University of Twente Student Theses
Towards More Sustainable Small Purchases: Enhancing Sustainability in the Operational Procurement Process
Riikonen, S.A. (2023) Towards More Sustainable Small Purchases: Enhancing Sustainability in the Operational Procurement Process.
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| Abstract: | Operational purchases may not seem important when examined separately but can have significant impacts on the environment and human health. This study focuses on the operational off-contract procurement process. At the case organisation, sustainability considerations are not yet taken into account in operational procurement. The objective is to find ways to make the operational purchasing more environmentally and socially sustainable. The study employs a case study methodology, allowing for in-depth analysis and interpretation of the topic. A spend analysis based sustainability impact analysis provides a description of the potential sustainability risks associated with operational purchases and presents areas for improvement. Interviews with operational purchasers and a survey to internal customers provide insight into the challenges and opportunities for sustainable procurement. The findings highlight the challenges of a decentralised purchasing structure where internal customers are given responsibility for making purchases. Traditional strategies for operative purchases are not necessarily suitable for sustainable procurement. Moreover, internal customers lack knowledge to purchase sustainably. To address these challenges, improvement recommendations were formulated. It is recommended to formulate clear sustainability objectives and increase awareness by creating sustainable purchasing guides. Purchasers need to be equipped with the necessary competencies required for sustainable procurement and providing advice to internal customers. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/97776 |
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