Sustainable Procurement Practices Research Articles

Impact of green construction procurement practices on the success of circular economy in Ghana

PurposeThis paper investigates the impact of green construction procurement practices (GCPPs) on circular economy (CE) success by identifying environmentally sustainable procurement practices that can promote a CE in the construction industry. The goal was to promote circularity in construction through GCPPs.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research approach was adopted and purposively selected 100 respondents for a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Data from the questionnaire survey were analysed using mean score ranking, One-sample t-test and regression analysis.FindingsThe study found that using on-site systematic waste management, project stakeholder commitment and support for green practices and environmental requirements in technical specifications, significantly impact CE success in construction, with a 12.8% variance in CE when green procurement is practised. This implies that GCPPs have positive repercussions on CE success, where the CE success is expected to change as GCPPs levels increase.Practical implicationsThe study provides insights into green procurement, promoting its use in infrastructure development and aiding clients, particularly in the government sector with insights into the challenges and practices involved in green procurement. Practitioners can also benefit from better implementing CE strategies to draft and manage contracts for infrastructure projects that prioritize circularity.Originality/valueThe limited impact of GCPPs on advancing CE principles in construction suggests policy and practice must strengthen procurement requirements to fully leverage spending and drive the sector’s transition towards a circular model. Also, novel insight is provided into the most effective types of GCPPs for promoting CE success, aiding policymakers in optimizing construction procurement strategies.

Increasing the role of sustainability in public procurement of personal protective equipment

Sustainability in producing and procuring personal protective equipment (PPE) has become increasingly important in recent years as the COVID-19 pandemic multiplied their usage worldwide. PPE is mostly produced from fossil-based plastic materials, which burdens the environment. We investigate how sustainability from environmental and social perspectives was considered in public tenders in a non-strategic category of PPE during the pandemic, and what were the most relevant enablers and barriers for healthcare procurement units to implement sustainable procurement practices in their procurement actions. Literature review focused on barriers and enablers of sustainable procurement. We interviewed procurement managers and specialists in Finnish healthcare organizations. The transcribed interviews were examined using the inductive content analysis. Sustainability is limitedly considered in public tenders, even though the EU directive on public procurement and national legislation encourages sustainability. Lack of local production, infrastructure for purification and reuse, financial and human resources, organizational level actions and end-users’ perceptions appear to be the most significant barriers for public procurement units. Due to these factors, sustainability was not the decisive factor in selecting providers for PPE during in the pandemic. Sustainability is often highlighted in relation to public sector and especially public procurement, but according to our findings it shows significantly less in actual procurement practices. Efforts are required to both offer more sustainable PPE in the market and developing the recycling and reuse processes in healthcare.

Bulacan Feedmill Plant Towards Business Operations Sustainability Framework

In today’s rapidly changing global landscape, businesses are increasingly recognizing the imperative of incorporating sustainability principles into their operations. As the world faces pressing environmental and social challenges, companies must evolve and adopt responsible practices that not only safeguard the planet but also ensure long-term profitability and resilience. The Bulacan Feedmill Plant, a key player in the animal nutrition industry in the Philippines, is no exception to this paradigm shift. As such, this research delves into the realm of sustainable business operations, with a specific focus on developing a comprehensive Business Operations Sustainability Framework tailored to the unique context of the Bulacan Feed mill Plant. Amidst the growing global discourse on sustainable practices, there is a perceived gap in the literature concerning the application of sustainability principles within the animal nutrition industry, particularly in the context of Feedmill plants. While various frameworks exist for other industries, limited attention has been given to developing tailored sustainability frameworks for the animal nutrition sector. Hence, this research endeavors to bridge this gap and contribute to the body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive and industry-specific roadmap for the Bulacan Feedmill Plant, paving the way for a more sustainable and thriving future. Based on the findings, the following are recommended; 1) Develop a comprehensive Business Operation Sustainable Framework aligned with sustainability principles, including clear goals, strategies, and actionable plans for economic, environmental, and social sustainability. 2) Engage and educate employees through awareness programs, training, and workshops to ensure their understanding of the importance of sustainability and their role in driving positive change within the organization. 3) Actively involve customers in sustainability initiatives by providing information about sustainable products and encouraging them to make environmentally conscious choices. 4) Prioritize sustainable procurement practices by collaborating with suppliers who adhere to sustainable principles to ensure an environmentally responsible and socially conscious supply chain. 5) Engage with local communities, listen to their concerns, and involve them in sustainable development projects to foster mutual understanding and support. Keywords: sustainability framework, business operations, feed mill plant, sustainability strategy

Sustainable Procurement Practices and Organisational Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Ghana

This study empirically examines the predictive relationship between sustainable procurement practices and its dimensions (staff competence, sustainable IT infrastructure and top management support) and the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Using the explanatory research design, structured questionnaires were administered to 317 managers and owners of selected SMEs. The Structured equation modeling (SEM) via Smart PLS 4.0 was used for analyzing and testing the hypotheses. The findings show that top management support and sustainable IT infrastructure have moderately significant and positive impact on SMEs performance whilst staff competence did not have any statistically significant effect on SMEs performance. Even though staff competence did not have a statistically significant effect on SME performance in this context, managers and owners should not avoid training and developing staff competence as it may translate in affecting other aspects of business operation not accounted for by SME performance. Through the lens of the institutional theory, resource-based theory and the theory of altruism, the study proves the predictive relationship between sustainable procurement practices and small and medium enterprises in Ghana.

Sustainable procurement practices and sustainable performance: evidence from small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in an emerging economy

Sustainable procurement practices and sustainable performance: evidence from small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in an emerging economy

The impact of procurement agility and procurement sustainability on organizational performance in UAE’s entities: The mediating role of corporate governance

Today, there is a need to develop businesses procurement activities through adopting agile and sustainable procurement practices. The key aim of this research is to identify the influence of both procurement agility and sustainability on organizational performance. The study creates a relationship between the procurement agility and procurement sustainability in the organizational performance with the mediating role of corporate governance. The research framework involves two critical predictors including procurement agility and procurement sustainability. The data was collected with a quantitative cross-sectional methodology within UAE’s business entities context through adaptation of a well-designed questionnaire that was distributed to different businesses like Aviation, Hospitality and Telecommunication (320 responses). The study findings supported a hypothesized model with a significant influence of procurement agility and procurement sustainability on organizational performance. In addition, corporate governance mediated the relationship between procurement agility and organizational performance. The study concluded with the growing non-traditional procurement activities for better organizational outcomes.

Procurement Practices and Organizational Performance of Tertiary Institutions in Bayelsa State

The study had the broad objective of determining the effect of a variety of procurement practices on the organizational performance of tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. Survey research design was adopted whereby primary data were obtained from 165 procurement and store/warehouse officers and administrative officers of the various institutions using a 5-point Likert scale structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multiples regression technique with the help of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 23). The findings of the study revealed that tendering, bidding, E-procurement, and sustainable procurement practice have a significant effect on the performance of tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. Hence, the study concluded that procurement practices have a significant effect on the performance of tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State. The researchers recommended that there should be adequate measures put in place to ensure that the best supplier is contracted by the organization as this may enhance performance. There should be adequate measures put in place to ensure that the supplier with the best tender is contracted by the organization as this will serve time and reduce cost. Finally, the study recommended that sustainable procurement practice should be inculcated in the organization, as this will help protect and preserve its environment.

Green Procurement Nexus Performance of Manufacturing Firms: Empirical Reflections

Purpose: This literature-based study assessed green procurement practices as a strategic tool for protecting the environment in favour of the performance of manufacturing firms.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: A systematic qualitative scrutiny aided by nomothetic content analysis from the published papers centred on green procurement as a global strategic approach to protecting the environment was employed.
 Findings: Green procurement practices are documented as useful for the performance of firms. Moreover, little has been pronounced on relevant practices in Tanzania. Manufacturing firms are charged for environmental compliance and hence call for a related conceptual study.
 Research Limitation/Implication: The study limited itself to the literature alone out of no cause-effect relationship testing of green procurement practices against performance hence calling for the quantitative study guided by hypothesis testing. 
 Practical Implications: The practical implications of the green procurement nexus on the performance of manufacturing firms are significant and can influence various aspects of a company's operations, sustainability efforts, and overall success.
 Social Implications: The study contributes to the Environmental Social Governance (ESG) agenda by highlighting the green procurement practices to be taken on board for the social wellbeing of the delivery of materials to manufacturing firms in consistency with the governance mechanisms.
 Originality/Value: Suggestion: The novelty of the study on the green procurement nexus and manufacturing firm performance lies in its empirical, multidimensional, and forward-looking approach to understanding how sustainable procurement practices can impact various facets of a manufacturing firm's operations and long-term sustainability. It contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the intersection of sustainability and business performance.

Sustainable Practices and Company Performance in Restaurant Business at PT XYZ: The Moderating Role Of Supply Chain Visibility

The study was conducted to see the effect of sustainable practices and company performance on the restaurant business at PT XYZ: the moderating role of supply chain visibility. The population of this study is managerial level employees who work in PT XYZ restaurants located in Jabodetabek. Furthermore, the sample approach used is non-probability sampling, with the sampling strategy used in this study is purposive sampling. In this study, the minimum sample size used was 102 respondents. Then the method used in this research is the Partial Least Square (PLS) approach in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results showed that sustainable procurement practices have a positive and significant effect on company performance. Then sustainable manufacturing practices have a positive and significant effect on company performance. Furthermore, supply chain visibility cannot moderate sustainable procurement and sustainable manufacturing on company performance in the restaurant business.

Impact of universal free school meals on health and equity: international policy scoping review

Abstract Issue Every child should have access to healthy foods, engagement with peers, and thrive in educational environments. Universal free school meal policies can address health inequalities and the wider determinants of health. Such policies can impact economic development, community well-being, gender equity, and environmental sustainability. Description The World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Investment for Health and Well-being undertook an international scoping policy review to identify examples of universal free school meals policy and practice. Resources, including government, public health, and non-governmental organisational websites, were reviewed. Data were extracted on delivery models and outcomes including health, equity, sustainability, and economic well-being. Best practices were summarised. The findings were shared with key Government stakeholders to provide high level overview of the impact of school food programmes and procurement practices on health and wellbeing, wider determinants and social outcomes to inform local policy and practice decisions. Results The report provides evidence on the impacts of universal free school meal programmes as well as promising practices to improve health, equity and well-being. Outcomes explored within the report include inter alia: health and well-being (nutrition, physical health), wider determinants (inequities, educational attainment, poverty, food insecurity) and social outcomes (stigma, social skills, uptake of school food programmes). Taking a global perspective, the report summarises international evidence to support inclusive, sustainable, and equitable solutions, such as improving economic well-being, promoting sustainable procurement practices, and maximising social return on investment. Lessons Mobilising and sharing international evidence and best practice supports equitable, long-term action to improve the health and well-being of children, local economies, and the climate. Key messages • International learning provides key insights to support innovative, equitable and effective policies. • Sustainable policies should address health and social outcomes, and support children and the environment.

Development of Conceptual Sustainable Project Planning Model (SPPM) for Indian Roads

Objective: This research aims to develop the conceptual sustainable project planning model for Indian roads using Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) applicable to roads, Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI), Multi-Unit Selective Inventory Control- 3- Dimensional (MUSIC-3D) Approach, Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), Three Point Cost Estimation & Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) for achieving Sustainability in Indian Roads.
 
 Theorotical Framework: The study is based on international scientific studies, articles, and publications. Additionally, actual materials relevant to the study subject were utilized for a more thorough and objective presentation of the issue at hand.
 
 Method: For development of Conceptual Sustainable Project Planning Model (SPPM) various research tools such as PDRI, MUSIC-3D, PERT & 3- Point Costing as well as LCCA were used incorporation of Sustainable Development Goals applicable to roads.
 
 Results & Conclusion: The development of a sustainable project planning model (SPPM) using tools like the Construction Industry Institute's Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI), the Multi Unit Selective Inventory Control- 3-Dimensional (MUSIC-3D) analysis, the Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) by IS 13147 (Part-2):1984, PERT, and Three Point Cost Estimation using MSP can help Indian roads become more sustainable.
 
 Originality/ Value: The sustainable project planning model can benefit the road infrastructure in several ways. By incorporating sustainable design principles, environmental assessment, and social impact assessment, the model ensures that construction projects are environmentally responsible and socially inclusive. This helps road infrastructure to minimize its negative impact on the environment and society. The model also emphasizes the importance of resource efficiency and waste reduction. By efficiently managing project resources, including materials, the model promotes sustainable procurement practices and minimizes harmful impacts on environment. This can lead to cost savings for the construction industry by reducing waste and optimizing resource utilization.

THE ROLE OF DECARBONISATION IN ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT PRACTICES IN THE U.S

In an era marked by escalating environmental concerns and the pressing need for sustainable practices, this paper delves into the transformative potential of decarbonisation in enhancing sustainable procurement practices, with a specific focus on the U.S. context. The study commences with a comprehensive overview of the prevailing procurement practices in the U.S., elucidating their environmental ramifications, particularly in terms of carbon emissions. The discourse then transitions to the broader implications of decarbonisation on a global scale, highlighting its multifaceted benefits beyond mere carbon reduction. Central to the paper’s narrative is the exploration of how decarbonisation can catalyse sustainable procurement. By integrating decarbonisation strategies into procurement processes, entities can mitigate their environmental footprint, realise long-term economic advantages, foster innovation, and fortify stakeholder relationships. However, this metamorphosis lacks challenges, ranging from organisational inertia and economic considerations to stakeholder apprehensions. The paper furnishes a blueprint for policymakers and industry leaders, guiding them through sustainable procurement’s intricacies and spotlighting its potential boons and inherent challenges. The study offers tangible exemplars of sustainable procurement’s potential through real-world case studies, illustrating how diverse entities can effectuate meaningful change. The paper concludes with a call to action for stakeholders, emphasising the collective effort required to transition towards sustainable procurement practices. This study underscores the pivotal role of sustainable procurement, underpinned by decarbonisation, in steering the U.S. and, by extension, the global community, towards a sustainable and prosperous future.

Disclosure index development for sustainable procurement: An Australian perspective

In recent years, there is a growing demand for corporations to demonstrate their commitment for and performance in sustainable sourcing of their goods and services. This has led to the promulgation of several sustainable procurement indicators (SPIs) and disclosure indexes (DIs) to guide businesses in meeting ‘responsible’ or ‘ethical’ business operations. However, extant SPIs and guidelines have reliability challenges due to inconsistencies and varying focuses as most DIs are skewed towards non-discriminatory practices and equity in wealth and income distribution. This study proposes a methodological framework and uses 33 indicators of globally accepted ethical norms and standards for business conduct to develop an index for disclosure of sustainable procurement practices. Based on the proposed framework, we conducted a proof-of-concept study using a sample of 60 companies in four industries listed in the Australian Securities Exchange. The findings reveal significant variations in disclosure, with less than 20% of the investigated companies reporting 80% or more of the 33 indicators that constitute the disclosure index. It is observed that companies tend to disclose more in the governance and the environmental dimensions, but less in the economic and the social domains. These results indicate that the disclosure index developed using the proposed framework can be a useful tool for assessing transparency in reporting sustainable procurement practices and can help improve sustainability performance across the supply chain. The index thus provides stakeholders and the public with a lens to examine and monitor a company's sustainable sourcing practices.

Assessing the State of Sustainable Procurement Practices in Ghanaian Tertiary Institutions

This study assessed the state of sustainable procurement practices in Ghanaian tertiary institutions. The adoption of sustainable procurement practices has gained significant attention due to the growing emphasis on the environmental, social, and economic impact of organizations and their suppliers. It aimed to determine the extent to which sustainability principles were incorporated into procurement practices, identify challenges faced in adopting sustainable procurement, and identify factors that could influence sustainable procurement adoption. A quantitative approach was used, and data is collected through a structured questionnaire administered to procurement officers in Ghanaian tertiary institutions. The questionnaire included statements of sustainability practices, challenges of adoption, and factors influencing adoption. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that the adoption of sustainable procurement practices in Ghanaian tertiary institutions is a low to moderate state. Respondents show disagreement in areas such as following up on environmental and social performance, ensuring the well-being of the less privileged, and including reporting on environmental and social issues. However, respondents express moderate agreement in considering alternatives to purchasing, such as reusing, recycling, and hiring. Challenges in adopting sustainable procurement practices were identified, including difficulty in accessing suppliers of sustainable products, suppliers' lack of understanding of sustainability concepts, and low commitment of management to sustainability adoption. Factors that can influence sustainable procurement adoption are also explored, including demystifying the perceived cost of sustainable products, encouraging top management support and policy implementation, providing sustainability training for staff, and enforcing governmental laws and regulations on sustainability. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and implementation of sustainable procurement practices in Ghanaian tertiary institutions. It emphasizes the importance of addressing challenges and promoting factors that facilitate adoption. By incorporating sustainability principles into procurement practices, these institutions can contribute to a more sustainable future, where resources are used efficiently, waste is minimized, and social well-being is prioritized.

Analyzing the barriers to sustainable procurement in an emerging economy: an interpretive structural modeling approach

PurposeThis paper aims to identify, using a literature review and expert panel input, what impedes organizations from implementing sustainable procurement, particularly in an emerging economy context.Design/methodology/approachThe extant literature review was carried out to explore and identify the barriers to sustainable procurement. Using interpretive structural modeling (ISM), the authors established a contextual relationship among the 22 identified barriers. These barriers are then classified into different categories, using the matrice d’impacts cross-multiplication appliqúe an classment (MICMAC) technique, based on their driving and dependence power.FindingsThe findings improve our understanding of the critical barriers and their direct and indirect effect on each other in obstructing sustainable procurement practices. The study is the first of its kind in identifying the barriers to sustainable procurement and developing a hierarchical relationship among barriers using an integrated ISM–MICMAC methodology based on data from an emerging economy (Pakistan). With a focus on sustainable practices, this study also responds to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.Practical implicationsThe results of the hierarchical model help understand which barriers are the most crucial to be fixed immediately (i.e. absence of environmental laws and lack of consumer pressure) and how different barriers could influence each other, specifically in emerging economies. The practitioners can use the findings to make more informed decisions to mitigate the crucial barriers that could impede their goals of sustainable procurement.Originality/valueThe study is the first of its kind to identify the barriers to sustainable procurement and develop a contextual relation and hierarchical framework in the Pakistani context.

Sustainable procurement practices and sustainable performance: evidence from small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in an emerging economy

Sustainable procurement practices and sustainable performance: evidence from small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in an emerging economy

Analysis of sustainable practices adopted in the health sector public procurement process of goods by the Provincial Director of Health Services Office, Central Province of Sri Lanka

This study examines the extent to which the Provincial Director of Health Services Office, Central Province of Sri Lanka adopts sustainable procurement practices, when procuring required goods to meet the health service needs in the province. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out based on all goods procured in year 2018 and also upon obtaining views of all officers involved in the procurement process. A checklist assessed the integration of sustainability criteria in the procurement process and a self-administered, structured questionnaire was used to gauge the level of knowledge of the public officers involved in the process. Findings indicated that, the highest proportion of goods (69%, 131 items) purchased were related to medical equipment, procured upon fulfilling certain procurement criteria but lacked timeliness and adherence to certain key sustainable concepts. Lack of specific knowledge on sustainable procurement among the public officers, was another major concerning factor.

Barriers to Adoption of Sustainable Procurement in the Nigerian Public Construction Sector

Construction industry tenders are usually awarded to the lowest bidder, with emphasis being placed on the past, on price, quality, and timeliness, with little to no attention paid to the commitment of contractors to sustainability. It is not all construction firms and other stakeholders have an understanding of what sustainable procurement is about in the Nigerian construction industry, resulting in the limited adoption by those that understood it due to the level of risk they claimed it involved. This research examines the barriers to implementing sustainable procurement in the Nigerian construction industry by adopting a survey approach using self-administered questionnaires to obtain data from a purposively sampled group of 116 procurement practitioners in Abuja, Nigeria. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis. Factor analysis was used in categorizing the barriers to sustainable procurement into four: attitude and poor fiscal incentive; financial restrictions; insufficient leadership and knowledge; and regulatory constraints. The result showed that there was no sustainable procurement regulatory framework in the country and that a lack of government commitment, poor economic conditions, and a lack of knowledge were the major barriers to the adoption of sustainable procurement in the Nigerian public construction sector. It is therefore suggested that to make the construction industry’s activities more sustainable, practitioners need to learn more about sustainability, and governments should make policies that encourage and support low tariffs and taxes on sustainable goods and provide government subsidies. The research adds to the ongoing discussion about sustainable procurement practices in developing economies. It does this by drawing on a variety of theoretical perspectives to give a deep understanding of the challenges of sustainability from the public sector’s point of view.

Assessment of the Social Dimension of Sustainable Procurement Management Adoption in Large Commercial Banks in Kenya

Sustainable procurement management has emerged as one of the major key areas for companies to gain a competitive advantage and, at the same time, increase their market share. In Kenya, the banking industry continues to face enormous challenges, such as rising non-performing loans, stiff competition, the cap on interest rates, and ever-evolving technology. This study sought to assess the social dimension of sustainable procurement management adopted in large commercial banks in Kenya. The study adopted an exploratory research design using qualitative approaches. The target population comprised the procurement and corporate affairs officers in the large commercial banks in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to target the respondents. The study used interviews to collect primary data, and secondary data were collected by reviewing banks' reports, websites, and the central bank's reports. The findings revealed that the selected banks have adopted socially sustainable procurement practices at different levels. The study concluded that the banks have adopted the social dimensions of sustainable procurement practices.

Drivers and deterrents of sustainable procurement practices – an exploratory study in context of Pakistani HEIs

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify drivers and deterrents to sustainable procurement (SP) via field-level inquiry in the context of public sector higher education institutes in an emerging economy like Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachUnstructured interviews guided by the interview guide were conducted. The participants were selected via purposive sampling. A three-step process was carried out for data analysis. The first-order codes were generated from the views expressed by the informants. The descriptive codes (second-order categories) were developed, providing insights into the main factors. These codes helped to generate the third-order themes related to drivers and deterrents of SP.FindingsThe results reveal that interdepartmental cooperation is the most discussed driver, followed by government regulations. The most noted deterrents include a lack of interdepartmental cooperation, a lack of environmental laws and resistance to change. The participants have highlighted interdepartmental coordination as both a driver if available and a deterrent if not available.Social implicationsThe identified drivers and deterrents shall help the managers and policymakers as a guide while transitioning from traditional procurement to SP.Originality/valueWith the increased focus of the higher education commission Pakistan on implementing green practices in higher educational institutes, this study proposes the understanding of a systematic and holistic view of SP by proposing a theoretical framework.