Federica Scacchia

Disposal of by-products in olive oil industry: waste-to-energy solutions

Abstract Olive oil production industry is characterized by relevant amounts of liquid and solid by-products [olive mill wastewater (OMW) and olive husk (OH)], and by economical, technical and organizational constraints that make difficult the adoption of environmentally sustainable waste disposal approaches. In this context, waste treatment technologies aimed at energy recovery represent an interesting alternative. In the paper, a technical and economical analysis of thermal disposal plant solutions with energy recovery has been carried out. The considered plants enable the combined treatment of OMW and OH which, although penalizes the energy recovery, proves to be feasible and profitable in a future legislative scenario when stricter limitation on OMW disposal will force oil producers to bear high disposal costs. Results are compared by using economic performance measures, including revenues from produced energy and avoided disposal costs. A sensitivity and risk analysis is also performed in order to assess the economic profitability of the proposed solutions.

A methodological framework for innovation transfer to SMEs

The paper deals with technological and managerial innovation transfer to small and medium sized enterprises. A comprehensive framework is presented, identifying a networked architecture in which different actors (universities, other R&D centers, consulting companies, the European Union, national government, local public administration) interact. In so doing, the need of a specific promoting role is pointed out. Consequently, introduction of an innovation center (IC) responsible for the whole transfer process is proposed. Within this organizational unit, the role of innovation promoter (IP), that is the interface with the specific SME, is analyzed and discussed. Finally, a general scheme of IC and IP actions and competences is presented.

Analysis and evaluation of e‐supply chain performances

This study proposes a model for the analysis and performance evaluation of e‐supply chains (e‐SCs), that are supply chains (SCs) in which actors are connected by Internet technologies. It is assumed that e‐SC performances are influenced by the network ol structures, by the criteria adopted to manage relationships among involved actors, and by the critical activities that the leading company performs. At first, the variables influencing such factors are identified and the interdependencies among them are analysed to establish existing correlations. This, in turn, enables one to group the values of the influencing factors in four coherent sets which are consistent with different business environments, thus assuring the effectiveness and efficiency to the e‐SC. The obtained reference model is then tested by applying it to literature‐based case studies. The output of this model may be used to design totally new e‐SCs or to redesign the existing ones, in both manufacturing and services industries.

Integrating transport systems in supply chain management software tools

Logistic strategies represent a key factor to increase supply chain (SC) effectiveness, as the optimization of logistics networks enables transport and storage costs reduction as well as quick response leading to higher customer satisfaction. A useful approach for SC performance improvement may be pursued by resorting to advanced software tools able to analyze complex production scenarios, performing concurrent, synchronized and distributed simulations. Support to the logistics planning phase is offered by geographical information system technology, included in the simulation environment in order to manage related geographical data (i.e. warehouse location, choice of vehicle routeings, etc.). In the paper the main characteristics of the proposed hardware and software architecture have been illustrated, focusing attention on the logic phases for implementation by the transport federate. Furthermore, a preliminary functionality validation of the developed tool is presented with reference to simplified test cases.

GIS‐assisted waste management in a protected area

The problem of environmental management in a protected area has been examined in the paper. A methodological approach based on geographical information system (GIS) technology has been proposed in order to aid in all planning phases. The software tool has been illustrated and a case study has been presented with reference to a national park. Results show capabilities of the developed decision‐support system in identifying and comparing technical‐economical solutions compatible with protected area constraints.