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Article
Publication date: 9 July 2021

Arun A. Elias, Flavia Donadelli, Ely L. Paiva and Paulo Philipe Bacic Araujo

The overall objective of this study is to holistically analyse the complexities involved in the adoption of sustainable wood supply chain in the Amazon and to develop strategic…

1452

Abstract

Purpose

The overall objective of this study is to holistically analyse the complexities involved in the adoption of sustainable wood supply chain in the Amazon and to develop strategic interventions to improve the system.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the systems thinking and modelling framework that included problem structuring followed by the development of a systems model. Tumbira and Santa Helena do Inglês, two Amazonian communities, were used as a case. Data were collected by staying inside the Amazon, observing the community members and interacting with them during their activities, including logging inside the forest.

Findings

A behaviour over time (BOT) graph developed as a part of problem structuring showed that deforestation of the Amazon is still increasing, despite the creation of protected areas and NGO activities in the region. Developing a sustainable wood supply chain is considered as one of the approaches for sustainable forestry in the Amazon, but its adoption is slow. The systems model captured the underlying structure of this system and explained this counterintuitive behaviour using eleven interacting feedback loops.

Research limitations/implications

This study is confined to two Amazonian communities and recognises the limitations of generalisations.

Practical implications

This paper illustrates the development of three strategic interventions to improve the adoption of sustainable wood supply chain in the Amazon.

Originality/value

This study highlights the real issues faced by real communities living in the Amazon for adopting sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices. It contributes to the literature on sustainable wood supply chain by systemically analysing the challenges in its adoption, not sufficiently discussed in the literature.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2022

Tharaka De Vass, Alka Ashwini Nand, Ananya Bhattacharya, Daniel Prajogo, Glen Croy, Amrik Sohal and Kristian Rotaru

Using a soft-hard continuum of drivers and barriers, this research seeks to explain wood companies' adoption of circular economy (CE) practices.

Abstract

Purpose

Using a soft-hard continuum of drivers and barriers, this research seeks to explain wood companies' adoption of circular economy (CE) practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple interviews, complemented by secondary documents and site observations were used to investigate three wood-based companies that have adopted CE practices. The 10R framework and soft-hard continuum are used to guide data analysis.

Findings

The adoption of 10R practices were explained by soft-factor incentives of leaders' values and vision and openness for innovation, all within a regulatory void, and eventually overcome hard-factor barriers of process development, supply chain capability and customer behaviours at product end-of-life.

Practical implications

Crucial for CE model adoption are leaders' positive attitudes, subsequently grown across the companies. The 10Rs are a prompt for CE practice adoption to capture and retain value and generate revenue. Collaboration across the supply chain, including customers and other value capture companies (e.g. repurposing companies), is essential to maximise value retention. Government should play an increased soft-factor incentive regulatory role and support CE practices to overcome hard-factor barriers.

Originality/value

This study contributes an explanation of CE adoption within a relatively unsupported context. Despite the regulatory void, CE practice adoption was driven by leader values. To achieve their vision and overcome the numerous barriers, suppliers and customers required a large investment in education. Indeed, customer behaviour, previously thought to be an incentive for CE adoption, is also identified as a barrier.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 34 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 January 2022

Kumaraguru Mahadevan, Arun Elias and Premaratne Samaranayake

The main purpose of this research is to investigate the supply chain performance through collaborative effectiveness, from the organisations of Asia–Pacific region perspective…

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this research is to investigate the supply chain performance through collaborative effectiveness, from the organisations of Asia–Pacific region perspective, compared with that of global organisations based on collaborative supply chain practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey research methodology was adopted, involving the collection of survey data from 223 participants across 10 different industries and 6 geographic regions. Data included 103 organisations in the Asia–Pacific region including Australia, India, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.

Findings

From a collaborative effectiveness perspective, the supply chain performance of Asia–Pacific organisations is different when compared with that of global organisations. It was also found that global organisations are driven by sales performance, while Asia–Pacific organisations are focussing mainly on the cost in terms of the number of employees, and therefore productivity. The metal industry stands out to be the best performing industry from a collaborative effectiveness perspective in the Asia–Pacific region and globally.

Practical implications

The research findings can be used as a guide by industry practitioners to develop benchmarks for collaborative supply chain practices by industry and region of operations. This research has been limited to a few industries such as manufacturing, logistics, service and retail industries.

Originality/value

This research generates new knowledge on the relationship between the collaborative effectiveness and supply chain performance, from the perspectives of both Asia–Pacific and global organisations, based on a collaborative effectiveness framework. The study proposes an innovative approach of assessing supply chain performance through collaborative effectiveness from the perspectives of geographical boundaries and industry types.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 72 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2008

Luciano Barin Cruz and Dirk Michael Boehe

The main purpose of this article is to identify some emergent issues when sustainability is introduced into global value chains. These issues deal with the conditions under which…

7785

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this article is to identify some emergent issues when sustainability is introduced into global value chains. These issues deal with the conditions under which a sustainable global value chain might gain international competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory research was conducted, based on a case study. The main players of the JOBEK's Global Value Chain were identified and interviews were carried out with representatives of these players. A thematic content analysis was developed, supported by Atlas TI software, using interview data and documents.

Findings

Three main themes have emerged, which can be considered as underlying issues of an emerging concept that the authors call the “sustainable global value chain”. These are: bargaining power between the chain's players; a differentiation strategy along the global value chain; and a collaborative awareness‐building process along the global value chain.

Research limitations/implications

Although the findings result from a single case study, the characteristics of this case have allowed the authors to suggest an emergent concept for the field of international business: the concept of a sustainable global value chain. This has implications for the development of a new research field and for the introduction of some ethical concerns into this field.

Practical implications

Managers of organizations that participate in sustainable global value chains may consider the emerging concepts and their interrelationships as a guideline for strategic decision‐making. In particular, managers need to be aware of how the relationships between power balance, CSR product differentiation strategies and awareness building may influence the competitiveness of their sustainable global value chain.

Originality/value

The article proposes the emergence of a new concept that has important ethical implications for international business: the sustainable global value chain. The authors suggest that the further development of this new concept is likely to stimulate the development of an emergent research field.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 46 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 June 2019

Aries Susanty, Diana Puspita Sari, Dyah Ika Ika Rinawati, Ratna Purwaningsih and Faisal Hasbullah Sjawie

The purpose of this paper is to implement the combined approach of Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and system dynamic (SD) for examining the impacts of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to implement the combined approach of Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and system dynamic (SD) for examining the impacts of several elements on the implementation of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices in the furniture industry concerning the amount of wood waste resulted and the demand of wood materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops an SD-based model by using four approaches, i.e., “demand of furniture”, “raw material”, “revenue of furniture industry” and “the implementation of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices”.

Findings

The simulation results have shown that the best conditions occur in the fourth scenario or a combined scenario. This scenario can guarantee a decrease in need of wood and discarded wood waste due to the use of wood waste for raw material by some industries. This scenario can thus increase the share of wood waste used as raw materials.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation of this study is on the calculation of the amount of wood, which has used the data of wood products obtained from the Central Java Provincial Agency of the Environment and Forestry. This calculation has not taken into account the forest area degradation. Second, the demand for furniture has been converted from the historical data of domestic and foreign sales. Third, the model used in this study has not considered the decrease of the production cost and the increase of the profit gained by the wooden furniture small- and medium-sized enterprises that use the wood waste as part of their raw material.

Practical implications

This research provides essential insights into the context of implementing the policies to increase the implementation of GSCM practices.

Originality/value

This research can make a difference in two aspects. First, it has tested policies, not in isolation. It has simultaneously tested various combinations of policies because the furniture industry can be seen as a system with complex relationships among the elements. Second, this study can broaden scientific insights related to the use of the DEMATEL method in the SD methodology.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Abstract

Subject area

Entrepreneurship, Corporate sustainability, CSR, Supply chain.

Study level/applicability

Master's courses: Entrepreneurship, Strategic management.

Case overview

In 2002, potential risks deriving from emerging normative demands in the CSR debate prompted Axel Springer (AS) to rethink their supply chain strategy for Russian wood. Being one of the first movers in CSR in the publishing business, AS realized that current practices could spark future public discussion that might put pressure on AS, a key player in these supply chains. In early 2002, AS and one of their main suppliers, Stora Enso, started a joint initiative to redesign the supply chain processes in two of the major Russian logging regions to improve their social and ecological performance. Sometime later, other major players in the publishing sector as well as critical reviewers from several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were invited to participate in the design of the new voluntary sustainability initiative called “Tikhvin Chalna project”, the second phase of which was accomplished by the end of 2006.

Expected learning outcomes

Learn that organizations (specifically high-brand owners) are responsible for practices within their entire supply chains (social as well as environmental performance).

Explore proactive corporate sustainability, CSR strategies are market but also institutional driven; Strategizing involves forming and transforming the rules, norms and standard models of customers as well as institutions such as NGOs or governmental bodies. Whether the initiator of such strategy is successful in increasing or manipulating demands is dependent on its resources and capabilities as well as on its network position. The case supports students in understanding resources being used to successfully transform or create institutional arrangements.

Discover that the value of a business' relationships and its network position.

Supplementary materials

Teaching note, Video files

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 1 no. 3
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 May 2011

Nils J. Peters, Joerg S. Hofstetter and Volker H. Hoffmann

The purpose of this paper is to address the implementation of proactive interorganizational sustainable supply chain strategies by empirically exploring the relationship between…

3491

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the implementation of proactive interorganizational sustainable supply chain strategies by empirically exploring the relationship between key (inter‐)organizational resources of the initiating company and the establishment of widely accepted voluntary sustainability initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is built on comparative case studies as well as literature on institutional entrepreneurship and the resource‐based view.

Findings

The authors identify capabilities that enable the creation and establishment of company‐driven voluntary sustainability initiatives – namely external stakeholder integration, cross‐functional integration, the management of loosely coupled business units, supply chain implementation, process improvement and cultural framing.

Originality/value

With this study, the authors introduce institutional entrepreneurship theory to supply chain management literature and show that institutional entrepreneurship theory may contribute to the question of how organizations implement their interorganizational sustainable supply chain strategies. Specifically, the study derives propositions for key resources enabling the establishment of voluntary sustainability initiatives widely accepted by participants as well as initiative‐external stakeholders.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 22 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 August 2010

Rupesh Kumar Pati and Prem Vrat

Demanding customers, legislation and raw materials shortages in the modern world have forced companies to minimize the system's environmental impact. The paper seeks to analyze…

Abstract

Purpose

Demanding customers, legislation and raw materials shortages in the modern world have forced companies to minimize the system's environmental impact. The paper seeks to analyze the economic impact of blending in sustainable paper industries in countries such as India.

Design/methodology/approach

A linear programming model for a paper supply chain is proposed to minimize paper manufacturing cost by optimally blending wood pulp and after‐use paper under various conventional supply chain constraints. The issues of quality, environmental concern and reusability in the paper industry have also been taken into account.

Findings

Improving quality of after‐use paper by proper recovery network reduces the manufacturing cost. Increasing proportion of wood fiber in the finished paper decreases the cost, even at the cost of degradation in the environment. Thus, it is up to the manufacturer to reflect its degree of environmental concern to the government and society by assigning appropriate environmental and quality opportunity costs in the model.

Research limitations/implications

Difficulty in obtaining the estimates of the environmental and quality cost is a major limitation of the study.

Practical implications

This research provides manufacturers with a simple mathematical model to compare the economic feasibility of blending wood pulp and after‐use paper depending on the market situation.

Originality/value

The major contribution of the model is its capability to study the economic impact of blending by considering some of the important sustainable development issues like environment, quality, shortage, and reusability under one objective function.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 21 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2022

Lina Gharaibeh, Kristina Maria Eriksson, Bjorn Lantz, Sandra Matarneh and Faris Elghaish

The wood construction industry has been described as slow in adapting efficiency-increasing activities in its operations and supply chain. The industry is still facing challenges…

1078

Abstract

Purpose

The wood construction industry has been described as slow in adapting efficiency-increasing activities in its operations and supply chain. The industry is still facing challenges related to digitalization, such as fragmentation, poor traceability and lack of real-time information. This study evaluates the status of digitalization in construction supply chains by thematically analyzing the existing literature and mapping research trends.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the key literature from 2016 to 2021 was performed. The results highlight various technologies and their applications within supply chains and identify research gaps, especially between theoretical frameworks and actual implementation using a scientometric-thematic analysis.

Findings

This paper provides a conceptual framework to further aid researchers in exploring the current trends in Supply Chain 4.0 and its applications in the wood construction industry compared to other more advanced industries. Suggested directions for future research in the wood construction Supply Chain 4.0 are outlined.

Originality/value

The existing literature still lacks a comprehensive review of the potential of a digitalized supply chain, especially in the construction industry. This framework is pivotal to continue explaining and observing the best ways to accelerate and implement Supply Chain 4.0 practices for digitalized supply chain management (SCM) while focusing specifically on the wood construction industry. The literature review results will help develop a comprehensive framework for future research direction to create a clearer vision of the current state of digitalization in supply chains and focus on the wood construction supply chain, thus, fully achieving the benefits of Supply Chain 4.0 in the wood construction industry.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 April 2023

James M. Wilson and Alvise Favotto

The Arsenale was the largest medieval industrial enterprise, famous for its assembly line. Management faced extreme variations between peace-time and war-time demands. Satisfying…

Abstract

Purpose

The Arsenale was the largest medieval industrial enterprise, famous for its assembly line. Management faced extreme variations between peace-time and war-time demands. Satisfying these unpredictable and sudden demands for a large, complex product with a multiple years–long production cycle was challenging. The purpose of this study is to analyze the Arsenale’s operations and supply chain arrangements, and to identify and assess their management policies. We also track its development and investigate its influence on other countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology used is archival research with content analysis of text and graphic representations of production processes.

Findings

These reveal that Venice’s supply chain management evolved from simply exploiting woodlands as needs arose, to a managed forest with planned planting, cultivation and harvesting, ending with the active modification of growing trees so their natural growth was artificially shaped to satisfy production requirements. Instead of fabricating components in their factory, the Venetians formed them by shaping the trees while they were still growing. These arboriculture techniques then provided a planned and regular supply of high-quality components that purely natural processes provided only randomly.

Research limitations/implications

There may be undiscovered archival documents despite the authors’ best efforts. The development of this historic supply chain reflects modern managerial concerns.

Practical implications

Modern restorations of historic ships and buildings use some of the fabrication methods identified, although the more intensive techniques would require higher volume production.

Social implications

This reveals historical forestry practices emphasised long-term needs and sustainable use.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is a unique long-term investigation of an integrated production system and considers its influence on Iberian, French, British and American forestry and ship building. The close integration of production requirements with forestry practices was a novel finding.

Details

Journal of Management History, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1348

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 5000