Green supply chain management practices by mobile phone dealers in Nairobi

Abstract

Environmental issues, resource re-usage and information technology applications (ITA) are gaining interest in supply chain management researches (Chun-Jen Chunga and Hui- Ming Wee, 2010). Despite this previous research work having been conducted on green supply chain management practices in Kenya, there has not been sufficient documented research conducted on the green supply chain management practices in the Kenyan mobile phone industry. This study therefore sought to answer the question, are the stakeholders in Kenyan mobile phone supply chain aware of the Green supply chain management practices. Further question was the practice of any green supply chain practices and if so which ones. This study used descriptive research design and targeted a population of 155 that is within Nairobi area. The study established that respondents are aware of the threats to the environment, resulting from mobile phones. In addition, most of the firms not had subscribed to the environmental bodies. The study further established that customers influenced the choice of packaging material adopted by the organisation and that most of the firms did not use environmental issues in the criteria for selecting suppliers. Additionally, quite a number of the respondent were familiar with "green" products and suppliers, and that they considered buying refurbished goods. This is are phenomenal observations which can offer great guidance to any future interventions in environmental conservation.