Lean management – a step towards sustainable green supply chain

• Published in: Competitiveness review 2016-01, Vol.26 (3), p.311-331
• Main Authors: BR, Raghu Kumar, Agarwal, Ashish, Sharma, Milind Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Climate change; Cost reduction; Decision support systems; Environmental management; Environmental performance; Globalization; Inventory; Inventory control; Lean manufacturing; Manufacturing; Outsourcing; Product development; Suppliers; Supply chain management; Supply chains
• ISSN: 1059-5422; 2051-3143
• DOI: 10.1108/CR-05-2015-0040

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify important factors which contribute to the evolution of Green Supply Chain (GSC) initiatives framework as a result of sustained lean strategies predominantly but not confined to aviation sector. Design/methodology/approach This research is exploratory in nature and studies lean management implementation environment with focus on developing a framework for a GSC established through a path of identifying waste minimization techniques which automatically contribute to green initiatives in supply chain design invariably qualifying an ordinary supply chain as GSC. The approach is of identifying the framework parameters for both carbon footprint analysis and lean management. The focus of study is cross-sectional, within and outside aviation industry based on the information collected through survey methodology. Findings The paper identifies the key factors that are responsible to make a “green” supply chain and presents a framework to establish the same through rigorous evaluation while not losing sight of lean management requirements so that operational management perspective is not lost. Research limitations/implications The target of the study is the aviation industry and its supportive upstream and downstream beneficiaries. The study has implications for managers in all types of industrial environment, especially in aviation, in the era of globalized lean supply chain establishment which helps them to convert their present lean management initiatives to GSC. Practical implications Inputs obtained are from both literary and industrial research in a live environment and hence impacts lean management outlook and its benefits to industries. Social implications This paper has vast impact on the social well being with the focus on techno – environmental green initiatives factor identification through simple implemented and available procedures with no additional cost implication. Originality/value This paper presents unique inputs regarding conversion of lean implementation scenario in aviation and other industries to a GSC model, with suitable incorporation of recognized factors which are outcome of complicated internal processes. It also tries to establish factors relevant for any organization in assessing lean initiatives.