and plan for these concerns.
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M. Ruhul Amin and Sharmistha Banerjee
The purpose of this paper is to review general applications of the ISO14001 certification process and show how limitations such as ensuring minimum environmental performance…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review general applications of the ISO14001 certification process and show how limitations such as ensuring minimum environmental performance standard, public access to performance information, and peer benchmarking may be overcome by voluntary commitment to attainable standards by association of specific industries.
Design/methodology/approach
A replicable environmental performance (weighted) index was developed by the authors. Secondary data obtained from five (public and private) steel mills provided technical data under voluntary compliance standards. Primary data on non‐technical items of performance index were collected. The index was tested to demonstrate peer benchmarking process.
Findings
ISO 14001 certification cannot serve as an end in itself for industries as peer companies under voluntary compliance may exceed environmental performance. Minimum acceptable environmental standards could be enforced through industry‐wide consensus. Public access to performance indicators can be ensured under a voluntary mandate; peer benchmarking may allow for competitive goal setting. The model proposed could be gainfully replicated particularly in developing countries.
Research limitations/implications
The weighted index used in the paper could be further expanded to include additional non‐technical items such as occupational employee health and R&D expenditure of plants on environmental management system.
Practical implications
Peer benchmarking should allow for competitive goal setting for continuous improvement. The weighted index could be replicated for other industries in India. This index with minor adjustment, if needed, could be used in other countries and by industries already certified by ISO 14001 standards for peer benchmarking toward continuous improvement.
Originality/value
The weighted index is the original contribution. It is likely to make definitive contribution to the literature of environmental performance measurement. It also makes a contribution to the benchmarking literature in general and to peer benchmarking in particular. The paper not only shows the limitation of ISO 14001 standards but demonstrates how to overcome the limitations toward the competitive goal setting and continuous improvement of performance by the benchmarked industries.
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