Search results

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Book part
Publication date: 19 April 2022

Rikke Dorothea Huulgaard, Heidi Simone Kristensen, Arne Remmen and Carla Kornelia Smink

The purchasing power of public sector organizations can be used to promote strategic policy objectives such as sustainability, innovation, and the concept of circular economy…

Abstract

The purchasing power of public sector organizations can be used to promote strategic policy objectives such as sustainability, innovation, and the concept of circular economy (CE). In Denmark, total greenhouse gas emissions from public procurement (PP) activities comprise approximately 12 million tons CO2eq/year. Thus, if sustainability criteria and CE are considered in PP, there is a potential for environmental savings and for driving innovation toward circularity. Directive 2014/24/EU on PP makes it possible to include sustainability criteria or CE in public tenders. In order to aid this process, the case company Vraa Dampvaskeri has, together with researchers from Aalborg University, developed a guide for sustainable PP focusing on workwear and laundry services. In this chapter, we explore how this guide has been used in practice. This includes a consideration of the way in which such a guide can aid the process of setting sustainable and circular criteria in public tenders, thus supporting a transition to CE. Although the guide is now supported by national criteria for textiles in the Danish Partnership for Green PP, these tools cannot stand alone, as their use by PP officers is voluntary. Market engagement is imperative for inclusion of sustainability and CE in tenders, and the involvement of user groups is essentially important.

Open Access
Book part
Publication date: 1 May 2019

Tina Karrbom Gustavsson, Anna Kadefors, Sofia Lingegård, Ola Laedre, Ole Jonny Klakegg, Nils Olsson and Johan Larsson

The purpose of the study is to map previous and current construction procurement research to further develop the research in the Nordic counties.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to map previous and current construction procurement research to further develop the research in the Nordic counties.

Design/Methodology/Approach

Mapping of previous and current research based on search in national database. The analysis is based on research perspectives, empirical contexts and research methods.

Findings

That the blind spots are partly overlapping, but that there is potential for knowledge transfer in some areas. There is also the potential for a Nordic research program on one or several of the blind spots.

Research Limitations/Implications

The study is limited to PhD and licentiate-thesis reports in Norway and Sweden. Further research should include the other Nordic countries and a more extensive literature review including journal articles to broaden the scope. Findings have implications on collaborative Nordic research initiatives, knowledge transfer and in a longer perspective on the level of procurement knowledge in industry and society.

Practical Implications

Findings provide a base for future research collaborations, initiatives and applications.

Originality/Value

Findings provide a comprehensive understanding of construction procurement research in the Nordic countries, starting with Norway and Sweden. This understanding is needed for developing research collaborations and applications.

Details

10th Nordic Conference on Construction Economics and Organization
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83867-051-1

Keywords

Abstract

Details

SDG12 – Sustainable Consumption and Production: A Revolutionary Challenge for the 21st Century
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78973-102-6

Book part
Publication date: 19 April 2022

Muhammad Umair Shah and James H. Bookbinder

Recently, 181 CEOs of notable corporations signed a joint statement at the Business Roundtable (2019) on the “Purpose of a Corporation” – declaring its aim as the creation of…

Abstract

Recently, 181 CEOs of notable corporations signed a joint statement at the Business Roundtable (2019) on the “Purpose of a Corporation” – declaring its aim as the creation of benefits for “all stakeholders.” This will likely accelerate the circular economy transition process. Harmonizing the interests of various stakeholders is essential for managing successful organizations and supply chains, which is similar to the first principle of using natural ecosystem thinking. According to that principle, it is essential to strike a balance between the producers, consumers, scavengers, and decomposers. We draw on stakeholder theory to identify various challenges and risks that restrict businesses from building sustainable circular systems. We turn our attention toward increasing the numbers of “scavengers” and “decomposers” in the system for attaining sustainable growth. Our emphasis is on (1) empowering organizational life cycle stages, (2) designing for “decomposability” and “scavengers,” and (3) suggesting the use of advanced optimization models for harmonizing stakeholder relationships.

Details

Circular Economy Supply Chains: From Chains to Systems
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83982-545-3

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 16 October 2017

Abstract

Details

The Experience of Democracy and Bureaucracy in South Korea
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78714-471-2

Book part
Publication date: 8 October 2018

Chris J. Moon

New mindsets and innovative thinking (ABIS, 2017; Moon, 2013, 2014, 2015; Moon, Walmsley, & Apostolopoulos, 2018) are needed to deliver on everything from good health and…

Abstract

New mindsets and innovative thinking (ABIS, 2017; Moon, 2013, 2014, 2015; Moon, Walmsley, & Apostolopoulos, 2018) are needed to deliver on everything from good health and well-being to affordable and clean energy. This chapter reviews the latest trends globally to tackling pressing social and environmental problems (2016–2018), focuses on a sample of 100 projects, mapped against the UN SDGs and evaluated on their ‘innovation’ and scalability and selects 25 projects related to ‘circular economy’ solutions for a more in-depth consideration. The projects cover a range of applications including Buildings, Food, Energy, Transportation, Resources and Education. The key research question is: what strategic policy support is needed for enterprise & entrepreneurship education to develop the necessary multi collaborative and cross disciplinary mindsets and skills that such projects require? Reference is made to global risks and sustainability solutions, skills needed for the green economy and implications for enterprise development and entrepreneurship education. Findings reveal the need for new measures of eco and social mindset that will support the development of the creative and innovative solutions necessary for tackling the UN SDGs.

Details

Entrepreneurship and the Sustainable Development Goals
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78756-375-9

Keywords

Abstract

Details

The Purpose-Driven University
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83867-283-6

Book part
Publication date: 5 October 2020

Kittisak Jermsittiparsert

The primary objective of the current study is to examine the role of leadership styles and Industry 4.0 in organization performance. In addition, the direct and indirect effect of…

Abstract

The primary objective of the current study is to examine the role of leadership styles and Industry 4.0 in organization performance. In addition, the direct and indirect effect of job satisfaction, competitive advantage and business sustainability is also examined. For this purpose, a cross-sectional research design was selected. Population of the study were based on the manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) of Thailand. Employees of these SMEs were selected to collect the data. Therefore, respondents of the study were employees of Thai manufacturing SMEs. Various close ended questions related to the concerned study were asked on a five-point Likert scale. Furthermore, this study analyzed the data with the help of Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Results of the study revealed that both leadership styles and Industry 4.0 have significant role in organization performance. Leadership styles and Industry 4.0 influence positively on job satisfaction and competitive advantage, respectively. Further, job satisfaction and competitive advantage influence positively on business sustainability. Finally, business sustainability significantly improves organization performance. Therefore, the current study has vital importance for practitioners to enhance organization performance through leadership styles and Industry 4.0.

Details

Agile Business Leadership Methods for Industry 4.0
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80043-381-6

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 16 October 2017

Jesse W. Campbell

Due to the scope of procurement in the public sector, public procurement policy has the potential to shape the behavior of market actors and promote the growth of businesses with…

Abstract

Due to the scope of procurement in the public sector, public procurement policy has the potential to shape the behavior of market actors and promote the growth of businesses with socially relevant characteristics. This chapter looks at the public procurement process in South Korea as well as the implementation of the country’s e-procurement system. Public procurement is vulnerable to corruption in various ways, and Korea’s KONEPS e-procurement system has reduced corruption in the procurement process by increasing transparency, the persistence of data, and the probability of detecting irregularities. Second, this chapter explores how Korea has increasingly incorporated sustainable procurement principles into procurement policy, attempting to foster innovative and environmentally friendly companies, as well as those led by individuals belonging to socially disadvantaged groups. The chapter concludes with a discussion of some of the historical and organizational factors underlying Korea’s successes in public procurement in order to better understand the extent to which currently developing countries can draw upon the Korean case to improve their own procurement policies.

Details

The Experience of Democracy and Bureaucracy in South Korea
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78714-471-2

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 16 August 2014

Claire Marsh

This chapter presents an organizational learning approach to understanding the objectives and challenges of an National Health Service (NHS) Sustainable Development agenda, which…

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter presents an organizational learning approach to understanding the objectives and challenges of an National Health Service (NHS) Sustainable Development agenda, which involves the integration of social, ecological and economic concerns into organizational functioning, for example the construction and management of buildings, design and delivery of services, and employment of staff.

Methodology

The approach is used to frame an empirical analysis of 11 Projects conducted by NHS organizations aiming to advance this agenda during a particularly active phase in the mid to late 2000s. The approach helps identify the assumptions of organizational purpose, strategy and practice inherent in proposals for Sustainable Development and expose the challenges these are likely to pose. This framing helps articulate a vision and identify the actor groups, and their guiding assumptions, which need to be engaged if progress is to be made.

Findings

The vision of Sustainable Development being promoted was predominantly one of an NHS contributing to the economic and social determinants of health through its procurement, service development and employment activities. Contributions to environmental determinants only took place where financial gains to the NHS organizations themselves made activities, such as investment in renewable energy, viable in the short-term. Within most Projects strategic tools able to predict and measure benefits had to be developed on-the-job and most received help from external agencies to do this work.

Social implications

Rather than expecting individual NHS organizations to progress this agenda alone, others involved in the shaping of collective assumptions of the NHS' purpose and strategies for growth must be engaged in what can be viewed as a social process of learning.

Details

Ecological Health: Society, Ecology and Health
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-323-0

Keywords

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