Barriers to green supply chain implementation in the electronics industry
Abstract
Environmental issues have gained the public's attention significantly in the last several years, and organizations around the United States have increased awareness of green concepts and attempted to be environmentally friendly. Green supply chain management (GSCM) is one of many areas influenced by green awareness. GSCM integrates environmental thinking into supply chain management. In the United States, many organizations adopt GSCM principles into their systems. GSCM has been adopted by various business sectors such as manufacturers, transportation, government, and services. Environmental concepts are embraced by many industries and businesses, specifically in the electronics industry, is one sector most affected due to its unique characteristics such as raw materials, processes, and regulations. The present study identifies barriers to implementation of green supply chain management in the electronics industry. The study explores factors that prevent companies from implementing green projects, and identifies green implementation types that the electronics industry has adopted in the United States. Data was gathered by survey methods. Data from the interview and the literature review were analyzed and used as input for generating survey questions. Participants represented manufacturers and distributors in the electronics industry in the United States. Survey questions included 33 barriers to green implementation, and readiness to green implementation of the electronics industry using six implementation types. Data was analyzed by SPSS using multivariate techniques. Company characteristics were tested to see the differences in green barriers and implementation readiness. Results showed that the financial impact is the major factor for green implementation by electronics companies. Company size did not impact green supply chain barriers. However, small-sized companies were less ready to implement green initiatives for most projects. Generally, distributors were more affected from barriers to green implementation than manufacturers. Electronics companies were most ready to implement with green manufacturing and packaging projects while projects related to green suppliers were least ready for implementation. Furthermore, companies that have been aware of environmental concerns for a longer period of time were more ready to implement green projects than companies with more recent environmental awareness. The amount of future investment can be predicted from past investment.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Schmidt, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Management|Industrial engineering|Sustainability
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