An empirical study on sustainable MICE supply chain management using the Borich needs assessment model

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to examine the sustainability of the supply chain of a MICE destination, Gyeongju, South Korea, using a triple bottom line approach. To assess the importance and performance priority rankings of the main variables, including sustainability, supply chain management (SCM), sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) in a MICE destination, Borich’s needs assessment model was used. The results of this study (n=254) show that economic sustainability was the dominant dimension influencing MICE stakeholders’ decision-making and policy implementation in the supply chain. Cooperative marketing activities and strategic planning were noted as being the most important sub-priority to effectively manage the supply chain. Finally, it was found that respondents rated social capital needs such as trust and mutual respect as the most important activities facilitating sustainability in the supply chain, while the pursuit of dissimilar goals was found to be the most profound barrier to sustainable supply chain management. The findings of this study provide a basis to better understand the priority issues to stakeholders of implementing sustainability into supply chain management.