Search results

1 – 7 of 7
Per page
102050
Citations:
Loading...
Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 1 September 2005

Carl Gunnar Bergendahl, Kerstin Lichtenvort, Glenn Johansson, Mats Zackrisson and Jonna Nyyssönen

To present the outcome from one case study in the EU project grEEEn (Cost Management System for greening Electrical and Electronic Equipment). The study addressed the material…

489

Abstract

Purpose

To present the outcome from one case study in the EU project grEEEn (Cost Management System for greening Electrical and Electronic Equipment). The study addressed the material shift in printed wiring boards (PWBs), from the traditional FR4 material containing halogenated flame retardants to halogen‐free FR4 materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents by way of introduction the grEEEn method. From the product, process and scenario modelling the results from the analysis of cost, environmental profile and legal compliance are presented and discussed.

Findings

It was found that the shift to the halogen‐free material leads to a slight increase in environmental burden. However, the shift to a halogen‐free material could mean that toxic substances are eliminated or reduced resulting in an overall improvement of the environmental performance. The shift causes an increase in cost ranging between nearly zero and 10 ∈ per PWB panel.

Originality/value

The paper presents results from the first study on the shift from FR4 material containing halogenated flame retardants to halogen‐free FR4 materials and comprises an analysis of the economic, environmental and legislative implications.

Details

Circuit World, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-6120

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 13 August 2024

Panos T. Chountalas and Athanasios G. Lagodimos

Significant interest in Integrated Management Systems (IMS), as a key area within ISO-related Management System Standards (MSS) literature, has been evident from both academia and…

123

Abstract

Purpose

Significant interest in Integrated Management Systems (IMS), as a key area within ISO-related Management System Standards (MSS) literature, has been evident from both academia and industry over the past three decades. This study aims to map the evolution and current state of IMS research and propose possible directions for future studies.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive content and bibliometric analysis of 846 documents from the Scopus database across the period 1995 to 2023 was conducted. This included performance analysis to track publication trends and identify key contributors, and content analysis to specify dominant research methodologies and the MSS most commonly integrated. Furthermore, science mapping techniques—such as co-authorship networks, keyword co-occurrence analysis, and bibliographic coupling—were utilized to outline the collaborative networks and the conceptual and intellectual structure of the field.

Findings

The study identifies three principal IMS research themes: the practical implementation of IMS, their role in promoting sustainability and social responsibility, and their impact on continuous performance improvement. It also highlights the field’s evolution and key research constituents—including influential works, prolific authors, leading academic institutions and countries, and top publishing journals. It further reveals that IMS research exhibits strong collaboration across authors and countries, and a rich methodological plurality, notably with a marked increase in empirical surveys in recent years. Additionally, it identifies the most frequently referenced MSS for integration, prominently featuring ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001/OHSAS 18001.

Originality/value

This study is original in its application of a dual analytical approach—bibliometric and content analysis—to provide a holistic overview of IMS research. It offers new insights into the integration of diverse MSS and proposes several promising paths for future research. Among the most prominent are standardizing IMS fundamental specifications, conducting more empirical research with advanced methods to evaluate the effects of MSS integration, providing practical support for organizations in IMS implementation through tailored methodologies and tools, and exploring the potential of Industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies to advance IMS practices.

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 6 August 2010

Glenn Johansson and Mats Winroth

Concern for environmental issues has entered the agenda in many companies within the manufacturing industry. The purpose of this paper is to analyse implications for the decision…

2370

Abstract

Purpose

Concern for environmental issues has entered the agenda in many companies within the manufacturing industry. The purpose of this paper is to analyse implications for the decision criteria when environmental issues are introduced into manufacturing strategy. Furthermore, the purpose is to present a framework illustrating how concern for environmental issues affects the manufacturing strategy formulation process.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a review of literature on environmentally conscious manufacturing and literature on manufacturing strategy. These two fields of research are merged in the analysis.

Findings

The analysis shows that concern for environmental issues may lead to a number of potential implications for the decision criteria. These implications may, in turn, affect the manufacturing strategy formulation process. A framework is presented that illustrates the interrelationships between the drivers for environmental concern, effects for the competitive priorities, implications for the decision criteria, and how it may affect the manufacturing strategy formulation process.

Research limitations/implications

Inclusion of environmental issues potentially complicates the manufacturing strategy formulation process. This implies a need for further studies on the challenges companies face in the strategy formulation process.

Practical implications

The implications for the decision criteria and the framework presented in the paper may encourage companies to prepare for inclusion of environmental concern in the manufacturing strategy formulation process.

Originality/value

Manufacturing strategy has not traditionally included concern for environmental issues. The paper adopts a novel approach in which research findings on environmental concern are integrated with literature on manufacturing strategy.

Details

Management Research Review, vol. 33 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8269

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 6 March 2017

Nashmi Chugani, Vikas Kumar, Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes, Luis Rocha-Lona and Arvind Upadhyay

The academic literature and research lines exploring the effect of quality improvement methods on environmental performance still remain in early stages. The purpose of this paper…

7255

Abstract

Purpose

The academic literature and research lines exploring the effect of quality improvement methods on environmental performance still remain in early stages. The purpose of this paper is therefore to investigate, through a systematic review of the existing academic literature, the environmental (green) impact of using quality and operations improvement methods such as Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma. This includes the impact on energy saving and the usage of natural resources.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows a systematic literature review approach through which it analyses research papers published in top 16 operations and quality management journals. No specific time frame was established, but a set of keywords were used to short-list the articles. A sample of 70 articles was finally short-listed and analysed to provide a discussion on environmental concerns related to Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma.

Findings

The comprehensive review of short-listed articles indicates that both Lean and Six Sigma can be considered effective methods to support the conservation of resources, combat global warming and saving energy. Various scholars provide evidence of this, and as such, organisations should not only consider these methods to manage quality and improve operational performance but also meet environmental regulations. A set of research questions that demands further investigation has also been proposed based on the findings of this research.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to a sample of 70 articles collected from top 16 operations and quality management journals. The search of journals is also limited to a set of key words (“Lean”, “Green”, “Six Sigma”, “environment”, “sustainable” and “sustainability”) used to short-list the sample size.

Practical implications

The study shows that organisations can consider the adoption of Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma to meet environmental regulations, save costs and also meet quality management standards. This will contribute in helping organisations to formulate more effective and inclusive strategies which do not only consider the quality and operational dimensions but also the environmental dimension.

Originality/value

Literature exploring the environmental/green impact of quality management methods commonly used in industry is limited. There is also a lack of studies aiming to investigate the green impact of Lean and Six Sigma in top operations and quality management journals. The study focusing on investigating the green impact of Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma methods altogether is also a research first of its kind.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 10 June 2019

Antonio Marco-Ferreira, Nelson Oliveira Stefanelli, Bruno Michel Roman Pais Seles and Reginaldo Fidelis

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the conceptual framework related to the Lean and Green practices, paradigms, future prospects and problems, indicating…

831

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the conceptual framework related to the Lean and Green practices, paradigms, future prospects and problems, indicating points of convergence and divergence between them.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on this premise, through vast literature systematization, the authors sought to categorize studies in order to consolidate constructs, reinforcing aspects regarding the positive and negative approaches and pointing out the gaps in the current state of the art. Broad literature systematization was carried out; the authors found 107 articles published between 2014 and 2018, separated into 10 categories.

Findings

The main constructs confirmed are the positive approximation of the Lean and Green union, evidenced by studies premised on the independent variable category demonstrating that their union influences other environmental performance variables.

Research limitations/implications

The present research is a systematization of the literature, so its results have to be confirmed by other studies.

Practical implications

The study supports the Lean and Green theme, confirming converging issues between the two areas and launching new topics for future research.

Social implications

The study contributed to the environmental theme by confirming synergies of the Lean and Green union and presenting new research themes.

Originality/value

To assert that Lean and Green systems union is sustainable, with regard to the tripod of sustainability, more studies on the social category are necessary.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 10 January 2024

Jag Mohan, Mahender Singh Kaswan and Rajeev Rathi

Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) is a comprehensive approach that aims to reduce waste, emissions and non-value added activities, thus mark an effective impact on sustainability of…

276

Abstract

Purpose

Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) is a comprehensive approach that aims to reduce waste, emissions and non-value added activities, thus mark an effective impact on sustainability of firms. Despite the numerous benefits of GLSS implementation, it is evident that Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are still struggling to understand, integrate and implement this strategy. This research work provides a comprehensive analysis of GLSS within MSMEs and proposes a conceptual integration framework of GLSS for improving economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability MSMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) methodology was planned to assess and analyse the research articles from 2007 to 2022. Different key elements of GLSS such as barriers, enablers and tool sets have been thoroughly reviewed and analysed for MSME organisations to understand their behaviour and effectively adopt the GLSS approach in their operations.

Findings

This study provides the analysis of different perspectives of GLSS and this will contribute to improve different metrics related to emissions and quality in MSMEs. It provides MSMEs industrial managers with a comprehensive knowledge base of GLSS elements, enabling effective deployment.

Practical implications

The present study provides a significant knowledge base and know-how of GLSS to researchers that will assist in deploying this sustainable approach in different industrial domains. The study also assists industrial managers by providing a systematic framework of GLSS for MSMEs. Further, the study also supports society by proving pathway to improve the environmental dynamics through the execution GLSS.

Originality/value

The study is of the first kind that review different facets of GLSS related to MSME. The study not only enhances theoretical know how of GLSS but also guides practitioners how to implement comprehensive GLSS program for improved environmental sustainability.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 37 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 2 September 2019

Shashank Thanki and Jitesh J. Thakkar

Improved performance in operational (lean) and environmental (green) dimensions has been extremely critical to the global competitiveness of organizations. As the performance of…

1479

Abstract

Purpose

Improved performance in operational (lean) and environmental (green) dimensions has been extremely critical to the global competitiveness of organizations. As the performance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is influenced by various external and internal factors, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the lean–green performance of Indian manufacturing SMEs by investigating the influential relationships of various factors along with the set of lean and green practices adopted by the firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a holistic approach by integrating multiple case study and data envelopment analysis (DEA) in eight manufacturing SMEs to verify a set of five propositions relating issues such as organizational factors, quality and environmental management certifications, implementation of lean and green practices with operational and environmental performance in Indian SMEs. Within-case analysis and cross-case analysis are used for a qualitative investigation of cases while DEA with four input variables, two desirable output variables and one undesirable output variable, is used for quantitative investigation with returns to scale (RTS) and damages to scale (DTS) analysis.

Findings

The RTS/DTS results suggest that Indian SMEs exhibit decreasing RTS and increasing DTS, implying that they need to decrease their operational sizes in order to improve the operational and environmental performance. The possible alternative and more practical strategy could be to introduce new technology innovation and holistic adoption of manufacturing excellence initiatives such as lean and green.

Originality/value

The research findings provide insights into the lean and green performance enhancement approach in the context of SMEs. The study extends key managerial implications and policy-related guidelines.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 69 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

1 – 7 of 7
Per page
102050