Guilherme Andreazza de Freitas, Marina Hernandes de Paula e Silva and Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva
This study aims to implement Lean and Green principles within the agribusiness sector, focusing specifically on employing Environmentally Sustainable Value Stream Mapping…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to implement Lean and Green principles within the agribusiness sector, focusing specifically on employing Environmentally Sustainable Value Stream Mapping (Sus-VSM) to assess critical indicators for both present and future states of an orange farm. The objective is to enhance value while simultaneously mitigating environmental impacts.
Design/methodology/approach
Employing a mixed-method research design, this study integrates both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. It adapts Sus-VSM and introduces inventory analysis frameworks for application within the agricultural domain, conducting a case study on an orange farm located in Sergipe, Brazil. This research seeks to provide actionable insights into the application of Lean and Green principles in agribusiness and introduces the Overall Lean-Green Effectiveness (OLGE) as an innovative decision-making tool for managers.
Findings
The study underscores the efficacy of Sus-VSM in the agricultural sector, albeit noting the necessity for certain process modifications to ensure successful implementation. Upon comparison of the two states, it is observed that the current state incurs 70.55% higher impacts on climate change (0.47 tCO2eq./ha), whereas the future state could yield a 4.08% increase in aggregated value. Improvements from the current to the future scenario can primarily be achieved through enhanced management of in-field inventory of inputs, given that OLGE in this case study is significantly influenced by efficient inventory management.
Originality/value
The adaptation of VSM for agricultural operations, coupled with the integration of environmental sustainability indicators, represents an innovative strategy for enhancing agricultural processes while minimizing environmental impacts. The proposition of a new Lean and Green indicator, the OLGE, aims to facilitate the interpretation of results and guide improvements.
Details
Keywords
Erica Kushihara Akim, Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva and Luiz Carlos de Faria
Using an Integrative Literature Review (ILR), this study aims to investigate the components defining the Safe and Just Operating Space (SJOS) within food systems and assess their…
Abstract
Purpose
Using an Integrative Literature Review (ILR), this study aims to investigate the components defining the Safe and Just Operating Space (SJOS) within food systems and assess their applicability in decision-making for public food procurement (PFP).
Design/methodology/approach
Data concerning SJOS implementation in food systems and the criteria used in PFP were retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol.
Findings
The analysis of the literature highlights that climate change (n = 31; 17%) and water use (n = 29; 16%) are the primary focus areas regarding Planetary Boundaries (PB), followed the nitrogen cycle, land use, biodiversity loss and the phosphorus cycle. In PFP, key criteria linked to PB encompass climate change (n = 19; 7.2%), water use (n = 17; 6.44%) and chemical pollution (n = 17; 6.44%). The social and ethical dimensions underscore labour (n = 18; 6.82%), water (n = 17; 6.44%), income (n = 16; 6.06%) and energy (n = 16; 6.06%).
Research limitations/implications
Despite the strengths of this study, certain limitations should be acknowledged. Although the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the reviewed articles were clearly defined, it is possible that relevant literature was unintentionally excluded. Expanding the scope to include grey literature – such as government documents, reports, policy statements and statistical reports – could provide additional insights and broaden the scope of the findings. Moreover, the search was limited to the Web of Science and Scopus databases, which may have resulted in the omission of relevant studies, particularly those published in non-English languages or not indexed journals.
Practical implications
The identified procurement criteria can help public administrators develop guidelines and tools for food procurement that consider the SJOS.
Social implications
This paper offers an understanding of the connection between planetary processes and human well-being in the context of PFP.
Originality/value
This pioneering research lays the groundwork for future agendas in this field and encourages reflection on critical factors essential for selecting methods and standards applied in practical public procurement.