Synergies and misalignments in lean and green practices: a logistics industry perspective

Abstract

This paper conducts an exploratory case study-based research in three companies to identify the main synergies and misalignments between Lean and Green in the context of a range of distribution networks operating globally, regionally and domestically. The research strategy applied by this study is exploratory multiple case studies in three companies, particularly in the road transport and logistics sector. Semi-structured interviews with 15 executives from three companies were conducted to identify activities within logistics operations leading to synergies and misalignment between Lean and Green practices. The outcome of the three cases shows that several improvements can be achieved by the simultaneous adoption of Lean and Green. The study contributes to the literature by extending the research in the logistics sector and providing examples from a wide variety of logistics operations on synergies and misalignments between Lean and Green practices. The findings and outcome of this study are a starting point for further research in the logistics sector.

Keywords:

• Lean
• Green
• logistics operations
• synergies
• misalignments

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes on contributors

Dr Vasco Sanchez Rodrigues is an Associate Professor in Logistics and Operations Management. He is an experienced supply chain and logistics professional contributing to senior managers from leading organizations within the UK retail, food/drinks and European logistics sectors through the wide range of research projects Vasco leads. He also publishes actively in principal international academic journals, leads applied-research projects, rigorously generates funding proposals, and has secure research funding with strong support from his industry collaborators. The bulk of his research is relevant to both domestic and international logistics management and to the role of SCM in global operations. Vasco has proven expertise on supply chain uncertainty, inter-company collaboration and green supply chain management. His research is published widely in prime international journals. Vasco holds principal investigator roles in multiple projects, including the Co-operation for Growth Project (Co-growth), innovation Lean Effectiveness Green Operation (iLEGO), and a food waste project at Ocado (the UK leading online grocery supermarket).

Dr. Maneesh Kumar is a Reader in Service Operations and Program Director of Executive MBA at Cardiff Business School, Cardiff University. He conducts cross disciplinary research in the area of Operational Excellence including topics such as lean six sigma (LSS), process/service innovation and knowledge management within SMEs, automotive industry, service industries and public sector organizations. This has resulted in publications of over 100 journals and conference papers, edited books and conference proceedings. He has also initiated a first practice based forum on Lean Green and Innovation (iLEGO) that brings practitioner community together to have engaged discussion on synergies and misalignments between the three topics and promote cross learning between different industries. He has been involved in delivering LSS training up to Black Belt level and delivered several workshops on LSS application in different type and size of industries. He is also a regular speaker at International Conferences and Seminars on LSS and Process Excellence.