Short answer

Adopt a lifecycle-thinking approach and a structured framework when designing networked enterprises to ensure sustainability and flexibility in product delivery and recovery.

Field: Resource Management
Source: IFIP International Federation for Information Processing/IFIP (2011)
Method: Conceptual Framework Development
Evidence: Moderate effect

A structured reference framework can guide the creation and management of Green Virtual Enterprises (GVEs), enabling flexible and sustainable forward and reverse supply networks. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2011 study published in IFIP International Federation for Information Processing/IFIP. Using Conceptual framework development, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Adopt a lifecycle-thinking approach and a structured framework when designing networked enterprises to ensure sustainability and flexibility in product delivery and recovery.

Study

Resource ManagementHigh ImpactModerate effect

Green Virtual Enterprises: A Framework for Sustainable Networked Production

A structured reference framework can guide the creation and management of Green Virtual Enterprises (GVEs), enabling flexible and sustainable forward and reverse supply networks.

IFIP International Federation for Information Processing/IFIP · 2011

Key Findings

01A GVE is a networked enterprise model focused on green products throughout their lifecycle.
02A reference framework with five building blocks (targets, actors, principles, lifecycle, technologies) can guide GVE development.
03The framework supports flexible forward and reverse supply networks.

Application

Design takeaway

Adopt a lifecycle-thinking approach and a structured framework when designing networked enterprises to ensure sustainability and flexibility in product delivery and recovery.

How to apply

When designing a product or service system that involves multiple organizations or complex supply chains, consider developing a framework that maps out targets, actors, principles, lifecycle stages, and supporting technologies to ensure environmental sustainability.

Project actions

01Consider how your design project can be part of a larger networked system.
02Think about the entire lifecycle of your product, from creation to disposal or reuse.

Method & Evidence

AimTo propose a reference framework for establishing and managing Green Virtual Enterprises (GVEs) that support sustainable manufacturing and logistics networks.

MethodConceptual Framework Development

ProcedureThe paper proposes a five-building-block reference framework for GVEs, encompassing targets, main actors, operating principles, lifecycle considerations, and supporting technologies.

ContextSustainable Manufacturing and Logistics

Variables

IVReference framework components (targets, actors, principles, lifecycle, technologies)

DVEffectiveness of GVE in achieving sustainability and flexibility

CVContext of manufacturing and logistics enterprises

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Provides a comprehensive conceptual model for GVEs.
+Integrates lifecycle thinking into enterprise design.

Limitations

The framework is theoretical; practical implementation challenges and the specific technologies required may vary significantly.

Reliability & validity

The framework's validity relies on its logical coherence and applicability to the concept of GVEs; empirical reliability would require testing through case studies.

Think critically

How might the proposed framework be adapted for industries with highly localized or geographically dispersed supply chains?

Design Principles

"Design networked enterprises with a clear framework that integrates lifecycle thinking, key stakeholders, and appropriate technologies to achieve sustainable resource management."

This framework provides a systematic approach for designers and engineers to conceptualize and implement GVEs. By focusing on lifecycle thinking and integrating key actors and technologies, it promotes resource efficiency and waste reduction throughout the product's journey.

What This Means for Your Design

This research suggests a plan (a framework) for creating 'green' businesses that work together online to make and deliver products sustainably, and also handle them after use.

How to use in your project

1.Use the framework's building blocks (targets, actors, principles, lifecycle, technologies) to structure your analysis of existing systems or to propose new sustainable networked solutions.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The concept of Green Virtual Enterprises (GVEs), as outlined by Romero and Molina (2011), offers a valuable model for designing sustainable, networked production systems. Their proposed reference framework, comprising targets, actors, operating principles, lifecycle considerations, and supporting technologies, provides a structured approach to developing flexible forward and reverse supply chains, emphasizing lifecycle thinking for enhanced resource management and environmental responsibility.

Source

IFIP International Federation for Information Processing/IFIP

Green Virtual Enterprise Breeding Environment Reference Framework

journal · 2011

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about green virtual enterprises: a framework for sustainable networked production?: Adopt a lifecycle-thinking approach and a structured framework when designing networked enterprises to ensure sustainability and flexibility in product delivery and recovery. Evidence: IFIP International Federation for Information Processing/IFIP (2011).
Why does "Green Virtual Enterprises: A Framework for Sustainable Networked Production" matter for design?: This framework provides a systematic approach for designers and engineers to conceptualize and implement GVEs. By focusing on lifecycle thinking and integrating key actors and technologies, it promotes resource efficiency and waste reduction throughout the product's journey.
How can designers apply this research?: Adopt a lifecycle-thinking approach and a structured framework when designing networked enterprises to ensure sustainability and flexibility in product delivery and recovery.
What were the main findings?: A GVE is a networked enterprise model focused on green products throughout their lifecycle.. A reference framework with five building blocks (targets, actors, principles, lifecycle, technologies) can guide GVE development.. The framework supports flexible forward and reverse supply networks.
What research method was used?: Conceptual Framework Development.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2011 journal from IFIP International Federation for Information Processing/IFIP.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing a product or service system that involves multiple organizations or complex supply chains, consider developing a framework that maps out targets, actors, principles, lifecycle stages, and supporting technologies to ensure environmental sustainability.
What are the limitations?: The paper presents a conceptual framework and does not detail specific implementation case studies or empirical validation of its effectiveness.