Modelling the cause and effect relationship risks in reverse logistics supply chains for demolition waste

Abstract

PurposeThe reverse logistics supply chain (RLSC) for demolition waste management (DWM) is a complex process that inherits significant interdependent risks. However, studies on the RLSC have not explicitly identified the risks of its inter-relationships by disentangling their effects on operational performance. Accordingly, this paper aims to identify and assess the inter-dependencies of the risks in the RLSC to improve quality-related operational performance.Design/methodology/approachA sequential exploratory mixed-method research approach, consisting of qualitative and quantitative methods, was employed. The qualitative approach involved 25 semi-structured interviews, whereas the 18 subsequent structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders in the entire RLSC as part of the quantitative method. These were used to identify the cause and effect relationships of the identified risks. The data were analysed using thematic analysis, and the Bayesian belief network (BBN) technique was used to develop a conceptual risk model.FindingsIn total 20 risks in four RLSC sub-processes, namely, dismantling and on-site process, off-site resource recovery process, marketing of secondary products and residue disposal, emerged. Among cause and effect relationships of identified risk factors, inferior quality of secondary products was found to have the strongest relationship with customer satisfaction. Under-pricing of dismantling job, improper landfill operations and inadequacy of landfill levy are independent risks that initiate other risks down the supply chain. The aggregate effects of these risks affect customer dissatisfaction of the end-product, as well as health and safety risks in on-site, off-site and residue disposal.Research limitations/implicationsThis study only identify the cause and effect relationships of the identified risks within the RLSC for DWM operations. It has not targeted a specific construction material or any secondary production, which could be practiced through a case study in future research.Practical implicationsThe results encourage the investigation of RLSC process quality by maintaining the relationship between recycler and customer to enable a safe workplace environment. Hence, the role of relevant practitioners and government is inseparable in supporting decision-making. Future research could discuss the impact of those inter-related risks in relation to time- or cost-related operational performance criteria.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the field through presenting the first major study on the identification and assessment of the inter-dependencies of the risks in the RLSC in South Australia. The RLSC process mapping had been identified as a tactical and operational management approach. However, the risk management process is a strategic management approach. Therefore, the integration of both process mapping and the risk management approaches in one platform is germane to construction management research.

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Walking the talk towards sustainable consumption: interventions to promote the uptake of reprocessed construction materials

“…Traceability is also crucial when opting for sustainability ratings such as LEED Herein, suppliers must first improve and guarantee the quality of RCMs. Quality concerns were commonly recognised as a factor that limits the uptake of RCMs (Jayasinghe et al, 2022;Tennakoon et al, 2022a). Therefore, the interviewees highlighted that the waste recovery industry must be reorganised as a specialised industry with improved quality control procedures.…”

“…Building upon the conceptualisation of RL by Rogers and Tibben-Lembke (1999), RL for DW can be considered as the flow of DW and related information from the point of dismantling an end-of-life structure until such waste materials are reprocessed and used in new construction applications (Tennakoon et al, 2022a). According to Jayasinghe et al (2022), this process involves four stages: dismantling, reprocessing, residue disposal and secondary market and is collectively referred to as the demolition waste reverse logistics supply chain (DWRLSC). As DW passes through these stages, waste materials that can be recovered will be converted to reprocessed construction materials (RCMs), while any unrecoverable waste will be disposed of methodically.…”