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Reducing waste and improving efficiencies in ‘third sector’ food supply networks: the sustainability case for adoption of lean and best practice models for organisations working to promote food security and alleviate food poverty amongst the urban poor

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Graeme Heron

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Abstract

Purpose: There has been a significant growth in both the number of food banks and increases in members of the population engaging with them. This rapid growth has led to the emergence of a largely ‘ad hoc’ supply network of concerned actors, operating against scale, scope, interoperability issues and public misconceptions. The emergence of food banks, as well as attracting polemic, also clouds the landscape of established food supply chain systems within the ‘third sector’. Our purpose is: • Analysis of current systems in the ‘third sector’ for the collection, management and distribution of food to those impacted upon by food insecurity and food poverty.• Identify barriers and opportunities to increase operational efficiencies whilst reducing waste.• Determine ‘trade-offs’ occurring between volunteer willingness and operational effectiveness.• Develop a ‘readiness’ framework for adoption in this sector.• Developing mutually reciprocal, simplified benchmarking tools specific to this sector. Research Approach: To reflect the disparities already revealed between theory and practice, we have adopted an action research approach, gathering and analysing both quantitative six sigma DMAIC data and qualitative data through workplace measurement studies, modelling and interviews in the primary organisation, suppliers and customers. This allows us to build upon positivist 6S data and integrate discourse analysis in the identification of barriers to best practice adoption.Findings and Originality: Our research is ongoing but reveals absence of metrics we would expect to see in a warehousing and distribution network typical of DC and customer fulfilment activities, tracking, tracing and high granularity. We reveal a clear research gap in the empirical analysis and comprehension of operational activities in this particular food supply chain area of the ‘third sector’ in the UK. Whilst there is wider research across a macro environment of humanitarian logistics this generally overlooks the nuance of ongoing supply network stability Research Impact: This research presented addresses a literature gap and provides an approach to the potential application of 6 sigma via a simplified RUMBA (Reasonable, Understandable, Measurable, Believable, Achievable) framework to increase efficiencies and reduce waste in the ‘third sector’ indicating that it is possible in operational contexts, to develop best practice models which may offer significant benefits beyond this organisation, to wider other networks in operations within a similar ‘third sector’ environment to that of the case organisation through mutually reciprocal benchmarking. The research also contributes to the further understanding of operational differences in ‘same but different’ food supply chains, thus adding to both sustainability and infrastructure development research whilst militating for the adoption of best practice prevalent in the multiple retail sector.Practical Impact: A distinct dichotomy exists between multiple retailer food supply chains and third sector food supply chains which are unable to overhead the costs of technology uptake and data management prevalent in the former’s supply chains. We contend that the development of an open access tool as a best practice model can significantly increase efficiencies in a sphere of operations where the embedded value of service provision extends beyond simple pecuniary advantage. We also suggest that the achievement of high granularity for track and trace is not dependent upon technology, just good warehousing practice.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Heron G, Shokri A

Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)

Publication status: Published

Conference Name: 19th Annual Logistics Research Network Conference and PhD Workshop

Year of Conference: 2014

URL: http://www.ciltuk.org.uk/AboutUs/ProfessionalSectorsForums/Forums/LogisticsResearchNetwork/LRN2014.aspx


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