The traditional view that has predominated in the industrial world has been that of a total clash between economic activity and the protection of the environment. This perception has evolved somewhat and currently environmental considerations have become a fundamental part of business practices. The first step that may help organizations to face these new challenges lies in recognizing the competitive advantages that environmental management systems, EMSs, can bring. This article presents the findings of a recent survey of Spanish firms. The results suggest that a positive relationship exists between the effects of EMSs and improving firms' competitiveness. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment

Companies see adopting the circular economy (CE) model as an opportunity to become more sustainable and aligned to the growing demand for more environmentally friendly products. Governments, institutions and researchers alike have highlighted the importance of organisations having an environmental policy, and that this policy be implemented though effective environmental management systems (EMSs) as the way to achieving corporate sustainability. However, despite exploring the relationship between EMSs and moving towards the circular model in the business world, research on this increasingly critical issue remains limited. To address this gap, research was carried out on 85 Spanish manufacturing companies. Results show that implementing an EMS has a positive effect as the companies analysed adopted a higher number of CE practices. From a managerial perspective, managers are challenged to show leadership initiative by exploring new, more sustainable ways of operating that engage new stakeholders. Implications for regulators focus on enhancing the circularity of EMS.

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La formación de futuros ingenieros en la adquisición de habilidades específicas asociadas a la gestión de un sistema de producción Lean es un desafío para la Universidad. Comprender y asimilar estos conceptos puede ser complejo a nivel teórico, resultando imprescindible buscar herramientas que ayuden a este propósito. Esta contribución describe una experiencia práctica mediante el uso de la gamificación con conjuntos LEGO ©. La experiencia ha sido excelente en cuanto a la participación y motivación del alumnado, con resultados satisfactorios en la adquisición de los conceptos Lean. También se identifican los conceptos Lean que se han consolidado más fácilmente a través del juego y se proponen mejoras para las próximas experiencias.

Aquesta conferència, promoguda per ADINGOR (Associació per al Desenvolupament de l'Enginyeria d'Organització), va tenir lloc a la Universitat de Girona del 12 al 13 de juliol de 2018.