Bakgrund: Dagens globalisering har möjliggjort en ökad handel mellan länder vilket har inneburit en ökad konsumtion och i sin tur en större negativ miljöpåverkan. Denna miljöpåverkan sker på grund av att produkterna som anskaffas leder till föroreningar genom avlägsna producenter och långa transportsträckor samt genom en icke-miljövänlig produktion. Att se över sina försörjningsstrategier blir alltså allt viktigare och Green sourcing bör övervägas framför traditionella sourcing strategier. Konceptet är relativt nytt och befinner sig fortfarande i utvecklingsfasen där fullständig forskning om Green sourcing saknas. Genom den begränsade forskning som finns inom området kan ett forskningsgap utskiljas då Green sourcing ännu inte utforskats inom offentligheten. Kommunerna har ett ansvar att tillfredsställa det samhälleliga behovet och upprätthålla ordningen. Detta ska de göra och samtidigt ta hänsyn till Lagen om offentlig upphandling och upphandlingsprocess. Dessa två faktorer påverkar kommunernas arbete med Green sourcing då regelverken sätter ramar och begränsningarna för hur arbetet ska gå till. Problemformulering: Hur omsätter offentlig verksamhet Green sourcing i praktiken med avseende på regelverken de måste förhålla sig till? Syfte: Syftet med detta ämnesfördjupande arbete är att identifiera goda exempel på hur kommunerna arbetar med att omsätta Green sourcing i praktiken samtidigt som de förhåller sig till Lagen om offentlig upphandlings regelverk och upphandlingsprocess. Metod: En kvalitativ undersökningsdesign har använts vid denna studie där semistrukturerade telefonintervjuer har genomförts med 5 kommuner. De deltagande kommunerna är Helsingborg, Malmö, Växjö, Älmhult och Örebro kommun. Slutsats: Resultatet visar att det finns en plattform för att arbeta med Green sourcing i offentlig verksamhet med avseende på regelverken de måste förhålla sig till. Samtliga kommuner arbetar med miljöfrågor men de har kommit olika långt för hur de går tillväga för att nå sina hållbarhetsmål. Studien visar att kommunerna genomför flera av aktiviteterna som Green sourcing bygger på, även om de inte arbetar utifrån konceptet som helhet. Goda exempel på hur de omsätter Green sourcing är genom att inkludera miljökrav i sina upphandlingar som ställer krav på leverantörens produktion, produkter och transportslag. De utför själva transportplaneringar i form av samordnade varudistributioner och ruttplaneringar för att minska miljöpåverkan. För att handskas med LOUs bestämmelser genomför kommunerna uppdelningar av upphandlingarna, ställer krav på att leverantören ska ha en verkstad i nära anslutning till kommunen och att produkterna uppfyller samma grunder som en önskad certifiering.

The role of logistics has, over the last decade, evolved into a significant determinant in the operations of businesses. Increased efficiency and reduced operational costs can be established through a well-operated transportation system. Due to societies increased awareness for environmental issues, the logistics industry has been affected, which has led to a demand for development. Therefore, the concept of green logistics has become more common in the transportation industry. However, in South Africa this concept is lessestablished and there is a need to investigate managerial perceptions further. This research investigates green logistics, as perceived by managers in the transportation industry in South Africa. This thesis aims to study green logistics activities in South Africa at large transportation companies. The authors explore the current green logistic activities at the transportationcompanies, the managerial perceptions regarding green logistics, and their views of incentives and barriers to its implementation. The literature review presents the major theories and concepts included in green logistics. This section will present the reader with a deeper knowledge of sustainability, the triple bottom line, green logistics, and strategic environmental environment. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were used in this study. Six companies were interviewed and one South African logistical researcher. Secondary data was also used to get a deeper understanding of green logistics in South Africa. Interviews were held at the headquarters of the transportation companies, which were all resided in Johannesburg. Three international companies, three domestic companies (all with global operations), and one logistics researcher were interviewed. This gave the authors well-rounded empirical findings. The results from the interviews were divided into three categories: responsibility, green logistics activities, and managerial perceptions. The analysis provided many incentives and barriers of green logistics in South Africa, as well as a deeper understanding of the managerial perceptions. The study shows that green logistics is currently implemented, to a certain extent in South Africa. However, the paper identifies areas were it can be improved upon. The authors can conclude that the economical factor is a driving force within the triple bottom when implementing green logistics. Another interesting factor described in the conclusion is the importance of communicating green initiatives internally and externally. Conclusively, further recommendations regarding green logistic practices in South Africa are acknowledged.

The aim of this study is to identify green logistics (GL) best practice leading to the efficient management of resources and waste in Thai public hospitals. This work is influenced by and is aligned with the Thailand’s 2nd National Logistics and Supply Chain Research Strategies (2012-2016). The GL practices of six public hospitals were investigated, chosen to give coverage of the different types/sizes, locations and a range of environmental performance issues. Hospital visits were undertaken to collect data by interview, documentation and observation approaches. The GL best practices were principally identified by using developed indicators and a cross-case analysis method. The results of this study showed that resource and waste flows appeared very complicated within Thai hospitals. Thus, effectively introducing and managing GL within these settings requires the coordination of all staff (clinical and other), and the consideration of all environmental impacts from product purchasing through to waste disposal. Many beneficial practices for successfully reducing resource consumption and waste were identified. Key findings were that green initiatives need to be supported by: sufficient environmental education; two-way communication; effective evaluation and recording systems; and Director-level support. Importantly, GL adoption in the Thai context should be grounded in the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy concept (e.g. moderation, wisdom, and happiness), as well as contemporary hospital logistics theory and practice. Finally, it is recommended that the current Hospital Accreditation process is changed to integrate sustainable best practices, and that some pertinent government regulations and policies should be reviewed and changed as they were seen to be counterproductive and indeed in many cases it was proven that the enactment of the policies themselves actually increased waste.

As práticas verdes vêm constantemente sendo discutidas devido a sua importância para as empresas e para a sociedade. Porém, ainda não se chegou a um consenso sobre todos os seus benefícios, quer sejam ambientais ou econômicos. Cada vez mais os estudos demonstram a capacidade de geração de valor das práticas verdes para as empresas e para a sociedade. Portanto, imagina-se que as mesmas irão influenciar a sua aplicação em segmentos que hoje não têm uma utilização mais efetiva de práticas ambientalmente corretas. O objetivo dessa pesquisa é medir o valor das práticas verdes na percepção dos executivos de organizações manufatureiras e de serviços. O método escolhido foi a pesquisa survey, realizada a partir de um instrumento previamente proposto, contendo 5 variáveis e 25 itens. A pesquisa survey foi realizada em duas etapas: estudo de pré-teste e estudo final. Diferentes técnicas estatísticas foram empregadas para refinar o instrumento, como Análise de Confiabilidade, Análise Fatorial Exploratória e Análise Fatorial Confirmatória. Como resultado desse refinamento emergiu um modelo teórico de pesquisa final contendo 5 variáveis, sendo as dimensões de Estratégia, Custos, Crescimento, Marca e Riscos em 25 itens, onde foi verificado que a variável Marca não se confirmou, pois não teve validade estatística no modelo testado. Também como contribuição para as empresas e sociedade, o modelo teórico de pesquisa final se mostrou adequado para avaliar o valor das práticas verdes para organizações. A principal contribuição da pesquisa para a prática gerencial é o mapeamento da percepção dos executivos a respeito dos benefícios que as práticas verdes proporcionam às suas organizações e um novo modelo representando o valor das práticas verdes. / Green practices are constantly being discussed due to their importance for business and society. However, a consensus on all its benefits has not been reached yet, whether on environmental or economic field. Increasingly, studies have demonstrated the ability to generate value of green practices for companies and society . Therefore, it is thought that they will influence their application in segments that currently have a more effective use of environmentally friendly practices. The objective of this research is to measure the value of green practices in the perception of executives of manufacturing and service organizations. The method chosen was the survey research conducted from a previously proposed instrument, containing 5 variables and 25 items. The survey was conducted in two stages: a pre-test study and a final study. Different statistical techniques were employed to refine the instrument, as Reliability Analysis, Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. As a result of this refinement a theoretical model for the final survey containing 5 variables has emerged, with the dimensions of Strategy, Cost, Growth, Brand and Risks with 25 items , which found that the variable Brand was not confirmed, it had no statistical validity in the model tested. Also, as a contribution to business and society, the theoretical model for the final survey was adequate to assess the value of green practices for organizations. The main contribution of the research for management practice are mapping the perceptions of executives about the benefits of green practices to their organizations and provide a new model representing the value of green practices.

Background: Logistics is paramount in the business operations as it ensures transit of goods from one point to the other. Green logistics are measures in the logistics systems that are put in place to minimize the environmental implication of logistics operations while at the same time saving on cost. Thus, green logistics is adopted as it conveys a competitive merit which enhances performance of a company. Saudi Basic Industries (SABIC) is one of the biggest petrochemicals in Saudi Arabia and holds the fifth position in the world among the leading producers of petrochemicals. The company already has green logistics in place. Purpose: To explore chemical industries green logistics practices and profitability with a particular case study of SABIC. The goal of this paper was achieved by investigating how has SABIC incorporated green practices into supply chain operations to remain profitable. The study answers “how has chemical industries incorporated green practices into supply chain operations to stay profitable?’ And “how do logistic managers recognize green logistics and to what level do chemical industries apply green logistics? Investigating a chemical industry green logistics is important as it contributes to literature since no single study has been carried out in this area. Suggestions from this study are crucial to SABIC, other chemical industry besides any other industry since in one way or the other companies do logistics. Method: The study utilized interpretivism. This study was a case study type of thesis focusing merely on SABIC, and it employed induction approach as well as the qualitative method of collecting data.  Interviews were used to explore the experiences, beliefs, motivations and views of individual participants. Using non-probability sampling method, five members in SABIC supply chain department were selected. Conclusion: The results show that SABIC or chemical industries utilize most of the green logistics activities (fuel efficiency, route optimization package optimization and calculating carbon emission). However, it was found out that fuel efficiency, route optimizations, and packaging optimization were most common activities. It was also discovered that one major objective of chemical industries going green was to cut cost which contributes positively to its profitability. However, reverse logistics was not familiar because of its nature; it cannot be sufficient on its own.

The present master´s thesis examines logistics processes in the company MILK- AGRO, spol. s. r. o., which focuses on food industry. The aim of the thesis is to analyse current processes in the company and propose improvements in cutting costs. Attention is paid to current stocking process and distribution of goods. The thesis includes theoretical basis of Green Logistics, its legislative requirements and smooth implementation which means the creation of a new green product for the company. Furthemore, there is an implementation of Reverse Logistics in the thesis based on detailed distribution information. The theoretical part of new product analyses legislative, motivational and distribution point of view. Additionally, the master´s thesis clarifies benefits and drawbacks of Reverse Logistics within the company. Lastly, the author recommends improvements in warehousing and a new distribution route.

As práticas verdes vêm constantemente sendo discutidas devido a sua importância para as empresas e para a sociedade. Porém, ainda não se chegou a um consenso sobre todos os seus benefícios, quer sejam ambientais ou econômicos. Cada vez mais os estudos demonstram a capacidade de geração de valor das práticas verdes para as empresas e para a sociedade. Portanto, imagina-se que as mesmas irão influenciar a sua aplicação em segmentos que hoje não têm uma utilização mais efetiva de práticas ambientalmente corretas. O objetivo dessa pesquisa é medir o valor das práticas verdes na percepção dos executivos de organizações manufatureiras e de serviços. O método escolhido foi a pesquisa survey, realizada a partir de um instrumento previamente proposto, contendo 5 variáveis e 25 itens. A pesquisa survey foi realizada em duas etapas: estudo de pré-teste e estudo final. Diferentes técnicas estatísticas foram empregadas para refinar o instrumento, como Análise de Confiabilidade, Análise Fatorial Exploratória e Análise Fatorial Confirmatória. Como resultado desse refinamento emergiu um modelo teórico de pesquisa final contendo 5 variáveis, sendo as dimensões de Estratégia, Custos, Crescimento, Marca e Riscos em 25 itens, onde foi verificado que a variável Marca não se confirmou, pois não teve validade estatística no modelo testado. Também como contribuição para as empresas e sociedade, o modelo teórico de pesquisa final se mostrou adequado para avaliar o valor das práticas verdes para organizações. A principal contribuição da pesquisa para a prática gerencial é o mapeamento da percepção dos executivos a respeito dos benefícios que as práticas verdes proporcionam às suas organizações e um novo modelo representando o valor das práticas verdes. / Green practices are constantly being discussed due to their importance for business and society. However, a consensus on all its benefits has not been reached yet, whether on environmental or economic field. Increasingly, studies have demonstrated the ability to generate value of green practices for companies and society . Therefore, it is thought that they will influence their application in segments that currently have a more effective use of environmentally friendly practices. The objective of this research is to measure the value of green practices in the perception of executives of manufacturing and service organizations. The method chosen was the survey research conducted from a previously proposed instrument, containing 5 variables and 25 items. The survey was conducted in two stages: a pre-test study and a final study. Different statistical techniques were employed to refine the instrument, as Reliability Analysis, Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. As a result of this refinement a theoretical model for the final survey containing 5 variables has emerged, with the dimensions of Strategy, Cost, Growth, Brand and Risks with 25 items , which found that the variable Brand was not confirmed, it had no statistical validity in the model tested. Also, as a contribution to business and society, the theoretical model for the final survey was adequate to assess the value of green practices for organizations. The main contribution of the research for management practice are mapping the perceptions of executives about the benefits of green practices to their organizations and provide a new model representing the value of green practices.

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore the drivers and barriers to conducting an environmental analysis of transport processes in an SME. Method– The research method used in this study is a single-case study. The research approach for this study is an abductive approach. One data collection method was used for data collection, which was interviews. Findings – This study identified internal and external drivers and barriers to conducting an environmental analysis of transportation processes. Some findings of this study confirm the findings from the previous studies. Also, some findings of this study extend the findings from the previous studies. Implications– The answers to the research questions of this study will increase awareness and help SMEs to increase their understanding of the drivers and barriers when it comes to adopting sustainability and conducting an environmental analysis of transportation processes. Limitations– The limitation of this study are large logistics companies are not considered and will not be included in this study, this study does not delve into environmental analyses relating to warehouse operations or energy consumption, it does not investigate how SMEs gather and analyze the data necessary for conducting an environmental analysis. Also, this study is not focused on how to conduct an environmental analysis and the actual tools itself. Moreover, the study is limited to Swedish SMEs which may have some branches inside of Europe. Keywords – Barriers, Driving factors, Environmental Sustainability, Green Logistics, SMEs, Transportation

The aim of this study is to identify green logistics (GL) best practice leading to the efficient management of resources and waste in Thai public hospitals. This work is influenced by and is aligned with the Thailand’s 2nd National Logistics and Supply Chain Research Strategies (2012-2016). The GL practices of six public hospitals were investigated, chosen to give coverage of the different types/sizes, locations and a range of environmental performance issues. Hospital visits were undertaken to collect data by interview, documentation and observation approaches. The GL best practices were principally identified by using developed indicators and a cross-case analysis method. The results of this study showed that resource and waste flows appeared very complicated within Thai hospitals. Thus, effectively introducing and managing GL within these settings requires the coordination of all staff (clinical and other), and the consideration of all environmental impacts from product purchasing through to waste disposal. Many beneficial practices for successfully reducing resource consumption and waste were identified. Key findings were that green initiatives need to be supported by: sufficient environmental education; two-way communication; effective evaluation and recording systems; and Director-level support. Importantly, GL adoption in the Thai context should be grounded in the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy concept (e.g. moderation, wisdom, and happiness), as well as contemporary hospital logistics theory and practice. Finally, it is recommended that the current Hospital Accreditation process is changed to integrate sustainable best practices, and that some pertinent government regulations and policies should be reviewed and changed as they were seen to be counterproductive and indeed in many cases it was proven that the enactment of the policies themselves actually increased waste. / Faculty of Management Sciences, Khon Kaen University.

SammanfattningTitel: Miljöaspektens prioritering vid logistikplaneringFörfattare: Viveca Freij och Olivia Idström EkestolpeHandledare: Björn CarlssonNivå: Kandidatuppsats i Företagsekonomi, 15 hp, VT 2013Nyckelord: Stora företag i Sverige, miljöaspekten, logistikplanering, greenwash, grön marknadsföring, CSR och logistik.Problemformulering:Hur prioriteras miljöaspekten hos stora företag i Sverige vid logistikplanering?Syfte:Syftet med denna studie är att utforska om och hur stora företag i Sverige tar hänsyn till miljön vid logistikplanering.Metod:En kvalitativ forskningsstrategi med ett induktivt angreppssätt. Studien börjar med en intervju med ett transportbolag och följs av en tvärsnittsstudie som genomförs via telefonintervjuer med 33 av Sveriges största arbetsgivare. Teoretisk referensram: Studien hanterar teorier inom grön marknadsföring, CSR, logistik och grön logistik. Teorier inom grön marknadsföring bidrar till att skapa förståelse om vilka fördelar som grön marknadsföring kan ge. Inom CSR beskrivs vilka beståndsdelar som hör till ämnet och vad som definierar begreppet samt vilka fördelar ett uttalat CSR-arbete kan ge. Genom teorier inom logistik och grön logistik skapas en förståelse om hur det kan bedrivas och anpassas, samt vilka motiv som ligger till grund för arbetssätten.Empirisk insamling:Empirin har samlats in genom en ansikte mot ansikte intervju samt genom 33 stycken telefonintervjuer. Slutsats: Studien visar att majoriteten av Sveriges största arbetsgivare inte prioriterar miljöaspekten över pris, ledtid och leveransservice vid val av transportleverantör. Trots detta ger företagen i sin marknadsföring intryck av att de ser miljön som viktig och arbetar för att bidra till en hållbar utveckling. Företagen kan arbeta med miljöfrågor men lever inte upp till vad de kommunicerar ut i marknadsföringen, omedvetet eller ej är detta en försköning som kan leda till fördelar för företagen. / AbstractTitle: The environmental aspects priority during logistics planning. Authors: Viveca Freij och Olivia Idström EkestolpeAdvisor: Björn CarlssonLevel: Bachelor thesis in Business administration, 15 credits, Spring 2013Keywords:Large companies in Sweden, environmental aspect, logistics planning, greenwash, green marketing, CSR and logistics.Question: How do large companies in Sweden prioritize the environmental aspect during logistics planning?Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore if and how large companies in Sweden take the environmental aspect into account during logistics planning.Method: A qualitative research with an inductive approach. The study begins with an interview with a transport company and is followed by a cross-sectional study conducted via telephone interviews with 33 of Sweden’s largest employers.Theoretical framework: The study handles theories in green marketing, CSR, logistics and green logistics. Theories in green marketing helps to create an understanding of the benefits that green marketing can provide. Theories within CSR describe the elements that belong to the topic and what defines the concepts and the benefits that an explicit CSR can provide. The theories in logistics and green logistics provide a deeper understanding of how it can be managed and customized and its underlying motives. Empirical framework:The data has been gathered through one face to face and 33 interviews by telephone. Conclusion: The study shows that the majority of the largest employers in Sweden do not prioritize the environmental aspect over price, lead time and delivery service during the choice of a transport provider. Despite this the companies market themselves as very considerate of the environment and works to contribute to a sustainable development. Companies can consider the environment in some aspects but do not always live up to what they communicate through their marketing. Unconsciously or not, this is an embellishment that can lead to benefits.