Cavan Kelsey

Abstract

Representatives from the electronics equipment industry were surveyed and selected companies were interviewed to determine the current level of environmental supply chain integration into the purchase of finished electrical products. Based on the information gathered, a summary of best practices was defined which included insights into effective buyer/supplier relationships and establishing environmental product requirements. As electronic equipment manufacturers change from a vertically integrated marketing structure to one of a horizontal supply chain, there is an increasing need to outsource manufacturing of or to procure finished products made by another supplier and subsequently branded by the buying manufacturer. The manufacturer's environmental supply chain management system must now include environmental requirements for finished products. This extension of the supply chain follows the same precedence set by the extension of the quality management systems to suppliers. Consistent with quality provisions in supply contracts, environmental requirements form another key contract element. The ability of a buyer to influence suppliers to meet these requirements will be dependent on the buyer/supplier relationship. It is easier to influence strategic partnerships in which the buyer/supplier share common goals. Common environmental requirements are focused on restricting certain materials in the construction of the finished product. Additional environmental requirements, including those necessary to achieve environmental labeling standards or corporate objectives, are then defined unique to the product being marketed.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Environmental management; Business logistics--Environmental aspects; Industrial procurement--Management; Industrial procurement--Environmental aspects; Electronics--Equipment and supplies; Electronic industries--Environmental aspects

Publication Date

2001

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Civil Engineering Technology Environmental Management and Safety (CAST)

Advisor

Potter, Juliana

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: GE300 .K457 2001

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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