5-1 Discussion: Implementing a Green Procurement
Strategy
In your post, discuss and prioritize the drivers, barriers, and practices of
greener procurement as mentioned in your text and highlighted in the
additional reading.
How do regulations, customers, competition, and the suppliers
themselves shape the policy of a company?
How does this affect the financial arm of its triple bottom line and a
company's operational priorities?
In response to your peers, examine their thoughts on drivers, barriers, and
practices for greener procurement. What organizations, certifications, or
alliances are available to companies, and how would they fit into your peers'
assessment?
Regulation, customers, competition, and suppliers all significantly shape a company's policy.
Regulation: Government regulations and laws can dictate how a company operates. For example,
environmental regulations may require a company to invest in eco-friendly technologies or practices,
impacting operational costs and priorities. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to avoid legal
issues and penalties.
Customers: Customer preferences and demands can shape a company's policy. If customers value
sustainable practices, a company may prioritize eco-friendly operations. Customer feedback can also
lead to changes in product offerings or customer service policies.
Competition: The presence of competitors can influence a company's policy. To stay competitive, a
company may need to adjust its pricing, marketing, or product development strategies.
Suppliers: Suppliers can impact a company's policy by pricing, quality, and reliability. If a supplier
raises prices or can't meet demand, a company may need to find new suppliers or adjust its production
schedule.
These factors can affect the financial arm of a company's triple bottom line (profit, people, planet) by
influencing costs, revenues, and investments. For instance, complying with regulations or meeting customer
demands for sustainability may increase costs and open up new market opportunities. Regarding operational
priorities, these factors can influence sourcing, manufacturing, distribution, and customer service decisions. For
example, a company may prioritize finding new suppliers if a supplier is unreliable. If customers demand better
service, a company may prioritize improving its customer service processes. A complex interplay of external
factors shapes a company's policies, and understanding these can help the company make strategic decisions
that balance its financial, social, and environmental responsibilities.
References
Grant, D. B., Trautrims, A., & Wong, C. Y. (2022).
Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain Management
(3rd
ed.). Kogan Page.
https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781398604445
