Gareth R.T. White

An Extended Fuzzy-AHP Approach for the Evaluation of Green Product Designs

Environmental concerns, from consumers, governments, and academics, have encouraged businesses to incorporate more environmentally conscious designs in their new product development. However, selection of the best green design is a decision-making process that is not easy to address. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a popular and comprehensive tool to accomplish the objective. Nevertheless, LCA is a time-consuming process that requires substantial resources and expertise. This research proposes an innovative approach to performing structured LCA in conjunction with the concept known as fuzzy analytical hierarchical process. In doing so, some of the disadvantages of LCA can be remedied and this provides a practical tool for performing LCA.

A Comparison of Barcoding and RFID Technologies in Practice

This research paper highlights inconsistencies in the way Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is compared to existing barcoding technology and the lack of empirical evidence to support one’s superiority over the other. Reference is drawn to the way in which RFID and barcoding technologies are represented in the literature. Time and motion studies were conducted in a distribution company’s chilled warehouse where RFID technology had already been trialled and implemented on recyclable refrigerated food trays and in operation alongside barcoding systems. Attention was given to recording the number and nature of errors that each technology exhibited. This paper concludes that while RFID can deliver improved operational performance over traditional barcode systems, it is found to be less reliable in implementation. Hybrid systems may offer operational benefits over single-technology systems, but the cost of their complexity still needs to be examined.

The implementation of a quality management system in the not‐for‐profit sector

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the rationale for establishing a quality management system (QMS) by obtaining ISO 9001:2000 certification in a not for profit small to medium enterprise (SME) in the UK. The rationale for choosing this approach over others to achieve operational stability and ongoing improvement is explored and an evaluation of its effectiveness undertaken.Design/methodology/approach – A case study approach is adopted with the paper outlining the process of ISO 9001:2000 implementation in a single not‐for‐profit SME. The paper identifies the process by which the organisation prepares for certification and appraises both the changes required by the organisation and the scope of opportunistic improvements that resulted.Findings – Through the correct development of the QMS the company was able to generate bottom‐line savings and business performance enhancement. The paper shows that when the QMS is developed as part of a coherent initiative, lasting performance improvements a...

Challenges and practices in Halal meat preparation: a case study investigation of a UK slaughterhouse

Consumer concerns over the provenance of food that has been prepared in accordance with religious requirements has risen in importance. Instances of improper identification and sale of Halal meat-based products in particular have given rise to questions over the authenticity of such foods. Despite this and the rising demand for Halal foods across the globe, little research has been conducted around the specific issues that arise during their production. This paper presents a case study investigation of a slaughterhouse in the UK that prepares both Halal and non-Halal meat products. It aims to improve our understanding of the challenges that Halal food production presents. The extra requirements of Halal food preparation place additional burdens especially upon smaller processors. Future development of quality standards should take account of the abilities of smaller organisations and the constraints under which they operate. Additionally, food quality assurance standards and systems should highlight the specific requirements of food that has been prepared in accordance with religious requirements. While this study has highlighted the complexities of Halal food production, similar issues are likely to be present in the production of Kosher food, and such compliances may also be required of foods consumed by people of other faiths.

Extension of process mapping to identify “green waste”

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an approach to process mapping (Pmapping) that incorporates the identification of environmental wastes. Design/methodology/approach – The proposed extension of the PMapping technique is independently trialled by ten Industrial Engineers in manufacturing SMEs in South Wales. Interviews were conducted with each Engineer after the mapping technique was trialled, in order to understand the benefits and difficulties of using the approach. Findings – Integrating the identification of “green wastes” within the PMapping tool is found to be an effective way of focusing attention upon the environmental impact of activities within processes. Combining “green and lean” is also an approach that cements environmental issues into an organisations continuous improvement efforts and can assist in it becoming part of its improvement philosophy. Research limitations/implications – The tool has been trialled within a limited number of small- to medium-sized manufacturing org...

Inter-organisational green packaging design: a case study of influencing factors and constraints in the automotive supply chain

Green packaging is playing an increasingly important role in greening the supply chain. However, the issues that companies face when developing green packaging solutions for the transportation of products within supply chains are poorly understood. A case study of an automotive component manufacturer is presented that explores the complexity of the decisions that surround the decision of inter-organisational packaging design. Drawing upon the literature, legislation and the expert evaluation provided by the case organisation, it identifies the important criteria that influence packaging design and comprise customer requirements, legislation, operational and environmental concerns. This research finds that even though the company makes significant efforts to improve its environmental performance, operational concerns are most influential factors in the design of packaging. Initiatives that aim to improve the environmental performance of packaging are also constrained by external influences in the supply chain, such as customer pressure to adopt branded packaging systems and the inability to influence the design of incoming goods and material packaging.

The implementation of an environmental management system in the not-for-profit sector

Purpose This paper examines the implementation of the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) in a non-profit, small to medium sized enterprise (SME) in the UK. Methodology A four year Participatory Action Research study is made upon Knowledge Transfer Partnerships between the University of the West of England and the Royal Bath and West Society. Findings Through the adoption of EMAS the organisation was able to identify operational improvements as well as make significant efforts to improve its environmental performance, reducing its carbon footprint by 30 tCO₂e per annum and gaining new business. Research Limitations The study is made upon a single not for profit organisation in the UK. Practical Implications It presents the costs, benefits and challenges that the organisation faced. Techniques that were used to successfully manage the EMS development are also discussed. The investigation identifies deficiencies in the materials that are provided to support companies that are seeking EMAS certification. To improve the uptake of these environmental management systems and assist companies in their successful pursuit of ISO14001 and EMAS, this supporting documentation requires enhancement. Originality There has been relatively little empirical research around the development and benefits of organisational environmental management systems (EMS). Even less has focussed upon the specific constraints and opportunities that face non-profit organisations when implementing EMAS. This paper addresses this gap, identifying its costs and tangible benefits.

Profiling the resiliency and sustainability of UK manufacturing companies

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the tools, methods and models that UK manufacturing companies adopt and apply in order to achieve resiliency and economic sustainability. The results of this work can assist in developing the foundations for defining a new joint resiliency/sustainability paradigm to assist industry. Design/methodology/approach – Through a detailed, triangulated secondary data analysis and industry survey, the authors initially identify and then analyse the key resiliency and sustainability characteristics surrounding manufacturing operations. This paper initially reviews key literatures around resiliency and sustainability models and frameworks and subsequently draws out their key features and weaknesses. The work then details the research survey undertaken in to manufacturing companies aimed at identifying the resiliency/sustainability approaches that are adopted in companies. A sample of 72 manufacturing companies are used in the survey and from which the results are ba...

Fairtrade and Halal Food Certification and Labeling: Commercial Lessons and Religious Limitations

Drawing upon the successes and criticisms of Fairtrade certification and labeling systems, this article considers how such successes may be replicated within Halal food supply chains. While the advantages of a trusted labeling system are evident, the highly complicated nature of Halal food production, driven by the heterogeneous religious requirements of its consumers, conspires to make the development of such a system both costly and impractical. Adopting Hunt’s (1981) concept of macromarketing and Layton’s (2007) definition of a marketing system, the article builds a conceptual model of the Halal food labeling marketing system. It presents a comparative analysis of the Fairtrade and Halal systems that can be viewed as push- and pull- driven respectively, and proffers suggestions for future research around the influence of consumer religiosity upon food production systems.

Sustainable Packaging: Regulations and Operational Challenges in a Manufacturing SME

The issue of sustainability has attracted considerable attention over the last decade and has been accompanied by the development of stringent packaging material legislation for firms. Drawing on a single case approach, this paper examines the operational challenges faced by manufacturing SMEs as they strive to meet the expectations and requirements of increasingly demanding sustainable packaging regulations. The findings highlight the internal costs and complexities that are faced by manufacturing firms when complying with the regulations. It suggests that some firms may face financial and technical constraints that prevent them from reporting the significant efforts that they are making to improving packaging materials. More significantly it identifies the seemingly insurmountable problems that are faced by SMEs when confronted with powerful upstream or downstream supply chain partners that are resistant to improvement initiatives. This can result in organisations acting in a self-interested manner and consequently, the cumulative environmental impact of the supply chain is greater than it may be if organisations were more environmentally cooperative.