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Petrova, Marina; Nenko, Aleksandra
2018 Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop an approach to urban environment management through analysis of “urban emptiness” based on user-generated big data.Design/methodology/approachThe research design is based on creating a theoretical model of urban emptiness as a multilayer phenomenon in the city space and then developing an applied approach to map its different types through user-generated and open big data from multiple online sources.FindingsThe paper provides a definition and a theoretical model of “urban emptiness” as a multilayer phenomenon integrated into the complexity of the city system and as a resource for sustainable urban development. The paper presents a methodological approach to analyse urban emptiness based on spontaneous user-generated geolocated open data emerging online. This approach is applied to the Russian city of St Petersburg with a demonstration of the data set formation based on multiple sources and an interpretation of the preliminary results.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper focuses on the under-researched phenomenon of urban emptiness, which leads to a certain speculation of propositions and lack of generalisability of the results. Therefore, the researchers are encouraged to further test the proposed propositions.Practical implicationsThe paper describes urban emptiness as a resource in urban development and gives recommendations on how to account for it in sustainable urban environment management, in particular, in limiting urban sprawl.Originality/valueThis paper consolidates data-driven methods to create an integrated approach to urban environment management from an original standpoint – analysis of urban emptiness.
Gupta, Sandeep Kumar; Racherla, Uday Shanker
2018 Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the interdependence among dimensions of sustainability, i.e. economic, social and environmental performance, this study focuses on leading states of the Indian leather Industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study followed exploratory research where partial least square (PLS) based structural equation modeling has been used. The states have been selected based on judgmental sampling. The study used unit level data for the leading states of Indian leather Industry − namely, Tamil Nadu (TN), West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. The study has used Annual Survey of Industry data from 2007-2008 to 2011-2012. The proposed hypotheses have been tested using WarpPLS 5.0 software.FindingsThe structural equation analysis of unit-wise leather industry data supports a significant bi-directional negative relationship between social performance and economic performance among all the selected states. In contrast, the relationship between economic performance and environmental performance, as expected and supported by many existing theories, has shown a bidirectional positive relationship. However, the relationship between social and environmental performance has shown quite mysterious and mixed trends. TN has depicted significantly negative coefficients, which could be attributed to higher pressure for environmental compliance that might have led to a trade-off between the two to gain cost competitiveness.Research limitations/implicationsUnavailability of data for many critical indicators is the biggest limitation of this study.Originality/valueThe sustainability framework proposed in this work is an original contribution of authors to the existing literature. Moreover, this study on the Indian leather industry fills the gap and resolves the mystery of interconnection among the dimensions of sustainability.
Kumar Gupta, Sandeep; Gupta, Sanjeev; Gayathiri, S.
2018 Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the difference in firm performance between pollution prevention and pollution control strategies using a selected case study from the Indian leather industry.Design/methodology/approachThis study followed a case study-based inductive research approach to validate the proposed preposition on field. The case-study analysis was based on qualitative and quantitative data. The authors developed a questionnaire and an interview protocol to capture the data about different industrial practices and motivation behind them. The study followed the concept of the triple bottom line approach for assessing the progress of the case firm on sustainability scale.FindingsWith the help of pollution preventive measures, such as replacement of salted skin with fresh skin and chromium salt with a phosphonium-based tanning agent, the case firm could overcome the biggest challenge of bringing down the level of total dissolved solid from 40,000 to 5,000 ppm in the raw effluent. Moreover, the firm has successfully recycled and converted tannery scraps and other waste into organic manure for internal use in its own plantations.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study could not be generalized as these are based on a single case study.Originality/valueThis study presents an example of sustainable practices and their benefits to the Indian leather industry to follow.
Singh, Rajesh Kumar; Agrawal, Saurabh
2018 Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the product disposition strategies in reverse supply chains and to develop a framework to prioritize these strategies for effective reverse supply chain implementation.Design/methodology/approachThe disposition strategies, based on the literature review, were selected, and the fuzzy TOPSIS methodology had been applied for the prioritization of these disposition strategies. A case of cell phone manufacturing firm is discussed for the illustration and validation of the methodology. Three respondents from the firm helped in exploring the disposition strategies and data collection of the firm.FindingsThe results of the study show that dissemble and recycle is the most preferred disposition strategy for the firm. Redistribution of returned products after their refurbishing is second most prioritized disposition strategy. Landfill and incineration of cell phones is the last and least preferred option for the firm.Research limitations/implicationsThe study will provide useful guidance to the firm for disposition decision making of cell phones returned to the firm. It will help academicians and practitioners for evaluating, improving, and benchmarking the disposition strategies for the disposition of returned cell phones. One of the limitations of the study is that it only considers the single case of manufacturing firm. In future, more case studies may be carried out for generalization of the results.Originality/valueIt is evident from the literature review that there are very few studies on disposition decisions in reverse supply chain. Also, disposition strategies for cell phones are first time being explored and prioritized. Hence, this study can be viewed as an attempt to increase the level of awareness on reverse supply chain issues.
Sushil, ; Singh, Surya Prakash; Singh, Aarti
2018 Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework of fly ash (FA) handling by using the total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) technique in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachThe conceptual framework of the FA handling technique has been developed by using the TISM technique, where the FA handling factors have been identified from literature and verified by experts.FindingsThe conceptual framework of FA handling technique developed by using TISM contributes to the development of FA handling hierarchy. The framework identifies that there are 12 important factors which play a vital role in FA handling. The conceptual model indicates that particle size distribution derives FA handling technology.Research limitations/implicationsThis study identified important factors for FA handling and it has implication for both organizations and policy makers. This study delivers the factors which play an important role in handling FA in a thermal power plant. This study highlights important linkages essential for the expansion of FA handling technologies and policies.Originality/valueThis study is unique in itself as it studies the FA handling factors through the qualitative modeling technique and has made its contribution in FA handling by providing the conceptual framework for managing FA in the thermal power plant.
2018 Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the drivers of healthcare waste management from literature review and field survey and model these drivers for understanding the inter-relationships among the drivers to enhance healthcare waste management in the Indian context.Design/methodology/approachIn view of the need of the study, the interpretive structural modelling (ISM) method has been applied to model the drivers. The ISM method helps in depicting the relationships among the drivers and filtration of drivers on the basis of their driving and dependence power.FindingsThe findings of the study reveal that the type of a healthcare facility and its management structure, size of a healthcare facility, human resource management of a healthcare facility, healthcare facility’s management monitoring and control, and the effective re-enforcement of government regulation and policy implementation in a healthcare facility play a vital role in the enhancement of HCWM.Research limitations/implicationsThe application of the findings of this study would enhance the hospital’s waste management by ultimately leading to a good ambience and satisfied patients and personnels. Additionally, the study would aid in the policy formulation by government and decision making of medical facilities, thereby strengthening HCWM scenario in the country.Practical implicationsThe drivers filtered in this study would be useful for ranking the hospitals’ healthcare waste management in a region/country. This ranking may play a vital role in earmarking the hospitals which are managing their healthcare waste according to the guidelines of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) of a country. With the help of this study, the problem of inadequate human resource can be effectively addressed for CPCB and MoEF, in India.Originality/valueHealthcare waste management is a vital issue which needs attention from the management perspective in India. Therefore, an interpretive structural model, i.e. ISM digraph, has been developed which would help in the filtration of drivers and attaining the better healthcare waste management in an economically and timely manner.
Kaur, Harpreet; Singh, Surya Prakash
2018 Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal
PurposeProcurement planning has always been a huge and challenging activity for business firms, especially in manufacturing. With government legislations about global concern over carbon emissions, the manufacturing firms are enforced to regulate and reduce the emissions caused throughout the supply chain. It is observed that procurement and logistics activities in manufacturing firms contribute heavily toward carbon emissions. Moreover, highly dynamic and uncertain business environment with uncertainty in parameters such as demand, supplier and carrier capacity adds to the complexity in procurement planning. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a novel attempt to model environmentally sustainable stochastic procurement (ESSP) problem as a mixed-integer non-linear program. The ESSP optimizes the procurement plan of the firm including lot-sizing, supplier and carrier selection by addressing uncertainty and environmental sustainability. The model applies chance-constrained-based approach to address the uncertain parameters.FindingsThe proposed ESSP model is solved optimally for 30 data sets to validate the proposed ESSP and is further demonstrated using three illustrations solved optimally in LINGO 10.Originality/valueThe ESSP model simultaneously minimizes total procurement cost and carbon emissions over the entire planning horizon considering uncertain demand, supplier and carrier capacity.
Singh, Sumer; Kumar, Jyoti; Rao, P.V.M.
2018 Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate and propose a framework for environmental impact assessment of packaging material being used to package a product.Design/methodology/approachThe research considers parameters identified in the literature by the use of “Delphi Technique”. Based on available data, methods of measurement of the parameters are carried out. Furthermore, a metrics is proposed for measurement of environmental impact. Based on the metrics, the research proposes a framework for environmental impact assessment by use of Dominic’s method. The research validates the proposed framework through Pahl and Beitz method.FindingsThe proposed framework establishes a metrics for measurement of 16 parameters for environmental impact assessment. The framework can be used to compare a set of alternate packaging material for the same product for its environmental impact. The framework also provides a quantitative measure of the environmental impact assessment of a product packaging.Research limitations/implicationsThe research can be used to evaluate a packaging as compared to its alternate. It can also be used to propose suggestions for improving the environmental impact of packaging in comparison to its alternate.Practical implicationsThe data considered for establishing of metrics for measurement of parameters for environmental impact may not be available in all practical situations in the similar way as considered in the research.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a framework for environmental impact assessment for product packaging considering data in the Indian scenario.
C., Gahana Gopal; Patil, Yogesh B.; K.T., Shibin; Prakash, Anand
2018 Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to formulate frameworks for the drivers and barriers of integrated sustainable solid waste management (ISSWM) with reference to conditions prevailing in India.Design/methodology/approachA multi-phased approach was adopted in this paper to come up with the conceptual framework of the drivers and barriers of ISSWM. In the first phase, drivers and barriers of ISSWM were identified based on a systematic literature review process. In the second phase, 25 experts having 15 plus years of experience in the field of sustainable development and environmental management were consulted to get their opinion. Validation and understanding of the interrelationship among the selected drivers and barriers were done based on the insights from expert interviews. And in the final phase, structural self-interaction matrix and transitive links are defined based on the expert opinion to come up with the theoretical frameworks of drivers and barriers of ISSWM.FindingsFindings reveal the importance to have a system view point approach by giving equal importance to social, environmental and economic pillars of sustainability along with the technology component to effectively and sustainably manage the solid waste disposal. Institutional effectiveness and the robust policy and frameworks are the two variables found to have the highest driving power. Poor social values and ethics, huge population and illiteracy are the three most critical barriers faced by developing nations in achieving the sustainability practices in the solid waste management. The proposed frameworks of drivers and barriers of ISSWM will definitely help policy makers to effectively manage the sustainable waste management practices for developing economies by focusing on the key variables listed out.Research limitations/implicationsOne of the limitations is in the use of very limited sample size in the study. Another limitation is that total interpretive structural modeling fails to come up with the relative weightings of drivers and barriers used in the study. These limitations can be overcome by extending the research by using a semi-structured questionnaire survey with higher sample size for the empirical validation of the model.Practical implicationsThis research will help to clearly understand the framework of drivers and barriers of variables and their hierarchical level based on the driving power and dependence. Since such articles focusing on the conceptual frameworks of drivers and barriers of ISSWM are found to be very scant, this paper will equally help academicians and waste management professionals to understand the concepts deeply, by getting answers to the fundamental questions of “what,” “why” and “how.” Developed framework of drivers explicitly shows the need to attain financial stability through the commercialization of the waste management initiatives, which will help to reduce burden on various governmental institutions. Commercialization opportunities will also help to have more successful start-up ventures in solid waste management domain that can provide improved employment opportunities and hygiene environment in the developing nations like India.Originality/valueBased on the authors’ best knowledge, there is hardly any article that explicitly explains the conceptual frameworks of the drivers and barriers of ISSWM by considering the conditions prevailing in developing countries like India. And thus, this can be considered as one of the unique research attempts to build a clear conceptual framework of ISSWM. The study contributes significantly to the existing literature body by clearly interpreting the interrelationships and the driving power and dependence of variables of ISSWM.
Afolabi, Adeniyi Samson; Agbabiaka, Hafeez Idowu; Afon, Abel Omoniyi; Akinbinu, Akinkunle Akintan; Adefisoye, Emmanuel Adetayo
2018 Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal
PurposeHospital solid waste may cause serious health hazards and impair the quality of life of the community through transmission of diseases and injury if not properly managed. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine solid waste management practice (SWMP) in Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data were collected for this study through interview and questionnaire administration. Systematic sampling technique was used to select 60 students, 13 staffs, 43 cleaners, 8 contractors, and a management staff for questionnaire administration. Data obtained were analyzed using frequency distribution, pictorial analysis, and factor analysis.FindingsFindings established that solid wastes components generated in the hospital were not segregated in line with the directive of the World Health Organization. The study further established that the factors influencing SWMP accounted for 79.9 percent variance in the following proportion: available storage and collection facilities (30.94 percent), number of patients’ factors (17.86 percent), transportation factor (15.39 percent), human and material resource factors (8.33 percent), and disposal (7.36 percent).Originality/valueThe study therefore concludes that the effectiveness of SWMPs depends on the facilities and equipment, human resources capacity, and frequency of waste collection and disposal.
Ojo-Awo, Nicholas Adesina; Agbabiaka, Hafeez Idowu; Ilesanmi, Abiola O.
2018 Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal
PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the physico-chemical properties of the groundwater surrounding the Solous (solid waste dumpsite) at Isheri, Lagos, Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 40 groundwater samples were collected from ten pre-determined sampling stations. Three sample stations were established before the dumpsite; three sample stations were located in the vicinity of the dumpsite in the direction of the leachate plume, while the remaining four sample stations were situated further away and acted as a control. Sampling was carried out four times during the study period (twice each in the rainy and dry seasons). The parameters measured in situ were air and water temperatures (using mercury-in-glass bulb thermometer) and pH (using pH meter). Calcium and magnesium contents were measured using the Ca-Mg indicator; sodium content was measured using the flame emission spectrophotometry and phosphate was measured using the flame photometry. The selected heavy metals (copper, iron, lead, cadmium, zinc and manganese) were measured by using the atomic absorption spectrometer. The oxygen parameters, such as dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand and organic matter, were determined titrimetrically. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA).FindingsThe results showed that many parameters had higher values in the dry season than in the rainy season. Temperature (27.75±0.95°C), alkalinity (211.37±82.78 mg/LCaCO3), phosphate (0.30±0.07 mg/L) and sulfate (2.78±0.35 mg/L), sodium ion (41.95±18.86 mg/L), dissolved oxygen (2.98±0.57 mg/L) and COD (33.54±4.50 mg/L) had higher mean values in the dry season than in the rainy season. On the other hand, the mean values of electrical conductivity (1,224.85±370.63), nitrate (0.01±0.003 mg/L), chloride (98.76±21.58 mg/L), calcium ion (5.38±0.68 mg/L), magnesium ion (3.05±0.05 mg/L), BOD (22.37±2.20 mg/L) and pH (6.31±0.18) were higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. The heavy metals (iron 1.10±0.05 mg/L, lead 0.12±0.07 mg/L, manganese 0.01±0.004 mg/L, copper 0.15±0.003 mg/L, zinc 0.07±0.004 mg/L and cadmium 0.02±0.02 mg/L) were fairly uniform all year round. There was also a marked decline in the values as one moved away from the dumpsite.Practical implicationsThe implication of the findings is that human health is remarkably dependent upon safe and clean drinking water. Preserving the water resources and hindering them from pollution is preferred to the treatment of polluted water and rendering it suitable for consumption. The high electrical conductivity values obtained in the groundwater samples near the dumpsites are an indication of the effect of leachate on the groundwater quality. The high concentrations of dissolved solids in the groundwater may decrease the palatability and may cause gastro-intestinal irritation in humans, and laxative effect particularly on transits.Originality/valueThe pollutants from the various waste components disposed at the dumpsite percolate into the ground to pollute the groundwater. The groundwater is transported in the line of flow away from the vicinity of the dumpsite to pollute the groundwater in the area. The extent of contamination level of groundwater quality due to leachate percolation depends upon a number of factors like chemical composition of leachate, rainfall, depth and distance of the well from the dumpsite. Groundwater samples of different depths and distances from dumpsites were analyzed in the present study to understand the level of a combination.