1,720,970 research outputs found
The impact of lean practices on the environmental performance of manufacturing companies
Full text linkLean production has emerged in the past decades as one of the most popular subjects in business and manufacturing literature and it is the most widespread production paradigm currently applied in industry. The lean paradigm is characterized by five principles (value, mapping the value stream, flow, pull and continuous improvement) and by the relevance of reducing waste (muda). In parallel, the environmental performance of a company in terms of pollution prevention and reduction of the use and waste of resources is an issue increasingly concerning both firms and customers in recent years. This focus on these topics has fostered an area of research that it is frequently acknowledged as green production. Lean and green production paradigms are both focused on waste reduction and various scholars have studied their relationships (common points and divergences) and the synergic effects of joining these two management approaches. However, the impact of lean practices on environmental performance is still unclear, as limited empirical research has been conducted in this field. From this idea arises the aim of this research, which is to analyse the relationship between lean and environmental performance in manufacturing with a strong empirical focus. This research was carried out in two main stages: a review of the relevant literature as an exploration stage and a multiple case study analysis in five manufacturing companies to empirically analyse the aforementioned impacts. Onsite data were collected from firms during a time span of research of five years, involving archival data and developing semi-structured interviews. Besides, a cross-case analysis was carried out to map the possible relationships between lean practices and environmental measures. The findings of this thesis indicate that the environmental performance of the companies analysed is generally enhanced in the long-term after the implementation of lean practices. Moreover, the results from the multiple case study suggest that the environmental performance of the firms under study is mainly improved using JIT and TQM practices in a lean transformation context. These results are perfectly aligned with the preliminary evidences obtained in the literature review analysis developed in this thesis and provides robustness to the conclusions obtained. The research findings provide a better understanding of the phenomena, unveil new evidences and can be particularly useful for both researchers and practitioners who are facing the challenge of studying and implementing lean without omitting environmental performance goals, sharing efforts as much as possible
Adoption of Leather Working Group (LWG) Certification and its Effect on supply chain sustainability
No full textreservedThis thesis explored the adoption of Leather Working Group (LWG) certification and its
effect on supply chain sustainability within the global leather industry. Through qualitative analysis of
50 LWG-certified companies (see Appendix A), the study assessed how certification influenced
environmental, social, governance, and traceability dimensions across diverse regions and sectors. The
research aimed to understand the extent to which LWG certification contributed to improvements in
sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), aligned with theoretical frameworks such as the
Stakeholder Theory and the Resource-Based View. Findings discovered that LWG certification was
associated with measurable environmental gains, including reductions in water and energy usage,
enhanced chemical management, and broader adoption of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools.
Traceability and digital monitoring practices improved through the integration of blockchain, QR
codes, and supply chain disclosure systems. Social outcomes such as worker safety and CSR initiatives
showed progress in several regions; however, transparency on gender inclusion and labor rights
remained inconsistent. Governance mechanisms, including audit rigor and policy alignment, varied
significantly between multinationals and SMEs, with regional differences influenced by regulatory
frameworks. The thesis concluded that while LWG certification has driven significant sustainability
improvements, key challenges persist, including gaps in social metrics, uneven adoption of innovation,
and limited SME access. Practical and policy-oriented recommendations were proposed to enhance
the scope and impact of LWG governance. The research demonstrated that LWG serves as a valuable
but evolving tool for enabling structured progress in sustainable leather supply chains.This thesis explored the adoption of Leather Working Group (LWG) certification and its
effect on supply chain sustainability within the global leather industry. Through qualitative analysis of
50 LWG-certified companies (see Appendix A), the study assessed how certification influenced
environmental, social, governance, and traceability dimensions across diverse regions and sectors. The
research aimed to understand the extent to which LWG certification contributed to improvements in
sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), aligned with theoretical frameworks such as the
Stakeholder Theory and the Resource-Based View. Findings discovered that LWG certification was
associated with measurable environmental gains, including reductions in water and energy usage,
enhanced chemical management, and broader adoption of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools.
Traceability and digital monitoring practices improved through the integration of blockchain, QR
codes, and supply chain disclosure systems. Social outcomes such as worker safety and CSR initiatives
showed progress in several regions; however, transparency on gender inclusion and labor rights
remained inconsistent. Governance mechanisms, including audit rigor and policy alignment, varied
significantly between multinationals and SMEs, with regional differences influenced by regulatory
frameworks. The thesis concluded that while LWG certification has driven significant sustainability
improvements, key challenges persist, including gaps in social metrics, uneven adoption of innovation,
and limited SME access. Practical and policy-oriented recommendations were proposed to enhance
the scope and impact of LWG governance. The research demonstrated that LWG serves as a valuable
but evolving tool for enabling structured progress in sustainable leather supply chains
Analysis of the latest progress in research on the relationship between Lean and Sustainability
No full textreservedNegli ultimi anni la società ha iniziato a prendere coscienza del fatto che le risorse del pianeta non sono infinite e che il modello economico tradizionale del “take-make-dispose”, ovvero il modello che consiste nell’estrarre le materie prime, produrre il bene o il servizio richiesto ed infine smaltire eventuali scarti e rifiuti, non può essere utilizzato in modo sostenibile. Questo problema ha fatto sorgere il tema della sostenibilità, qui trattata seguendo la teoria del Triple Bottom Line, ossia considerando la prestazione di sostenibilità come l’insieme delle condizioni economica, ambientale e sociale di un’organizzazione. La lean production, composta da principi e pratiche che mirano all’eliminazione degli sprechi, è il paradigma produttivo maggiormente utilizzato dalle industrie e, di conseguenza, numerosi studi hanno investigato il suo rapporto con le dimensioni della sostenibilità. Lo scopo di questa ricerca è analizzare i ritrovamenti più recenti in merito alle relazioni tra pratiche lean - comunemente organizzate in gruppi chiamati “bundle” (JIT, TPM, TQM e HRM) - e le performance definite dal Triple Bottom Line operazionalizzate con gli indicatori della Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) per evidenziare l’attuale stato della ricerca in questo ambito. In questo documento, dopo una revisione dell’estesa letteratura sull’argomento, sono stati selezionati i 33 articoli e revisioni di maggior rilevanza, tramite l’applicazione di opportuni criteri e considerando un orizzonte temporale compreso tra il 2018 e l’Agosto del 2023. I risultati dimostrano che tutti i bundle lean influenzano in modo prevalentemente positivo la sostenibilità. Il bundle del JIT risulta essere il più controverso, principalmente per quanto riguarda le emissioni causate dai trasporti frequenti introdotti dalla sua applicazione. Infine, l’utilizzo di altri paradigmi, come l’economia circolare, tecniche per la salvaguardia dell’ecosistema e l’innovazione orientata alla sostenibilità, in aggiunta alle pratiche lean, permettono di ottimizzare gli effetti positivi sulla sostenibilità. L’originalità ed il valore di questa ricerca risiedono nella stesura di un riassunto degli ultimi e più importanti ritrovamenti in merito all’argomento. Inoltre, si utilizzeranno gli standard sviluppati dalla GRI, creati appositamente per misurare le prestazioni di sostenibilità delle aziende
Enhancing Food Supply Chain Sustainability Through Traceability
No full textreservedTraceability in international food supply chains is critical for ensuring food safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer trust. This research explores recent technological advancements and implementation strategies that enhance traceability across global food systems. It focuses on the roles of Blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), and Industry 4.0 technologies in enabling real-time data exchange, transparency, and tamper-proof recordkeeping. Though these innovations offer significant benefits, their implementation is often hindered by socioeconomic disparities, organizational resistance, high adoption costs, and challenges in system interoperability. Drawing on academic literature, industry case studies, and legal frameworks, this research identifies key limitations of current traceability systems and highlights best practices for effective adoption. It will investigate how improved resource efficiency and lower environmental impact can yield more sustainable supply chain operations. The thesis requires to implement a number of challenges such as supply chain complexity, organization preparedness, and stakeholder involvement. Lastly, it promotes scalable, comprehensive, all-ranging traceable solutions designed to support strong and sustainable food supply chains. The findings offer insight into emerging directions, main success criteria, and developing trends related to food traceability systems for legislators, practitioners, and scholars.Traceability in international food supply chains is critical for ensuring food safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer trust. This research explores recent technological advancements and implementation strategies that enhance traceability across global food systems. It focuses on the roles of Blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), and Industry 4.0 technologies in enabling real-time data exchange, transparency, and tamper-proof recordkeeping. Though these innovations offer significant benefits, their implementation is often hindered by socioeconomic disparities, organizational resistance, high adoption costs, and challenges in system interoperability. Drawing on academic literature, industry case studies, and legal frameworks, this research identifies key limitations of current traceability systems and highlights best practices for effective adoption. It will investigate how improved resource efficiency and lower environmental impact can yield more sustainable supply chain operations. The thesis requires to implement a number of challenges such as supply chain complexity, organization preparedness, and stakeholder involvement. Lastly, it promotes scalable, comprehensive, all-ranging traceable solutions designed to support strong and sustainable food supply chains. The findings offer insight into emerging directions, main success criteria, and developing trends related to food traceability systems for legislators, practitioners, and scholars
An Evaluation of Sustainability Reporting in the Leather Tanning Industry: A Supply Chain Perspective
No full textreservedThis thesis evaluated the sustainability reporting practices in the leather tanning industry through a supply chain perspective, focusing on 48 companies across the fashion, automotive, and furniture sectors. Using an empirical, qualitative document base analysis, the research analyzed two datasets: Keyword Counts Optimized, which measured the frequency and intensity of ESG-related terms in corporate sustainability reports, and Leather Standards Analysis, which documented the types and number of sustainability certifications adopted by each company. Content analysis techniques, supported by Python-based keyword frequency tools and manual validation, enabled the comparison of reporting depth, standard bundling, and supply chain transparency across companies. Findings revealed that fashion companies, such as Inditex and Ermenegildo Zegna, demonstrated the highest levels of transparency, certification adoption, and ESG disclosure, driven by consumer pressure and regulatory scrutiny. Automotive firms like Mercedes-Benz and BMW showed strong environmental and governance reporting but weaker attention to social sustainability themes. Furniture companies consistently underperformed across all ESG dimensions, highlighting gaps in institutional readiness and market expectations. The thesis also identified strategic bundling of certifications (e.g., LWG, ISO 14001, GRI, TCFD) as best practice among high-performing firms. The study contributed to the academic understanding of stakeholder theory, traceability, and circular economy frameworks within the leather sector. It highlighted the evolving role of ESG disclosures as tools for risk management, corporate accountability, and market differentiation. The thesis offered practical insights and policy recommendations for improving sustainability reporting quality, promoting traceability, and strengthening environmental and social governance in the global leather supply chain.This thesis evaluated the sustainability reporting practices in the leather tanning industry through a supply chain perspective, focusing on 48 companies across the fashion, automotive, and furniture sectors. Using an empirical, qualitative document base analysis, the research analyzed two datasets: Keyword Counts Optimized, which measured the frequency and intensity of ESG-related terms in corporate sustainability reports, and Leather Standards Analysis, which documented the types and number of sustainability certifications adopted by each company. Content analysis techniques, supported by Python-based keyword frequency tools and manual validation, enabled the comparison of reporting depth, standard bundling, and supply chain transparency across companies. Findings revealed that fashion companies, such as Inditex and Ermenegildo Zegna, demonstrated the highest levels of transparency, certification adoption, and ESG disclosure, driven by consumer pressure and regulatory scrutiny. Automotive firms like Mercedes-Benz and BMW showed strong environmental and governance reporting but weaker attention to social sustainability themes. Furniture companies consistently underperformed across all ESG dimensions, highlighting gaps in institutional readiness and market expectations. The thesis also identified strategic bundling of certifications (e.g., LWG, ISO 14001, GRI, TCFD) as best practice among high-performing firms. The study contributed to the academic understanding of stakeholder theory, traceability, and circular economy frameworks within the leather sector. It highlighted the evolving role of ESG disclosures as tools for risk management, corporate accountability, and market differentiation. The thesis offered practical insights and policy recommendations for improving sustainability reporting quality, promoting traceability, and strengthening environmental and social governance in the global leather supply chain
Improving Production Operations through Lean Management: A Case Study in the Refrigeration Sector
No full textreservedThis thesis focuses on the application of Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques to enhance the operational efficiency of an assembly line within a manufacturing setting in the refrigeration sector. The study systematically implements Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Pareto Analysis and 5S methodologies to identify inefficiencies and streamline processes. Additionally, discrete event simulation is employed to model and optimize the system, enabling data-driven decision-making for continuous improvement.
The research aims to reduce production lead time, processing time, and production wastes, while simultaneously improving warehouse space utilization. Through VSM, the current state of operations is mapped, highlighting critical areas of waste and bottlenecks. Pareto Analysis is utilized to prioritize key problem areas, focusing efforts on high-impact issues. The 5S framework is then applied to enhance workplace organization, standardization, and cleanliness, contributing to overall process efficiency.
The implementation of simulation further supports the identification of optimal scenarios for balancing the assembly line and managing resources effectively. As a result of these combined efforts, significant improvements are achieved in lead time reduction, cost minimization, and optimized floor space utilization.
The findings demonstrate the tangible benefits of integrating Lean Manufacturing tools with simulation for operational enhancement, offering practical insights and recommendations for future improvements in similar manufacturing environments.This thesis focuses on the application of Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques to enhance the operational efficiency of an assembly line within a manufacturing setting in the refrigeration sector. The study systematically implements Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Pareto Analysis and 5S methodologies to identify inefficiencies and streamline processes. Additionally, discrete event simulation is employed to model and optimize the system, enabling data-driven decision-making for continuous improvement.
The research aims to reduce production lead time, processing time, and production wastes, while simultaneously improving warehouse space utilization. Through VSM, the current state of operations is mapped, highlighting critical areas of waste and bottlenecks. Pareto Analysis is utilized to prioritize key problem areas, focusing efforts on high-impact issues. The 5S framework is then applied to enhance workplace organization, standardization, and cleanliness, contributing to overall process efficiency.
The implementation of simulation further supports the identification of optimal scenarios for balancing the assembly line and managing resources effectively. As a result of these combined efforts, significant improvements are achieved in lead time reduction, cost minimization, and optimized floor space utilization.
The findings demonstrate the tangible benefits of integrating Lean Manufacturing tools with simulation for operational enhancement, offering practical insights and recommendations for future improvements in similar manufacturing environments
The impact of Industry 4.0 on business performance: analysis of emerging benefits and opportunities
No full textopenNegli ultimi anni, l'evoluzione tecnologica ha radicalmente trasformato i contesti economici, sociali e culturali, esercitando un impatto significativo soprattutto sul mondo del lavoro. La cosiddetta quarta rivoluzione industriale, nota come Industria 4.0, ha rappresentato una svolta epocale nel modo in cui le imprese concepiscono e gestiscono i propri processi produttivi. Questo nuovo paradigma, caratterizzato dalla fusione tra tecnologie digitali avanzate e i sistemi produttivi tradizionali, ha dato vita a un modello di produzione altamente automatizzato e intelligente. Le tecnologie altamente avanzate che essa porta e la robotica sono diventate elementi essenziali della cosiddetta "Smart Manufacturing", capace di rendere la produzione più flessibile, efficiente e adattabile alle mutevoli esigenze del mercat
The impact of Lean Management on corporate economic-financial performance. A systematic review of the literature
No full textopenAttraverso l'impiego metodico dello strumento di ricerca esaustiva tipico della revisione sistematica, il presente studio si propone di effettuare un'analisi dettagliata e completa della letteratura scientifica esistente. L'obiettivo è indagare l'impatto derivante dall'adozione delle pratiche "snelle", comunemente riassunte sotto il termine di Lean Management, sulle performance economico-finanziarie sia delle aziende.Through the methodical use of the exhaustive research tool typical of systematic reviews, this study aims to conduct a detailed and complete analysis of the existing scientific literature. The objective is to investigate the impact of adopting "lean" practices, commonly summarized under the term Lean Management, on the economic and financial performance of companies
Predictive maintenance in smart manufacturing: a Data-Driven approach to sensor implementation and database analysis at DAB Pumps
No full textreservedThis thesis presents the activities performed during an internship at DAB Pumps, where a predictive maintenance system was developed and structured for an automated production line. The project explores the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies to monitor machinery in real-time, preventing equipment failures and optimizing production. Through data analysis and sensor monitoring, the system aims at enhancing operational efficiency and reducing product defects. The thesis details the steps taken to map the production process involved in the case study in order to design and implement a solid system, demonstrating the potential of predictive maintenance in modern manufacturing environments.This thesis presents the activities performed during an internship at DAB Pumps, where a predictive maintenance system was developed and structured for an automated production line. The project explores the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies to monitor machinery in real-time, preventing equipment failures and optimizing production. Through data analysis and sensor monitoring, the system aims at enhancing operational efficiency and reducing product defects. The thesis details the steps taken to map the production process involved in the case study in order to design and implement a solid system, demonstrating the potential of predictive maintenance in modern manufacturing environments
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