Green SCM and TQM for reducing environmental impacts and enhancing performance in the aviation spares supply chain

Abstract

The aircraft manufacturers are becoming more and more concerned with the reduction of environmental impacts caused by the supply chain of aviation spare parts for providing its quality and sustainability. In this paper, it is proposed to combine Green supply chain management (GSCM) and Total Quality Management (TQM) for reducing environmental risks, thus enhancing aviation spares supply chain’s performance. Special attention is paid to the development of the specific framework for combining GSCM practices and TQM pillars in the entire supply chain at the stages of the product life cycle. The prospects of GSCM and TQM combination for the considered supply chain are identified through the prism of six key critical success factors of GSCM and general principles of TQM stated in the ISO 9000 family. The advantages and potential risks of discussed combination are analyzed, as well as risks mitigation measures are proposed. The studied experience of international companies emphasizes the validity of using such a combination from both environmental and economic points of view. The research findings would assist the scientific community and practitioners in formatting the international institutional and practical foundation for the introduction of green and quality management technologies in the aviation sector.