MOD007698 Assignment 011 Supply chain assignment
Introduction
The investment bank has been putting a great deal of pressure on AbTech to accept these new contracts in order for the company to be able to expand its operations over the course of the next five years. Because the manufacturing process has been awarded a patent that is valid across the whole globe, there are not going to be any direct competitors for the foreseeable future. The financial institution is well aware of the enormous opportunities that are presented by this circumstance all over the world. However, production of touch screens would need to be reduced, and one of the possible choices is to sell the raw materials to appropriate sub-suppliers. Although the recycling production could be extended to an almost endless level, production of touch screens would need to be reduced. Jonathan is pretty worried about this strategy since there is a substantial risk associated in managing suppliers and assuring delivery of the best quality items, and he is anxious about the plan as a result(Deb,2021).
Supply chain model/framework i.e. Porters model, SCOR
If AbTech wants to get further finance for its growth, the supply chain strategy that it presents along with its business case has to be persuasive. Only then will the company be able to do so. During one visit, there was no stock and a backlog of orders due to the present lack of management throughout the production and supply chain, which is giving the bank a substantial amount of anxiety. In addition, there was a backlog of orders. Because the bank does not want this to be the case, they do not want their future public image to be one in which their parking lot is cluttered with cardboard boxes that are full of antiquated electrical items(Islam2019).
Personal computers, servers, monitors, tablets, printers, and smartphones are the six categories that have historically been used in order to categorise various forms of electronic trash over the whole of its life. In today’s culture, which is increasingly assisted by technology, this category now comprises a far larger variety of goods, including toys, tools, musical compositions, vehicles, and even wearables. In the past, this category only included things like musical compositions and toys. The products that are going near to the end of their useful life are referred to as “e-waste,” which is an acronym for “electronic garbage.”
Benefits and disadvantages of outsourcing the production, supply chain, logistics
According to the United Nations Global E-waste Monitor 2020, electronic waste is the most significant waste source on a global scale. It almost always includes components that are linked to violent conflicts and that are harmful to both human health and the environment. Furthermore, very little of it gets recycled. It is possible that precious metals and metal ores including cobalt, lithium, palladium, copper, and gold might be found among electronic waste if it is not recycled. This scenario would only occur if electronic waste was not recycled. On the other hand, if these resources are not recovered via the use of recycling methods, they will be gone forever(Andharia,2020).
Suitable forecast and modelling of sales and impact to downstream suppliers
Lead, mercury, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), brominated flame retardants (BFR), chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), hydrofluorocarbons (HCFC), and persistent organic pollutants are some of the elements that have been discovered in electronic waste. Other elements found in electronic waste include: Toxic elements such as lead, mercury, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), brominated flame retardants (BFR), chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) are examples of environmental hazards (Borthakur 2016; Seeberger et al. 2016). The chemicals that make up electronic waste that are not recycled end up contaminating landfills, which in turn causes major harm to the soil and the water supply via leachate. Recycling electronic waste is the best way to prevent this from happening. Because of the inappropriate disposal of electronic waste, communities that are situated in close proximity to landfills are at an increased risk of being exposed to potentially harmful substances. Sometimes the people who live in a neighbourhood are the ones who are the first to feel the repercussions of the environmental deterioration that is brought on by recycling activities (Avakian 2014).
Environmental and sustainably acrossthe complete supply chain
The process of recycling electronic waste brings with it the risk of repeated stress as well as a variety of other sorts of physical ailments. This is because the majority of electronic devices must be disassembled manually. When something is being disassembled, there is a possibility that employees may be placed in risk of being exposed to potentially hazardous airborne pollutants. Some examples of these threats include lead, mercury, and dust that may easily catch fire. Acid processing and other high-risk processes, such as smelting, are used in the treatment process in order to recover precious metals from discarded electronic equipment. This requires the use of potentially harmful chemicals. Those engaging in these practises are subjected to harmful working circumstances as a result of these practises. There are many developing nations that do not have the necessary health and safety regulations, infrastructure, or cultural standards in place to ensure that their employees in the e-waste treatment industry are healthy and safe. The World Health Organization (WHO) published a study (Grant et al., 2013) that found links between children’s exposure to e-waste and a variety of health problems, such as thyroid dysfunction, unfavourable birth outcomes, behavioural abnormalities, impaired lung function, and harmful cellular alterations. These findings were found in the context of a study that found links between e-waste and children’s exposure. A group of researchers worked together to carry out the investigation(Gautam,2021).
Suitable supply chain risk management
Businesses that are aware of the risks associated with electronic waste use a variety of risk management practises so as to reduce their exposure to these hazards. Electronic waste is tied to a number of possible problems. Extended producer responsibility (EPR) programmes, internal corporate standards, contract requirements, as well as due diligence and verification on the part of downstream recycling providers are all included in these methods. Businesses who are just now becoming aware of the difficulties connected with e-waste face a new form of financial risk. The proliferation of “smart” devices, which are defined as those that are capable of two-way communication over the internet, has directly contributed to an increase in the dangers that are posed by electronic waste, which in turn has put businesses in a more precarious position.
In addition, there has been a rising demand for recycling and reuse activities, which encourage the collection and reuse of unwanted items from consumers as well as from governments. Recycling and reuse activities promote the collection and reuse of unwanted products. The issue of electronic waste is receiving regulatory attention in certain parts of the world, such as with the revised Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive in the European Union. This directive addresses the proper disposal of waste generated by electrical and electronic equipment. This regulation discusses how trash from electrical and electronic equipment should be disposed of in an appropriate manner. In an effort to appease their shareholders and clientele, a growing number of businesses are pledging to work toward a more sustainable future by setting climate and zero-waste goals. This is done in order to both bring in new clients and keep the ones we have (European Environment Agency 2012). The problem with electronic waste presents a number of potential risks, including new rules, market factors, customer expectations, company carbon and net zero ambitions, and shareholder demands(Verma2018).
Use of technology to aid the company
As a result of the recent increase in awareness of the likelihood of e-waste in new items or the strengthening of programmes for existing ones, businesses are at varying phases of the road toward effective management of electronic waste. At the beginning of an electronic device’s lifespan, each company must first acknowledge the grave dangers that are presented by e-waste, assess the efficiency of any remedies that are already in place, and make plans for additional action. In addition, these three steps must be completed in the order listed above.
ERM was one of the first companies that a market-leading wearables manufacturer approached for strategic assistance when it was beginning its road toward more efficient e-waste management. This was done in order to acquire a better knowledge of the significant parts of the risk posed by electronic waste, such as the dangers in the downstream supply chain and audits of the vendors. It was vital to develop corporate goals in order to ensure that the standard and programme would reduce risks and thoroughly fulfil the firm’s needs. This was accomplished by establishing clear objectives for the organisation. This was because the implementation of the standard and programme would have an influence on a broad range of different business operations. The reason for this was due to the fact that the standard and programme would be implemented. ERM allowed for internal stakeholder workshops to be arranged so that the client’s freshly stated stance could be made public and the required buy-in could be acquired. This was accomplished in order to fulfil the requirements of the project. Following the conclusion of the workshops, ERM worked in conjunction with the customer to draught a corporate e-waste management standard and a vendor verification programme for e-waste recyclers. After the sessions were over, both of these papers were produced for further consideration. The company’s upper management was aware of the fact that in order to reach their goal of producing no waste, both the standard and the programme were necessary components of the overall strategy.
A different strategy will be used by a corporation that is farther down the path of controlling electronic waste. After 10 years of running their programme, a large global technology company wanted to strengthen their control over the situation by introducing more transparent management of e-waste through their third-party recycling network. This was done in order to reduce the amount of liability associated with the company. Regardless of whether the problem at hand is worker safety, global exposure, worker safety, or environmental harm, the company is acutely aware of the brand and reputational risks provided by the downstream supply chain. In order to achieve this objective, ERM has initiated a worldwide recycler verification programme in addition to providing assistance on a local level. The purpose of these initiatives is to provide the recycling industry guidance and resources as it works to carry out essential regulatory changes. The end result is undoubtedly improved results in terms of environmental, health, and safety. Audits have been performed on more than 300 recyclers of electronic trash in more than 30 different countries as a direct consequence of ERM’s involvement in this programme. Because of this, there has been a rise in the number of recyclers that are dependable and compliant, which allows the firm to better manage the risks that are inherent in its various recycling streams.
Benefits and disadvantages Agile Vs lean Vs Hybrid supply chain strategy
Having a point of view that is both comprehensive and forward-looking at all times
The issue of electronic waste is still a topic of discussion, despite the fact that businesses are making concerted efforts to protect their brand reputations from the damage that may be caused by e-waste. As a consequence of the shift away from a linear economy and toward a circular economy, the mining of fundamental minerals that are required for the production of electronics will, in the long run, no longer be an economically viable option. On the other hand, an increasing number of businesses are realising the financial advantages of investing in recovery and recycling technologies and are doing so as a direct result of this realisation. It is believed that these initiatives constitute an investment in the future of the company’s bottom line. If we recycle the older gadgets first, we can cut down on the quantity of carbon dioxide that is created by newer ones and save billions of dollars at the same time. In order for businesses to study how they might make the most use of recovering resources from e-waste and so maximise their ability to profit from the transition to a circular economy, the phrase “shift to a circular economy”
Companies that have the foresight to close the loop on their products will not only be seen as leaders in the field of sustainability, but they may also see financial benefits from taking advantage of the expanding e-waste management sector, which is expected to reach a value of $102.62 billion by the year 2027. Companies that have the foresight to close the loop on their products will not only be seen as leaders in the field of sustainability, but they may also see financial benefits from taking advantage of the expanding e-w (Newswire 2020 from the Associated Press) Both the identification and mitigation of the risks currently associated with e-waste as well as the capitalization on the opportunities presented by the transition to a circular economy via the redesign of products as well as the recycling and reuse of valuable materials need to be included in the plan in order for it to be effective.
Keeping an eye on the years to come
There is no solution that is universally applicable when it comes to satisfying the requirements of a firm. It is necessary to customise the solutions so that they are suitable for the company’s culture, the requirements of the target market, and the risk profile. Here are some suggestions to get your mind moving in the right direction:
It is essential to have a clear understanding of the volumes as well as the expenses associated with discarded electronic equipment. You need to determine the various types and volumes of e-waste that your company creates in addition to the costs that are associated with the handling of e-waste in order to get a clear picture of how e-waste impacts your bottom line. In addition, you need to determine the costs that are associated with the handling of e-waste in order to get a clear picture of how
Find out the most current operations that were carried out using antiquated pieces of electrical equipment. Because electronic components are so precious, secondary markets are an essential need for the purpose of obtaining resources that may be reused or recycled. This is because electronic component prices tend to be quite high. In order to ensure that you are recycling and disposing of your electronic waste in a responsible manner, without putting your employees or the environment in any unnecessary danger, you should make it a point to insist on complete transparency at the point in time when electronic devices have reached the end of their useful lives.
Conclusion
Thinking about how likely it is that there will be instances of circularity. Companies that deal in technology are making it their mission to develop products that make it easier to recover key components that can be reused for future products as the economy of the world shifts from a linear economy to a circular economy. This is because a circular economy is more sustainable than a linear economy. Conduct lifecycle analyses of the product, determine the amount of Scope 3 emissions caused by the current methods of recycling electronic waste, and analyse the ways in which making changes to suppliers or corporate practises may reduce the product’s total effect on the environment.
Find out how your organisation may accomplish its environmental objectives by instituting new procedures for the disposal of electronic trash, and use those findings to guide your efforts. Determine whether or not the removal and disposal of electronic waste is a substantial challenge for your company. Find out as much as you can about the chances and obstacles that might either make or break the efforts that your organisation is making to become waste-free, carbon neutral, and friendly toward climate change.
References
Andharia, J. ed., 2020. Disaster studies: Exploring intersectionalities in disaster discourse. Springer Nature.
Deb, D. and Bhargava, K., 2021. Degradation, Mitigation, and Forecasting Approaches in Thin Film Photovoltaics. Academic Press.
Gautam, A., Shankar, R. and Vrat, P., 2022. Managing end-of-life solar photovoltaic e-waste in India: A circular economy approach. Journal of Business Research, 142, pp.287-300.
Gupta, H., Yadav, A.K., Kusi-Sarpong, S., Khan, S.A. and Sharma, S.C., 2022. Strategies to overcome barriers to innovative digitalisation technologies for supply chain logistics resilience during pandemic. Technology in Society, 69, p.101970.
Islam, M.T., Huda, N., Baumber, A., Shumon, R., Zaman, A., Ali, F., Hossain, R. and Sahajwalla, V., 2021. A global review of consumer behavior towards e-waste and implications for the circular economy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 316, p.128297.
Kumar, V., Vrat, P. and Shankar, R., 2022. Factors influencing the implementation of industry 4.0 for sustainability in manufacturing. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 23(4), pp.453-478.
Sahu, A.K., Padhy, R.K. and Dhir, A., 2022. Determinants and barriers of implementing lean manufacturing practices in MSMEs: a behavioural reasoning theory perspective. Production Planning & Control, 33(12), pp.1197-1213.
Txitxardin, K.P., 2020. Michelle Lee Brown. Kaʻina Hana ʻŌiwi a me ka Waihona ʻIke Hakuhia, p.84.
Verma, L.P., Sharma, V.K. and Kumar, M., 2018. New delay-based fast retransmission policy for CMT-SCTP. Int. J. Intell. Syst. Appl, 10(3), pp.59-66.
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