Analogical reasoning guidelines: a review and application to sustainable supply chains

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to give an up-to-date and structured insight into the literature published during the past decade on sustainable green supply chain management. It also suggests trends for future research based on the research issues identified through systematic and comprehensive analysis of previous studies in the area of green and sustainable supply chain management.Design/methodology/approachA state-of-the-art literature review is carried out by systematically collecting the existing literature over a period of 10 years (2005-2014) and categorizing it on the basis of attributes such as stages in supply chain, methodology and the industries/sectors under consideration. The classification of literature is also done according to the geographic region and year of publication.FindingsThere has been an increased interest among researchers and practitioners in the area of sustainable green supply chain management in the past decade. A need for achieving sustainability through adoption of greener practices has been universally felt, owing to an increasing environmental and ecological complexity. The review reveals that there exists a need to address behavioural issues like human resource management and supply chain partner relationship management. Moreover, reverse logistics, closed-loop supply chain management and waste management are areas that need special focus to achieve environmental sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThe current review focuses on research trends in the past 10 years only. Moreover, papers from only good quality, peer-reviewed journals are considered in the study.Originality/valueMost of the previous reviews have either focused on specific issues related to sustainable supply chains only or green supply chains. The present study collectively takes into consideration papers both from green supply chain management as well as from sustainable supply chain literature that have a prime focus on environmental sustainability.

In recent years, the interdisciplinary research of supply chains and sustainability has received extensive, yet gradual, attention; when compared to the rapid economic growth of the service industry, however, sustainable supply chain management has not been systematically explored yet. It has not only great theoretical significance, but also positive practical significance to provide a framework for the operation of a sustainable service supply chain from a sustainable development point of view. Based on the triple bottom line (TBL), we have analyzed related sustainable supply chain management research between 2006 and 2015, reviewed papers involving two or three bottom lines as well, and then introduced some classical frameworks for manufacturing supply chain management and service supply chain management. Afterward, by analyzing the differences between the manufacturing and service industries, we propose a framework of sustainable service supply chain management (SSSCM). Based on the impacts of sustainable development TBL on service supply chain participants, we have finally made a framework for sustainable operation facing triads service supply chain and proposed a future research agenda.

In recent years, environmental sustainability has stimulated enterprises worldwide to not only develop green and sustainable innovations but also to move toward green and sustainable supply chain management. This study integrated the ideas of green supply chain management (GSCM) and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) to define sustainable green supply chain management (SGSCM). Previous studies on GSCM/SSCM have contributed to research and practice, but few have explored the antecedents and consequences of GSCM/SSCM simultaneously. To address this research gap, we linked ecological modernization (EM) theory with SGSCM and sustainability performance to build a comprehensive research model. A total of 300 valid questionnaires were collected from electrical and electronics firms in Taiwan. The empirical results demonstrated that awareness of and pressure to engage in EM significantly positively affected SGSCM. Moreover, SGSCM significantly positively influenced sustainability performance (i.e. environmental, economic, and social performance). These findings should convince enterprises to actively promote SGSCM.

Motivated by the low sustainability index and pressure to meet the global demand for eco-friendly crude palm oil (CPO) in the pandemic-ridden environment, this research aims to investigate the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic to assess the drivers of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) of the Indonesian CPO sector to tackle supply chain disruptions. To achieve this aim, the study seeks to determine the sustainability drivers to accommodate the pandemic-ridden environment and if sustainability indicators can help improve the supply chain management of the CPO sector. A methodology is divided into two interrelated parts: first, based on a careful review of extant literature of the CPO sector and sustainable supply chain in the light of pandemic. The proposed methodology is then tested using the response data of 108 oil mills' representatives collected through survey questionnaires and analyzed using statistical tools of reliability, distribution, Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and diagnostic tests of CFA. The findings designate the environmental costs, rapidity, and adaptability as core economic indicators; the social and workforce development, health, and safety workforce development and consumer issues as crucial social indicators; while energy and material efficiency, management of waste and emissions, and sustainable suppliers as the best environmental indicators. This study provides a holistic platform on the implications of the pandemic to assess the SSCM of the CPO sector. These findings are expected to aid the industrial managers in employee skills and health protocols, customer service, and environmental management. The study is also anticipated to guide the supply-chain partners and government policymakers to take initiatives on SSCM in the context of the pandemic.

This paper discusses the antecedences and consequences of supply chain transparency (SCT) in sustainable agrarian supply chain management using partial least squares regression in an empirical sample with 131 supply chains with lead firms in German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria and Switzerland). We investigated the effect of such structural antecedences as disintermediation, as well as the effect of governance tools similar to intensive communication, the integration of third parties in supply chain governance or the use of formal specifications on SCT. We found that all these antecedences are helpful in increasing SCT, while low developed countries of origin significantly reduced SCT. Then, the effects of SCT on the four main performance dimensions in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), i.e. social, ecological, and operational performance and long-term relationship success, were verified. Higher SCT improves all four dimensions significantly, while the effect on operational performance is lowest. Supply chain transparency turns out to be a prerequisite or a basic indicator of good management in SSCM in agri-food supply chains.

PurposeThere is limited knowledge of the sustainable halal food supply management in Brunei Darussalam (Brunei), although it is reputable in the halal economy and advocates the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Therefore, this paper highlights issues faced in a small, rentier halal market and proposes sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) initiatives for halal-certified food companies in Brunei.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws data from published academic research and employs a normative and narrative assessment of SSCM and halal supply chain literature.FindingsFour normative SSCM initiatives and propositions that could be implemented by Brunei halal-certified food businesses in achieving the SDGs are highlighted: responsible sourcing, environmental purchasing, sustainable packaging and green transportation.Practical implicationsThis viewpoint paper provides a basis for achieving the “Brunei Vision 2035” through a sustainable supply chain lens that may increase well-being and develop a productive and sustainable economy. It also lays a foundation for realising the SDGs, specifically Goal 12 of Sustainable Consumption and Production.Originality/valueThe dedicated attention to smaller halal markets, such as Brunei, would enrich the literature, reveal unforeseen issues or address gaps in the domains of SSCM and halal food supply chains.

Sustainable (green) supply chain management has emerged as a proactive approach for improving environmental performance of processes and products in accordance with the requirements of environmental regulations. Study empirically investigates the construct of and the scale for evaluating sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices implementation among manufacturers. With data collected from Indian small and medium sized enterprises, measurement models of vendor and customer participation and implementation were tested and compared by ‘mean score’, ‘t’-test and ‘p’-test. The assessments presented are based on parts of the data and information collected through the execution of the competitive strategies and best practices benchmarking questionnaire from 60 small and 59 medium size enterprises. Study focuses on present scenario of participation of vendor and customer for sustainable supply chain practices of small and medium sized enterprises in India.

This study examines the complicated relationships between sustainable supply chain practices, resilience, employee involvement, top management support, and sustainable textile performance in Pakistan. Purposive sampling selected 283 supply chain specialists for data collecting. This study investigated sustainable supply chain management dynamics in a given sector and area. The study's main value is confirming Sustainable Supply Chain Management's fundamentals. This study proves that sustainable supply chain methods improve performance. The Pakistani textile sector recognizes the growing importance of sustainability in supply chain operations to maintain competitiveness and address social challenges, following global trends. Additionally, supply chain resilience is a key intermediary variable in this study. Sustainable supply chain practices improve an organization’s resilience to disruptions and adaptability to changing environmental conditions, as shown in this statement. Supply chain resilience as a mediator improves sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) theory. It underlines that sustainability requires understanding mechanisms as well as consequences. Employee involvement moderates the debate, as shown in this study. This study found that engaged employees boost the favorable effects of sustainable supply chain strategies on overall sustainable performance. This supports the current trend of employee-led sustainability efforts, where motivated and engaged people drive organizational sustainability. The study found no indication that top management support moderates. This suggests that leadership's impact is contextual, requiring context-specific sustainable supply chain management strategies. This study challenges conventional wisdom and advocates for further research into top management support in sustainable supply chains. The study's practical findings are crucial for Pakistan's textile and related industries. The paper emphasizes the need of prioritizing sustainable supply chain practices, developing resilience, engaging employees at all levels in sustainability projects, and providing leadership support in the right context. The above practical principles reflect the changing sustainability landscape and provide a strategy for firms seeking economic success and environmental and social responsibility. A study in Pakistan's textile industry adds empirical evidence to Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) theory. This emphasizes the importance of industry-specific details and corporate cultures in sustainability initiatives. In conclusion, these results spur a greener future in textiles and global supply chain management.

The construction industry is one of the industries that have a great impact on the economy. A construction supply chain (CSC) is an important process affecting the circular economy (CE) and sustainability in practice. In order to analyze the efficiency of CE and CSC, a performance measurement system (PMS) is needed. At such a point, adopting a PMS to a supply chain at relatively early stages of a project could lead to sustainable supply chain management (SCM). Collaboration between all parties such as designers and contractors will be advantageous to gain competitiveness in the sector. This chapter aims to determine the need of PMS adaptation to construction supply chain process for sustainable and lean construction supply chain management based on the literature review. This chapter is expected to be beneficial for academics, researchers in the relevant field as well as policy makers and professionals.

The construction industry is one of the industries that have a great impact on the economy. A construction supply chain (CSC) is an important process affecting the circular economy (CE) and sustainability in practice. In order to analyze the efficiency of CE and CSC, a performance measurement system (PMS) is needed. At such a point, adopting a PMS to a supply chain at relatively early stages of a project could lead to sustainable supply chain management (SCM). Collaboration between all parties such as designers and contractors will be advantageous to gain competitiveness in the sector. This chapter aims to determine the need of PMS adaptation to construction supply chain process for sustainable and lean construction supply chain management based on the literature review. This chapter is expected to be beneficial for academics, researchers in the relevant field as well as policy makers and professionals.

Sustainability is a timely topic. A sustainable supply chain is one which aims to maximize the system's performance in three dimensions, namely environment, economics, and society. In the fashion industry, with the advance of big data related information technologies, achieving a sustainable supply chain is no longer a dream. In this paper, we first establish that a fashion supply chain is in fact a typical system of systems. Then, we examine several critical big data related technologies and applications which are related to sustainable fashion supply chain management. After that, we develop and present the design principles, from a system of systems perspective, for developing a sustainable fashion supply chain. Based on these principles, we further propose a novel five steps framework for achieving sustainable fashion supply chain management in the big data era. A sustainable fashion supply chain system of systems matrix is also constructed.

Combined forecasting tool for renewable energy management in sustainable supply chains

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the dark side of supermarket-driven sustainable dairy supply chains. This paper raises questions about the unintended consequences of implementing sustainable supply chain management in the dairy food supply chain. It critically questions whether unintended consequences were actually, anticipated, as the course of action taken by retailers reinforces the dominant profitability discourse.Design/methodology/approachThrough a critical management studies approach, this paper challenges the dominant discourse to shed light on the social consequences of the win-win sustainable supply chain management in the dairy food supply chain. The focus of this paper is on the experiences of farmers, taking their viewpoint of sustainable supply chains rather than taking the perspective of the multinationals who have traditionally been the focus of supply chain management research (e.g. McCarthy et al., 2018; Quarshie et al., 2016).FindingsThe study illuminates how retailers have bolstered their dominant position through using sustainable supply chains to exert further control over their suppliers. The management of sustainable supply chains has been a further catalyst in economically and socially dividing rural communities and creating tensions between dairy farmers.Originality/valueThis paper uses an ethnographic study to provide in-depth stories of the changes that took place within one farming community. It exposes the hidden ways in which the introduction of a sustainable dairy supply chain has created social and economic division, further reducing the collective power of dairy farmers through creating a dual supply chain.

Safety risk and operational efficiency in sustainable coal supply was an issue in the coal distribution supply chain. An online survey evaluating safety hazards, operational effectiveness, logistic service providers, and sustainable supply chain management was completed by 89 consumers of coal logistic service providers. In contrast, this study aimed to evaluate the operational effectiveness and safety concerns of a sustainable coal supply chain managed by the logistic service providers on the Barito River. In addition to using path analysis, quantitative research methods were also applied to calculate and process the questionnaire data, producing a value that determined the weight of each vendor, criterion, and sub-criterion. It showed several positive and significant influences connected to the safety of sustainable supply chain management, the operational efficiency of logistic service providers, supply chain management, and security risks for the providers. Therefore, it was essential to unite the positive influences on the logistic flow to secure the coal supply chain activities on the Barito River. This research would have theoretical and practical applications, adding to the advancement of science through its applications. Such knowledge would affect the safety risk and operational efficiency of sustainable supply chain management through the logistic service providers on the Barito River, Central Kalimantan.

Sustainable procurement and supply chain management are crucial for advancing geothermal energy and environmental projects, given their role in mitigating climate change and promoting resource efficiency. This review explores the integration of sustainability practices into the procurement and supply chain processes specific to geothermal energy projects and environmental initiatives. Geothermal energy, recognized for its low carbon footprint and renewable nature, requires a sustainable approach to procurement to maximize its environmental benefits. Key strategies include selecting suppliers with strong sustainability credentials and implementing green procurement policies that prioritize eco-friendly materials and technologies. Moreover, lifecycle assessment plays a critical role in evaluating the environmental impacts of equipment and materials used in geothermal projects, ensuring that all components contribute to the overall sustainability goals. In the context of environmental projects, sustainable supply chain management involves reducing waste, optimizing resource use, and enhancing the overall efficiency of project execution. Technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly utilized to enhance transparency and traceability in supply chains, allowing for real-time monitoring of environmental impacts and ensuring compliance with sustainability standards. These technologies facilitate the management of complex supply chains by providing accurate data on supplier practices and environmental performance. Challenges in implementing sustainable procurement and supply chain practices include balancing cost with sustainability objectives and managing the complexities of global supply chains. However, companies that successfully integrate these practices benefit from enhanced corporate reputation, improved stakeholder relations, and long-term operational resilience. Sustainable procurement and supply chain management not only support the achievement of environmental goals but also contribute to the economic viability of geothermal energy and environmental projects. The paper concludes that adopting sustainable practices in these sectors is essential for advancing global sustainability objectives and ensuring the long-term success of energy and environmental initiatives.