Exploring Industrial Engineering Knowledge and Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

This research identifies the relationship between industrial engineering and environmental sustainability knowledge components. A combination of a systematic literature review (SLR) and applied thematic analysis (ATA) is employed to uncover the pertinent literature associated with the purpose of this research. Whilst various forms of strategies, theories, methods, and practices were uncovered in each of the knowledge components, only a few were overlapping. These overlapping components include green supply chain operations, circular economy, and technology management. This study is the first in a series of studies contextualising industrial engineering knowledge in terms of its applicability to environmental sustainability. These results reveal concepts from industrial engineering and environmental sustainability knowledge components that can be used to systematically design methodologies or practically implement them in an industry or organisation. Methods and practices were a dedicated theme in the analysis, and these can be used by practitioners. A circle packing diagram is crafted using the IISE Body of Knowledge as a means of categorisation. This study considered industrial engineering as a catalyst in creating new forms of transdisciplinary knowledge areas. It also considers how industrial engineering knowledge can contribute to meeting environmental challenges