George Malindretos | Harokopio University (original) (raw)

Papers by George Malindretos

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the probability that Pharmaceutical Companies ... more The purpose of the present study is to investigate the probability that Pharmaceutical Companies located in Greece entrust their products' storage and distribution services with Third Party Logistics (3PL) Companies, as well as the criteria on which this entrusting is based. Questionnaires including open and close type questions filled out by 25 of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Greece, starting from September 2007 to April 2008, were used to collect data. Furthermore, the survey uses the model of Logistic Regression so as to examine the usage of Third Party Logistics' services. The analysis of the results concluded that the possibility of the pharmaceutical companies to have assigned the distribution and storage of their products to an independent 3PL company depends on the following:-whether the pharmaceutical companies consider that the entrusting of their storage and distribution services to a 3PL company appears no default-whether they believe that great funds are released due to the entrusting of the products' storage and distribution to 3PL companies, making it difficult-at the same time-to control them in a directly way-whether they use the internet facilities in order to find potential suppliers to cooperate with

The scope of this paper is to reconcile two challenges: the rapid advance of Logistics to integra... more The scope of this paper is to reconcile two challenges: the rapid advance of Logistics to integrated 'supply chain management' (SCM) and 'supply chain re-engineering' (SCR), the growing importance of 'sustainability'. It presents a research background chiefly addressed to practitioners, with the main points summarized as follows: First, focus on the choice of scientific research methodology, for identifying a 'modern research methodology' (MRM). Second, connection of the integrated supply chain approach (ISCA) with the 'sustainability issue' and the globalization phenomenon, largely treated separately. Third, overcoming of a series of misconceptions, tied to past attitudes and practices. Fourth, coordinated interdisciplinary collaboration to promote creativity and innovation for awareness and mobilization of all available resources. Fifth, focus on the 'reverse Logistics' (RL) issue and building-up of a model in support of adjustment to the corporation and natural environment. Sixth, emphasis to variability of institutional rigidities for the dissemination of the socioeconomic benefits related with RL. Seventh, presentation of the survey results concerning electric appliances in Greece. Simple language and main concluding points are expected to contribute to the scope of this paper.

The sustainability issue has been acknowledged as a universal contemporary challenge within an en... more The sustainability issue has been acknowledged as a universal contemporary challenge within an entirely new, unprecedented and irreversible global economic, social, cultural and physical today environment. Critical role plays the interdisciplinary Supply Chain Management (SCM) and its advance to sustainable SCM, particularly for strengthening 'collective capabilities' through sufficient vertical and horizontal integration. In such a context, the purpose of this paper is threefold: to improve the understanding about the sustainability challenge as a means to knowledge and critical thinking and to remove a series of misconceptions from shortsighted policies; to penetrate in the cooperatives principles and experience for contribution to recovery and sustainability at company level, sectors and economies at large; to carry out a study of historical evolution of cooperatives in Greece and Cyprus. The conclusions and recommendations drawn in this study, provide useful insights and directions for future research, that are expected to enlighten the opportunities for collaborative synergic action and exploitation of the available knowhow and resources towards sustainable development.

One of the basic requirements for sustainability is to focus upon the entire lifecycle of the pro... more One of the basic requirements for sustainability is to focus upon the entire lifecycle of the product. In the agri-food sector, companies which achieve climate neutral agri-food products are distinguished by climate-neutral labels, in recognition of their social responsibility and contribution to environment protection. Valid CO 2 certificates which minimize climate-impacting emissions include the right to achieve net zero carbon emissions by offsetting or buying enough carbon credits to achieve carbon neutral, or having a net zero carbon footprint. Furthermore, value adding can be achieved in the customer-driven value creation chains, as more and more consumers are becoming aware of the company's contribution in environmental protection. In this respect, the aim of this study is to shed light in the specific attributes and perspectives of such practices and to explore how they can transform the challenge of climate change to opportunity for environment protection and sustainability. The paper highlights the need for successfully implemented climate neutral products and services, involving collaborative innovations which may also result in total cost reduction and product quality upgrading, particularly if incorporated in Sustainable or Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM). Moreover, social and company benefits can accrue especially for agri-food products which have already labels like protected designation of origin (PDO), protected geographical indication (PGI) and traditional specialty guaranteed (TSG). This paper also includes a survey conducted with consumers for assessing their behavioral patterns with regard to such issues. Finally, the major contribution of this study is the development of a conceptual model that presents the necessary managerial steps towards the production of green and climate neutral products.

Interest in sustainable supply chains has been rapidly growing for over a decade with an increase... more Interest in sustainable supply chains has been rapidly growing for over a decade with an increased pressure to all parties of the agrifood supply chains to deal effectively with food safety and quality issues as well as minimize social and environmental impact. Aquaculture is a neglected research area, although it is recognized as one of the most promising, though also controversial new industries. This paper utilizes a single-case study, action research to examine how sustainability can be promoted on operational level. More specifically, the study analyses a project developed by one of the biggest companies in the Mediterra-nean, concerning the strategic supply chain redesign towards reducing lead times from production to consumption. The impressive improvements in terms of lead time and cost savings and the conclusions and recommendations drawn in this study are expected to reveal the direction for further research towards integration of aquaculture development with the sustainability imperatives.

The sustainability issue has been acknowledged as a universal contemporary challenge within an en... more The sustainability issue has been acknowledged as a universal contemporary challenge within an entirely new, unprecedented and irreversible global economic, social, cultural and physical today environment. Critical role plays the interdisciplinary Supply Chain Management (SCM) and its advance to sustainable SCM. The field of sustainability in the wine industry appears as a breeding ground for the development of academics and university collaborations, as well as for the application of innovative practices in the framework of entrepreneurship in both forward and reverse agricultural supply chains. In such a context, this paper studies the exploitation of the opportunities derived from the wine production and waste management. More specifically, based on a business plan conducted in the Agricultural University of Athens, Postgraduate Programme of Enterpreneurship and Consulting in the Agricultural sector, it presents the development of a start-up company in the island of Crete, highlighting the main challenges for innovation in the wine waste management field. The conclusions and recommendations drawn in this study, provide useful insights and directions for future research, that are expected to enrich the available knowhow in the wine industry which is particularly suitable for research on sustainability and in any way, must proceed to commitment for protecting the environment.

Academics and practitioners in Europe and elsewhere have attempted to pinpoint the key urban frei... more Academics and practitioners in Europe and elsewhere have attempted to pinpoint the key urban freight transport problems and identify potential sustainable solutions. In this framework, the aim of this study is the evaluation of the environmental outcomes derived from the development of an alternative transport option for the management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), using a case study of a municipality in Athens, Greece. The proposed option is mostly based on rail transport, while current practice relies exclusively on road transport. For this purpose the CML 2 baseline 2000 tool was used and the results indicated that the proposed alternative scenario for MSW transport provides a sustainable solution. However, detailed feasibility study is required in order to evaluate the prerequisites, implications and benefits from such a practice that may be applicable in many cities worldwide which already have rail and tram infrastructure for the citizens' transport movements.

The purpose of this study is to identify the current situation in the Cyprus hotel industry, conc... more The purpose of this study is to identify the current situation in the Cyprus hotel industry, concerning environmental management and certain hotel activities. The study, conducted via closed-type questionnaires, focused on managers or owners of one to five star hotels in selected areas of Cyprus. The results indicated that the respondents accept the interaction between sustainability and environment, and they suggest that there is a need for tourism policy. However, there are gaps between the current situation in the tourism industry of Cyprus and the requirements for sustainable development mainly due to the limited access to capital, the limited information and training on environmental protection issues. Future studies giving emphasis on the required steps for facing the challenges may fill up the gaps towards a greener tourism and formulate a new sustainable strategy in the tourism industry.

The sustainability issue has been acknowledged as a universal contemporary challenge within the e... more The sustainability issue has been acknowledged as a universal contemporary challenge within the entirely new, unprecedented, irreversible and ever changing global economic, social, cultural and physical today environment. Motivated by the economic slowdown, increasing fuel prices and global warming, it has been maintained that the "green economy" investments can be the key to business sustainability. Taking into account that freight maritime transport represents by far the most popular sector in international commerce and transport, an important research topic is the possible contribution of green shipping solutions in the targets and prospects of sustainability. In such a context, this paper is engaged with the potential strengthening of modern shipping, in terms of differentiation through design and introduction of an innovative alternative of renewable types of energy. Innovative green ships from all over the world are presented and a twofold survey is conducted. The first concerns shipping companies and the second the users of shipping services, towards identifying the progress that has been made and the consequent enhancement of the competitive position and sustainability of the shipping companies that will show the required vision and discipline to value creation and Sustainable Supply Cain Management (SSCM). In retrospect, this paper aims at the provision of useful insights for modern sustainable shipping technology at global market level. In view of the undergoing dynamic changes in this field, this work is to be considered as a progress report of continuing research, so that constructive discussion and exchange of views can contribute to improve sustainability performance in the maritime transport sector.

Lean thinking allows the identification of the various sources of waste in the supply chains. A w... more Lean thinking allows the identification of the various sources of waste in the supply chains. A widely deployed lean thinking tool for determining waste, particularly across organisational boundaries is the Value-Stream Mapping (VSM), which can be applied by individual companies initially but also extend it to the supply chain. Authors argue that the VSM technique can be considered as an effective tool for identifying the factors that influence the total emissions in the targeted supply chain and also for decreasing waste as measured by carbon dioxide emissions. The main objective of this paper is to propose a systematic approach for measuring the environmental performance of supply chains in food sector based on the Value-Stream Mapping (VSM) technique for determining waste, in terms of measuring the carbon dioxide emissions particularly across organizational boundaries. The suggested approach includes specific steps and tasks which are presented and analysed.

In this paper, a systematic approach for measuring the environmental performance of a supply chai... more In this paper, a systematic approach for measuring the environmental performance of a supply chain in agrifood sector based on the value stream mapping (VSM) technique is presented and analysed. The proposed approach aims to determine waste, in terms of measuring the non-value-added time of production and logistics processes, as well as, water and energy used across organisational boundaries. Furthermore, in order to demonstrate its applicability and effectiveness and to understand its sustainable impacts, the suggested approach is applied in an agrifood product (corn for animal feed) and the corresponding supply chain. VSM diagrams are created and specific practices are proposed in order to minimise waste in the examined supply chain.

The agrifood sector is considered as one of the leading sectors in Europe, in terms of turnover, ... more The agrifood sector is considered as one of the leading sectors in Europe, in terms of turnover, value added and employment. The economic and political impact of this sector is recognised and emanates by the large number of participating companies in this industry that need to develop more sustainable approaches to food production, supported by integrated and efficient production systems. However, all agricultural sectors are not equally harmful to the environment, thus different agrifood supply chains should be assessed and prioritised in order for policy measures to become more effective. This paper aims at the development of a multi-criteria analysis approach that focuses on the prioritisation of agrifood supply chains with the use of specific socioeconomic , technological and environmental criteria. The approach follows the path of outranking multi-criteria methods, ELECTRE III and PROMETHEE. For the assessment of the agrifood supply chains, policy makers and experts' views are taken into account.

Αbstract Purpose: Sufficient support of the sustainability of farm products embedded in a region ... more Αbstract Purpose: Sufficient support of the sustainability of farm products embedded in a region (such as Products of Designated Origin / PDOs) to overcome significant obstacles to access domestic and remote markets. Main research question is how to overcome such inherent difficulties and transform them into challenges and opportunities to the new market environment. Design/methodology /approach: Combination of simplicity with the complicated issue of sustainability for awareness of small farmers SMEs and their collective representatives. Improve the understanding of the Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM), to facilitate sustainability through use of the 'Bellagio Principles' for assessing sustainability of local farm products and facilitating further enhancement. Use of certain PDOs farm products of the Messinian region of Greece, such as local Sfela Feta cheese, olive oil, olives and raisins, to assess sustainability and improvement. Formation of a conceptual constructive action R&D framework of broader use in building-up and performing implementation of holistic supply chain strategy. Expected Findings: Providing better understanding of the SSCM. Insights on how SMEs cooperatives can collectively apply holistic strategies concerning local farm PDOs to fulfil competitiveness and sustainability requirements, under variant product and market conditions. Originality / Value : Improving the know-how, focusing on the sustainability of regional, traditional products and its effects upon supply chain performance and market access. Practical implications for regional-based farm SMEs in the design of holistic value creation strategies to produce sustainable competitive advantage. Interactive cause and effect dynamic implications of sustainable development on social, economic and physical environment.

The purpose of this paper is to identify, describe and evaluate the cut-flowers distribution chan... more The purpose of this paper is to identify, describe and evaluate the cut-flowers distribution channels in the content of supply chain and in view of the changing global distribution structure of the floriculture industry. The interest in this field has risen considerably more recently, as derived from the literature review taxonomy analysis carried out in this study. Moreover, a survey research is conducted in Greece with florists, as the dominating and critical to consumer-driven value creation retail channel. The survey's results have drawn useful insights into the integration of the cut-flowers' supply chain, based on the establishment of Logistics-hub centers. These will enhance collaborative actions, in both growers and retailers level, as a countervailing force to the trend of unbalanced power share in the chain in favour of wholesalers and supermarkets. This study revealed also that florists are increasingly aware of the social and environmental issues, and in this direction in many developed countries have already started to adopt standards in order to compete with supermarkets. This paper highlights the need to investigate further an integrated cut-flowers supply chain framework, supported by the effective cooperative action at both ends of the chain (growers and florists) and broader strategic re-adjustments for attaining sustainable development.

Cut flowers represent a globalised economic sector that is associated with various environmental ... more Cut flowers represent a globalised economic sector that is associated with various environmental impacts. The aim of this research is the presentation of the results of the application of life cycle assessment in the environmental assessment of the greenhouse farm cultivation of carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) in Greece. The scope of the present research included the cultivation of carnations in a greenhouse in the eastern part of the Peloponnese region in Greece. Inventory was based on the actual field operations for the cultivation of carnations in greenhouses. The impact assessment method used was CML 2 baseline 2000. The results indicate that the major environmental impact is caused by the use of electricity for the refrigerated preservation of the cut carnations.

Floriculture has been developed in a fast growing industry, characterised by significant changes ... more Floriculture has been developed in a fast growing industry, characterised by significant changes in the worldwide distribution structure. Floriculture is an intensive type of agriculture with an income per unit area much higher than any other branch of agriculture. The move from traditional regionally located industrial western countries to other regions, notably of East Asia, Africa and Latin America has shifted attention to the issues of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. More particularly, as societies has increasingly been aware of social and environmental issues, this has led to pressures for meeting certain codes of conduct, together with environmental concerns derived from the transportation of flowers from the southern hemisphere and the damage to local ecosystems. Urban agriculture is considered as a means for mitigating the negative environmental and social impact of global agrifood supply chains; urban floriculture may decrease the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation of fresh cut flowers, provide with better quality product and encourage a shift towards consumer preference for seasonal products. In this respect, this paper's goal is at first to investigate the sustainability impacts of the current global floriculture supply chains, with particular attention to the environmental impacts of the flower miles. Then, the concept of " urban floriculture " will be introduced and investigated as an innovative approach for mitigating the negative impacts of global floriculture supply chains. This paper highlights the need to investigate further an integrated cut-flowers supply chain framework in an urban context, supported by the exploitation of sustainable urban floriculture practices and broader strategic readjustments for attaining sustainable development.

This article aims firstly, to facilitate the understanding of the actual corporate problem of tod... more This article aims firstly, to facilitate the understanding of the actual corporate problem of today, secondly, to point out certain critical aspects for overcoming frequent misconceptions, myths and shortsighted conflicts, and thirdly, to deal with the content and the dynamics of the so-called BPR (Business Process Re-engineering), which emerged in the early nineties and diffused rapidly in the O.E.C.D. area. It starts with an introduction of BPR approaches, followed by a brief outline of the new corporate environment, the methodological issue, the enhancement process, the problem of coordination of technology with the human factor, the financial analysis impact and the role of equal opportunities for the corporate adjustment. Special attention is paid to conditions dominated by Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs). The authors also pose a number of suggestions for the improvement of the diffusion of BPR in SMEs.

Scope: Re-approaching the contemporary issue of a holistic re-engineering strategy in relation wi... more Scope: Re-approaching the contemporary issue of a holistic re-engineering strategy in relation with the resilience in the value supply chain circuit. Increase in collective capabilities to overcome risks of increasing vulnerabilities and to improve business and economic sustainability. Research Methodology: Building-up an integrated methodology framework of mixed participatory interactive action. Systemic and process value chain analysis, collective use modern knowledge management combining multicriteria with proactive value creation process for sustainable competitiveness with the 'power structure' and 'institutional flexibility' to encompass physical and social technology infrastructure with modern cybernetics governance. Anticipated Results: Improve understanding and use of an operational R&D framework for enhancing collaboration, strengthening collective capacities and performing holistic re-engineering strategy in support of resilience and sustainable competitive advantage. Critical role of the institutional efficiency to combat power concentration and leverage the interfirm and interdisciplinary Supply Chain Re-engineering (SCR) to ensure resilience and sustainability. Originality/contribution: Contribution to better understanding the resilience to face the increasing trend of vulnerability and mitigate risks from globalization of markets, as cornerstone to company sustainability. Relation to the problem of world poverty, environment protection and development by collective intercompany and interdisciplinary value chain networks. Knowledge management by re-engineering and building-up an interactive methodology framework of broader relevance, to fulfil the multicriteria of stability and sustainability (Sustainable Supply Chain Management, SSCM). Role of new collective culture and vision to align governance with human face and solidarity for maximization of collective capabilities and integration synergies. Rethinking of the roots of increasing of increasing vulnerability and crises, for resilience to ensure sustainability, development, progress in peace and saving the collective human civilization.

The sustainability issue has been acknowledged as a universal contemporary challenge within an en... more The sustainability issue has been acknowledged as a universal contemporary challenge within an entirely new, unprecedented and irreversible global economic, social, cultural and physical today environment. Critical role plays the interdisciplinary Supply Chain Management (SCM) and its advance to sustainable SCM. The field of sustainability in the wine industry appears as a breeding ground for the development of academics and university collaborations, as well as for the application of innovative practices in the framework of entrepreneurship in both forward and reverse agricultural supply chains. In such a context, this paper studies the exploitation of the opportunities derived from the wine production and waste management. More specifically, based on a business plan conducted in the Agricultural University of Athens, Postgraduate Programme of Enterpreneurship and Consulting in the Agricultural sector, it presents the development of a start-up company in the island of Crete, highlighting the main challenges for innovation in the wine waste management field. The conclusions and recommendations drawn in this study, provide useful insights and directions for future research, that are expected to enrich the available knowhow in the wine industry which is particularly suitable for research on sustainability and in any way, must proceed to commitment for protecting the environment.