Review of Sustainable Supply Chain Management Literature: Using the SCOR Process Model

Abstract

Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) is pivotal in order to realize the vision of the Brundtland Report. Publications related to SSCM have dramatically increased in the last few years. Recent review papers show that most of the SSCM literature still focuses on the environmental dimension, and social issues are not adequately addressed. In addition, reviewers have analysed many other aspects such as modelling techniques and research methodologies. A “review paper” is needed to investigate the efforts made to operationalize sustainability in each supply chain process, i.e., planning, procurement, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing and reverse logistics. This is especially as sustainable development can only be achieved if measures are taken along the supply chain. In this paper, we investigate the current status of SSCM research with the lens of the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) Process Model. This study systematically examines relevant publications from 1992 to 2012 by employing this rigorous analytical methodology. It provides thorough descriptive analysis and also presents major sustainability categories and themes (or topics) covered by the SSCM publications specific to each supply chain process. It clearly highlights the gaps and presents the opportunities for further research.