An AHP Framework to Evaluate Barriers and Potential Tensions to Green Supply Chain Management in the Food and Beverage Industry

With an increasing awareness of climate change and the need for sustainable processes, a growing number of studies have addressed green supply chain management (GSCM), its drivers, barriers, and implementation frameworks. However, despite the importance of environmental practices, industries are reluctant to implement GSCM activities, as many obstacles can arise while initiating GSCM in traditional supply chain management (TSCM). The previous literature review indicated substantial research on the barriers that hinder the adoption of green activities. To the best of our knowledge, no previous research has assessed the tensions and conflicts that may arise among collaborating actors, which can also hinder the adoption of environmental business practices. In particular, there is a notable gap in research that investigates the green- supply-chain issues in the Egyptian food and beverage manufacturing sector. In this paper, we went a step ahead to investigate these issues and to explore how GSCM barriers cause tensions among collaborating actors. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the barriers and tensions that impede the implementation of GSCM in the Egyptian food and beverage industry (FBI).  In our methodology, we targeted three large food and beverage multinational companies located in Egypt. Barriers and types of tensions were identified through the literature review. Data collection consisted of three phases. For the primary source of data, a qualitative method was utilized for semi-structured interviews, followed by a questionnaire survey. Furthermore, a decision group was formed to collect and validate the data. Using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), this study categorised the identified barriers based on the relevant type of tension and explored how such barriers can create tension among various stakeholders. Thirty-nine barriers and 11 types of tension were identified through the literature review and discussion with experts. Of the total number of identified barriers, 18 were identified as common. Based on the AHP results, the category of economic tensions had the most importance. The barrier related to inflation and the currency exchange rate was the most significant among the 18 barriers and was the main driver of economic tensions. Our findings suggest that the economic instability of countries can affect the implementation of GSCM.  This is the first study that combines barriers and tensions among stakeholders as impediments toward adopting green environmental practices. This study provides a new approach to the literature, giving insight into the tensions that could delay or prevent the adoption of green business activities, an approach that could be a scientific breakthrough for upcoming studies. Finally, this study can help the Egyptian FBI to identify the main issues that could hinder the transition from TSCM to GSCM. Keywords: Green supply chain management; analytical hierarchy process; barrier analysis; tensions; food and beverage industry DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/13-6-01 Publication date:March 31st 202

A Framework for Construction Workspace Management: A Serious Game Engine Approach

Construction workspace is regarded as one of the main constraints on construction sites. Construction workspaces are generally difficult to proactively plan and manage due to the dynamic nature of a site where workspace requirements keep changing as time evolves. However, project managers are looking for ways to develop proactive site plan for the workspaces required for construction activities as this can impact not only on the cost and project duration, but can also contribute to provide a safer site. This research paper presents an approach for integrating workspace management within the planning process using a serious game engine technology. This paper first illustrates a review of the workspace management practices and advanced visualization techniques in the construction industry. Then, it presents a process framework for an interactive decision support system that integrates workspace planning into 5D planning in order to enable safer, efficient and more productive construction sites. The decision support system will identify schedule conflicts, workspace conflicts and the severity of their conflicts, and workspace congestions on a construction site and allow construction planners to resolve spatial conflicts prior to construction. Finally, the paper shows the current progress in the development of an initial prototype and outlines the future work and research. © 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers

Supply chain performance measurement and improvement system:a MCDA-DMAIC methodology

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to adopt a supply chain performance measurement (SCPM) framework as proposed by (Dweiri and Khan 2012) to model a novel SCPM index (SCPMI) system to measure and improve supply chain performance (SCP).Design/methodology/approachThe adopted SCPM framework developed by Dweiri and Khan (2012) is used to model a generic SCPMI framework aided by analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method and inputs from industrial experts. To exemplify the applicability and efficiency of the generic SCPMI system, an automobile assembling company from an emerging economy was used. This SCMPI system is used to measure, improve and measure post-improvement SCP guided by DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) methodology.FindingsThe study’s initial measurement results showed an average SCP of the case company over a four-month period as 82 per cent. DMAIC methodology was used to identify inherent problems and proposed improvements. The post-improvement SCP measurement saw an improvement from an average of 82 to 83.82 per cent over the four-month period.Practical implicationsThe proposed generic SCPMI framework aided by AHP-DMAIC has been successfully implemented in a case company. After implementation, managers and decision-makers saw an improvement in their SCP. The proposed SCPMI system and results can be useful for benchmarking by manufacturing organizations for continuous SCP improvement.Originality/valueAn original SCPMI framework proposed is general in nature and can be applied in any organization

Performance Evaluation of Port Logistics Informatization Construction: A Case Study from China

Global economic integration has accelerated frequency of trade between different countries and promoted logistics industry to quickly become another development highland. Facts have proved that logistics has been separated from production and circulation as an independent link, driven by existing technology and demand, and with its characteristics and needs of the times, logistics has formed a strong professional field. At the same time, it can also independently undertake corresponding brokerage business activities in trade exchanges. To better understand the role of port and logistics in trade, it is particularly necessary to study port logistics informatization. Considering efficiency of input and output, more attention should be paid to performance evaluation of port logistics informatization construction. Based on analysis of port logistics informatization development, evaluation index system and DEA evaluation model which can represent performance of port logistics informatization were constructed. 17 listed ports in China were taken as examples for empirical study, and suggestions for development of port logistics informatization are put forward. Results show that among 17 ports, only Tangshan port, Shenzhen port, Yantian port and Chongqing port have a technical efficiency value of 1, while the other 13 ports have a certain degree of redundancy in technical efficiency value of information input, indicating that development and construction of port logistics informatization has a very important impact on port logistics income. Efficiency value of average annual net profit indicates that the port has redundant investment in information construction, which means that construction of port logistics informatization can not only blindly pay attention to informatization input, and that shortage of informatization output will be affected by other factors to a certain extent. The more investment in informatization construction is not the better, and different ports are affected by different types of factors. Therefore, it is necessary to combine actual development status of ports and to apply right medicine to avoid insufficiency or redundancy of port input, to realize optimal investment strategy for informatization construction of port logistics. Through this study, it is expected to achieve the purpose of systematically sorting out, concluding and expanding relevant theories of port logistics informatization construction, clarifying management problems that need to be solved, indicating methods for promotion of informatization construction, and providing new ideas and reference basis for reform, transformation and upgrading of port enterprises

Operational Practices of Lean Manufacturing: Potentiating Environmental Improvements

Purpose: The objective of this paper is to investigate how environmental improvements can be achieved through operational practices of Lean Manufacturing. Design/methodology/approach: A literature review was conducted to analyze the relationship between operational practices of Lean and reduction of environmental impact in organizational contexts. Verified theoretically, this relationship was observed in a company of the electronics industry, through an exploratory research which contemplated a mixed approach. The adopted research method consisted of a single case study, by providing greater depth and detail of the study. Utilized a research protocol, validated pilot test. The instruments for data collection were semi-structured interviews, direct observation and document analysis. The information was examined qualitatively considering the technique for content analysis. Findings: As a result of the study, it was found that there is evidence for the existence of relationship between the practices of Lean, for example, Kaizen, PDCA (plan, do, check, act), Ishikawa Diagram, Poka-Yoke, and Standardized Work, with the reduction of environmental impacts of an organization. This reduction was observed after application of these practices that resulted in the reduction of energy consumption and water consumption. These results were accounted for financially, contributing to a reduction of annual costs by about US$ 17,900. Originality/value: The study presents in detail, the application of operational practices of Lean Manufacturing, with an effective view to reducing the environmental impact and cost reduction. The literature review, a detailed description of the application process and financial results are important information that contributes to the scientific studies that address traditional operating practices and the search for better environmental performance.Peer Reviewe

A best-worst-method-based performance evaluation framework for manufacturing industry

Purpose: The purpose of paper is to develop a performance evaluation framework for manufacturing industry to evaluate overall manufacturing performance. Design/methodology/approach: The Best Worst Method (BWM) is used to aid in developing a performance evaluation framework for manufacturing industry to evaluate their overall performance. Findings: The proposed BWM-based manufacturing performance evaluation framework is implemented in an Indian steel manufacturing company to evaluate their overall manufacturing performance. Operational performance of the organization is very consistent and range between 60% to 70% throughout the year. Management performance can be seen high in percentage in the first two quarter of the financial year ranging from 70% to 80% whereas a slight decrease in the management performance is observed in the 3rd and 4th quarter ranging from 60% to 70%. The social stakeholder performance has a peak in first quarter ranging from 80% to 100% as at start of financial year. Originality/value: This paper utilized BWM, a MCDM method in developing a performance evaluation index that integrates several categories of manufacturing and evaluates overall manufacturing performance. This is a novel contribution to BWM decision-making application.Output Status: Forthcoming/Available Onlin

How do CSR and perceived ethics enhance corporate reputation and product innovativeness?

Market competitiveness is considered a core business objective besides profit-making in the current business environment, which instigates organisations to remain ethically and socially responsible. This leads to implied pressure on the organisation, whereas consumers expect to deal with ethically and socially responsible organisations. Therefore, this study explores the role of perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethics, which derives the organisational brand reputation and product innovativeness. The data was collected from 418 respondents, and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied for predicting the hypothesised relationships. The results revealed the positive and significant hypothesised relationships. As per findings, CSR and ethics positively correlated with product innovativeness, brand equity, and customer trust. Based on the results, organisations are advised to have transparency and higher compliance towards ethics and CSR strategies. In contrast, organisations need to have good communication of their adherence, which can further assist them in improving the customer base and maintaining the competitive advantage. These outcomes offer valuable policies

Sustainable humanitarian supply chains: a systematic literature review and research propositions

The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesise the body of knowledge related to sustainable humanitarian supply chains across disaster relief as well as those of logistics of development aid. The output of this paper is a set of research propositions that will help advance theory building and validation for the management of sustainable humanitarian supply chains. This systematic review identifies and categorises sustainable humanitarian supply chain management (SHSCM) themes, with a particular emphasis on theoretical development based on a categorical analysis of research articles. The thematic analysis reveals that sustainability in humanitarian supply chains encompasses a wide range of aspects, such as supply network configuration, coordination, and partnership, as well as performance measurement. However, theoretical studies typically do not integrate all sustainability dimensions. In particular, social sustainability factors are largely absent from current models of SHSCM, despite their inherent significance in humanitarian contexts. The categorical analysis explains how aspects related to the identified themes impact and pose opportunities for SHSCM. Insights from this systematic review can support humanitarian supply chain sustainability knowledge with policy-driven research directions. These policies can help achieve a greater level of sustainability in humanitarian supply chain management. The originality of this study lies in the development of detailed categories of sustainability studies, in its analytical focus on SHSCM theories, and in the development of research propositions to provide insights to researchers on how to advance theory and conduct impactful research on the topic of SHSCM