Developing an institutional framework for sustainable food waste management in higher education food service operations

Kaharudin, Amirah and Abu Samah, Mohd Armi (2026) Developing an institutional framework for sustainable food waste management in higher education food service operations. Malaysian Journal of Applied Sciences (MyJAS), 11 (2). pp. 21-34. E-ISSN 0127-9246

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Abstract

Food waste generated by higher education food service operations presents significant environmental, economic, and institutional sustainability challenges. While previous studies have primarily examined food waste management from a knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) perspective, limited research has translated behavioural findings into institutional governance strategies. This study aimed to assess institutional readiness for sustainable food waste management among food vendors at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Kuantan Campus and to develop an Institutional Governance Framework for higher education food service operations. A quantitative cross-sectional census survey involving 15 registered food vendors was conducted using a validated structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Fisher's Exact Test. The findings revealed high levels of environmental knowledge (80.0%), organisational commitment (86.7%), and operational practices (86.7%). However, no significant associations were found between organisational characteristics and KAP dimensions, nor among the KAP dimensions themselves (p > 0.05), indicating that behavioural readiness alone does not ensure effective implementation. Based on these findings, a governance framework comprising institutional leadership, stakeholder engagement, operational standardisation, circular resource recovery, performance monitoring, and continuous improvement is proposed. The framework shifts food waste management from an individual behavioural approach to an integrated institutional governance model, providing practical guidance for universities to strengthen campus sustainability, improve resource efficiency, and support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 12.3.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Food Waste Management; Food Service Operations; Sustainability; Circular Economy; Organisational Readiness
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions > HC79.E5 Environmental policy and economic development. Sustainable development. Sustainability. H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering T Technology > TX Home economics > TX901 Hotels, clubs, restaurants, etc. Food service
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Science Kulliyyah of Science > Department of Chemistry
Depositing User:	Ms Amirah Hafit
Date Deposited:	04 Nov 2026 11:40
Last Update:	04 Nov 2026 11:40
Queue Number:	2026-11-Q6165
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/132638
Indexed In:	MyCite

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