3,583 research outputs found
The impact of lean practices on the environmental performance of manufacturing companies
No full textLean 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
Analysis of Indicators used for Measuring Sustainability in Supply Chains: A Systematic Review
No full textThe purpose of this paper is to analyze indicators used for measuring sustainability in
supply chains. A systematic review was conducted to explore indicator-based frameworks and
identify the associated gaps within published peer-reviewed articles that are relevant to
sustainability performance measurement of supply chains. A total of 628 indicators were analyzed:
202 for economic, 208 for environmental and 218 for social dimensions of sustainability. The
majority of the indicators were used only once, which indicates a lack of consistency and consensus
on how sustainability should be measured in supply chains. Four indicators, product quality, energy
consumption, occupational health and safety, and employment/job opportunity, were found to be the
most frequently and consistently used indicators. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA)
techniques are the most widely applied research methods for analyzing the indicators. Case studies
were mostly conducted in the automotive and food industries compared to other industrial sectors.
The majority of previous research focused on linear multi-echelon supply chain than closed-loop
supply chain. The indicator-based frameworks proposed by the previous research did not consider
context-based sustainability. Unlike previous long-lists of indicators in the literature, this paper
analyzed the most consistent and frequently used indicators for measuring sustainability in supply
chains. Moreover, it provides a comprehensive view of indicators by including all the three
dimensions of sustainability. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the use of indicators in
sustainability measurement of supply chains. It proposes a preliminary research agenda by
highlighting gaps in the existing research and this will provide a strong basis for future academic
and practitioner work
The Effect of Lean Practices on Environmental Performance: An Empirical Study
No full textLean production has emerged in the past decades as one of the most popular topics in business and manufacturing literature, as it is the production paradigm currently applied in many industries. This paradigm is characterized by five principles and the importance of reducing waste (muda). In the same way, the environmental performance of companies in terms of pollution prevention and use of natural resources is another widespread issue for both firms and customers. This focus on “Green manufacturing” is part of one of the three pillars of Sustainable development. Lean and the so-called Green paradigm are both focused on waste reduction and several authors 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. In this chapter, a study is carried out in order to analyze the impact on environmental performance in manufacturing firms that have implemented various Lean practices. The chapter is divided in two parts. First we have conducted a review of the relevant literature in order to give a state-of-the-art general picture. The second part of the chapter has a strong empirical focus. Three case studies regarding firms that have started a Lean transformation program for at least five years are investigated in depth. Moreover, a cross-case analysis is carried out to map the possible relationships between Lean practices and particular Green performances. The general findings of the research outline that the environmental performance of the company is enhanced in the long-term after the implementation of Lean practices
Organizational tensions in Industry 4.0 implementation: a paradox theory approach
No full textWhile implementing Industry 4.0, organizational environments become more global, dynamic, and competitive, intensifying contradictory demands. This study draws on paradox theory to identify the main organizational tensions emerging during companies’ Industry 4.0 transformation. First, a systematic review of 50 academic papers on organizational challenges in Industry 4.0 adoption
is conducted. Second, a conceptual framework illustrates the main tensions in Industry 4.0 implementation using an inductive approach. The identified organizational tensions are categorized according to the learning, organizing, belonging, and performing categories proposed by paradox theory. Finally, the study suggests implications both to Industry 4.0 theory and practice
Understanding employee acceptance of digital technology: a theoretical framework
No full textTo better support the digital transformation in industrial contexts, it is necessary to investigate why users accept or reject digital technologies. In doing so, academics and practitioners may be able to understand how to effectively engage employees. This paper develops a systematic literature review on the acceptance of digital technologies to (1) identify and describe the key antecedents influencing employee acceptance and/or resistance towards digital technologies; (2) understand the extent to which the model constructs have been used in previous studies; and (3) develop a framework for comprehensively understanding the acceptance of digital technologies in manufacturing. Leveraging the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this study aims to accomplish these objectives while highlighting notable deviations from prior technology acceptance research
Transcripts for dissertation, "Iron fellows : commitment and activism in a poor people's movement"
No full textThis set contains transcripts from Marcos Perez's dissertation project. Data is available by request to interested scholars and students. Visitors may not download the files without express permission from the author. Visitors may not make copies of the transcripts, nor distribute any part of them separately. To request access, please contact [email protected]
Users’ acceptance and resistance to change in the context of digital transformation: a systematic literature review
No full textThe UTAUT Model in the Digital Era: the Emerging role of Paradoxes, Emotions, and Sensemaking
No full textContemporary digital technologies offer transformative advancements in efficiency and performance, making their adoption crucial for competitive organizations. The realization of these benefits critically depends on employees’ integration and acceptance of such technologies into their daily work practices. However, acceptance is becoming increasingly influenced by the unique demands of the digital transformation that is currently underway. Consequently, to effectively explain and facilitate digital transformation in industrial settings, it is essential to examine the underlying reasons and to update current perspectives on technology acceptance. Leveraging the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this paper conducts a systematic literature review to (1) assess the relative importance of its core constructs and moderators in explaining employee acceptance of digital technologies and (2) examine how the model could be adapted to the demands of today’s evolving digital landscape. By analyzing 81 studies, the review identifies 32 key antecedents of acceptance, revealing the increasing complexity of today’s hyperconnected and cognitively advanced technologies. The findings highlight the need to reconceptualize the UTAUT model by incorporating formative thematic categories, paradoxical elements, and employee emotions to better understand acceptance. Finally, the paper theorizes the dynamic factors influencing acceptance and technology implementation through a sensemaking-sensegiving lens
Worker-Management Interactions in Digital Technologies Acceptance: A Multiple-Case Study
No full textTo better support the digital transformation in industrial contexts, it is necessary to investigate why users accept or reject digital technologies. This study aims to understand the rationale behind the implementation of digital technologies in manufacturing firms and the key factors influencing employee acceptance. Through a multiple-case study in five manufacturing companies, the research reveals that acceptance is shaped by dynamic worker-management interactions, emotional responses, and employee involvement in decision-making. Findings suggest expanding existing models like UTAUT to reflect these dimensions, while offering practical and policy-relevant insights to support more effective, human-centered implementation of digital technologies on the shop floor
Facilitating Employee Acceptance of Digital Technologies: A Theoretical Framework and Research Agenda
No full textNew digital technologies differ significantly from previous ones as they involve profound changes in the connection and integration between various actors, processes and technologies. To effectively explain and facilitate digital transformation in industrial settings, it is essential to examine the reasons behind employees' acceptance or rejection of digital technologies. In doing so, academics and practitioners may be able to gain
insight into the most effective methods for engaging employees in the implementation of new technologies and maximizing their capabilities. Leveraging the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this paper develops a systematic literature review on the acceptance of digital technologies to (1) identify and describe the key antecedents influencing employee acceptance and/or resistance towards digital technologies; (2) analyze the extent to which the model antecedents and constructs have been used in previous studies; and (3) develop a framework for comprehensively understanding the acceptance of digital technologies in manufacturing organizations. This study aims to accomplish these objectives while highlighting notable deviations from previous research on technology acceptance and digital transformation
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