Waste analysis and categorization in the construct of hotels supply chain

Abstract

This paper aims at analyzing and categorizing the wastes across the supply chain of the hotel industry. Literature search showed a need for empirical studies that explore the construct of hotels supply chains, analyze wastes across the supply chain construct, and address sustainability practices. The paper provides a structured approach that can be used to assist the analysis and categorization of different types of wastes across the supply chain of hotels and support future research. To this end, the study first develops a SIPOC-based construct of a hotel supply chain and identifies the types of waste at various construct elements. Second, the study categorizes hotel supply chain wastes using lean principles and provides guidelines for waste reduction using lean techniques and green practices. The emphasis is on reducing the identified types of wastes in a hotel supply chain to increases its operational and economic effectiveness and improves the overall service quality. This also contributes to the effort of incorporating sustainability in the supply chains of hotels and services in general. The study is conducted in selected hotels in Abu Dhabi (AD) area in the UAE.