Mottainai: A holistic value stream approach to create sustainability
Abstract
This paper takes a holistic look at sustainability through the lens of the Japanese concept of ‘mottainai’, which embraces respect for people and resources that our planet offers. The paper goes on to explain the life cycle assessment (LCA) framework for mapping and analysis of end-to-end value stream activities. This tool helps to identify, measure and develop a comprehensive action plan at the point of occurrence effectively targeting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This can be done only in collaboration with network partners with clear scorecard-based evaluation and monitoring. Using examples from the automotive industry and a case study from a healthcare pharmaceutical drug producer, it weaves the concepts of LCA, value stream mapping and scorecard seamlessly into something which the reader may find it easy and simple to implement. The paper also touches upon the challenges one needs to be cognisant of in implementing changes in the network to achieve sustainable supply chain operations, with a firm belief that the journey towards nature-positive is not only the need of the hour but is also possible practically. We owe it to not just future generations but also to ourselves within our lifetime.
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Author's Biography
Raj Adhya is passionate about all things related to supply chain and sustainability. He is a dynamic and accomplished senior supply chain and commercial operations leader, with 23 years’ comprehensive experience across FMCG, biopharma and consultancy, working with international blue-chip MNCs. Raj is an influential speaker with a prominent presence at industry leading international supply chain conferences. He has a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, India. His expertise spans the complete spectrum of supply chain, manufacturing and procurement. His experience in multiple geographies across the Middle East, Africa, USA, Asia Pacific and India has helped him gain leadership in cross-cultural empathy. His strong functional expertise in supply chain and commercial aspects gives him the edge in meeting customers’ business needs. With a strong track record of leadership of crossfunctional/ cultural people, change management and delivery targets, Raj has proven ability to work operationally and strategically, to quickly adapt to new environments and ways of working, while building effective network relationships. In his current role as Program Director Supply Chain and Market Access at a Global Top 5 biopharma company, he is leading their strategy to enable new supply chain and manufacturing set-up to drive next-level growth in the Middle East, Turkey, Africa and Asia markets.
Citation
Adhya, Raj (2024, June 1). Mottainai: A holistic value stream approach to create sustainability. In the Journal of Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Procurement, Volume 6, Issue 4. https://doi.org/10.69554/DCUU2190.
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