Implications of environmental management for operations management

While many businesses have traditionally resisted changes brought about by government legislation and pressure from the public, many firms, through reluctant adoption or willing change, have found that a pro-environment stance can enhance a number of goals. Changes brought about by environmental considerations have been deeply felt in the area of operations management. This paper looks at implications for operations management resulting from increased environmental interest and change. Specifically, the areas of operations strategy, production and inventory management, and OR/MS techniques are addressed. A number of propositions and research questions are presented in order to encourage and provide direction for research into the areas of operations management that are impacted by environmental management.