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Article
Publication date: 3 April 2018

Sheetal Jaisingh Kamble, Anju Singh and Manoj Govind Kharat

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have long-time environmental impacts. The purpose of this paper is to assess the environmental footprint of two advanced wastewater treatment…

693

Abstract

Purpose

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have long-time environmental impacts. The purpose of this paper is to assess the environmental footprint of two advanced wastewater treatment (WWT) technologies in a life cycle and sustainability perspective and identify the improvement alternatives.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study life cycle-based environmental assessment of two advanced WWT technologies (moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) and sequencing batch reactor (SBR)) has been carried out to compare different technological options. Life cycle impacts were computed using GaBi software employing the CML 2 (2010) methodology. Primary data were collected and analysed through surveys and on-site visits to WWTPs. The present study attempts to achieve significantly transparent results using life cycle assessment (LCA) in limited availability of data.

Findings

The results of both direct measurements in the studied wastewater systems and the LCA support the fact that advanced treatment has the best environmental performance. The results show that the operation phase contributes to nearly 99 per cent for the impacts of the plant. The study identified emissions associated with electricity production required to operate the WWTPs, chemical usage, emissions to water from treated effluent and heavy metal emissions from waste sludge applied to land are the major contributors for overall environmental impacts. SBR is found to be the best option for WWT as compared to MBBR in the urban context. In order to improve the overall environmental performance, the wastewater recovery, that is, reusable water should be improved. Further, sludge utilisation for energy recovery should be considered. The results of the study show that the avoided impacts of energy recovery can be even greater than direct impacts of greenhouse gas emissions from the wastewater system. Therefore, measures which combine reusing wastewater with energy generation should be preferred. The study highlights the major shortcoming, i.e., the lack of national life cycle inventories and databases in India limiting the wide application of LCA in the context of environmental decision making.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study express only the environmental impacts of the operation phase of WWT system and sludge management options. Therefore, it is recommended that further LCAs studies should be carried out to investigate construction and demolition phase and also there is need to reconsider the toxicological- and pathogen-related impact categories. The results obtained through this type of LCA studies can be used in the decision-making framework for selection of appropriate WWT technology by considering LCA results as one of the attributes.

Practical implications

The results of LCA modelling show that though the environmental impacts associated with advanced technologies are high, these technologies produce the good reusable quality of effluent. In areas where water is scarce, governments should promote reusing wastewater by providing additional treatment under safe conditions as much as possible with advanced WWT. The LCA model for WWT and management planning can be used for the environmental assessment of WWT technologies.

Originality/value

The current work provides a site-specific data on sustainable WWT and management. The study contributes to the development of the regional reference input data for LCA (inventory development) in the domain of wastewater management.

Details

World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-5945

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Article
Publication date: 3 July 2017

Sarang Joshi, Manoj Kharat, Rakesh Raut, Sachin Kamble and Sheetal Kamble

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between supplier development practices (SDPs) and supplier-buyer relationship practices from the supplier’s perspective…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between supplier development practices (SDPs) and supplier-buyer relationship practices from the supplier’s perspective (SBRSP), and seek to understand how specific SDPs may impact a buyer’s operational performance as well as supplier-buyer relationship practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a survey of 512 respondents from the different manufacturing firms in India and applied structural equation modelling to test a structural model that proposes the impacts of various efforts of SDPs on a buyer’s performance as well as SBRSP.

Findings

The study concludes that SDPs and SBRSP together improve the relationship between a buyer and supplier, and this improved relationship leads to competitive advantages (CAs) followed by profitability. Results indicate that supplier perspective of buyer-supplier relationship can be improved under the condition of SDPs and SBRSP together. SDPs are driven by productive measure and competitive pressure, whereas customer uncertainty is found to be statistically insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

The study was carried out in North Maharashtra Industrial Zone of India, where the auto sector and machine/components manufacturing firms have been established for a considerable period of time. Results of the study are limited to manufacturing organizations predominantly focussing on the automobile sector and machine/components manufacturing firms.

Practical implications

This study provides significant insights into the specific impact of various SDPs and SBRSP for both academics and practitioners. SDPs along with SBRSP practices lead to improvement in the relationship leading to CAs. SBRSP suggests that trust, long-term commitments and the supplier’s perspective are important practices for relationship improvement.

Originality/value

The current study attempts to identify what are the success factors for the supplier-buyer relationship from the supplier’s perspective and SDPs and how the supplier-buyer relationship can be improved under the condition of SDPs and SBRSP. Hence, the aim is to develop a more thorough understanding of the outcomes of a supplier-buyer relationship improvement from both buyer’s and supplier’s perspective, under the conditions of supplier development to achieve CAs leading to profitability. Furthermore, the study analyses the effect of the improved supplier-buyer relationship for achieving CAs leading to profitability.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 24 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

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Article
Publication date: 5 February 2018

Rakesh Raut, Manoj Kharat, Sheetal Kamble and Chandra Shekhar Kumar

The purpose of this paper is to efficiently assist the decision makers in evaluating and selecting the most appropriate third-party logistics (3PL) provider from environmental…

2785

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to efficiently assist the decision makers in evaluating and selecting the most appropriate third-party logistics (3PL) provider from environmental sustainability perspective using a two-phase model based on data envelopment analysis (DEA) and analytic network process (ANP).

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an integrated approach of DEA and ANP as an evaluation and selection methodology to select an efficient and requisite 3PL. The integrated model is a sound technique for 3PL evaluation and selection. DEA effectively screens the maximally efficient 3PLs, whereas ANP easily performs the cumbersome process of weighting diverse criteria and ranks various alternatives according to their performance on the basis of these criteria. This study lists the prominent evaluation and selection criteria taking into consideration the environmental sustainability. Finally, a real-life industrial application is presented to demonstrate the proposed method.

Findings

The current research work is devoted to the emerging research topic of environmental sustainability in logistics industry and supply chain management. The results of study indicate that eco-efficient transportation and 3PLs lead better transportation planning, better inventory and warehouse management, lower inventory cost and sustainable supply chain operations. Also, the applied approach enables the decision makers to better understand the complex relationships of the relevant criteria in the decision-making process.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not investigate the relationships between environmental performances and differentiation advantage from the perspective of 3PLs. Also, sensitivity analysis is not performed.

Practical implications

The developed integrated model enables decision analysts to better understand the complete evaluation process of 3PL evaluation and selection considering environmental sustainability perspective. Furthermore, the developed approach provides a more flexible, simple, accurate, effective, and systematic decision support tool for 3PL evaluation and selection.

Originality/value

The current study is first of its kind to use the integrated approach in evaluation and selection of 3PLs from environmental sustainability perspective considering the inter-dependencies among the evaluation and selection criteria.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

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Article
Publication date: 8 May 2017

Abhijeet Haldar, Umer Qamaruddin, Rakesh Raut, Sachin Kamble, Manoj Govind Kharat and Sheetal Jaisingh Kamble

The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for evaluating and selecting the most optimal third-party logistics (3PL) service provider vendor among the available ones…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for evaluating and selecting the most optimal third-party logistics (3PL) service provider vendor among the available ones. Selection is done based on the performance values of the vendors on certain predefined criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated approach involving data envelopment analysis (DEA), technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) and linear programming (LP) problem has been used to develop a new model for the selection of 3PL vendor. First, DEA is used to evaluate the efficiency of each vendor according to the identified criteria. Second, TOPSIS is applied to rank the maximally efficient vendors. Finally, LP problem is stated and solved to ascertain the quantities to be allocated to each maximally efficient vendor in the context of multiple logistics provider. The proposed DEA–TOPSIS–LP (DETOLP) model is finally tested with real-time industry data for 3PL vendor evaluation and selection. The study, thus, proposes a three-step hierarchical technique for selection of 3PL vendor based on the multiple criteria decision-making approach.

Findings

The paper focuses on assessing the performance of 26 vendors using a combined approach of DEA, TOPSIS and LP. It is observed that vendor V4 outperforms all the considered vendors, which exactly corroborates with the present scenario within the company.

Research limitations/implications

Exclusion of qualitative criteria for 3PL vendor selection and the judgment of weights for TOPSIS can be considered as the limitations of the present work. The study has significant practical implications for organizations belonging to any sector or industry. It can help them in evaluating the existing 3PL vendors and selecting the most efficient among them.

Originality/value

This paper deals with a framework modeled for 3PL vendor selection. It is the first attempt to utilize an integrated approach, i.e. DETOLP model for evaluation and selection of 3PL. For assessment of the model, real data from an Indian company has been taken to analyze the result and compare it with the present scenario within the company.

Details

Journal of Modelling in Management, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5664

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Article
Publication date: 15 June 2022

Nisha Pandey, Som Sekhar Bhattacharyya and Manoj G. Kharat

The purpose of this study was to ascertain organizational factors that impacted the performance of social enterprises.

310

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to ascertain organizational factors that impacted the performance of social enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

For this research study, a structured close-ended survey questionnaire was prepared based upon literature inputs. The data was collected from 370 executives in social enterprises in India. The data was analysed through structural equation modelling.  The data was analysed towards hypothesis development as well as model development explicating the success of social enterprises.

Findings

This research study’s findings developed a model towards explicating firm level performance in social enterprises. The antecedent factors were organizational commitment (OC), organizational orientation (OO), employee empowerment (EE) and top management support (TMS). The factor business innovation capability (BIC) was the mediating variable, whereas the firm performance (FP) of social enterprises was the dependent variable. Business innovation creativity had full mediation effect.

Research limitations/implications

In this research study, the variable influencing the performance of social enterprises were ascertained. TMS and EE were independent organizational variables in any social enterprise along with the two organizational factors of OC as well as OO that did matter for enhancement of BIC of social enterprises. BIC had full mediating effect based upon the mentioned factors of OC, organization orientation, EE and TMS, which subsequently manifested in superior social enterprises FP.

Practical implications

Social enterprises had to balance the twin objectives of social good (doing good for society) as well as earning economic benefits for the enterprise.  Given this challenge, social enterprises had to develop an organizational context in which employees were empowered towards undertaking social issues proactively. Furthermore, top management team must provide support for such causes. When this aspect coupled with the presence of OC and OO then in the social enterprise, BIC got developed.  With the presence of BICs, it became easier for social enterprises to undertake innovation that were also socially oriented and led to superior FP.

Social implications

It has often been observed in developing countries like India that social innovation and entrepreneurial ventures associated with these have become a necessity. However, such ventures often do not to scale up. Hence, its case for business continuance and sustenance have been challenging. This study provided insights regarding the existential aspect of social enterprises in terms of its performance.

Originality/value

This study was one of the first research studies that integrated the factors of OC, OO, EE and TMS in building organizational capability towards innovation in social enterprises. This in turn contributed towards the improvement of FP of social enterprises.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

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Article
Publication date: 13 June 2016

Manoj Govind Kharat, Rakesh D Raut, Sachin S Kamble and Sheetal Jaisingh Kamble

The purpose of this paper is to describe an application of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique for the selection of waste treatment and disposal technology for…

1169

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe an application of Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique for the selection of waste treatment and disposal technology for municipal solid waste (MSW).

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed approach is based on the integration of Delphi and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) techniques. A model has been proposed to evaluate the best treatment and disposal technology. Expert opinions have been incorporated in the selection of criteria. AHP has been used to determine the weights of criteria, followed by ranking of the available technologies.

Findings

Delphi method was used to derive appropriate evaluation criteria to assess the potential alternative technologies. A set of identified holistic criteria was used, representing the environmental, social, and economic aspects, as compared to the sub-criteria concept generally found in existing literature. Quantitative weightings from the AHP model were calculated to identify the priorities of alternatives. The study provides a simple framework for technology selection as compared to the complex models present in the literature, reducing the uncertainty, cost and time consumed in the decision-making process.

Practical implications

The model identifies the optimal technologies for the handling, treatment and disposal of MSW in a better economic and more environmentally sustainable way. The study provides a simple framework for selection as compared to the complex models present in the literature, reducing the uncertainty, cost and time taken by the decision-making process.

Originality/value

The paper highlights a new insight into MCDM techniques to select an optimum treatment and disposal technology suitable for MSW management in India. The study identifies a minimal relevant set of evaluation criteria, and appropriate technologies for the handling, treatment, and disposal of MSW in a more economic and environmentally sustainable way.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

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Article
Publication date: 16 February 2015

Karthik B, Rakesh D Raut, Sachin S Kamble, Manoj Govind Kharat and Sheetal Jaisingh Kamble

The purpose of this paper is to present a research model that explore strategic outsourcing practices for sustainable competitive advantages. In this paper, a decision support…

924

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a research model that explore strategic outsourcing practices for sustainable competitive advantages. In this paper, a decision support system (DSS) for sustainable performance measurement of carry and forward agents (CFAs) is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

The importance of seven criteria as a means of selecting the best CFA for warehouses under the aspect of sustainable environment is analyzed. The criteria are compared and ranked using analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with the combined assistance of literature review and expert opinions. This study makes use of unstructured interviews of Regional Distribution Manager and senior strategic leaders of the firms.

Findings

This paper discusses how strategic outsourcing can help firm to achieve desired business outcomes. The selection of best CFA gives a direction to the company to move toward excellence and provides the key areas to work upon to achieve competitive advantage. The main contribution of this paper includes modeling the performance evaluation problem within the context of a sustainable supply chain based on triple bottom line (TBL) concept.

Research limitations/implications

The identified selection criteria are bound with Indian transportation and logistics industry. Further, it is suggested to conduct a real-life application of this study to other companies from different countries, to obtain criteria based on globally acceptable norms. The results may yield the network-specific evaluation criteria and their evaluations.

Practical implications

The developed excel-based tool could be used to record the inspection data, compare the CFAs and determine the best CFAs on the basis of selected criteria. With the help of this tool, CFAs know their position and ranking among all the CFAs and the focus areas they need to work upon to perform well. The training module could be used to keep the CFA staff on the right track which is very essential in a typical manufacturing industry warehouse. The improved performance of CFAs will in turn help to improve the manufacturing process, thus maximizing the gains along with environmental benefits.

Originality/value

This paper provides a priority of sustainable issues for evaluating the performance of the best CFA. The paper presents a strategic outsourcing model, which suggest both theoretical and managerial implications showing how to implement successful outsourcing practices in the global market by analyzing the performance of outsourcing partners, i.e. CFAs.

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Article
Publication date: 13 October 2023

Remya Lathabhavan

Organisations are increasingly adopting and adapting to technological advancements to stay relevant in the era of intense competition. Simultaneously, employee mental well-being…

1317

Abstract

Purpose

Organisations are increasingly adopting and adapting to technological advancements to stay relevant in the era of intense competition. Simultaneously, employee mental well-being has become a prominent global concern affecting people across various demographics. With this in mind, the present study explores the influence of human resource (HR) analytics, mental health organisational evidence-based management (OEBM) and organisational mental health support on the mental well-being of employees. Additionally, the study examines the moderating effects of manager and peer support on the association between organisational mental health support and the mental well-being of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 418 employees in India and structural equation modelling was performed to analyse the data.

Findings

The study found significant positive associations between HR analytics with mental health OEBM, organisational mental health support and mental well-being. Mental health OEBM was also found to be positively related to organisational mental health support and mental well-being. The moderating roles of manager and team support were also found to be significant in the associations between organisational mental health support and well-being.

Originality/value

The study showed that HR analytics is a valuable source of mental health data. This data can facilitate the development of evidence-based management (EBM) strategies to promote the mental well-being of employees.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. 53 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0048-3486

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