Search results

1 – 10 of over 36000
Article
Publication date: 19 October 2015

Sarah Elsaid and El-Houssaine Aghezzaf

This purpose of this paper is concerned with the issue of designing and operating a sustainable waste management system, in rapidly growing urban areas. Some existing models for…

3957

Abstract

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is concerned with the issue of designing and operating a sustainable waste management system, in rapidly growing urban areas. Some existing models for waste management and the extent to which they could be applied in a specific environment – Cairo for example – are discussed. An integrated framework which can serve as a basis for the development of a sustainable waste management system is proposed. Sustainability of the system, opportunities and challenges, material re-use and recycling, composting, incineration and energy production and land-filling are examined. Relevant waste management and cost sub-models inherent to the system are discussed. In addition, some other environmental and social aspects are also debated. The main focus of this paper is to provide some insights into the design of a more effective and integrated sustainable waste management system applicable for developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

An in-depth analysis is carried out for the existing models and approaches for waste management. This has led to the development of a framework which can be implemented.

Findings

A comprehensive conceptual framework for a waste management system is developed. The major inputs and expected outputs are clearly identified.

Originality/value

A comprehensive and complete system for waste management is proposed. This system can be operationalized and implemented with a view of sustainability.

Details

Management Research Review, vol. 38 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8269

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 June 2019

Avital Bechar and Gad Vitner

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the issue of low yields in the packinghouses of green ornamentals and cut flowers due to the high rate of crops waste. Waste may be…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the issue of low yields in the packinghouses of green ornamentals and cut flowers due to the high rate of crops waste. Waste may be caused by pests, diseases and extreme weather or environmental conditions that are not under the farmer’s control. Other causes may relate to work processes as follows: irrigation, spraying, harvesting, handling, transportation, sorting, bundling and packaging.

Design/methodology/approach

The farm under study is a private owned business managed by the owner’s family members with growing area of 22 ha and eight daily workers. The farm produces about 2.5m units (flower stems) per year. The farm represents a typical flower farm in Israel. A costing model and decision rules were developed to identify the critical waste rate that will consider being economic to ship to the market. The model takes into account the production process, the production yield, the operational costs and sales price and calculates the breakeven point. A simulation model was developed to verify the relationships between waste rate to the total process time per stem and flow time.

Findings

Results show that the critical waste rate for Ruscus, Antirrhinum, Aralia and Aspidistra crops is 16, 74, 22 and 39 percent, respectively. The total process time per harvested stem decreases as the waste rate increases.

Originality/value

A working model was developed to determine the waste threshold rate and support the farmer in day-to-day economic decisions regarding shipment to the market and effective management of his workers.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 68 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 November 2019

Salla Marttonen-Arola and David Baglee

Due to recent technological developments, many maintenance managers become overwhelmed by the vast amount of data available to support their decision making. The purpose of this…

Abstract

Purpose

Due to recent technological developments, many maintenance managers become overwhelmed by the vast amount of data available to support their decision making. The purpose of this paper is to discuss identifying and eliminating waste in information management processes through a value stream mapping (VSM)-based method.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework is constructed based upon a review of the previous academic literature. The application of the framework is demonstrated with an empirical case example of a maintenance information management process within a food manufacturing company.

Findings

The paper highlights existing examples of applying VSM in information management; however, the knowledge is fragmented and has not been extensively applied in a maintenance context. The case example shows that the suggested process offers a feasible method of mapping and evaluating the inherent waste in information management processes.

Originality/value

The paper summarizes the existing body of knowledge on lean information management in maintenance, and presents a theoretical framework on how VSM can be applied in the context. An empirical example is provided to show the method applied to a real industry case. The results will illustrate how the framework can support companies in identifying the waste and development potential in their maintenance information management.

Details

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, vol. 26 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2511

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 February 2021

Juliana Emidio, Rafael Lima, Camila Leal and Grasiele Madrona

The dairy industry needs to make important decisions regarding its supply chain. In a context with many available suppliers, deciding which of them will be part of the supply…

Abstract

Purpose

The dairy industry needs to make important decisions regarding its supply chain. In a context with many available suppliers, deciding which of them will be part of the supply chain and deciding when to buy raw milk is key to the supply chain performance. This study aims to propose a mathematical model to support milk supply decisions. In addition to determining which producers should be chosen as suppliers, the model decides on a milk pickup schedule over a planning horizon. The model addresses production decisions, inventory, setup and the use of by-products generated in the raw milk processing.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was formulated using mixed integer linear programming, tested with randomly generated instances of various sizes and solved using the Gurobi Solver. Instances were generated using parameters obtained from a company that manufactures dairy products to test the model in a more realistic scenario.

Findings

The results show that the proposed model can be solved with real-world sized instances in short computational times and yielding high quality results. Hence, companies can adopt this model to reduce transportation, production and inventory costs by supporting decision making throughout their supply chains.

Originality/value

The novelty of the proposed model stems from the ability to integrate milk pickup and production planning of dairy products, thus being more comprehensive than the models currently available in the literature. Additionally, the model also considers by-products, which can be used as inputs for other products.

Details

Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-0839

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 20 October 2015

Mohammad Shamsuddoha

Contemporary literature reveals that, to date, the poultry livestock sector has not received sufficient research attention. This particular industry suffers from unstructured…

Abstract

Contemporary literature reveals that, to date, the poultry livestock sector has not received sufficient research attention. This particular industry suffers from unstructured supply chain practices, lack of awareness of the implications of the sustainability concept and failure to recycle poultry wastes. The current research thus attempts to develop an integrated supply chain model in the context of poultry industry in Bangladesh. The study considers both sustainability and supply chain issues in order to incorporate them in the poultry supply chain. By placing the forward and reverse supply chains in a single framework, existing problems can be resolved to gain economic, social and environmental benefits, which will be more sustainable than the present practices.

The theoretical underpinning of this research is ‘sustainability’ and the ‘supply chain processes’ in order to examine possible improvements in the poultry production process along with waste management. The research adopts the positivist paradigm and ‘design science’ methods with the support of system dynamics (SD) and the case study methods. Initially, a mental model is developed followed by the causal loop diagram based on in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and observation techniques. The causal model helps to understand the linkages between the associated variables for each issue. Finally, the causal loop diagram is transformed into a stock and flow (quantitative) model, which is a prerequisite for SD-based simulation modelling. A decision support system (DSS) is then developed to analyse the complex decision-making process along the supply chains.

The findings reveal that integration of the supply chain can bring economic, social and environmental sustainability along with a structured production process. It is also observed that the poultry industry can apply the model outcomes in the real-life practices with minor adjustments. This present research has both theoretical and practical implications. The proposed model’s unique characteristics in mitigating the existing problems are supported by the sustainability and supply chain theories. As for practical implications, the poultry industry in Bangladesh can follow the proposed supply chain structure (as par the research model) and test various policies via simulation prior to its application. Positive outcomes of the simulation study may provide enough confidence to implement the desired changes within the industry and their supply chain networks.

Details

Sustaining Competitive Advantage Via Business Intelligence, Knowledge Management, and System Dynamics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-707-3

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 April 2019

Sarah Gabashwediwe Mungodla, Linda Zikhona Linganiso, Sukoluhle Mlambo and Tshwafo Motaung

In 2008, a number of Southern African countries cultivated about 900,000 ha of Jatropha, with a number of biodiesel plants ready for production; however, none of the projects…

Abstract

Purpose

In 2008, a number of Southern African countries cultivated about 900,000 ha of Jatropha, with a number of biodiesel plants ready for production; however, none of the projects succeeded. In 2014, KiOR advanced biofuel Energy Company in the USA announced bankruptcy due to incompetent technology. Studies disclose that the reasons for biofuel plants failure are not only due to lack of incentives and unclear policies but also due to lack of economic feasibility and low production yields. This paper aims to review the techno-economy assessment of second-generation biofuel technologies. The purpose of this paper is to summarize specific techno-economic indicators such as production cost, technology efficiency and process life cycle analysis for advanced biofuel technology and to narrate and illustrate a clear view of what requires assessment to deploy a feasible advanced biofuel technology. This study also reviews assessment of biomass supply chain, feedstock availability and site selection criteria. The review also elaborates on the use of different processes, forecasting and simulation-modeling tools used in different techno-economic analysis studies. The review provides guidance for conducting a technical and economic feasibility study for the advanced biofuels energy business.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim of this review is, therefore, to evaluate the techno-economic feasibility studies for the establishment of viable industrial scale production of second-generation biofuels. It does so by grouping studies based on technology selection, feedstock availability and suitability, process simulation and economies as well as technology environmental impact assessment.

Findings

In conclusion, techno-economic analysis tools offer researchers insight in terms of where their research and development should focus, to attain the most significant enhancement for the economics of a technology. The study patterns within the scope of techno-economics of advanced biofuel reveal that there is no generic answer as to which technology would be feasible at a commercial scale. It is therefore important to keep in mind that models can only simplify and give a simulation of reality to a certain extent. Nevertheless, reviewed studies do not reach the same results, but some results are logically similar.

Originality/value

The originality of this article specifically illustrates important technical and economic indicators that should be considered when conducting feasibility studies for advance biofuels.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 June 2013

Xiaoyun Bing, Jim J. Groot, Jacqueline M. Bloemhof‐Ruwaard and Jack G.A.J. van der Vorst

This research studies a plastic recycling system from a reverse logistics angle and investigates the potential benefits of a multimodality strategy to the network design of…

2742

Abstract

Purpose

This research studies a plastic recycling system from a reverse logistics angle and investigates the potential benefits of a multimodality strategy to the network design of plastic recycling. This research aims to quantify the impact of multimodality on the network, to provide decision support for the design of more sustainable plastic recycling networks in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

A MILP model is developed to assess different plastic waste collection, treatment and transportation scenarios. Comprehensive costs of the network are considered, including emission costs. A baseline scenario represents the optimized current situation while other scenarios allow multimodality options (barge and train) to be applied.

Findings

Results show that transportation cost contributes to about 7 percent of the total cost and multimodality can bring a reduction of almost 20 percent in transportation costs (CO2‐eq emissions included). In our illustrative case with two plastic separation methods, the post‐separation channel benefits more from a multimodality strategy than the source‐separation channel. This relates to the locations and availability of intermediate facilities and the quantity of waste transported on each route.

Originality/value

This study applies a reverse logistics network model to design a plastic recycling network with special structures and incorporates a multimodality strategy to improve sustainability. Emission costs (carbon emission equivalents times carbon tax) are added to the total cost of the network to be optimized.

Details

International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol. 43 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0960-0035

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 September 2010

Jane L.J. Hao, Vivian W.Y. Tam, H.P. Yuan, J.Y. Wang and J.R. Li

The aim of this paper is to develop a model based on system dynamics (SD) approach, which integrates three subsystems for simulating construction and demolition (C&D) waste

2508

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to develop a model based on system dynamics (SD) approach, which integrates three subsystems for simulating construction and demolition (C&D) waste management in Shenzhen, Mainland China.

Design/methodology/approach

SD approach was first used to construct the model for C&D waste management in Shenzhen. The model was then converted for running on computer through the software package “iThink”, which was specifically designed for SD modeling. The data required for model simulation was derived through various ways, including literature review, examination of official reports and yearbooks, and questionnaires. After all the parameters in the model were determined, simulation was carried out.

Findings

The model proposed in this research can provide an experimental simulation platform to investigate the complexity and interdependencies of factors in managing C&D waste in Shenzhen, Mainland China. The simulation results show that the pressing situation of C&D waste management in Shenzhen would aggravate if no effective measures were taken to address it during the simulation period. Participants' active participation and cost consideration are the two major factors affecting C&D waste reduction. Furthermore, new landfills should be planned to properly handle the C&D waste accumulated in Shenzhen over the past few years.

Originality/value

Although some studies have been conducted under the topic of C&D waste management during the past few years in Shenzhen – how to effectively and efficiently handle the waste is still unsolved. Factors affecting the effectiveness of C&D waste management have separately been examined in the previous studies, without considering their interrelations. The SD‐based model is developed in this research to investigate the complex and interdependent relationships among these factors. The model can deepen participants' understandings about C&D waste management and help explore the major factors affecting the effectiveness of management activities. The measures, which are proposed based on the simulation results, can serve as a valuable reference for planning C&D waste management in Shenzhen.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 17 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 9 March 2023

Rahmi Yuniarti, Ilyas Masudin, Ahmad Rusdiansyah and Dwi Iryaning Handayani

This study aimed to develop the integration of the multiperiod production-distribution model in a closed-loop supply chain involving carbon emission and traceability. The…

1151

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to develop the integration of the multiperiod production-distribution model in a closed-loop supply chain involving carbon emission and traceability. The developed model was for agricultural food (agri-food) products, considering the reverse flow of food waste from the disposal center (composting center) to producers.

Findings

The results indicate that integrating the production and distribution model considering food waste recycling provides low carbon emissions in lower total costs. The sensitivity analysis also found that there are trade-offs between production and distribution rate and food waste levels on carbon emission and traceability.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on the mathematical modeling of a multiperiod production-distribution formulation for a closed-loop supply chain.

Originality/value

The model of the agri-food closed-loop supply chain in this study that considers food recycling and carbon emissions would help stakeholders involved in the agri-food supply chain to reduce food waste and carbon emissions.

Details

International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Operations Management, vol. 5 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2690-6090

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2021

Jaber Valizadeh and Peyman Mozafari

Production of waste has been increased exponentially due to world industrialization and urban and machine life expansion. On the other hand, the outbreak of the COVID-19…

Abstract

Purpose

Production of waste has been increased exponentially due to world industrialization and urban and machine life expansion. On the other hand, the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus quickly became a global crisis. This crisis has added a large amount of waste to urban waste. The purpose of this study is to create cooperation between municipal waste collector contractors.

Design/methodology/approach

Thus, a mathematical model is proposed under uncertain conditions, which includes the volume of municipal waste and infectious waste including personal protective equipment and used equipment for patients. To reduce total costs, the results are evaluated with four cooperative game theory methods such as Shapley value, t value, core center and least core. Ultimately, the saved cost by cooperation in each coalition is allocated fairly among the contractors. Finally, a comparison was made between the solution methods based on the value of the objective function and the solution time.

Findings

The results indicate that the proposed cooperative method increases cost savings and reduces the fine of residual waste. Therefore, it can be mentioned that this kind of cooperation would finally result in more incentives for contractors to form larger coalitions. Genetic algorithms were used to solve the large-scale model.

Originality/value

The proposed model boosts the current understanding of waste management in the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper adds additional value by unveiling some key future research directions. This guidance may demonstrate possible existing and unexplored gaps so that researchers can direct future research to develop new processes.

1 – 10 of over 36000