Triple Bottom Line ( TBL ) Perspective on the Business–Environment–Performance Nexus in an Emerging Market Economy

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is broadly defined as the integrated coordination of activities involved in the procurement, transformation, and distribution of materials components, and finished goods from suppliers to end customer. As digital transformation reshapes global supply chains, the synergistic role of information technologies has garnered increasing scholarly attention.The current literature remains fragmented, especially in understanding how information technology usage jointly influence supply chain performance (SCP) through critical enablers particularly supply chain visibility (SCV) and supply chain resilience (SCR). This study addresses this gap by proposing and empirically testing a sequential mediation model in which SCV and SCR jointly mediate the relationship between information technology usage and SCP. Drawing upon the Resource-Based View, Dynamic Capabilities View, and Organizational Information Processing Theory, a conceptual framework is developed and validated using survey data from 600 supply chain professionals across key sectors in India. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) reveals that information technology usage positively influence both SCV and SCR, further it reveled SCV significantly contributes to SCR and SCV and SCR sequentially mediate the relationship between IT usage and performance outcomes.The findings underscore the need for integrated digital strategies and enhanced visibility-resilience alignment, particularly in emerging economy contexts characterized by infrastructural and institutional volatility.The study contributes novel empirical evidence to the digital supply chain literature and offers actionable insights for practitioners navigating digital transformation in resource-constrained environments.

This study aims to analyze the influence of AI Readiness, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Behavioral Intention, and Supply Chain Visibility on Supply Chain Performance, with Supply Chain Resilience as a mediating variable. The research was conducted among employees of companies involved in the supply chain in the Tangerang area. The study uses a quantitative approach with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis. The results show that AI Readiness, Perceived Ease of Use, and Supply Chain Visibility have a significant effect on Supply Chain Performance. In addition, Supply Chain Visibility also significantly influences Supply Chain Resilience, which in turn contributes to Supply Chain Performance. On the other hand, Perceived Usefulness and Behavioral Intention do not have a significant impact on Supply Chain Performance. These findings highlight the importance of technology readiness, supply chain visibility, and supply chain resilience in supporting operational performance and competitive advantage in the modern era. The study also provides strategic insights for companies to invest in artificial intelligence-based technologies and strengthen supply chain integration

PurposeExploring ways to acquire, sustain and improve competitive positions in supply chains through information sharing, supply chain visibility, collaboration and agility have been essential for scholars and practitioners. Basing on the relational view, resource based view and the extended resource based view, this study assesses the critical role of information sharing in supply chains through emphasizing its effect on supply chain visibility, collaboration, agility and supply chain performance. Particularly, the study proposes that information sharing, supply chain visibility, collaboration and agility collectively have crucial direct and indirect influences on supply chain performance which lead to superior gains, competitiveness and flexibility.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a survey research design, a quantitative approach and partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in making data analysis and interpretations due to its suitability for predictive research models.FindingsThe results indicate information sharing positively and significantly influenced supply chain visibility, collaboration, agility and performance. Supply chain visibility presented significant effects on collaboration, agility and performance, while supply chain collaboration and agility had significant impact on supply chain performance. The study findings connote that information sharing is key to enhancing competitive gains and superior supply chain performance.Originality/valueThe study is among the few to probe on how information sharing as a variable interacts with supply chain visibility, collaboration, agility and performance. Although, information sharing has received a lot of attention in supply chains, this study is among the first to capture the study variables in a single model and thus, exposes the vital need for information sharing in improving supply chain performance seeing that it ensured significant and robust impacts on the study variables.

PurposeThe current study sought to investigate the moderating effect of supply chain disruptions (SCD) (supply chain – supply disruption, catastrophic disruption and infrastructure disruption) on the relationship between supply chain resilience (SCR) and supply chain performance (SCP) of manufacturing firms in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThe quantitative research approach and explanatory research designs were utilised. A sample of 345 manufacturing firms were drawn from a population of 2,495 manufacturing firms in the Accra metropolis. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to accomplish the research objectives.FindingsFirst, the study revealed that SCR has a significant positive effect on SCP. Second, the authors found reasonable evidence to support that SCD have a significant positive moderating effect on the relationship between SCR and SCP, except for supply chain catastrophic disruption which had a negative impact. It can be concluded that the components of SCD have heterogeneous impact in the SCR and SCP nexus.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to manufacturing firms in Ghana and does not make a distinction among resilience strategies.Practical implicationsIncreased SCR boost manufacturing companies' supply chains' performance and aid to lessen the adverse effects of SCD relating to infrastructure and supply. It implies that supply chain managers are able to reduce the effects of infrastructure and supply disruptions. Also, techniques that reduce the adverse impact of SCD relating to catastrophe would be beneficial for supply chain managers in Ghana and other countries with comparable economic environments.Originality/valueThe study provides a unique contribution on the moderating role of the dimensions of SCD (supply, infrastructure and catastrophic) on the nexus between SCR and SCP in a developing economy context in a dynamic changing environment. Policymakers would get better insights into instituting the required policies needed to revamp firms with weak supply chains as a result of supply chain disruption.

This study investigates the barriers that hinder the adoption of sustainable construction practices and examines their impact on the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL). A systematic literature review following the PRISMA protocol identified key categories of barriers, which informed the development of a survey instrument. Data were collected from 132 construction professionals with experience in sustainable projects and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) within a reflective–reflective hierarchical model. The results demonstrate that barriers exert a significant and negative influence on overall sustainability performance. Governmental, financial, knowledge and information, workforce, and market barriers were all found to adversely affect the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) pillars. Workforce- and market-related barriers showed the strongest contributions within the higher-order barriers construct, while social and economic dimensions were the most prominent components of the TBL construct. The findings highlight the systemic and interdependent nature of sustainability barriers, indicating that isolated interventions are insufficient. The study provides empirical evidence to support integrated policy, financial, educational, and market-based strategies aimed at enabling a comprehensive transition toward sustainable construction.

Understanding supply chain sustainability performance is increasingly important for supply chain researchers and managers. Literature has considered supply chain sustainability and the antecedents of performance from a triple bottom line (economic, social, and environmental) perspective. However, the role of supply chain visibility and product complexity contingency in achieving sustainable supply chain performance has not been explored in depth. To address this gap, this study utilizes a contingent resource-based view theory perspective to understand the role of product complexity in shaping the relationship between upstream supply chain visibility (resources and capabilities) and the social, environmental, and economic performance dimensions. We develop and test a theoretical model using survey data gathered from 312 Indian manufacturing organizations. Our findings indicate that supply chain visibility has significant influence on social and environmental performance under the moderation effect of product complexity. Finally, we have outlined our research limitations and further research opportunities.

Background: The study was conducted in response to the challenges of a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) business environment that pressures firms to enhance collaboration and resilience within their supply chains. Objectives: This study examined how the business environment and the degree of digital technology adoption influenced supply chain collaboration (SCC), while also assessing the mediating roles of supply chain visibility (SCVI) and supply chain risk management (SCRM). Method: A quantitative survey was performed with 180 manufacturing enterprises in Vietnam. The proposed model was tested using the partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique to evaluate direct and indirect relationships among variables. Results: The business environment positively affected technology adoption, SCVI, SCRM and SCC (p < 0.05). Technology adoption directly and indirectly influenced SCC through SCVI and SCRM. Both SCVI and SCRM significantly enhanced SCC, and the overall model explained 43.1% of the variance in SCC (R2 = 0.431). Conclusion: The findings indicated that while environmental dynamism stimulated digital transformation, SCVI remained the key driver that translated environmental pressures and technological capabilities into effective SCC. Contribution: Theoretically, the study extends the dynamic capability perspective by jointly considering environmental and digital determinants and by identifying SCVI as a catalyst for collaborative practice and performance in supply chains. Practically, it offers recommendations for policymakers and managers on fostering SCC through coordinated technical and managerial solutions, including digital adoption, enhanced visibility and integrated SCRM.

PurposeDrawing on the resource-based view (RBV) and knowledge-based view (KBV) theories, this study contributes to deepen the knowledge that corporate social responsibility (CSR) exerts on firms' innovation, considering the role played by cooperation. The research also seeks to ascertain the factors that influence the development of business cooperation.Design/methodology/approachThe database used is the Community Innovation Survey (CIS, 2014) applied in the European Union (EU) during the time period 2012–2014. A sample of 7083 Portuguese firms were analyzed through the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe results suggest that CSR positively relates with firms' innovation, and business cooperation partially mediates this relationship. The outcomes also reveal that investing in certain types of innovation activities increases the firms' willingness to cooperate.Originality/valueThe findings contribute to encourage an open innovation strategy as an easy and effective way to cope with rapid trends and changes, since it demonstrates the complementary between innovation and cooperation, as sources of value creation. From a triple bottom line (TBL) perspective, it also highlights that CSR must include social, economic and environmental initiatives, and should be a part of the firms' innovation strategy. As a result, managers who intend to contribute for society in the long term should plan, monitor and manage all CSR dimensions.

Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in second language and education research: Guidelines using an applied example

PurposeThis study examines the factors affecting organisations' agility and competitive capability in public and private sectors. Drawn from the literature on supply chain agility (SC agility), the factors of supply chain speed, visibility, flexibility, innovation and leadership are tested for further understanding.Design/methodology/approachThrough purposive sampling, a sample of 261 responses was collected using a structured questionnaire. The participants were identified as supply chain practitioners from different industries of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Data were analysed using partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).FindingsFirms can improve the agility of their supply chains by developing strong supply chain leadership and flexibility, increasing the speed and visibility of the supply chain, and through innovation in supply chain operations. Additionally, competitive capabilities can also be enhanced through SC agility.Originality/valueThis study explores organisations' agility and competitive capability in public and private sectors of the UAE. The findings offer numerous practical insights into the UAE's business context and will help firms gain better competitive advantages through agile supply chain operations.

Unravelling the nice-to-have and must-have circular economy-oriented dynamic capabilities for sustainable product design and end-of-life management: Insights from PLS-SEM and NCA

Resilience and cleaner production in industry 4.0: Role of supply chain mapping and visibility

This review provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to the application of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for novice researchers. This is a conceptual and literature-based review that focuses on best practices and PLS-SEM literature. It highlights the rationale for using PLS-SEM, sample size, software tools, and essential metrics in PLS-SEM analysis. Drawing on best practices and recent literature, the review offers a framework for conducting and reporting PLS-SEM analysis. The review presents essential such as outer loadings, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, average variance extracted (AVE), composite reliability, cross-loadings, Heterotrait-Monotrait ratio of correlations (HTMT), the Fornell-Larcker criterion, variance inflation factor (VIF), and redundancy analysis. Moreover, for more consistent results, the paper emphasizes on researchers to employ 10,000 bootstrap subsamples and Bias-corrected and accelerated (BCa) bootstrap in assessing the structural model. Insights regarding path coefficients, p-values, R-square (R2), f-square (f2), and Q-square (Q2), are also presented. Furthermore, the review underscores the trade-off between predictive power and model fit when applying PLS-SEM. The presented practical insights alert novice researchers in avoiding common pitfalls and enhance the methodological rigor of empirical research that utilizes PLS-SEM. This step-by-step guide supports early-career researchers and contributes to the ongoing debates on improving methodological clarity and transparency.

ABSTRACTDespite existing studies emphasizing the significance of supply chain transparency (SCT) and supply chain visibility (SCV) in supply chain management (SCM), their potential interplay remains unclear. To address this gap, we develop a framework grounded in dynamic capabilities theory and examine the interactions between two types of SCT (cost and relationship transparency) and three types of SCV (demand, supply, and market visibility), along with their effects on firm performance. We conduct surveys with 297 manufacturing firms and 112 service firms in China, validating our propositions through fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis. Our findings indicate that high firm performance relies on both SCT and SCV, rather than on either aspect alone. Furthermore, demand visibility emerges as the most critical SCV. Finally, relationship and cost transparency play unique roles in manufacturing and service firms. By elucidating the intricate interactions between SCT and SCV, our study contributes to extant SCM literature and offers actionable insights for managers, advocating for a holistic approach that leverages both SCT and SCV to enhance performance.

This study fills a crucial gap in the research on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with the main objective of proposing a framework to support the integration of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and sustainability into the supply chains of MSMEs. This integration is accomplished by people, process, and technology (PPT) mechanisms, all while adopting the triple bottom line (TBL) perspective. A mixed-method approach was employed for this study, which included a scoping review of 147 publications, expert panels, focus groups, and a survey with 55 valid responses. The findings identified 32 key indicators linked to the primary barriers and enablers of I4.0 and sustainability integration (S-I4.0) in MSMEs’ supply chains. This study also highlighted the dominant barriers and enablers within the PPT mechanisms and TBL dimensions, and their causal relationships and influences. The results were synthesized into a novel S-I4.0 framework, separately applied to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) and Medium Enterprises (MEs) due to company size-related variations. This study offers valuable insights for academics and provides practical guidelines to assist MSMEs in integrating I4.0 and sustainability into their supply chains. An important contribution concerns to the need to treat MSEs and MEs differently. These research results provide relevant and novel guidance for MSEs and MEs to accelerate the S-I4.0 adoption process, with an immediate impact on their supply chains.