Reducing food waste: an exploration of a campus restaurant

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle R. Alcorn ◽  
Daniel Vega ◽  
Ryan Irvin ◽  
Paola Paez
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Food Waste ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Waste Reduction ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reduction Strategies ◽  
Collection Methods

PurposeAs exploratory research, this project aimed to develop and assess the effect of implementing a food waste reduction program at a restaurant on a university campus.Design/methodology/approachData collection consisted of an audit of both pre and postconsumer food waste to determine the effectiveness of various reduction strategies and a survey to assess attitudes of employees toward food waste. As exploratory research, a personalized database was created to track current food waste amounts and reasons for waste in the restaurant operation to determine if the same method could be employed in future research.FindingsOverall, the restaurant in this study implemented various effective food waste reduction practices that were inexpensive and simple, resulting in a weekly average reduction of 14.3 pounds of food waste. The top five food item products wasted by the kitchen were also identified for both pre and postintervention phases as well as the reasons for generating kitchen waste. Furthermore, data reported on postconsumer waste included weight quantities and product types.Originality/valueThe project resulted in evidence that a personalized food tracking system is useful for identifying and quantifying food waste in foodservice operations. Therefore, the research design and data collection methods used in this project can be used in future research on a larger scale.

scholarly journals Systematic literature review of food waste in educational institutions: setting the research agenda

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Puneet Kaur ◽  
Amandeep Dhir ◽  
Shalini Talwar ◽  
Melfi Alrasheedy
Keyword(s):  
Food Waste ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Food Service ◽  
Waste Reduction ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Researchers ◽  
Behavioural Aspects

Purpose In the recent past, academic researchers have noted the quantity of food wasted in food service establishments in educational institutions. However, more granular inputs are required to counter the challenge posed. The purpose of this study is to undertake a review of the prior literature in the area to provide a platform for future research. Design/methodology/approach Towards this end, the authors used a robust search protocol to identify 88 congruent studies to review and critically synthesize. The research profiling of the selected studies revealed limited studies conducted on food service establishments in universities. The research is also less dispersed geographically, remaining largely focused on the USA. Thereafter, the authors performed content analysis to identify seven themes around which the findings of prior studies were organized. Findings The key themes of the reviewed studies are the drivers of food waste, quantitative assessment of food waste, assessment of the behavioural aspects of food waste, operational strategies for reducing food waste, interventions for inducing behavioural changes to mitigate food waste, food diversion and food waste disposal processes and barriers to the implementation of food waste reduction strategies. Research limitations/implications This study has key theoretical and practical implications. From the perspective of research, the study revealed various gaps in the extant findings and suggested potential areas that can be examined by academic researchers from the perspective of the hospitality sector. From the perspective of practice, the study recommended actionable strategies to help managers mitigate food waste. Originality/value The authors have made a novel contribution to the research on food waste reduction by identifying theme-based research gaps, suggesting potential research questions and proposing a framework based on the open-systems approach to set the future research agenda.

scholarly journals Consumer behaviour towards suboptimal food products: a strategy for food waste reduction

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Isadora do Carmo Stangherlin ◽  
Jose Luis Duarte Ribeiro ◽  
Marcia Barcellos
Keyword(s):  
Food Waste ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Food Products ◽  
Waste Reduction ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reduction Strategies ◽  
Marketing Actions ◽  
Unusual Appearance

Purpose Food waste has received attention during the last decade, especially due to its environmental and social impacts. An important contributor to food waste is consumers’ low preference for purchase fruits and vegetables with unusual appearance, products with damaged package and products close to the expiration date, technically called suboptimal food products. Researches show that consumers tend to reject these products when buying food, increasing avoidable food waste. However, consumer considerations when deciding to buy or not to buy suboptimal food are still unknown. The purpose of this paper is to use two different approaches to investigate consumers’ perceptions towards suboptimal food and how they impact their acceptance. Design/methodology/approach The first part of the study involved a qualitative analysis of participants’ open-ended responses (282 answers), where participants were asked to write down the impressions they had about three suboptimal food images. The second phase explored consumers acceptance of suboptimal food through a focus group discussion. Findings Results reveal that considerations about suboptimal food are divergent, with some participants rejecting them because they are impelled to search for perfection when buying food products. However, some individuals are disposed to accept suboptimal products, mainly because they have concern with the environment and cook abilities. Originality/value As a whole, this study contributes for food waste reduction strategies and has implications for marketing actions.

Smart practices in HEIs and the contribution to the SDGs: implementation in Brazilian university

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liane Dalla Gasperina ◽  
Janaina Mazutti ◽  
Luciana Londero Brandli ◽  
Roberto dos Santos Rabello
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Waste Reduction ◽  
Infrastructure Management ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Sustainability Research ◽  
Development Goals

Purpose Smart campuses can be seen as the future of higher education efforts, especially for their contributions to sustainability and to encourage innovation. This paper aims to present the benefits of smart practices in a Higher Education Institutions and highlights its connections to the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach The methodology is divided into three steps: first, an international search and assessment of smart practices at universities; second, the identification of smart practices in a university campus in southern Brazil; and third, the presentation of the benefits of smart practices and their relationship with the SDGs. Findings The results showed that globally, the area most covered by smart practices in universities is the environment and, specifically, focused on waste reduction. in the context of this case study, the benefits of implementing smart practices mainly reach SDGs 4 and SDG 9, especially due to aspects of teaching technologies for the new classroom models and the optimization of campus infrastructure management. Practical implications The study encourages other universities to implement smart practices in their campuses, to becoming smart campuses while they also collaborate in achieving the SDGs while raising the discussion on the importance of committed actions taken on a university campus with the UN SDGs, to leverage synergies on campus operations at universities. Originality/value This paper presents a set of smart practices that universities are applying both globally and locally (in southern Brazil). In addition, it contributes to sustainability research by showing how smart practices have the potential to promote SDGs in universities, especially through campus operations.

scholarly journals Evaluating data quality collected by volunteers for first-level inspection of hydraulic structures in mountain catchments

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 2681-2698 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. J. Cortes Arevalo ◽  
M. Charrière ◽  
G. Bossi ◽  
S. Frigerio ◽  
L. Schenato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Data Quality ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Hydraulic Structures ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Civil Protection ◽  
Learning Session ◽  
Learning Group ◽  
Collection Methods

Abstract. Volunteers have been trained to perform first-level inspections of hydraulic structures within campaigns promoted by civil protection of Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy). Two inspection forms and a learning session were prepared to standardize data collection on the functional status of bridges and check dams. In all, 11 technicians and 25 volunteers inspected a maximum of six structures in Pontebba, a mountain community within the Fella Basin. Volunteers included civil-protection volunteers, geosciences and social sciences students. Some participants carried out the inspection without attending the learning session. Thus, we used the mode of technicians in the learning group to distinguish accuracy levels between volunteers and technicians. Data quality was assessed by their accuracy, precision and completeness. We assigned ordinal scores to the rating scales in order to get an indication of the structure status. We also considered performance and feedback of participants to identify corrective actions in survey procedures. Results showed that volunteers could perform comparably to technicians, but only with a given range in precision. However, a completeness ratio (question/parameter) was still needed any time volunteers used unspecified options. Then, volunteers' ratings could be considered as preliminary assessments without replacing other procedures. Future research should consider advantages of mobile applications for data-collection methods.

The causes, impact and prevention of employee fraud

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 1012-1027 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mastura Omar ◽  
Anuar Nawawi ◽  
Ahmad Saiful Azlin Puteh Salin
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Automotive Industry ◽  
Document Analysis ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Pressure ◽  
The Future ◽  
Employee Fraud

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the causes and impact of employee fraud, focusing on one particular industry, namely, the automotive industry. Design/methodology/approach One company was selected as a case for the study. Qualitative data analysis was used for the study, with two techniques for data collection. First was the content or document analysis on various reports, such as employee fraud reports and records of disciplinary action, and second was a series of interviews with employees from different levels and various departments of the company. Findings This study found that the most popular type of fraud is misappropriation of assets, including theft of cash and inventories. No significant differences were seen in terms of fraudster position, as they can come from both the lower and the executive level. However, majority of the fraudsters come from the operational and sales department. This study also found that majority of the fraudsters in the case study were male, new employees and young adults. Their motivations to commit fraud include lack of understanding about fraud behavior, opportunity to commit fraud and lifestyle and financial pressure. Research limitations/implications The results provide further confirmation of the Fraud Triangle Theory and Fraud Diamond Theory on the causes of the fraud. They are also consistent with much prior research and surveys conducted by global professional firms on fraud and its related causes and implications. This study, however, was conducted on only one company with several series of interviews and three years of document analysis. Future research should collect and analyze data from a higher number of companies with more respondents for interviews and longer period for document analysis to get more accurate results. Practical implications This study provides some recommendations for fraud prevention in the future based on real fraud cases and those that involved managing cases up to and including disciplinary decision. These include closed supervision, fraud awareness training, clearer job descriptions, cultivation of a pleasant working environment and improved security control. Social implications This study found that some of the causes of fraud include social factors like lifestyle and financial pressure due to low income. Policy adjustments, such as an effort to push people beyond the poverty line with higher minimum wages, need to be made to prevent low-income workers from seeing their company as another source of illegal income. Originality/value This study is original, as it focuses on a company that operates in the automotive industry, which is rare in fraud literature, particularly in developing markets. In addition, the company is new, so analysis can be conducted on how the company evolved and learned from the fraud analysis for prevention in the future. Furthermore, this study used two techniques of data collection, so that verification of the findings may be made for better reliability.

Supply chain resilience: a systematic literature review and typological framework

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 842-865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cigdem Gonul Kochan ◽  
David R. Nowicki
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Resilience ◽  
Assessment Techniques ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe study of supply chain resilience (SCRES) continues to gain interest in the academic and practitioner communities. The purpose of this paper is to present a focused review of the SCRES literature by investigating supply chain (SC) capabilities, their relationship to SCRES outcomes and the underpinning theoretical mechanisms of this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the systematic literature review approach to examine 383 articles published between 2000 and 2017, ultimately down selecting to the most relevant 228 peer-reviewed studies. Context-interventions-mechanisms-outcomes (CIMO) logic is applied to organize and synthesize these peer-reviewed studies. A typological framework is developed from the CIMO-based classification of the SCRES literature.FindingsThe findings of this study outline the gaps in the SCRES literature and present an agenda for future research.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper presents an exploratory research; therefore, the typological model presented is just one of the possible perspectives.Practical implicationsThe typology of SCRES literature can help practitioners to understand SCRES and to measure and assess the resilience of SCs.Originality/valueThe paper provides clear definitions of SCRES constructs, develops a typological framework to further understand SCRES and identifies SCRES measures and assessment techniques.

Structuring fund for affordable housing investment in Malaysia: an exploratory research

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Ariff Mohd Daud ◽  
Saiful Azhar Rosly ◽  
Zulkarnain Muhamad Sori
Keyword(s):  
Affordable Housing ◽  
Institutional Investors ◽  
Sampling Strategy ◽  
Fund Raising ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Housing Investment ◽  
Track Record

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore potential fund-raising option that can be developed to attract investment in affordable housing initiatives in Malaysia. In doing so, the study undertakes to discuss the viability of the property trust fund structure as an investment vehicle. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a qualitative design that involves the use of semi-structured questionnaires as a data collection strategy. A total number of ten experts were selected for the interview using critical case sampling scheme based on the purposive sampling strategy. Findings The study discovers that a dynamic fund structure – one that allows for the fund to evolve with changing circumstances and needs – can be adopted. This fund structure comprises a fund that can be initially established as a closed-ended fund. Then, with sufficient track record, the fund can be transformed into a public real estate investment trust, with the prospect of tapping into capital market via issuance of sukuk in the future. The fund can also adopt mezzanine structure of funding, which may reduce investors’ risks with minimal government intervention. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study illustrate the potential of fund-raising options from the perspective of institutional investors and regulators. Future research could explore government’s view and focus on the policy options. Practical implications The findings may provide valuable insight into alternative fund-raising options for affordable housing projects for policymakers and investment banks. Social implications The fund-raising options incorporate minimal government participation yet pose low risks to investors, creating a low-risk asset suitable for social investment. Originality/value This study outlines the mechanism to increase affordable housing supply in the market, by attracting institutional investors to invest in this dynamic fund structure initiative. As there are limited discussions on attracting funding for affordable housing developments, it is hoped that this paper will spark further debate and discussion among the academicians and policymakers.

scholarly journals Eat up! Prevention of plate waste in tourism and hospitality: a perspective paper

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Dolnicar
Keyword(s):  
Food Waste ◽  
Research Agenda ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
Test Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Plate Waste ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Research Agenda ◽  
Tourism And Hospitality

Purpose Plate waste is uneaten food left behind on the plate after a meal. Plate waste – like all food waste – burdens the environment. Plate waste – in contrast to other types of food waste – is absolutely unnecessary and almost entirely preventable. This study aims to synthesize past research on plate waste and outline a future research agenda. Design/methodology/approach Past research into plate waste is discussed, and the need for specific directions of future research is pointed out. A systematics of measures for the prevention of plate waste is offered which uses the following as criteria: the suitability of measures to the hospitality context; and whether the measure has been scientifically proven to be effective. Findings Plate waste research has a very short history. To date, efforts have been focusing on quantifying the extent of the problem. More theoretical work is needed to identify drivers of place waste and develop and experimentally test theory-based practical interventions to reduce the amount of plate waste generated. Originality/value The key contribution of this perspective paper is to synthesize prior work on plate waste and offer a future research agenda.

Strategy for crowdsourcing competitions- aligning seeker, solver and supporter efforts

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (11) ◽  
pp. 4-6
Author(s):  
B.S. Kiran
Keyword(s):  
Collective Intelligence ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Elements ◽  
Innovative Solutions ◽  
Archival Documents

Purpose The paper presents the pros and cons of crowdsourcing competitions and highlights the importance of strategy and collaborative efforts. The study identifies the key stakeholders of crowdsourcing and its critical elements (7Ps) that need to be mapped and managed efficiently for obtaining innovative solutions. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws its insights from the explorative research conducted over a two-year period (2016-18). Qualitative interviews held with competition organizers, participants and innovation intermediaries (Innocentive, Nine Sigma, Skild) provided the primary data. Secondary data came from literature survey and the study of archival documents and competition websites. The study was conducted as a part of doctoral research. Findings Crowdsourcing competitions can help organizations to discover innovative solutions by tapping the power of collective intelligence. However, they need to envision and execute these collaborative initiatives strategically and synergistically. Proper design, managerial buy-in and orchestrated efforts by the triumvirate ‘Seekers, solvers and supporters’ are critical to derive the desired outcomes. Research limitations/implications These findings are the resultant outcomes of an exploratory research. Further investigation can help companies to identify the relative importance of the critical elements identified in the study. Future research on the best practices can amplify the prospects of finding innovative solutions through crowdsourcing competitions. Practical implications Crowdsourcing competitions cannot be used impulsively and indiscriminately. Managers have to carefully align the motive and incentive of different actors. Attention to design and the critical factors identified in the study can enhance the prospects of getting qualitative and innovative submissions from the crowd. Social implications Crowdsourcing competitions have great potential to find innovative solutions for many stubborn global problems. When designed and driven rightly, it can expand the solution mix and accelerate the discovery process. Originality/value The paper highlights the need to converge the efforts for diverse stakeholder in crowdsourcing competitions. There are actionable insights for managers in form of 7 Ps- Purpose, Problem, Prize, Platform, Promotion and Partners. When aligned effectively, it can yield innovation dividends to all. By focusing on these vital factors, companies can fine-tune their crowdsourcing strategy and make the initiative more engaging and create value for all the actors.

The determinants of food waste behavior in young consumers in a developing country

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabeen Hussain Bhatti ◽  
Farida Saleem ◽  
Ramsha Zakariya ◽  
Amna Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Behavior ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
Food Waste ◽  
Waste Reduction ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Routine Practice ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Young Consumers ◽  
Food Wastage

Purpose Every year a huge amount of food is wasted from food production till its consumption. The activity of food wastage has become a daily routine practice and a huge portion of this loss is contributed by the consumers all around the world. With a total estimated population of 207.7m, 64 percent of the population of Pakistan is below the age of 30. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that affect young consumer’s food waste behavior in a developing country context. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected in the month of Ramadan and Eid primarily by means of a web-based questionnaire. A two-step approach of structural equation modeling was used as a data analysis technique. Findings The findings of this research confirm the hypothesis that environmental concern and time pressure influence the attitude toward food waste reduction. The results further reveal that although attitude and injunctive norms lead toward higher intentions to reduce food waste, moral norms and perceived behavioral control do not significantly impact this intent. Practical implications This study contributes toward understanding the behavior of consumers in order to ensure the provision and execution of food waste prevention campaigns. This study has implications for policy makers and decision makers, and other stakeholders responsible for food waste reduction and environmental protection. Besides, social campaigns can be developed based on the results of this study, so as to improve the habits related to food wastage in consumers. Finally, the findings are beneficial to academics and scholars that are presently working on factors related to consumer behavior toward food waste. Originality/value Food waste behavior in young consumers from developing countries in general and from Pakistan in particular has not been analyzed before. The present study aims at analyzing some of the important predecessors of food waste behavior and thus it significantly adds to the existing body of knowledge of consumer behavior toward food waste.

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