Multiple case study analysis and development of an interpretive structural model for greening of supply chains in Indian ceramic enterprises

Ensuring sustainability through green supply chain management practices has become challenging for the textiles and garments industry. Organizations need to examine the factors of the firm’s sustainability performance and how to manage them strategically. Hence, the strategic organizational orientation can be the best approach for implementing green supply chain management (GSCM) practices to improve firm sustainability performance. This study aims to assess the impact of strategic orientation in three dimensions, such as green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO), market orientation (MO), and knowledge management orientation (KMO) on the implementation of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and the subsequently sustainable firm performance. Data were gathered from an extensive scale survey of 266 respondents of textile manufacturing firms in Bangladesh. Data were analyzed in the structural equation model (SEM) with partial least squares techniques to justify the proposed hypotheses. The results reveal that GEO and MO have a significant positive effect on GSCM practices, affecting sustainable firm performance. Surprisingly, KMO does not have a positive impact on GSCM practices. Further, this study reveals that GSCM practices partially mediate the relationship between GEO and sustainable firm performance while MO and KMO partially mediate the relationship between GEO and GSCM practices. Overall, findings help textiles firm management comprehensively understand the implementation strategies of GSCM practices in operations and reconfigure accordingly in the competitive business environment while improving firm performances. This study is the first to investigate the effect of strategic orientation on GSCM practices implementation in the textiles industry from the context of an upstream operation with a comprehensive understanding of the factors while reducing environmental impact.

The increasing urgency of environmental issues has prompted many organizations to adopt Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices as a strategic approach to promote sustainability and mitigate climate change effects, understanding the barriers to GSCM adoption is essential for enhancing operational efficiency, corporate responsibility and promoting environmental sustainability. In the context of manufacturing firms, GSCM is increasingly recognized as an essential framework that integrates environmental considerations into supply chain processes. This study aims to comprehensively assess the challenges faced by food and beverage manufacturing firms in implementing Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices in Lusaka District, Zambia. The primary research objectives include identifying specific internal and external challenges these firms encounter, evaluating the impact of these challenges on GSCM implementation, and proposing actionable strategies to overcome these barriers. Utilizing a quantitative methodology, data was collected through structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 150 respondents selected via stratified random sampling from various food and beverage manufacturing companies in Lusaka. This approach ensured a representative view of the industry's perspectives on GSCM challenges. Key findings indicate that internal challenges, such as entrenched company culture, inadequate management support, and insufficient employee training, significantly hinder effective GSCM implementation. Additionally, external challenges, including evolving government regulations and intense competition within the industry, further complicate the adoption of sustainable practices. The high statistical value of R-value of 0.7544 and R-Square of 0.568 indicate that the internal and external barriers account for a significant portion (56.8%) of the variability in GSCM implementation. Based on the findings, the study recommends enhancing management support through active participation in sustainability initiatives, increasing employee training programs to equip staff with the necessary skills, and reallocating adequate resources towards sustainability efforts. Furthermore, fostering stronger collaboration with stakeholders, including suppliers and regulatory bodies, is essential for creating an environment conducive to sustainable practices. This research contributes valuable insights into the complexities of GSCM implementation within the context of a developing economy, highlighting the need for tailored strategies that address both internal and external barriers to sustainability.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of organizational size on adoption of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices for the Indian industry. It also evaluates the impact of GSCM practices on organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study aims to empirically test the GSCM model to investigate the present orientation of the Indian industry toward GSCM practices using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The statistical inferences were drawn using the data provided by 161 Indian firms. This has compared the GSCM practice implementations among small-sized, medium-sized and large-sized organizations.FindingsThe study reveals that Indian organizations have shown a satisfactory implementation of majority of the environmental practices, except supplier ISO:14001 certification and Tier-II supplier evaluation. Out of 21 practices, medium-sized organizations have adopted GSCM practices at a similar level compared with large organizations, with three exceptions: existing environmental management systems, support from mid-level and top management and supplier evaluation for environmental practice. It was found that GSCM adoption can lead to equal improvements in operational performance for both large-size and medium-size organizations.Originality/valueThis paper makes two major contributions in the domain of green supply chain practices in India. First, it investigates the adoption of GSCM practices in organizations of different sizes (small, medium and large) and the impact of GSCM practices on the performance of organizations of different sizes. Second, it identifies the key areas for improvement and recommends a set of measures for improving the implementation of GSCM practices in Indian organizations.

This paper conceptualizes the linkages between eight distinct categories of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices and business innovation. We test our hypotheses with a survey of Brazilian firms. We find that the internal heterogeneity of Green Supply Chain Management practices influences innovation. We observe a strong relationship between innovation and four categories of Green Supply Chain Management practices, but no relationship with the other four categories. We extend current knowledge by proposing that the implementation of Green Supply Chain Management practices is linked to innovation when the GSCM practices fulfill two conditions: a) firms interact with external actors during the implementation of the practice and; b) firms and external actors mutually influence each other as a result of the implementation of the practice. Our practical contribution is that executives need to prioritize certain types of Green Supply Chain Management practices to have a better chance of improving innovative processes and thereby boosting organizational performance.

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the greening practices adopted by micro, small and medium enterprises in India and recommend an empirically tested and validated green supply chain management (GSCM) practices construct. The study also aims at measuring the influence of pressures created by external and internal stakeholders on the GSCM score.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a mixed-method approach. Qualitative methods, including literature review, expert opinion, focused group discussions and questionnaire-based surveys, were used for item generation and data collection. Quantitative methods included exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to find out the reasonable number of constructs to include in the scale of the GSCM practice, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to purify/confirm the scale, and finally, structural equation modelling (SEM) to select the best fit model and to test all causal relationships as portrayed in the base model. In the two-stage survey, convenience and purposive sampling methods were applied.FindingsThe study develops an empirically validated scale of GSCM practices, which has 6 dimensions and 16 items. This scale can measure the greening score of GSCM practices implementation. Further, findings confirm that the pressures from external and internal stakeholders are the significant forces for micro, small and medium enterprises to adopt GSCM practices. Finally, mediation function of external/internal pressures and green factors also does occur where GSCM is the mediator.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is an extension of available literature on GSCM practices utilizing the survey data from India. It contributes to the literature on micro, small and medium enterprises and GSCM practices implementation and expands the scope of theoretical applications.Practical implicationsFor the managers, it provides useful insights about innovative practices to become eco-efficient. The second-order of scale reveals that managers need to equally focus on all factors rather than on any single one. Less GSCM practices score indicates the dearth of external and internal pressures on micro, small and medium enterprises. Therefore, managers need to collaborate with local customers, overseas customers, competitors and legislative agencies. Besides, training of employees, literacy of employees and support from top management also emerge as critical measures that help the industry implement GSCM practices.Originality/valueGSCM as a topic had been extensively explored within different business areas and functions in the available literature. However, this study has some significant values. At prima facie, the study is the first that elucidates GSCM practices by incorporating the effects of pressures of different stakeholders in the context of Indian micro, small and medium enterprises which is considered as the most unorganized sector. Second, the proposed model of the study could provide useful direction for GSCM practices implementation in the unorganized sector in developing nations. Third, the study can also benefit academicians interested in the researched topic, organizations within different sectors and any other party interested in understanding more the concept of GSCM.

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the implementation of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and its impact on corporate performance (CP). The research in particular examines the results of implementing a set of GSCM practices on different dimensions of the CP.Design/methodology/approachThis study, being the first of its kind in the Middle East, developed a research model to test the relationship between four main GSCM practices namely, eco-design, green purchasing, environmental cooperation and reverse logistics, and four dimensions of CP: operational performance, environmental performance, economic performance and social performance, while controlling three main variables (firm size, firm age and environment management system certification). Statistical analyses were based on the data collected, through survey questionnaires, from 117 firms in the manufacturing industry in the UAE. Reliability and validity of the research model were tested by the commonly accepted statistical tools. To test the hypotheses relating implementation of GSCM practice and CP, multiple regression analysis was used.FindingsThe finding of the study was that GSCM practices impact the CP dimensions differently. While none of the four GSCM practices were found to have any impact on the environmental performance, green purchasing and environmental cooperation were found to have a significant impact on the operational performance. The study found that only green purchasing plays a role in improving the economic performance, while only reverse logistics practices were found to impact the social performance of the firm positively.Research limitations/implicationsResearch on GSCM is still in the nascent stage. Further refinement of the survey to differentiate between different manufacturing industries might be needed. Generalizability of the findings is also limited because of data collected from manufacturing firms in the UAE. This research provides important insights. The findings of this research are generally consistent with those of prior studies in other parts of the world. Firms in manufacturing industry in the UAE believe that GSCM practices help the company design and develop better products which, in turn, increase the company chances in selling its products in the international markets while, at same time, improving the average profit and market share. It was also found that the UAE firms believe that implementation of GSCM practices help improve the corporate image, enhance employees’ job satisfaction and improve employees’ health and safety.Practical implicationsImplementation of GSCM practices improves CP in different ways. Supply chain managers are required to decide on the CP dimension they want to improve and accordingly select the appropriate GSCM practices mix that leads to the desired level of improvement.Originality/valueAlthough few earlier researches studied the impact of GSCM on CP, this study is different and makes a unique contribution by offering a holistic view of the impact of implementing four main GSCM practices on all dimensions of CP. The study offers some insights on the type of GSCM practices the firm needs to adopt to improve the targeted performance dimension.

PurposeThe main objective of this paper is to integrate a typology of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices, performances, pressures and barriers with organizational performance theories. Also the aim of this paper is to investigate the present statues of GSCM amongst Indian manufacturer.Design/methodology/approachThrough a systematic review, the study identified 27 GSCM practices, 16 GSCM performances, 06 GSCM pressures and 15 GSCM barriers that were organized into categories according to their theoretical conception, organizational context and characteristics. The survey and interview methods are used for data collection and analyzed by five-point Likert scale.FindingsThe main finding of this paper is ranking of identified GSCM practices, performances, pressures and barriers. The study identified three organizational context dimensions (innovation, performance and management) and investigated the present status of GSCM. The main contribution of the study is the alignment of each category of GSCM practices, performances, pressures and barriers and organizational dimension with the selected theoretical lenses that can help future investigations to deepen the analysis of GSCM. Besides the theoretical contributions, the authors believe this contribution can also achieve practitioners.Originality/valueThe authors provide a comprehensive typology of GSCM practices, performances, pressures and barriers based on empirical evidence and conceptual arguments.

How implementation of environmental practices is supported by employee engagement remains underexplored in the literature. Based on the natural resource‐based view (NRBV), this study examines the role of employee engagement in supporting successful implementation of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices. Specifically, we theorise and test the mediating role of employee engagement on the relationship between GSCM practices and environmental performance. Survey data from 394 manufacturing firms were used to test the model and hypotheses. Our findings show that employee engagement plays an important role in supporting the implementation of most GSCM practices. Non‐significant results in relation to eco‐design practices suggest that employee engagement is not as important for supporting product design‐based GSCM practices. Our study provides insights for managers and scholars seeking to address important questions around ‘how’ GSCM practices can be implemented effectively.

This study examines the correlation between internal drivers, external pressures, Green Entrepreneurial Orientation (GEO). In the context of wood processing companies in Lumajang, this study examines how green supply chain management (GSCM) practices and performance interact. The study relies on theoretical underpinnings grounded in both institutional theory and the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV) theory to thoroughly explore and comprehend these complex interconnections. Data was collected from a sample of 98 wood processing companies registered as Primary Timber Forest Product Industries (IPHHK) in the Lumajang District Forestry Office up to 2020, using a saturated sampling technique over three months from January to March 2022. This study's data analysis was carried out using structural equation modeling (SEM), which uses the partial least squares (PLS) methodology. The results of the analysis indicate that internal drivers do not exert a significant influence on Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) performance. In contrast, external pressure and Green Entrepreneurial Orientation (GEO) have a notable and statistically significant impact on GSCM performance. Furthermore, GSCM practices play a crucial mediating role, fully mediating the correlation between internal drivers and GSCM performance and partially mediating the correlation between external pressure, GEO, and GSCM performance. This research holds practical implications for managers, supply chain specialists, and Lumajang wood processing industry policymakers. It clarifies the significance of particular drivers in putting GSCM practices into practice and reaching improved performance levels. Future research should consider expanding the sample size, extending the scope of the survey, exploring additional research avenues, and implementing longitudinal designs to investigate green supply chain integration and firm behavior over time.

This research is a case study which examines the level of implementation of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices in Malaysia. The fact that Green Supply Chain Management has become more popular in Malaysia, there are still plenty of companies that are implementing traditional and conventional supply chain. ISO 14001 is one of the indicators that a company is environmentally conscious, but literature has proven that it is just a framework for internal practices only. The purpose of this research is to identify the level of Green Supply Chain Management practices that an ISO 14001 company is implementing in their practices. This is a quantitative research, and the data was collected using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was adopted from a previous study, and purposive sampling was used to select the respondents. The results were graded based on an Agreement Level of Mean Measurement to identify the level of implementation. The results of the research showed that the ISO 14001 Company that participated showed a medium implementation level of Green Supply Chain Management practices. The research also indicated that the company showed promising signs of competency and desire to increase the company’s implementation level of Green Supply Chain Management practices. The findings are able to help policy makers come up with better policies in the future to help increase the awareness of GSCM. It also helps in adding to the existing literature on GSCM practices in Malaysia

The primary aim of this study is to assess the relationship between Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices and the Return on Equity (ROE) of industrial sector firms in the United States and China during the implications of the US-China Trade War. Principal Component Analysis and Random Effects Regression Analysis are employed to empirically test the impact of four Green Supply Chain Management practices which are: Internal Environmental Management, Green Purchasing, Eco Design, and Customer Cooperation on ROE. A sample of 50 firms in the US and 50 firms in China is employed to test the hypothesized relationships. Findings suggest that there is a significant positive relationship between Eco Design and ROE in both countries. However, a significant negative relationship between Internal Environmental Management and ROE is concluded in China only. This research contributes to identifying out and classifying the reported practices of the Green Pillar in firms’ Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reports under their related Green Supply Chain Management practices to provide a theoretical framework and facilitate future research. This paper proposes that policy makers, managers, and practitioners should accept sustainability as a strategic priority prior to implementing Green Supply Chain Management and suggests that firms should be confident of the long-term profitability of implementing Green Supply Chain Management practices.

During recent years, the natural environment has become a challenging topic that business organizations must consider due to the economic and ecological impacts and increasing awareness of environment protection. Globalization and the increased number of countries entering the World Trade Organization (WTO) have promoted green supply chain management (GSCM) practices in manufacturing organizations. GSCM has emerged as an important organizational philosophy and a proactive approach to reduce environmental risks. Increasing pressures such as stricter regulations, increased community, and consumer pressures, and the developing country’s aim to enter the WTO have caused automotive supply chain managers to consider and to implement GSCM practices to improve both their economic and environmental performances. This paper explores the practices and performances of the GSCM based on the GSCM literature, and it considers the relationship between green supply chain practices (initiatives) and performance outcomes. In this paper, two questionnaires were developed and a survey conducted to assess the importance of GSCM practices and performances in an automotive company in a developing country using a fuzzy multiple criteria decision-making method. The result of this paper presents practical guidance for managers in performing GSCM practices by ranking GSCM practices according to their importance which leads to improving GSCM performances.

PurposeSustainable supply chain management has become an increasingly important driver of business performance. Understanding the contingent nature of how performance is improved in this context is therefore a critical task for management. The purpose of this paper is to explore the moderating effects of two practices unique to sustainable supply chain – ecocentricity and supply chain traceability – on a firm’s environmental and operating cost performance.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were collected from 248 UK manufacturing firms and analyzed using moderated hierarchical regression.FindingsThe results suggest that green supply chain management (GSCM) practices are associated with improvements in both environmental and cost-based performance. Further, higher levels of ecocentricity and supply chain traceability are associated with stronger relationships between GSCM practices and cost performance. Contrary to expectations, high levels of supply chain traceability were found to negatively moderate the relationship between GSCM practices and environmental performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe research design was survey-based and cross-sectional. Future studies would benefit from longitudinal research designs that capture the effects of GSCM practices on performance over an extended period. The survey data is also perceptual; using secondary data to capture environmental performance outcomes, for example, would be another opportunity for future research.Practical implicationsThe authors provide additional support to findings that GSCM practices benefit both environmental and cost performance dimensions. In this context, the authors show that investments by firms in working with a broader set of eco-system partners (ecocentricity) and building supply chain traceability and leads to improved environmental sustainability outcomes. The authors encourage managers to carefully consider how they conceptualize and monitor their supply chains.Originality/valueThis paper offers several contributions to the research in this area. First, the authors develop and validate a measurement scale for ecocentricity and supply chain traceability. Second, the authors show how these two variables – unique to sustainable supply chains – can positively influence firm and environmental performance.

Green supply chain management: pressures, practices and performance within the Chinese automobile industry

Nowadays, green supply chain management (SCM) practices are increasing among firms to adopt green practices and reduce the negative effects of supply chain operations on the environment. Firms such as manufacturing, mining, and agriculture have to improve their capacity in green SCM practices because environmental regulations force them to consider these issues. However, green practices are new and require comprehensive study to determine this problem. This study has taken the case of three garment manufacturing firms for the evaluation of green SCM practices in the context of Pakistan. The green SCM requires multi-dimensional techniques; therefore, fuzzy-based multi-criteria decision analysis approaches must be adopted while assessing green SCM practices of firms. This is because fuzzy-based methods obtain a significant solution for complex, vague, and uncertain multi-attribute problems in fuzzy environment. Therefore, in this study, a hybrid decision model comprised of Delphi, and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodologies is proposed for assessing the green SCM practices of firms in terms of green design, green purchasing, green production, green warehousing, green logistics, and reverse logistics. The Fuzzy AHP method results reveal that “green purchasing,” “green design,” and “green production” are ranked the most important green indicators. Further, results reveal the ranking of manufacturing firms (alternatives) in the context of green SCM practices. This study shall help industries to focus on green SCM practices and adopt the green manufacturing process.