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Analysis of reverse logistics implementation practices by South Australian construction organisations

Nicholas Chileshe (School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia)
Raufdeen Rameezdeen (School of Natural and Built Environments, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia)
M. Reza Hosseini (School of Architecture and Built Environment, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia)
Steffen Lehmann (School of Built Environment, Curtin University, Perth, Australia)
Chika Udeaja (School of the Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK)

International Journal of Operations & Production Management

ISSN: 0144-3577

Article publication date: 7 March 2016

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Abstract

Purpose

A large number of benefits have been reported when reverse logistics (RL) is fully implemented in the construction industry. However, RL is yet to become common place in the construction sector, particularly in Australia. The particular sub-sector in which RL operates is small and weak and the remainder of the sector must embrace and accommodate it comfortably. Research is lacking on how to promoting RL in the construction industry. Very little has been done to identify the current practices that have the potential to promote RL industry-wide. The purpose of this paper is to identify the practices that work well in the sector, a strategy could be mapped out to promote RL to all stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to fill the above gap, the present study used a mixed method approach to gather and evaluate current practices and their potential to promote RL in South Australia’s construction industry. Practices that were identified using a comprehensive literature review were evaluated with a questionnaire survey and series of interviews involving construction professionals.

Findings

The findings are that practices facilitating deconstruction is the most important, followed by practices facilitating the use of salvaged materials in new construction to promote RL in South Australia. Awareness of deconstruction benefits, challenges and procedures at the organisation level and facilities and services at industry level were associated with RL implementation. Availability of salvaged materials in the market was found to influence its use in new construction and as a consequence its demand. Designing for reverse logistics is another practice that could facilitate deconstruction and the onus of its promotion lies mainly with the designers.

Research limitations/implications

This research was confined to one state in Australia. As such the generalisation to other states and other countries should be treated cautiously.

Practical implications

The findings of this study can help inform the industry and its stakeholders on areas that they need to concentrate more on to make the South Australian construction industry a fully RL integrated one. To that end the authors propose some recommendations arising from the findings reported here.

Originality/value

This study makes a contribution to the body of knowledge on reserve logistics within a previously unexplored South Australian context. In addition, the study provides valuable insights into the contribution of RL practices to the construction industry.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This paper provides a background to the successful Zero Waste SA Sustainable Design and Behaviour (sd+ b) Centre Research Funding Scheme 2013 programme: DfRL within the building life cycle: practices, drivers and barriers. The project team comprises Dr Nicholas Chileshe, Professor Steffen Lehmann, Dr Raufdeen Rameezdeen and M. Reza Hosseini. The authors would like to express sincere gratitude to the two anonymous reviewers and the editor of the International Journal of Organisation and Production Management (IJOPM) for their constructive and helpful comments to enhance the quality of earlier versions of this paper.

Citation

Chileshe, N., Rameezdeen, R., Hosseini, M.R., Lehmann, S. and Udeaja, C. (2016), "Analysis of reverse logistics implementation practices by South Australian construction organisations", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 36 No. 3, pp. 332-356. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-01-2014-0024

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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