scholarly journals Smart Systems Implementation in UK Food Manufacturing Companies – A Sustainability Perspective

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Thomas ◽  
Claire Haven-Tang ◽  
Richard Barton ◽  
Rachel Mason-Jones ◽  
Mark Francis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Good Time ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Food Manufacturing ◽  
Smart Systems ◽  
Systems Implementation ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
The Uk

The UK food industry faces significant challenges to remain sustainable. With major challenges such as Brexit on the horizon, companies can no longer rely on a low labour cost workforce to maintain low production costs and achieve economic sustainability. Smart Systems (SS) is being seen as an approach towards achieving significant improvements in both economic and environmental sustainability. However, there is little evidence to indicate whether UK food companies are prepared for the implementation of such systems. The purpose of this research is to explore the applicability of Smart Systems in UK food manufacturing companies and, to identify the key priority areas and improvement levers for the implementation of such systems. A triangulated primary research approach is adopted and includes a questionnaire, follow up interviews and visits to thirty-two food manufacturing companies in the UK. The questionnaire and interviews are guided by the development of a unique measuring instrument created by the authors that is focusses upon SS technologies and systems. This paper makes an original contribution in that it is one of few academic studies to explore the implementation of SS in the industry and, provides a new perspective on the key drivers and inhibitors around its implementation. Findings suggest that the current turbulence in the industry could be bringing food companies closer to the adoption of such systems, hence it is a good time to define and develop the optimum SS implementation strategy.

scholarly journals Smart Systems Implementation in UK Food Manufacturing Companies: A Sustainability Perspective

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 4693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Thomas ◽  
Claire Haven-Tang ◽  
Richard Barton ◽  
Rachel Mason-Jones ◽  
Mark Francis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Good Time ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Food Manufacturing ◽  
Smart Systems ◽  
Systems Implementation ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
The Uk

The UK food industry faces significant challenges to remain sustainable. With major challenges, such as Brexit, on the horizon, companies can no longer rely on a low labour cost workforce to maintain low production costs and achieve economic sustainability. Smart Systems (SS) is being seen as an approach towards achieving significant improvements in both economic and environmental sustainability. However, there is little evidence to indicate whether UK food companies are prepared for the implementation of such systems. The purpose of this research is to explore the applicability of Smart Systems in UK food manufacturing companies, and to identify the key priority areas and improvement levers for the implementation of such systems. A triangulated primary research approach is adopted that includes a questionnaire, follow-up interviews, and visits to 32 food manufacturing companies in the UK. The questionnaire and interviews are guided by a unique measuring instrument that the authors developed that focusses upon SS technologies and systems. This paper makes an original contribution in that it is one of the few academic studies to explore the implementation of SS in the industry, and provides a new perspective on the key drivers and inhibitors of its implementation. The findings suggest that the current turbulence in the industry could be bringing food companies closer to the adoption of such systems; hence, it is a good time to define and develop the optimum SS implementation strategy.

scholarly journals Smart Systems Implementation in UK Food Manufacturing Companies – A Sustainability Perspective

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Thomas ◽  
Claire Haven-Tang ◽  
Richard Barton ◽  
Rachel Mason-Jones ◽  
Mark Francis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Good Time ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Food Manufacturing ◽  
Smart Systems ◽  
Systems Implementation ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
The Uk

The UK food industry faces significant challenges to remain sustainable. With major challenges such as Brexit on the horizon, companies can no longer rely on a low labour cost workforce to maintain low production costs and achieve economic sustainability. Smart Systems (SS) is being seen as an approach towards achieving significant improvements in both economic and environmental sustainability. However, there is little evidence to indicate whether UK food companies are prepared for the implementation of such systems. The purpose of this research is to explore the applicability of Smart Systems in UK food manufacturing companies and, to identify the key priority areas and improvement levers for the implementation of such systems. A triangulated primary research approach is adopted and includes a questionnaire, follow up interviews and visits to thirty-two food manufacturing companies in the UK. The questionnaire and interviews are guided by the development of a unique measuring instrument created by the authors that is focusses upon SS technologies and systems. This paper makes an original contribution in that it is one of few academic studies to explore the implementation of SS in the industry and, provides a new perspective on the key drivers and inhibitors around its implementation. Findings suggest that the current turbulence in the industry could be bringing food companies closer to the adoption of such systems, hence it is a good time to define and develop the optimum SS implementation strategy.

scholarly journals Corporate Social Responsibility in Food Manufacturing Companies – Environmental Dimensions

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 1037-1043 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ľudmila Nagyová ◽  
Mária Holienčinová ◽  
Ingrida Košičiarová ◽  
Tomáš Holota
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Positive Contribution ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Food Manufacturing ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Csr Strategy ◽  
Food And Drink ◽  
Main Component

The degree of a company’s acceptance and integration of the CSR concept is directly reflected in the fundamental principles of the company. Through the environmental sustainability, a company can make a positive contribution to the society and the natural environment. Competitive and cost pressures are the key drivers of sustainable development in the industry. Today, many international food and drink companies are delivering excellent achievements. The present paper tries to highlight how much are food manufacturing companies committed to caring for the environment as a main component of their CSR strategy. In order to fulfil the defined objectives of the paper, the primary and secondary sources of information were collected and used, as well as there was used the method of interview, using a questionnaire (total number of respondents was 100 food manufacturing companies). In our research the highest percentage of large, SMC and micro companies indicated the reduction of negative operational impacts as the most important commitment of companies in relation to environment. Most large companies invest to installing pollution reducing technology to improve environmental quality (67%) and utilizing more environmentally friendly raw materials (51%). These areas indicated the highest percentage as well as for SMC. In the case of large companies there are more visible movements in environmental practices than in micro and small-medium companies.

Competitive advantage in the new social care marketplace: a new theoretical perspective

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-15
Author(s):  
Patricia Dearnaley
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Advantage ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Theoretical Perspective ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – Changes in the UK social care sector over the past 20 years have effected a fundamental shift in commissioning and delivery relationships. This “quasi-market” challenges existing theory and models around competitive advantage. This study, as outlined in two earlier articles, addressed weaknesses in the defining framework for analysis and business planning in this new environment; the purpose of this concluding paper is to propose a new perspective for those interested in entering this market. Design/methodology/approach – The original research comprised a constructive research approach through a single holistic case study, using qualitative research methods including document analysis, interviews, secondary data, observations and facilitated meetings. Findings – This final paper offers a structured framework of analysis and response: the External Drivers Model. Research limitations/implications – The model was developed for a scenario impacting upon a social housing agency, with ambitions to enter this market as a new provider; it may require further research to establish its generalisability to other organisations and other sectors. Originality/value – This series of three papers adds to existing knowledge by critiquing current business models, and positing a potential development to existing contingency theory: the External Drivers Model. The study has resulted in a number of outputs including an outline of tools to assist in using the model.

scholarly journals Cellulases Production by a Trichoderma sp. Using Food Manufacturing Wastes

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (20) ◽  
pp. 4419
Author(s):  
Felipe Gordillo-Fuenzalida ◽  
Alex Echeverria-Vega ◽  
Sara Cuadros-Orellana ◽  
Claudia Faundez ◽  
Thilo Kähne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Cellulase Production ◽  
Extracellular Proteins ◽  
Grape Pomace ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Lignocellulosic Material ◽  
Food Manufacturing ◽  
Olive Stones ◽  
Trichoderma Sp ◽  
The Cost

The cost of cellulase enzymes is a main contributor to the operational cost of a biorefinery producing ethanol from lignocellulosic material. Therefore, onsite production of enzymes using low-value substrates might be an option to make a bio-based facility more economical, while improving environmental sustainability. Food manufacturing wastes (FMWs), such as olive mill solids, tomato pomace, and grape pomace, are some of the main wastes produced by the food industry in Chile. FMWs are mostly composed of lignocellulosic material, which is primarily made of cellulose. A fungal strain obtained from olive stones was identified as a Trichoderma sp. and characterized by molecular and morphological techniques. This strain was able to grow on three FMWs in both liquid and solid cultures. In liquid cultures, cellulase and β-glucosidase activities from the culture supernatants were quantified. Identification of extracellular proteins using mass spectrometry revealed the presence of endoglucanases, exoglucanases, and β-glucosidases. Cellulase production from agroindustrial residues could be an excellent opportunity to utilize FMWs as well as decrease enzyme production costs in biorefinery processes.

scholarly journals Critical observations on the statistical process control implementation in the UK food industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 684-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarina Abdul Halim Lim ◽  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Zhen He ◽  
Norin Arshed
Keyword(s):  
Process Control ◽  
Statistical Process Control ◽  
Food Industry ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Statistical Process ◽  
Food Manufacturing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk

Purpose Statistical process control (SPC) is widely applied for control and improve processes in manufacturing, but very few studies have reported on the successful application of SPC in the food industry, in particular. The purpose of this paper is to critically assess the status of SPC in the UK food manufacturing industry and to suggest future research avenues. Design/methodology/approach A research project was carried out in the UK food manufacturing sector through questionnaires. The results of the study were analysed using descriptive statistics and statistical tests to be applied in the hypothesis testing. Findings Findings revealed that 45 per cent of the respondents are SPC users and x ¯ -R and x ¯ -S charts are the most commonly applied SPC charts in this industry. It was determined that top management commitment is the most critical factor, while lack of SPC training is the most alarming challenge, and lack of awareness of SPC and its benefits are the main reasons for the food companies not implementing SPC. Research limitations/implications The study considered only the food manufacturing companies. Future research could be addressed toward the food service and food supply chain. Practical implications The paper provides information to food companies in the UK on most common practiced and important quality tools, SPC charts and critical success factors in the food industry. Moreover, the most challenging factors of SPC implementation in the food industry are presented. Originality/value This study depicted the current state of SPC practices in the food industry and the process performance in SPC and non-SPC companies is compared.

A Critical Review On Perception & Benefits Of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) System In Indian Private Hospitals

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. Surendra Kumar ◽  
Dr. Meenakshi Srivastava
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Medical Records ◽  
Customer Relationship Management ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Relationship Management ◽  
Customer Relationship ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Private Hospitals ◽  
Crm System ◽  
Systems Implementation ◽  
Adoption And Implementation

The implementation of Customer relationship Management (CRM) Systems has been increased within organizations for the purposes of increasing customer loyalty accompany with decreasing expenses and increasing revenues. The perception of the benefits associated with the implementation of CRM systems is an essential step for the adoption and implementation of CRM systems. Therefore, this paper presents the study conducted to investigate the perception of the CRM systems in the private hospitals in the northern part of India as there is a lack of adoption of CRM systems in hospitals. Qualitative research approach that is interview based was adapted in the study. The management of 10 private hospitals in the northern part of India was interviewed. The results reveal that no hospital has adopted CRM system. In addition, there is a substantial lack of understanding of the benefits of CRM systems in hospitals. Some hospitals claim that the implementation of CRM system is not of their priorities and there are much important projects as the implementation of Electronic Medical Records (EMD). However, other hospitals indicate for an existence of future plan for the adoption and implementation of CRM system. Another issue that needs to be taken into consideration by the vendors of CRM systems is the high costs associated with the implementation of CRM systems in hospitals. Indeed, both the vendors of CRM systems and the managers of hospitals hold the responsibility of the lack of CRM systems implementation in hospitals.

scholarly journals Green business models in the construction sector: an analysis of outcomes and benefits

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal Abuzeinab ◽  
Mohammed Arif ◽  
Mohd. Asim Qadri ◽  
Dennis Kulonda
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Business Case ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
Construction Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Green Business ◽  
The Uk

Purpose Green business models (GBMs) in the construction sector represent the logic of green value creation and capture. Hence, the call to examine GBMs is growing ever louder. The aim of this paper is to identify benefits of GBMs by adopting five essential elements of the GBM from the literature: green value proposition; target group; key activities; key resources (KR); and financial logic. Design/methodology/approach In all, 19 semi-structured interviews are conducted with construction sector practitioners and academics in the UK. Thematic analysis is used to obtain benefits of GBMs. Further, the interpretive ranking process (IRP) is used to examine which elements of the GBM have a dominant role in providing benefits to construction businesses. Findings The benefits are grouped into three themes: credibility/reputation benefits; financial benefits; and long-term viability benefits. The IRP model shows that the element of KR is the most important when evaluated against these three benefit themes. Practical implications Linking GBM elements and benefits will help companies in the construction sector to analyse the business case of embracing environmental sustainability. Originality/value This research is one of the few empirical academic works investigating the benefits of GBMs in the construction sector. The IRP method is a novel contribution to GBMs and construction research.

scholarly journals The Impact of House Prices on Consumption in the UK: a New Perspective

Economica ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 85 (337) ◽  
pp. 92-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivien Burrows
Keyword(s):  
House Prices ◽  
New Perspective ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

Untangling service design routines for digital servitization: empirical insights of smart PSS in maritime industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Birgit Andrine Apenes Solem ◽  
Marko Kohtamäki ◽  
Vinit Parida ◽  
Thomas Brekke
Keyword(s):  
Single Case ◽  
Service Design ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Concept Design ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Maritime Industry ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Growth Outcomes ◽  
Action Research Approach

PurposeThe present study sets out to understand how a manufacturing company in the maritime industry utilized creative design principles and developed service design routines to advance digital servitization (i.e. the transition to offering smart product-service-software systems–PSS) and realize subsequent positive growth outcomes.Design/methodology/approachWe build upon a longitudinal single case of a marine solution provider. Using an action research approach, we collected data through in-depth interviews and informal conversations involving senior managers, project members and customer representatives over a three and a half-year period. In addition, secondary data such as documentary data, service design tools and visualization were utilized.FindingsThe inductive analysis highlights the underlining role of four service-design routines that drive creativity and an innovative approach to digital servitization transformation. More specifically, we identify (a) user insights through creative customer data acquisition, (b) smart PSS collaboration through co-creation across departments, (c) smart PSS ideation through creative forms of collaboration and (d) effective smart PSS delivery and commercialization through creative concept design as the drivers of the case company digital servitization transformation.Practical implicationsWe encourage senior managers within large manufacturing companies to promote the development of service design routines as these promote the transformation process from being a product-centric to service-centric firm. The four service design routines are built on a set of service design sub-activities providing concrete actions that can be applied by senior managers to successfully develop and deliver smart PSS offerings and achieve growth outcomes.Originality/valueThis study contributes by integrating digital servitization and service design literatures. We illustrate how manufacturing firms can drive a transition to digital servitization through service design activities and routines development for smart PSS strategy implementation.

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