2.2. The operational life cycle
A more tactical set of organizational elements that will
influence how the supply chain is to be managed (either
internally or externally) can be described by the operational
life cycle (or value chain) of an organization. The
J. Sarkis / Journal of Cleaner Production 11 (2003) 397–409 399
major elements of the operational life cycle will typically
include procurement, production, distribution and
reverse logistics. We will also include packaging as an
element within the operational life cycle. Packaging may
not be viewed as a typical stand alone operation but its
profound impact on the supply chain allows for its
inclusion.