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Special Issue Editors Asst. Prof. Dr. Vanajah Siva Department Supply Chain and Operations Management, School of Engineering, Jönköping University, Gjuterigatan 5, 553 18 Jönköping, Sweden Dr. Samuel Petros Sebhatu Service Research Centre - CTF / Karlstad Business School, Karlstad University,
Universitetsgatan 2, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden Prof. Dr. Roberta Guglielmetti Mugion Department of Business Studies, University of Roma Tre, Via Ostiense, 159, 00154 Roma RM, Italy Special Issue InformationDear Colleagues, Operations Management (OM) is a multidisciplinary field that addresses the efficiency and effectiveness of the operations of an organization operating in both manufacturing and service industries. Sustainable Operations Management (SOM) mainly focuses on sustainability of supply chain management (SSCM), aiming to develop actions that make supply chains more sustainable, while maintaining efficacy and efficiency. SSCM can be seen as an integrated process, wherein a number of various actors (i.e., suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers) work together in a sustainable and greener way to acquire input, convert these inputs into final output, and deliver them to the market. In literature, the concept of SSCM has evolved from the standalone social responsibility perspective (Carter and Jennings, 2002; Murphy and Poist, 2002) toward the sustainability approach on the lens of the triple bottom line (Gimenez, et al., 2012). Indeed, Walker et al. (2014) posited that “OM as the pursuit of social, economic and environmental objectives – the triple bottom line – within operations of a specific firm and operational linkages that extend beyond the firm to include the supply chain and communities.” This change is probably due to the the considerable pressure from stakeholders, shareholders, and consumers to integrate the issue of sustainability into the supply chain in addition to profitability (Beske and Seuring, 2014; Tang & Zhou, 2012). Hence, SSCM is aimed at enhancing long-term environmental, social and economic values and the promotion of best practices across the whole lifecycle of goods and services for all the involved stakeholders. Furthermore, engaging sustainability represents even more a strategic requirement for companies that allow to obtain a transparent integration and realization of a social, environmental, and business goals” (Carter and Rogers, 2008). However, a rich stream of literature contributions have suggested that several aspects related to OM can be considered from a sustainability perspective. These aspects encompass product design, eco-design and life cycle assessment, adoption of environmental and social standards, process improvement and lean operations, green purchasing, supply chain management (SCM), logistics including recycling, packaging and closed-loop systems, performance measurement and risk management (Walker et al., 2014; Kleindorfer et al., 2005; Zhu and Sarkis, 2004). They also demonstrated the need to further investigate the economic benefits derived from the introduction of sustainability in the supply chain management. Nowadays, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as developed by the United Nations, has been promoting Goal 12, which is related to responsible production and consumption and emphasises the need to reduce waste by optimizing the usage of resources (energy, water, etc.). It is worth emphasizing that the recent COVID-19 epidemic has been starting a debate on the future of the globalized operations in both manufacturing and service industries. The need to rethink and redesign OM practices and patterns is clear, drawing attention to the need to focus even more on business continuity and organizations resilience and concurrently incorporating sustainable managerial approaches at the core of their business. The recent COVID-19 epidemic has started a debate on the future trends of globalized operations management in both manufacturing and service industries, emphasizing the need to realize a systematic shift toward more sustainable practices both from production and consumption
patterns. Indeed, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development proposes to develop more responsible production and consumption (Goal 12), emphasising the necessity to reduce waste and to be more effective and efficient in the usage of natural resources (energy water etc.). Prof. Roberta Guglielmetti Mugion References
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Published Papers (4 papers)ResearchOpen AccessArticle Short Food Supply Chains in Europe: Scientific Research Directions Cited by 1 | Viewed by 660 Abstract In the food sector, new configurations of supply chains, as opposed to global conventional ones, are drawing the attention of researchers and institutions all over the world. These are presented as a panacea for the recovery of rural economies and, in general, of [...] Read more. In the food sector, new configurations of supply chains, as opposed to global conventional ones, are drawing the attention of researchers and institutions all over the world. These are presented as a panacea for the recovery of rural economies and, in general, of food system sustainability. In this context the short food supply chains (SFSCs) become relevant, as happens in Europe, where strategies and regulations designed on their implementation were adopted. Recognising that scientific research always plays an important role in guiding institutions’ choices in many fields, it seems important to focus on how SFSCs are considered in the European academic panorama. Therefore, this contribution presents a study performed on a sample of 108 papers published in journals during the last decade. The findings concerning the investigated issues and the approaches to analysing SFSC development and effects are reported from both the producer and consumer perspective. The review strongly emphasizes the factors affecting participation in SFSCs. Moreover, it highlights that the positive perception of SFSC sustainability is not based on scientific evidence. The analysis outlines current research directions and identifies challenges that are still open in order to offer researchers food for thought with a view to developing further future insights. Full article ► Show Figures Open AccessArticle Recognizing the Key Drivers and Industry Implications of Sustainable Packaging Design: A Mixed-Method Approach Viewed by 1420 Abstract Sustainable packaging design plays a strategic role across several industries. Using the Italian market as the perimeter of the analysis, this paper aims to broaden the knowledge of corporate attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors toward sustainable packaging along the entire supply chain. A mixed-method [...] Read more. Sustainable packaging design plays a strategic role across several industries. Using the Italian market as the perimeter of the analysis, this paper aims to broaden the knowledge of corporate attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors toward sustainable packaging along the entire supply chain. A mixed-method approach was used, integrating qualitative and quantitative data collected from 33 in-depth interviews and a survey on a sample of 462 companies. The results revealed that a challenging goal will consist of reconciling technological advances and marketing instances, and that the entire supply chain should be synergistically involved in packaging sustainability. It was also found that larger companies consider sustainability as part of a broader business strategy, whereas smaller ones possess a tactical vision. The study provides valuable insights to better comprehend and manage a complex ecosystem such as that of sustainable packaging. Full article ► Show Figures Open AccessArticle Challenges and Threats Faced in 2020 by International Logistics Companies Operating on the Polish Market Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2041 Abstract The main aim of the article is to present an analysis of the current challenges and threats to the Transport-Forwarding-Logistics (TFL) sector in Poland based on internet surveys. The aim of the article is, therefore, to investigate whether the challenges and threats described [...] Read more. The main aim of the article is to present an analysis of the current challenges and threats to the Transport-Forwarding-Logistics (TFL) sector in Poland based on internet surveys. The aim of the article is, therefore, to investigate whether the challenges and threats described by managers in a two-year perspective are related to sustainable development. This area primarily concerns external conditions. On the other hand, in the surveys that were the subjects of the analyses, a section related to sustainable development in economic, environmental, and social terms was identified, in which the focus was primarily on the internal activities of the company. The article has a practical dimension. The article analyzes comments from managers posted in an internet survey. They constitute a separate part of the questionnaire, which mainly concerns financial indicators and other factors that determine the company’s competitiveness. Half of the respondents are companies with foreign capital, and half-Polish companies. Based on the comments over a three-year period with over sixty managers from logistics companies in Poland, an analysis of the most important challenges that companies in the logistics industry have to face in the near future was presented. The survey is a part of a broader research project that has been conducted in the form of a quantitative survey among approximately sixty TFL companies for twenty-five years on an annual basis. The results of the survey are supplemented with an attempt to analyze the current situation in 2020 related to the impending economic recession as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat. The surveyed companies constitute a significant part of the TFL market in Poland. Thus, they are the benchmark for the entire industry. Therefore, an important value of the presented analysis is the up-to-date research, as well as the ability to relate the results and developed scenarios to the entire TFL sector. Full article Open AccessArticle Contingency Management and Supply Chain Performance in Korea: A COVID-19 Pandemic Approach Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2158 Abstract Unexpected incidents are driving global supply chains to the brink of collapse. To effectively manage contingency events like the COVID-19 pandemic and improve operational performance, factors such as information technology (IT), relational competencies, cooperation with supply chain partners and integration of supply chain [...] Read more. Unexpected incidents are driving global supply chains to the brink of collapse. To effectively manage contingency events like the COVID-19 pandemic and improve operational performance, factors such as information technology (IT), relational competencies, cooperation with supply chain partners and integration of supply chain systems that contribute to cooperation are essential. This study found that IT and relational competencies positively influence the integration of supply chain systems, and relational competencies have a stronger implication on supply chain integration and collaboration. In addition, supply chain collaboration, strengthened by supply chain integration, positively affects contingency management. Finally, contingency management positively influences operational performance. In this study, we adopted partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method in the analysis with 102 surveys collected from business managers. Through the evaluation of determinants of contingency management and supply chain performance, this study widens the theoretical base of supply chain management and provides managers with optimal ways to build a more resilient supply chain system to cope with unexpected incidents. Consequently, with collaboration-based contingency management, companies can solve problems properly and reduce additional loss, which will enhance operational performance and enable sustainable business success. Full article ► Show Figures How does Lean Systems Thinking in operations management relate to sustainability quizlet?Firms should pursue profit without damaging the environment or the well-being of future generations. Lean systems thinking in operations management can extend to sustainability in what way? Its focus on reducing waste of all types. Its focus on improving product quality.
What best defines the concept of environmental sustainability?Environmental sustainability is the responsibility to conserve natural resources and protect global ecosystems to support health and wellbeing, now and in the future.
Which of the following phrases best defines the concept of sustainability as set out by the United Nations Brundtland Commission?Which of the following phrases BEST defines the concept of sustainability, as set out by the United Nations Brundtland Commission: To meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
How does Lean Systems Thinking in operations management related to sustainability?Lean systems thinking in operations management can extend to sustainability in what way? A. Its focus on improving product quality.
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