Barriers Hindering the Implementation of Green Supply Chain Practices in Public Institutions: A Case Study of Nsawam Government, Hospital
MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The main objective of the study is to investigate the barrier hindering the implementation of green supply chain practices in public institution
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
The specific objectives of the study are;
- To determine the level of understanding of green supply chain practices
- To determine the extent to which the procurement practices at Nsawam government hospital have embraced sustainability considerations.
- To identify the challenges of implementing green supply chain practices at Nsawum government hospital.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
Green supply chain management (GSCM)
Environmental sustainability and ecological balance have been prime concern among environmentalists, researchers and practitioners. Due to the emerging degradation of the environment and wastage of energy, the industries and manufacturers are encouraged to adopt green and sustainable measures to protect the environment (Chiou et al., 2011; Helo & Ala-Harja, 2018; Srivastava, 2007; Vachon & Klassen, 2008). Green activities focus on the environmental conditions which promote sustainable development (Chin et al., 2015; Rao, 2002; Zaid et al., 2018; Zhu et al., 2007). Economic growth, rapid industrialization and new technology usage result in an increased waste generation and inadequate disposal system. These conditions are the causes of air pollution, deforestation, land degradation, an imbalance in bio-diversity etc. These environmental degradation and energy wastage have a tremendous impact on environment i.e. poor health, less agriculture production, climate change etc. (Ho et al., 2009; Perotti et al., 2012; Kusi-Sarpong et al., 2016b; Kusi-Sarpong et al., 2019a). GSCM focuses on the reduction of the negative environmental impacts by redesigning procurement, manufacturing system and proper waste processing and reverse logistics infrastructure (Chan et al., 2012; de Vargas Mores et al., 2018; Fortes, 2009; Kusi-Sarpong et al., 2019b). The industries and manufacturers are facing local and global pressures to adopt green initiatives in the emerging supply chain structure and management (Luthra et al., 2015; Sarkis, 2012). GSCM is a concept to facilitate the deployment of environmental initiatives into the supply chains from the organizational sourcing to the end product, ensuring less energy waste, less environmental degradation etc. GSCM ensures a promising and a longlasting relationship with the suppliers and consumers with the long run commitment to promoting green initiatives (Diabat & Govindan, 2011; Perotti et al., 2012; Petljak et al., 2018). Incorporating green initiatives into the supply chains ensures reduction of wastage and energy loss. The action plans for green supply chain can be categorised into three areas – strategy, environment and logistics (Ahi & Searcy, 2013; Falatoonitoosi et al., 2013). The main concern of GSCM is the sustainability and protection of the environment. Logistics activities are considered vital part of green supply chains. Logistics activities such as selection of raw materials, distribution channel, warehouse, reverse logistics and waste processing management are the primary concerns of green initiatives of the whole supply chain (Govindan et al., 2014; Sarkis et al., 2018; Testa & Iraldo, 2010). GSCM helps the industries increase efficiency by reducing resources and energy loss (Agyemang et al., 2016, 2018).
The present economy of the world is largely dependent on manufacturing and production (Agyemang et al., 2019). But due to the emerging needs, manufacturers are giving utmost priority to mass production giving less priority to the environmental sustainability (Ho et al., 2009; Petljak et al., 2018; Tseng et al., 2013). Yet, ecological balance is a must for the existence of human being. Energy is limited therefore reduction in energy use can result in dramatic positive consequences in the long run (Kaviani et al., 2019). Local and global advocacy groups and governments are very much concerned about the present condition of the world. Therefore, they are giving pressures to the industries to adopt GSCM practices in their management and operations (Tseng et al., 2019; Zhu et al., 2007; Zhu & Cote, 2004).
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
Research design
To empirically explore Barriers Hindering the implementation of green supply chain practices in public institutions: A case study of Nsawum government Hospital, the researchers adopted a basic/generic qualitative research strategy. Basic research is particularly suited when the researcher is interested in understanding the meaning a phenomenon has for those involved (Merriam 2009:22). Basic research is driven by curiosity and a desire to expand existing knowledge (Kowalczyk 2015: Internet). It is the most adequate research method for this research as it is directed solely towards acquiring new knowledge (Jane 2006:199). In this research, an explorative study was conducted based on semi-structured interviews with participants from eight organizations to understand and explore the Barriers Hindering the implementation of green supply chain practices in public institutions.
Population of the study
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine Barriers Hindering the implementation of green supply chain practices in public institutions. Staff of Nsawum Government Hospital form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
FINDINGS
what is the level of understanding of green supply chain practices?
Table 1 represents an overview of the level of understanding of green supply chain practices in the hospital.
CHAPTER FIVE
Summary, conclusion and Recommendations
Summary
The study on barriers hindering the implementation of green supply chain practices in public institutions, focusing on the case study of Nsawum Government Hospital, provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by healthcare facilities in integrating sustainability into their supply chain operations. The research examines the specific context of a public hospital in Nsawum and identifies key barriers that impede the adoption of green supply chain practices in this setting.
The findings of the study highlight several barriers to implementing green supply chain practices in the Nsawum Government Hospital:
Many staff members lack awareness and understanding of green supply chain practices and their benefits. This lack of awareness hampers efforts to initiate and sustain green initiatives within the hospital.
The hospital faces resource constraints, including financial limitations and inadequate infrastructure, which hinder its ability to invest in sustainable procurement practices and infrastructure upgrades.
The prevailing institutional culture within the hospital may resist change, making it challenging to garner support for green initiatives among staff members and decision-makers.
There is a perceived lack of leadership and commitment from hospital management to prioritize sustainability and provide the necessary support and resources for green supply chain initiatives.
The study identifies regulatory and policy constraints as significant barriers to implementing green supply chain practices. Existing regulations and policies may not adequately support or incentivize sustainability efforts, leading to compliance challenges.
The hospital faces challenges related to limited availability of sustainable products and services from suppliers. The lack of green options in the market restricts the hospital’s ability to source environmentally friendly materials and products.
Overall, the study underscores the complexity of implementing green supply chain practices in public healthcare institutions like the Nsawum Government Hospital. Addressing these barriers requires a multifaceted approach that involves raising awareness, securing resources, fostering leadership commitment, advocating for supportive policies, engaging suppliers, and improving data management systems. By overcoming these barriers, public hospitals can enhance their environmental sustainability and contribute to the broader goals of sustainable development in healthcare.
Conclusion
The study on barriers hindering the implementation of green supply chain practices in public institutions, specifically focusing on the case study of Nsawam Government Hospital, sheds light on several challenges faced by healthcare facilities in adopting environmentally sustainable practices. Through interviews, observations, and analysis, it became evident that the hospital encounters significant barriers ranging from financial constraints and limited stakeholder awareness to the absence of clear policies and regulatory support. These barriers pose significant hurdles in the hospital’s journey towards implementing green supply chain practices, which are essential for reducing environmental impact, enhancing efficiency, and improving the overall sustainability of healthcare operations.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study, several recommendations can be proposed to address the barriers hindering the implementation of green supply chain practices in Nsawam Government Hospital and similar public institutions:
- Hospital management should prioritize the development of a clear policy framework that emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability and sets specific targets and guidelines for implementing green supply chain practices.
- Efforts should be made to raise awareness among hospital staff, suppliers, and other stakeholders about the benefits of green supply chain practices. Training programs, workshops, and communication campaigns can help foster a culture of sustainability and encourage active participation in green initiatives.
- Hospital management should allocate adequate financial and human resources to support the implementation of green supply chain practices. Investing in technology, infrastructure upgrades, and staff training can help overcome financial constraints and facilitate the adoption of sustainable procurement and waste management processes.
- Government agencies and regulatory bodies should play a more active role in supporting and incentivizing green supply chain practices in public institutions. This may involve introducing regulations, incentives, or certification schemes that encourage hospitals to prioritize environmental sustainability in their procurement and operations.
- Hospitals should seek opportunities to collaborate with other healthcare facilities, industry associations, academic institutions, and environmental organizations to share best practices, lessons learned, and innovative solutions for overcoming barriers to implementing green supply chain practices.
References
- Chiou, T. Y., Chan, H. K., Lettice, F., & Chung, S. H. (2011). The influence of greening the suppliers and green innovation on environmental performance and competitive advantage in Taiwan. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 47(6), 822-836.
- Helo, P., & Ala-Harja, R. (2018). Environmental sustainability in supply chain management–evidence from Finnish industry. Journal of Cleaner Production, 172, 2334-2343.
- Srivastava, S. K. (2007). Green supply-chain management: a state-of-the-art literature review. International Journal of Management Reviews, 9(1), 53-80.
- Vachon, S., & Klassen, R. D. (2008). Environmental management and manufacturing performance: The role of collaboration in the supply chain. International journal of production economics, 111(2), 299-315.
- Chin, T. A., Pun, K. F., & Yong, C. C. (2015). Integrating environmental concerns into logistics: an empirical case study on a container terminal operator. International Journal of Production Research, 53(5), 1483-1503.
- Rao, P. (2002). Greening the supply chain: a new initiative in South East Asia. Greener Management International, 2002(40), 65-83.
- Zaid, A. M. A., & Nordin, N. (2018). The drivers of green supply chain management practices: Evidence from an emerging economy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 172, 1130-1139.
- Zhu, Q., & Sarkis, J. (2007). The moderating effects of institutional pressures on emergent green supply chain practices and performance. International Journal of Production Research, 45(18-19), 4333-4355.
