Reverse logistics (RL) implementation among contractors in Australia: Practices and barriers

Nicholas Chileshe, Raufdeen Rameezdeen, Steffen Lehmann, Mohammad Reza Hosseini

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper aims to investigate the perceptions of Australian contractors concerning the prevailing practices and barriers to the implementation of reverse logistics (RL). A review of literature identified 18 practices and 16 barriers to the implementation of RL. Using a triangulated data collection approach, 6 semi-structured interviews and 49 questionnaires were used to collect data. The quantitative survey data was subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics with correlation analysis to examine the strength of relationship among the barriers, whereas content analysis was employed for the interview data. The results indicated the following barriers as most significant: (i) lack of incorporation of salvaged materials by designers; (ii) regulation restrictions to usage of recovered materials and components; (iii) potential legal liabilities; (iv) higher costs; and (v) longer time associated with deconstructing buildings. Relative to the prevailing practices, the top five ranked were as follows: (i) reduction of waste on projects; (ii) clearer understanding of the benefits; (iii) clearer understanding of the challenges; (iv) clearer understanding of the different aspects of reusing building materials; and (v) Enhancing the green image of the organisation. The results of the interviews also confirmed the findings from the survey, and identified the following barriers: (i) lack of support from the government in terms of financial incentives to increase the competitiveness of reused and salvaged items in the market; (ii) The attached stigma and resistance of supervisors, designers, and some authorities towards using salvaged and reused materials; and (iii) Technical barriers associated with usage of salvaged materials. The majority of the interviewees identified economic issues as the major drivers of RL practices. The identified barriers could be used as a 'road map' for the development of appropriate solutions for the successful implementation of RL, and to improve the environmental related decision making processes of the contractors.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings 30th Annual Association of Researchers in Construction Management Conference, ARCOM 2014
EditorsA. Raiden, E. Aboagye-Nimo
PublisherAssociation of Researchers in Construction Management
Pages83-92
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9780955239083
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Externally publishedYes
Event30th Annual Association of Researchers in Construction Management Conference, ARCOM 2014 - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Duration: 1 Sept 20143 Sept 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings 30th Annual Association of Researchers in Construction Management Conference, ARCOM 2014

Conference

Conference30th Annual Association of Researchers in Construction Management Conference, ARCOM 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityPortsmouth
Period1/09/143/09/14

Keywords

  • Barriers
  • Reverse logistics
  • Supply chain management

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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