Evaluations of environmental performances are of increasing importance for environmental management systems. In the automotive sector of South Africa, suppliers of components lack…
Abstract
Purpose
Evaluations of environmental performances are of increasing importance for environmental management systems. In the automotive sector of South Africa, suppliers of components lack the ability to provide customers in the value chain with the necessary information to assess and compare environmental performances. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in South Africa have systematically commenced to obtain limited process information from first‐tier suppliers. However, the information is not an accurate reflection of the true environmental burdens associated with the supplied components. Based on the available process information, this paper introduces a performance evaluation methodology that is applicable for South Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
The LCA methodology, as stipulated by ISO 14040, has been applied to obtain quantified environmental performance resource impact indicators (EPRIIs) associated with limited process parameters in the South African context. Three first‐tier suppliers of an OEM are used as a case study to demonstrate the application of the indicator methodology.
Findings
The EPRII procedure considers the spatially differentiated ambient environmental state of the South African natural environment for normalisation factors of typical LCIA categories. The procedure further incorporates costs in order to compare supplied components (and companies) equally.
Originality/value
The EPRII procedure provides the means for OEMs to obtain a first approximate of environmental concerns in the supply chain, based on three basic process parameters. Thereby, tiers can be prioritised to determine where assistance is required to improve environmental performances.
Details
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Alan C. Brent and Carin Labuschagne
The purpose of this paper is to introduce methods that have been developed to consider social sustainability aspects in the initial phases of projects in industry, i.e. in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce methods that have been developed to consider social sustainability aspects in the initial phases of projects in industry, i.e. in the design stage of technological systems, whereby a proactive approach in industry can be ensured. The inclusion of social aspects in both the sustainability debate and practice has been marginal compared with the focus on the other two dimensions of sustainable development, i.e. economic and environmental performances, especially from a business perspective. The tools that have focused on social business sustainability aspects have mainly addressed business sustainable development reporting, operational conditions, and product social life cycle assessments.
Design/methodology/approach
The first method builds on a framework of social sustainability criteria that has been introduced for the South African process industry. A Social Impact Indicator (SII) calculation procedure has been developed based on a previously introduced Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) calculation procedure for environmental Resource Impact Indicators (RIIs). The second method applies questionnaires and checklists following more traditional risk approaches.
Findings
Information availability and standardisation of social criteria are problematic for quantitative approaches at present. It is therefore proposed that social sustainability should be incorporated into project and technology management methodologies in phases, commencing with the questionnaires and checklists. In future, the proposed indicator method can be implemented when information is more readily available.
Originality/value
The questionnaires and checklists provide practical means for project and technology developers to assess and communicate potential social risk associated with technological systems to decision‐makers.
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Cheddi Kiravu, François Diaz-Maurin, Mario Giampietro, Alan C. Brent, Sandra G.F. Bukkens, Zivayi Chiguvare, Mandu A. Gasennelwe-Jeffrey, Gideon Gope, Zora Kovacic, Lapologang Magole, Josephine Kaviti Musango, Ulpiano Ruiz-Rivas Hernando, Suzanne Smit, Antonio Vázquez Barquero and Felipe Yunta Mezquita
This paper aims to present a new master’s programme for promoting energy access and energy efficiency in Southern Africa.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a new master’s programme for promoting energy access and energy efficiency in Southern Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
A transdisciplinary approach called “participatory integrated assessment of energy systems” (PARTICIPIA) was used for the development of the curriculum. This approach is based on the two emerging fields of “multi-scale integrated assessment” and “science for governance”, which bring innovative concepts and methods.
Findings
The application of the PARTICIPIA methodology to three case studies reveals that the proposed transdisciplinary approach could support energy and development policies in the region. The implementation of the PARTICIPIA curriculum in three higher education institutions reveals its ability to respond to the needs of specific contexts and its connection with existing higher education programmes.
Practical implications
Considering energy issues from a transdisciplinary approach in higher education is absolutely critical because such a holistic view cannot be achieved through engineering curricula. Deliberate and greater efforts should be made to integrate methods from “multi-scale integrated assessment” and “science for governance” in higher education curricula to train a new breed of modern-day energy planners in charge of coming up with solutions that are shared by all relevant stakeholders.
Originality/value
This paper presents an innovative higher education curriculum in terms of the attention given to energy access and energy efficiency that affect the southern Africa region and the nature of the methodology adopted to face these issues.
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Charles A. Schuman and Alan C. Brent
Asset management is often one of the last options to maximise cost savings in a competitive global economy due to its intrinsic complexity, especially in many developing…
Abstract
Purpose
Asset management is often one of the last options to maximise cost savings in a competitive global economy due to its intrinsic complexity, especially in many developing countries. Asset management in the process industry must consider the commissioning, operational and end‐of‐life phases of physical assets when commencing a design and implementation project. However, current asset management models show inefficiencies in terms of addressing life cycle costs comprehensively, as well as other aspects of sustainable development. An asset life cycle management (ALCM) model is subsequently proposed for assets in the process industry, which integrates the concepts of generic project management frameworks and systems engineering with operational reliability in order to address these inefficiencies.
Design/methodology/approach
Experiences within a large petrochemical company in South Africa are used as a case study to demonstrate and discuss the different components of the proposed ALCM model.
Findings
Operational reliability and systems engineering are the means to achieve optimum value from physical assets over a facility's lifetime. Thereby, activities are identified that should be completed during each stage of the project life cycle. The application of performance measurements for the operation and support stages is proposed to influence decision making in the process industry.
Originality/value
Specific issues pertaining to the ALCM model are highlighted to ensure optimal practicality and incorporation of the model with other management practices in the process industry.
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Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18;…
Abstract
Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.
Index by subjects, compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management…
Abstract
Index by subjects, compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.
Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18;…
Abstract
Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.
Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18;…
Abstract
Compiled by K.G.B. Bakewell covering the following journals published by MCB University Press: Facilities Volumes 8‐18; Journal of Property Investment & Finance Volumes 8‐18; Property Management Volumes 8‐18; Structural Survey Volumes 8‐18.
Heads up BCI's Metal Finishing Division. Brian Garner (47) has been appointed chairman of the Metal Finishing Division of Brent Chemicals International PLC. He is currently…
Abstract
Heads up BCI's Metal Finishing Division. Brian Garner (47) has been appointed chairman of the Metal Finishing Division of Brent Chemicals International PLC. He is currently managing director of Pyrene Chemical Services, Britain's leading supplier of pretreatment chemicals and a major company within the Brent Chemicals International group. He joined Pyrene in 1976 as marketing director, becoming managing director in 1980.
Brent Smith, Cindy B. Rippé and Alan J. Dubinsky
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how social loneliness, emotional loneliness and social isolation relate to Indian consumers’ enjoyment of social interaction with an…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how social loneliness, emotional loneliness and social isolation relate to Indian consumers’ enjoyment of social interaction with an in-store salesperson.
Design/methodology/approach
Over 300 Indian respondents are surveyed about personal disposition, shopping experiences and other factors. The research model and hypotheses are evaluated utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling.
Findings
As posited, Indian consumers dealing with loneliness and social isolation tend to enjoy in-store shopping experiences involving personal interactions with salespersons. Further, salespersons’ adaptive selling relates positively to consumers’ predisposition to comply with salesperson input and three outcomes (i.e. trust in salesperson, purchase intention and retail patronage).
Originality/value
This study fills a void in current marketing and retailing literature, providing one of the first known empirical investigations of consumers’ experiences with loneliness and social isolation. Overall, the study shows that store-based retailers within culturally collectivistic emerging markets can capitalize on their unique ability to attract and retain shoppers through in-store salesperson interactions.