Eberhardt School of Business News
Biodiesel
(February 19, 2008) -
by Willard Price
Stimulated by his relationship with engineering management and civil engineering in the School of Engineering and Computer Science, Professor Will Price is currently active on biodiesel and flood protection projects.
Biodiesel, especially the commercial viability of four supply chain stages for this alternative fuel, is of particular interest to me at this time. My research addresses growers/generators of feedstock, producers of fuel, distributors of the product, and consumers or end users of biodiesel.
Each actor has opportunities to contribute to the success of this alternative fuel generated without crude petroleum. Creating significant environmental and greenhouse gas improvements, it is expected that sustainable objectives will be achieved while obtaining business advantages for all the supply chain actors.
Principal customers include companies who operate large fleets of vehicles or boats now consuming regular biodiesel fuel. This research has involved conversations with logistics operators in the San Joaquin Valley such as Frito Lay, Foster Farms, Granite Construction and public works agencies.
Two years back, I published, “Environmental Technology Transfer and Commercial Viability: A Synthesis of Three Case Studies,” in the International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation which included the biodiesel case. In 2007, I delivered a presentation at the Production and Operations Management Society (POMS) Annual Conference entitled, “Sustainable Response for Supply Chains: Biodiesel Fuel.” At the POMS session representatives from England, Silicon Valley, Indonesia and Australia were in attendance. Venture capitalists, consultants and entrepreneurs are beginning to listen to alternative fuel ideas!
To further this research and to coordinate with academics across the globe, a Center for Biodiesel Engineering and Management (Biodiesel Center) is being formed. Participation on campus will involve Professors Kyle Watson and Manar Shami in the School of Engineering and Computer Science as well as selected engineering and business students. These students will engage in research studies and field experiences at such locations as the Port of Stockton’s new Biodiesel Production Facility developed by Community Fuels of Encinitas, California. The Community Fuels plant is expected to begin operations in January 2008, and will provide 30 million gallons of biofuel per year. Community Fuels CEO, Lisa Mortenson, is now serving on the Eberhardt School of Business Advisory Board.
The Biodiesel Center will deliver a database of academic knowledge on biodiesel progress via a Web site and e-mail list, prepare case studies on commercial viability of individual organizations across the biodiesel supply chain, produce manuscripts and maintain a continuing bibliography of research outcomes across the globe. Proposals for research/grant funding can evaluate engineering challenges, commercial choices and environmental benefits from this alternative fuel.
Strictly Business Fall/Winter 2008 Issue
