Developing a procedure for handling containers in Ecoasis Water Station

• Main Author: Singson, Louise Carleen B.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2018
• Subjects: Industrial management; Ecoasis Water Station
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/5463
• Institution: De La Salle University

Employees of Ecoasis Water Station (Ecoasis) experienced an issue of overtime work which caused tardiness. Other underlying issues such as issues with the way customers are handling the containers and container shortage were later on found. In dealing with the whole situation, systems thinking was used and it was found that the root cause of all the issues was the lack of procedure for handling containers. Hence, this action research sought to develop a procedure for handling containers. Ecoasis container is classified as returnable transport item or RTI which are means to assemble, store, handle and protect a product in the supply chain which are returned for reuse (International Council for RTI as cited by Martin, 2016). The concept of RTI is part of Reverse Logistics literature. Hence, this action research utilized Brito and Dekkers (2002) Why-What-How understanding framework to understand Ecoasis containers and its flow. The Decision Framework for Reverse Logistics by the same developers was also used as a guide in resolving the issue. Moreover, other necessary data devised for this research were sourced from collaborative activities such as casual meetings and interviews. Action research tools such as Scheins Types of Inquiry, Torberts Four Parts of Speech and Hypothesis Testing were also used to elicit collaboration and co-inquiry. Aside from these, ORJI model and reflection were also used to journal experiences throughout this action research to evoke actionable knowledge and learning. In addition, Kurt Lewins change framework was adapted to impose change in Ecoasis organization. Furthermore, three objectives were set as interventions for the first cycle: (1) to understand Ecoasis containers and its flow through the use of Why-What-How framework, (2) to create a traceability (identification) to the containers to enable monitoring and (3) to develop a procedure for handling containers. The first objective was achieved while objectives two and three were only partially successful since slight revision was needed. The second cycle is a reinforcement of the first cycle. Specifically, the interventions were to manage the returned containers with leaks and to revise the procedure for handling containers together with the monitoring format. As a result, these interventions were successful.