Browsing by Subject "Supply chains"
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Item Open Access Strategy and Tools for Sustainable Textile Product Development(2014-04-25) Stuart, IanCorporate sustainability strategy, assessment, and reporting continue to become more sophisticated as organizations develop new implementation tools. However, the majority of environmental impacts are concentrated in large firms, as are the resources needed to address them. Consequently, many of these tools are not accessible to early-stage ventures interested in growing a sustainable business. Struck By Nature is a new company developing a line of interior textiles. Using qualitative analysis informed by primary industry research, existing sustainability tools and guidelines, and business case studies, a preliminary sustainability strategy was defined for the company. The strategy promotes an iterative approach to environmental assessment and reporting, and is based on life cycle assessment methodology and current sustainability best practices in the textile industry. Potential environmental impact areas—including water use, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions—are identified for distinct phases of the product value chain. The strategy employs a cradle-to-gate scope and prioritizes actions in the early stages of product development, with particular emphasis on proper materials sourcing and supplier facility assessment. The structure of the strategy and its recommendations, which include a supplier evaluation tool, is adaptable to other product-based small businesses. Future updates should address the social aspects of sustainability as well as environmental impacts in the downstream portion of Struck By Nature’s product value chain.Item Open Access Understanding Challenges in HIV and Malaria Supply Chains in Lao People's Democratic Republic(2012) Boccuzzi, Madeline BethLao People's Democratic Republic (Laos) faces a unique set of supply chain challenges for HIV and malaria control. Although the HIV and malaria prevalence rates are relatively low, the country has struggled to maintain an adequate supply of HIV and malaria commodities throughout the country, resulting in delays or stock outs of key commodities for both diseases. Supply chains in developing countries are often strained and weak, but creating sustainable procurement and supply chain management (PSM) processes is vital to the overall success of a county's health system. Poor PSM practices are reflective of and reinforced by a weak health system, and Laos, like other low-income countries, is confronting many PSM challenges. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria heavily supports both the HIV and malaria programs in Laos and is now placing increased emphasis on improving PSM processes in grant recipient countries. Research on supply chains in developing countries is scarce and in-depth, country-level analysis of challenges and barriers to successful PSM is essential to improving the long-term sustainability of health systems. The aim of this research is to improve supply chain management for HIV and malaria control programs. The specific objectives are:
1. To identify barriers and bottlenecks through a situation analysis of Laos' supply chains for national HIV/AIDS and malaria control programs.
2. To analyze factors affecting HIV/AIDS and malaria supply chains in Laos.
3. To suggest policy recommendations for the WHO, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Lao Ministry of Health, and other institutional or organizational stakeholders for improved supply chain management and function.
Qualitative research was conducted in Vientiane Capital and Savannakhet Province in May-July 2012 and included 41 key-informant interviews, document review, and informal observations. Data collection and analysis were primarily guided by the USAID