Transparency as a Driver for Logistical Efficiency in WEEE Collection and Transport

Inefficiency in complex reverse-logistical operations, such as the collection and transport of various wastes, can often be traced to two related factors. Adversarial and arms-length relationships between service providers and customers are commonplace, alongside surprisingly limited understanding o...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Eirill Bø, John Baxter
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-07-01
Series:Logistics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/4/3/14
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Inefficiency in complex reverse-logistical operations, such as the collection and transport of various wastes, can often be traced to two related factors. Adversarial and arms-length relationships between service providers and customers are commonplace, alongside surprisingly limited understanding of the cost base. This study investigated transparency and shared understanding as drivers for higher efficiency and lower costs. Observation and intervention in contractual negotiations was combined with analyses of cost and sensitivity, and a post-contractual transparency exercise with bidders where findings were shared with all parties. The work yielded both immediate efficiency gains and a longer-term infrastructure for cost evaluation and negotiation. Ongoing work is extending the approach into yet more complex and broader areas of municipal waste management.
ISSN:2305-6290