Antonio C. Caputo, Federica Cucchiella, Luciano Fratocchi and Pacifico Marcello Pelagagge
The purpose of the present paper is to provide a comprehensive framework for analyzing relationships among economic actors interconnected through internet and constituting…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the present paper is to provide a comprehensive framework for analyzing relationships among economic actors interconnected through internet and constituting e‐supply networks (e‐SNs).
Design/methodology/approach
At first the main factors characterizing e‐SN pattern are identified (organizational structures, managerial criteria and critical activities), then two separate procedures are adopted for developing an integrated reference framework. The first based on the analysis of correlations among variables influencing the factors under investigation; the second based on the analysis of different types of physical and immaterial flows among actors involved in the e‐SN. On the basis of such evidence an integrated global framework is proposed, which is then used to classify and describe some relevant literature‐based case studies.
Findings
On the basis of two newly introduced variables, namely the internal integration degree and the decision‐making concentration degree, the framework identifies four sets of organizational structures, managerial criteria and critical activities, each one coherent with specific environmental contexts.
Research limitations/implications
The framework is restricted to describing and classifying different typologies of e‐SN.
Practical implications
The framework may be useful for assessing if the typology of organizational structure, managerial criteria and critical activities adopted for the management of a specific e‐SN, is coherent with e‐SN business environment. It may also provide useful guidelines for managers and practitioners involved in e‐SN design.
Originality/value
The paper provides an original integrated framework to classify e‐SNs.
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Victor Guang Shi, S.C. Lenny Koh, James Baldwin and Federica Cucchiella
The aim of this paper is to conceptualise a structural model of natural resource based green supply chain management (GSCM), and its relationship, with an indication of cause and…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to conceptualise a structural model of natural resource based green supply chain management (GSCM), and its relationship, with an indication of cause and effect, to relevant performance measures and drivers.
Design/methodology/approach
The literature, describing GSCM from a natural resource based view (NRBV), along with performance measures and institutional drivers, is critically evaluated and used to develop the model.
Findings
Constructs are identified in terms of intra‐ and inter‐organisational environmental practices, performance measures and institutional drivers. Causal relationships, within and between the constructs, are also proposed in the form of hypotheses.
Research limitations/implications
At this stage the model is purely conceptual and the causal relationships are only proposed. Empirical tests of the model and hypotheses are required.
Practical implications
On empirical verification, this work can furnish managers with validated measurement scales to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in their GSCM implementation and determine how firms can successfully implement GSCM to promote sustainable industrial development.
Originality/value
GSCM from within the NRBV perspective, and incorporating performance measures and institutional drivers, has yet to be comprehensively synthesised in a coherent model. This conceptual work is the first step in that direction.
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This paper proposes discussing the growing supply chain pressures, both legal and commercial, the background to them and their implications for countries with large consumer…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper proposes discussing the growing supply chain pressures, both legal and commercial, the background to them and their implications for countries with large consumer markets, such as the UK and for countries, such as the Republic of China, which are suppliers, but themselves increasingly important as consumer markets.
Design/methodology/approach
Having regard to the multi disciplinary nature of the readership the paper does not focus too narrowly on legal regulation: nevertheless the legal perspective is important in at least one respect. The imposition of law and penalties provides a powerful incentive to behavioural change, and is very effective in focussing attention.
Findings
The paper reveals that plainly it will be a challenge for supplier countries, as it will be for industry in the West, to meet new regulatory standards, particularly those which aim to force technology, like the vehicle emission standards referred to above, or standards relating to supply chain management, which will intervene in the established contractual arrangements between suppliers and their customers. It will also be a challenge to meet consumer demand for “greener” products as education of consumers in sustainability issues improves.
Originality
This paper contributes towards green supply chain management that is emerging to be an important approach for enterprises to improve performance. Managerial implications are also identified.
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Göran Svensson and Beverly Wagner
The objective of this paper is to describe a corporate implementation and application of a “sustainable business cycle”.
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this paper is to describe a corporate implementation and application of a “sustainable business cycle”.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on a single case study of a regional producer of dairy products in Sweden. The data were collected from non‐structured interviews with managers and available corporate documentation.
Findings
The company's “sustainable business cycle” may be divided into nine stages beginning with the arable land through to the dairy and transportation of products to market, where the final two stages involve external retailers and consumers, all of which is important to fulfilment of the earlier seven internal stages.
Research limitations/implications
The findings stress the importance of connecting and reconnecting not just to immediate environmental concerns of business, but also to planet Earth, which is under non‐sustainable pressure and evidently faces an unpleasant destiny.
Practical implications
The case highlights advantages and challenges facing a small to medium‐sized enterprise (SME) tasked with implementing a sustainable business cycle for a commodity product in a highly competitive market, dominated by powerful retailers.
Social implications
Changing consumer behaviours and purchasing patterns, as well as state interventions imposed at top political levels worldwide, will gradually increase the necessity to create sustainable business cycles.
Originality/value
The main contribution of this article is to present a rare detailed case study of a sustainable, organic milk supply chain. It highlights the areas where sustainability is effective. It also illustrates the challenge for an SME trying to extend the reach and to create awareness of added value to the consumer. Hopefully some lessons will be learned and emphasized in this case study.
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Federica Cucchiella and Massimo Gastaldi
The aim of this paper is that of individualizing a framework for the management of uncertainty in supply chain finalized to reduce the firm risks.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is that of individualizing a framework for the management of uncertainty in supply chain finalized to reduce the firm risks.
Design/methodology/approach
Since a way for reducing the damages deriving from uncertainty sources is increasing the level of flexibility inside the supply chain, and the real option theory allows the increase of the flexibility level, in order to achieve the aim of this work, we utilize the real options theory to coverage of one or more risks inside the supply chain.
Findings
A useful theoretical framework has been individualized enabling the selection of possible options to protect the firm against the risk originating from every source of uncertainty. In particular, on two types of risks, using Matlab software, a test has been conducted that proves the ability of the outsource option to cover risks under examination.
Practical implications
In the paper a framework providing useful information for the supply chain management is presented.
Originality/value
The paper attempts to provide an original tool for the risks management deriving from production activities inside a supply chain.
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This research aims to design a green pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC) that reduces preventable pharmaceutical waste and effectively disposes of inevitable pharmaceutical waste…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to design a green pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC) that reduces preventable pharmaceutical waste and effectively disposes of inevitable pharmaceutical waste. The main output of this study is the formulation of an integrated green PSC model involving all critical stakeholders, leading to improved environmental, economic and safety performance in medication management and delivery.
Design/methodology/approach
The research is based on literature and on secondary resources.
Findings
To green the PSC, every producer of waste is duty bound to facilitate the safe handling and disposal of waste. A cross boundary green PSC (XGPSC) approach is proposed to identify participants' contribution to the PSC. Peripheral influences are also recognised from professional and regulatory bodies.
Research limitations/implications
This study focuses solely on community PSC in the UK where patients receive medication from local community pharmacies and thus may be limited. The proposed XGPSC approach also needs to be tested and validated in practice. It may also be difficult to transfer some of the environmental practices proposed in this research into practice.
Practical implications
The environmental practices and actions proposed provide invaluable insight into various PSC activities, including purchasing, product design, prescription patterns and processes, medication use review, and customer relationship management.
Social implications
The proposed environmental actions encourage firm commitment from everyone to reduce, recycle or effectively dispose of pharmaceutical waste, with patients becoming stewards of medication rather than only consumers.
Originality/value
A cross boundary approach is developed to green the PSC, which encourages total involvement and collaboration from all participants in PSC.
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Malin Song, Shuhong Wang, Zhanhao Jiang, Jie Yang and Yumei Wang
With the function of reconstructing and promoting traditional industries in China, logistic service industry (LSI) still consumes a great deal of energy. The purpose of this paper…
Abstract
Purpose
With the function of reconstructing and promoting traditional industries in China, logistic service industry (LSI) still consumes a great deal of energy. The purpose of this paper is to empirically analyse the relationship between energy consumption of logistics and its influential factors in China, and through this, identify the most important factor and give a significant research of this factor afterwards.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a quantitative analysis of the industry composition of energy consumption and the structure of energy consumption in LSI, the serious condition of China's energy conservation of LSI was found. Correlated analysis and co‐integration analysis were adopted to identify how these factors affected the energy conservation of LSI and how to construct environmental logistics in China.
Findings
The paper found mileage traveled by train is the most important factor of energy consumption in LSI, while traveling miles of highway is the second. The former was negative correlation with the total of energy consumption while the latter was positive correlation.
Research limitations/implications
Because of the deficiency of data in China, this research is based on the data of 30 years, which is not testified as long enough for this research. This would indicate that the conclusions of this paper are approximate values. A closer look should be taken at the effectiveness of some of the other factors suggested in the previous research on this topic.
Practical implications
The paper outlines ways to effectively construct environmental logistics in China which would promote the energy conservation and sustainable development of this country. Since the total consumption of energy in China accounts for a certain proportion of the world, this will benefit other countries as well.
Originality/value
This paper is one of the first of its kind to develop and empirically analyze the relationship between energy consumption of LSI and its influential factors in China. It uniquely contributes towards helping us find approaches to constructing China's environmental logistics and will have far‐reaching implications for other developing countries.
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Maria Björklund, Uni Martinsen and Mats Abrahamsson
In response to increasing demands on improved environmental performance, companies need to develop their capabilities in assessing the environmental performance of their…
Abstract
Purpose
In response to increasing demands on improved environmental performance, companies need to develop their capabilities in assessing the environmental performance of their operations. Knowledge among practitioners as well as solid research results in this area is lacking. This paper aims to present a framework of dimensions, which are important to consider regarding environmental measurement in supply chain management. The paper also aims to present a practical example on how environmental performance measurements can be a success by applying these dimensions.
Design/methodology/approach
Literature regarding logistics management and performance measurement is coupled with theories regarding environmental logistics and green supply chain management. A framework is developed. A case study based on four actors in a reverse supply chain is used to illustrate the framework.
Findings
The paper outlines important aspects to consider in the design of environmental performance measurements in supply chain management and identifies shortcomings in existing research. The case presents successful examples of how environmental performance measurements can be applied across managerial levels as well as company borders in a supply chain.
Practical implications
The literature review shows shortcomings in the measuring tools applied today. The case provides examples of how these shortcomings can be addressed.
Originality/value
This paper addresses the intersection between environmental logistics and performance measurements. The case shows how environmental performance measurements can be applied over a single company's borders by including four different actors in the supply chain.
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Increasingly, private sector companies are aiming to buy and supply products and services in a sustainable way, termed “sustainable supply chain management” (sustainable SCM)…
Abstract
Purpose
Increasingly, private sector companies are aiming to buy and supply products and services in a sustainable way, termed “sustainable supply chain management” (sustainable SCM), using purchasing and supply to reduce negative impacts on the environment, economy and society. There is often a gap between rhetoric and reality, with companies often accused of paying green lip service to sustainable SCM. This research aims to explore sustainable SCM issues in companies that have been recognized as leaders in their sectors, and investigate what factors influence sustainable SCM, and how practice might change in the future.
Design/methodology/approach
Current practice in sustainable SCM and predictions for the future were explored in case studies of seven UK companies, through semi‐structured interviews with purchasers and CSR practitioners, and secondary data collection from reports and websites. Sectors included aerospace, retail, pharmaceuticals, and food and drink.
Findings
Companies were mapped onto a typology of approaches to sustainable SCM, based on internal and external enablers and barriers. Companies were classified as Internal focusers, Reserved players, External responders, and Agenda setters. Predictions for the future of sustainable SCM within the companies were also explored.
Research limitations/implications
The typology could be further explored through a survey of firms from different sectors, and with firms not seen as leading in their field.
Originality/value
The paper draws on contingency theory and existing sustainable SCM literature to develop a typology of approaches to sustainable SCM. The paper draws useful lessons from leading companies for practitioners seeking to implement sustainable SCM.