Emerging Paradigms in Sustainable Supply Chain Management: A Comparative Study of Pre– and Post–COVID-19 Research Trends

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in an unprecedented global crisis, profoundly affecting industries and managerial sectors worldwide, including supply chain management (SCM). This study explores the impact of the pandemic on research trends in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), which has gained significant attention in recent years due to its promising advantages and environmental imperatives. By comparing pre- and post-pandemic periods, we investigate the paradigm shift in SSCM issues caused by COVID-19. To conduct our analysis, we utilised data from the Scopus database, focusing on published research spanning the past decade (2010–2021). Through trend estimations, we identified the key areas that experienced shifts in research focus, shedding light on the evolving landscape of SSCM in the COVID-19 environment. This study contributes to the literature by providing valuable insights into how the pandemic has influenced research directions within the domain of sustainable supply chains. Scholars and practitioners can use these findings to assess the most explored and overlooked areas in SSCM during the COVID-19 era. Ultimately, our research aims to guide future investigations and inform strategies for resilient and environmentally conscious supply chain practices in the post-pandemic world.