Sustainable Supply Chain Management Research Articles

Systematic Literature Review of Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management has become crucial in company development and competition since the late 20th century. The article provides a transparent definition of Supply Chain Management by examining the body of literature. It also explores the current state of research in Supply Chain Management and identifies potential areas for future research in forthcoming articles. The article analyzes the influential research of Supply Chain Management using various criteria, including disciplines, journals, countries, and authors' keywords. The analysis was based on a dataset of 76,493 articles obtained from the Elsevier and Springer databases between 2012 and 2022. The results reveal predominant involvement in disciplines such as Environmental Science (13,288; 17.37%), Medicine & Public Health (10,396; 13.59%), and Business & Management (8,498; 11.11%). The terms "Sustainability," "Green Supply Chain Management," and "Sustainable Supply Chain Management" underscore the shift towards integrating environmental concerns within Supply Chain Management, reflecting its growing significance in bolstering both operational efficiency and sustainability. The Systematic Literature Review further identifies a rapid integration of information technology into Supply Chain Management, indicating a crucial pivot towards digital solutions in managing supply chains more effectively.

Rajkumar and Venkataraman: Cross-Sectioning Sustainable Supply Chain Governance: A Bibliometric Analysis

Sustainable supply chain governance is pivotal in modern business, addressing global supply chains' profound environmental, social, and ethical impacts. It necessitates establishing and administering policies to guide sustainable practices, ensuring adherence to the supply chain's environmental, social, and ethical standards. Effective governance aligns and supports business operations with sustainability goals, fostering transparency, accountability, and responsible practices. This framework guides decision-making, mitigates risks, and enhances overall supply chain resilience, contributing to a more sustainable and ethically responsible business landscape. The corporate shift towards sustainable supply chain management(SSCM) is manifested by the emerging literature documenting comprehensive changes in governance. A bibliometric-based systematic review of 128 Scopus-indexed documents (2014-2023) reveals four interconnected themes: SSCM, Sustainable Business & Operations Management, Global value chains, and Supply chain risk management. Analysis highlights the critical role of governance mechanisms in driving positive social, ecological, and economic outcomes. Governance achieves this by establishing clear policies and standards for social and environmental responsibility and ensuring robust mechanisms for compliance and accountability. Sustainable supply chain governance provides a blueprint for integrating sustainability. It ensures ongoing commitment and accountability, fostering significant and lasting positive effects on society, the environment, and overall supply chain resilience.

Modelling the Combined Effect of Green Leadership and Human Resource Management in Moving to Green Supply Chain Performance Enhancement in Saudi Arabia

Previous research has been limited in examining the causal relationship between green transformational leadership (GTL) and green supply chain management (GSCM), with the intermediary influence of green human resource management (GHRM), within the pharmaceutical sector of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This gap persisted despite the recognition in Saudi Vision 2030 of logistics, specifically, supply chain management (SCM), as fundamental to the national development agenda, given that contemporary competitiveness lies in the efficacy of supply chains (SCs) rather than individual companies. Moreover, the achievement of economic progress hinges significantly on how well these accomplishments align with sustainability demands and obstacles. This paper aims to investigate the extent to which GTL fosters GRHM practices to enhance the maturity of GSCM performance in the pharmaceutical industry in the KSA. In other words, the research goal is to explain the variance of GSCM due to GHRM and GTL. Drawing upon the Resource-Based View (RBV) and the Ability–Motivation–Opportunity theory (AMO), GTL can enhance many aspects of GHRM, such as employee performance measurement, training content design, recruitment criteria, and green-based rewards policies, which positively influence GSCM practices. The methodology employed is deductive and translated into a questionnaire derived from a comprehensive review of the existing literature. This questionnaire was subsequently tested through the collection of 111 responses from pharmaceutical companies operating in the KSA. The results show the critical effects of GTL and GHRM on GSCM in this sector. The research provides fresh theoretical perspectives and actionable recommendations based on the outcomes. As for originality, this research explores the contribution of transformational leadership and green human resource management in enhancing SC sustainability. The research provides directions for future research to investigate the mediating or moderating impacts of other significant factors, such as green thinking or eco-friendly behaviour, on SCM sustainability. As for practical implications, this research came up with an in-depth understanding of SC managers and professionals regarding their practices related to sustainability.

Untangling the cumulative impact of big data analytics, green lean six sigma and sustainable supply chain management on the economic performance of manufacturing organisations

Big data analytics provides up-to-date information to facilitate organisational decision-making and boost economic performance. However, an organisation’s big data analytical capability must be investigated to determine its importance in driving economic performance through continuous improvement and sustainability-related tools such as green lean six sigma and sustainable supply chain management. We conducted an empirical study and obtained 443 effective responses from managerial staff working in small and medium-sized organisations in Pakistan. Using structural equation modelling and artificial neural networks, we investigate the effects of big data analytics, green lean six sigma and sustainable supply chain management on economic performance. Our result shows that green lean six sigma and sustainable supply chain management partially mediate the relationship between big data analytics and economic performance. Although the implementation of sustainable supply chain management is identified, it is supported by technological but not cultural compatibility in the current operating environments of the organisations. As a theoretical contribution, this study enriches the literature on digitisation by relating it to the dynamic capability theory. As per practical contribution, this study reveals that the amalgamation of big data analytics, green lean six sigma, and sustainable supply chain management strengthen the organisation’s economic performance.

Balancing supply diversification and environmental impacts: A system dynamics approach to de-risk rare earths supply chain

We introduce a System Dynamics (SD) model to examine policy measures aimed at diversifying the global supply chain of rare earth elements (REEs) and reducing reliance on China. Through meticulous simulation experiments, the paper evaluates the effectiveness of individual policies and their combinations (strategies) on enhancing the Rest of the World’s (RoW) market share, minimizing environmental impacts, and meeting the burgeoning demand for Neodymium—essential for green technologies such as electric vehicles and wind turbines.Our findings reveal that direct governmental interventions, particularly those focused on expanding mining and recycling capacities, significantly bolster the RoW’s market share and decrease unmet Neodymium demand. The study also underscores the importance of environmental regulations in promoting sustainable mining practices, which, while slightly constraining market share growth, result in considerable environmental benefits. Among the evaluated strategies, one combining capacity expansion, recycling, and international cooperation emerges as the most effective, marking a substantial increase in RoW market share and a notable reduction in unmet demand.Furthermore, the paper discusses the complex trade-offs between economic development, environmental stewardship, and supply security in policy-making. It calls for a comprehensive approach that considers economic, environmental, and social factors, including public perception and regulation, in REEs mining.In conclusion, our research provides vital insights for policymakers, illustrating how simulated policy interventions can facilitate informed decision-making in the REEs market. By advocating for a balanced consideration of multiple factors, this study contributes to the discourse on sustainable supply chain management for critical minerals.

Using inverse DEA and machine learning algorithms to evaluate and predict suppliers’ performance in the apple supply chain

In an era where sustainability is paramount, this study presents a novel analytical framework that uses inverse data envelopment analysis (IDEA) and machine learning to optimize supplier performance in Apple's supply chain. We introduce the application of IDEA to recalibrate operational benchmarks, focusing on substantial CO2 reduction, and couple this with advanced predictive algorithms to proactively steer supplier practices toward Apple's sustainability targets. The study systematically simulates scenarios to achieve 30%–50% CO2 cuts, setting a precedent for environmental strategy integration. Beyond environmental metrics, our approach rigorously evaluates economic indicators such as earnings persistence and market recognition, providing a holistic view of supplier viability. The research employs machine learning, notably random forest and k-Nearest neighbors, to distill unbiased insights from historical data, ensuring precise, objective supplier assessments. Our findings offer a strategic blueprint for corporations and supply chain stakeholders aiming to embed sustainability into their operational ethos, supported by data-centric decision-making. These methodologies and insights contribute valuable perspectives to sustainable supply chain management and predictive analytics discourse. Finally, the study offers guidance on implementing CO2 reduction strategies and evaluating suppliers' economic performance, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) objectives.

Sustainable and ethical supply chain management: The role of HR in current practices and future directions

This study systematically reviews the integration of Human Resources (HR), sustainability, and ethics within the framework of supply chain management, illuminating the pivotal role of HR practices in enhancing the sustainability and ethical integrity of supply chains. Employing a systematic literature review coupled with content analysis, this research scrutinizes scholarly articles and case studies across various databases, focusing on the period from 2000 to 2024. The methodology hinges on precise inclusion and exclusion criteria to distill relevant literature, which is then subjected to rigorous content analysis to identify prevailing themes and insights. Key findings reveal that strategic HR practices, including talent management, training and development, and leadership cultivation, are central to embedding sustainability and ethical considerations into supply chain operations. These practices not only foster a culture of sustainability and ethics but also drive organizational change towards more sustainable supply chain models. The review identifies a dual challenge for sustainable supply chain management: the complexity of global supply chains and the increasing demands for transparency and ethical conduct, presenting both significant challenges and opportunities for innovation. Finally, the study underscores the critical role of HR in sustainable and ethical supply chain management, highlighting the necessity of integrating sustainability into HR practices. Strategic recommendations for organizations and HR professionals are provided to navigate the evolving landscape of supply chain sustainability. The study calls for further research into the dynamic interplay between HR practices and supply chain sustainability, particularly in the context of emerging technologies and global supply chain complexities.

Addressing uncertainty in closed-loop supply chain networks: a multi-objective approach to integrated production and transportation problems

Purpose This study aims to address the inherent uncertainties within closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) networks through the application of a multi-objective approach, specifically focusing on the optimization of integrated production and transportation processes. The primary purpose is to enhance decision-making in supply chain management by formulating a robust multi-objective model. Design/methodology/approach In dealing with uncertainty, this study uses Pythagorean fuzzy numbers (PFNs) to effectively represent and quantify uncertainties associated with various parameters within the CLSC network. The proposed model is solved using Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy programming, presenting a comprehensive and innovative methodology designed explicitly for handling uncertainties inherent in CLSC contexts. Findings The research findings highlight the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed framework for addressing uncertainties within CLSC networks. Through a comparative analysis with other established approaches, the model demonstrates its robustness, showcasing its potential to make informed and resilient decisions in supply chain management. Research limitations/implications This study successfully addressed uncertainty in CLSC networks, providing logistics managers with a robust decision-making framework. Emphasizing the importance of PFNs and Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy programming, the research offered practical insights for optimizing transportation routes and resource allocation. Future research could explore dynamic factors in CLSCs, integrate real-time data and leverage emerging technologies for more agile and sustainable supply chain management. Originality/value This research contributes significantly to the field by introducing a novel and comprehensive methodology for managing uncertainty in CLSC networks. The adoption of PFNs and Pythagorean hesitant fuzzy programming offers an original and valuable approach to addressing uncertainties, providing practitioners and decision-makers with insights to make informed and resilient decisions in supply chain management.

Supply chain integrating sustainability and ethics: Strategies for modern supply chain management

This review paper explores the integration of sustainability and ethics in modern supply chain management, emphasizing the need for organizations to align their operations with environmental and social responsibilities. The objective is to synthesize existing research and practices to propose a comprehensive strategy for sustainable and ethical supply chain management. The paper employs a systematic literature review, analyzing over 150 peer-reviewed articles and industry reports to assess the evolution of sustainability and ethics within supply chains. The research focuses on identifying core themes, challenges, and successful practices documented in the existing body of knowledge. Key findings indicate that successful integration hinges on organizational commitment, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder involvement. The paper identifies transparency, traceability, and collaboration as pivotal elements that drive ethical and sustainable practices. Furthermore, it discusses the role of technological advancements such as block chain and AI in enhancing these practices. The conclusion posits that integrating sustainability and ethics not only mitigates risks and enhances compliance but also provides competitive advantages in terms of innovation and market positioning. The paper recommends a strategic framework that includes policy development, training programs, and technology adoption to foster a culture of sustainability. By providing a comprehensive review of current methodologies and outcomes, this paper contributes to the strategic discourse on improving supply chain operations through ethical and sustainable practices, offering valuable insights for academics and practitioners alike.

Sustainable supply chain management's impact on triple bottom line performance: Does the firm size matter?

AbstractCompanies worldwide are moving towards sustainability by focusing on its three dimensions: environmental, economic, and social sustainability. This study explores how sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) takes the changing role to affect these three dimensions. Since organizations vary in size, we post and test relationships regarding how firm size can impact the implementation of SSCM practices as a moderator. We posit an empirical research model and test this using structural equation modeling with survey data from 392 managers across various Jordanian manufacturing firms. This study assessed the link between five categories of SSCM practices and TBL performance. We found that firm size is critical and moderates the positive SSCM relationship with economic and social performances. Results shed new light on SSCM and its impacts on environmental, economic, and social performance. According to the study findings, environmental management practices and supply chain integration influenced all sustainability dimensions, whereas socially inclusive community practices influenced none. Furthermore, operations had an impact on economic sustainability. Finally, socially inclusive employee practices had a significant impact on both environmental and economic sustainability. Findings show that when implementing SSCM, larger firms perform better on multiple sustainability measures compared to smaller firms. The model's integration of firm size as a moderator provides additional insights regarding the SSCM construct and its change agent role in stimulating sustainable development.

Implementation and effectiveness evaluation of environmental protection measures under sustainable supply chain planning

This paper aims to discuss the implementation and effectiveness evaluation of environmental protection measures under sustainable supply chain planning. Firstly, the background and importance of sustainable supply chain management are introduced, and the role of environmental protection measures in supply chain is expounded. Then the selection and implementation of environmental protection measures are discussed in detail, including classification, selection criteria and implementation methods and methods. Then the evaluation method, including the setting of evaluation index and the application of evaluation tools, is expounded. Through case analysis, the implementation cases of environmental protection measures under specific sustainable supply chain planning are presented and their effects are evaluated. The impact of the implementation of environmental protection measures on sustainable supply chain management, as well as the challenges and problems in the implementation process are discussed and analyzed. Finally, the paper summarizes the research results and puts forward some suggestions on the implementation of environmental protection measures under sustainable supply chain planning, aiming at providing guidance and inspiration for practice. Through this study, we can better understand and apply environmental protection measures in sustainable supply chain management, and promote enterprises to achieve sustainable development goals in practice.

Relationship between Socially Sustainable Supply Chains and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: A Perspective from the Indian Auto Ancillary Industry

This article aims to understand the level of awareness about the United Nations sustainable development goals among supply chain leaders. Further, it explores how organizations’ social sustainability policies can help achieve sustainable development goals. The multi-stage process involves a structured survey of supply chain management leaders from the auto ancillary industry of the National Capital Region of India, and data were analyzed using econometric tools for meaningful insights. The significant findings from the study highlight that there is a considerable lack of awareness among supply chain leaders about the sustainable development goals defined by the United Nations. However, supply chain leaders make policies that influence social sustainability positively; they do not link it with sustainable development goals. The study reveals that leaders were unanimous on improving and adopting socially sustainable measures for creating efficient supply chains. This is one of the first studies that investigated the relationships between sustainable supply chain management and sustainable development goals laid down by the United Nations.

Construction and implementation of cross-border e-commerce supply chain system under the background of green and low-carbon

PurposeAs China’s e-commerce and cross-border e-commerce rapidly develop, the cross-border e-commerce supply chain exhibits characteristics of globalized development scale, collaborative multiparty participation, streamlined management processes, digitalized production and trade and flexible strategic choices. It tends toward data-driven intelligence, interoperable information collaboration, personalized order responses, sustainable supply chain management and secure blockchain technology. These characteristics and trends provide critical references for businesses, governments and investors.Design/methodology/approachIn response to issues such as inconsistent legal regulations, imbalanced logistics and transportation, imperfect payment settlements and opaque supply chains.FindingsIt is recommended to take measures to strengthen cooperation and communication, optimize logistics, reduce customs clearance difficulties, reinforce safeguard measures and promote sustainable development, collectively fostering the healthy growth of cross-border e-commerce.Originality/valueWith the rapid development of cross-border e-commerce, green and low-carbon initiatives have become a significant trend in this sector. The cross-border e-commerce supply chain refers to the mechanism that reduces environmental impacts and enhances resource efficiency from manufacturers to consumers. It primarily involves manufacturers, e-commerce platforms, logistics companies and payment and settlement processes. The cross-border e-commerce supply chain is gradually becoming a highlight in China’s foreign trade, supporting the concept of “buying globally and selling globally” and connecting the “world’s factory” with the “world’s market.”

Research on Optimization Strategies for Closed-Loop Supply Chain Management Based on Deep Learning Technology

This study explores the integration of deep learning (DL) technology and the guided simulated annealing algorithm (GSAA) to optimize closed-loop supply chains (CLSC) for sustainable development. By applying DL for predictive analysis and GSAA for optimization, the research aims to enhance CLSC operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. The methodology combines a review of the CLSC framework with practical applications of DL and GSAA, aiming to reduce waste, maximize resource utilization, and minimize environmental impact. An experimental comparison of this approach against traditional optimization strategies demonstrates the proposed method's superior effectiveness and efficiency. The findings reveal that the DL-GSAA optimization significantly improves CLSC sustainability and efficiency, with GSAA showing promising convergence properties. This study underscores the importance of advanced technological solutions in achieving sustainable supply chain management, offering practical insights for businesses and supply chain managers.

Metaheuristic-driven extended exergy accounting for sustainable closed-loop food supply chain management

In this research, an exergetic mathematical model is proposed for closed-loop food supply chain network design considering economic, environmental, and social aspects. The studded closed-loop food supply chain consists of six echelons, four echelons for forwarding the products (suppliers, factory, distribution centers, and customers), and two echelons for returning the products (collecting centers and disposal centers). The exergetic model is based on the extended exergy accounting method, which calculates the consumed exergy in all six echelons by considering the equivalents of labor and capital exergy. This model aims to minimize both the economic and exergetic costs associated with the food supply chain. To solve the proposed mathematical model, an ensemble global–local search metaheuristic algorithm utilizing a combined whale optimization algorithm (WOA) and simulated annealing (SA), called CWOASA, is proposed. In the CWOASA algorithm, first, WOA is used to search the entire search space. Next, SA is applied to further improve the best solution obtained by WOA. A real dataset of a dairy supply chain is used to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed metaheuristic-driven exergy analysis model and claim its benefits over the existing methods. Simulation results revealed that the proposed method leads to a 6.74% reduction in the total exergy consumption of the supply chain. The proposed methodology offers valuable insights, shedding light on the prospective gains in terms of mitigated environmental impact for each incremental economic expenditure, thus laying the foundation for promising avenues of future research.

Correction: Chiang, C.; Chuang, M.-C. Effect of Sustainable Supply Chain Management on Procurement Environmental Performance: A Perspective on Resource Dependence Theory. Sustainability 2024, 16, 586

The authors would like to make the following corrections to the published paper [...]

A blockchain AI solution to climate change

Background: Climate change represents a critical global challenge, hindered by skepticism towards data manipulation and politicization. Trust in climate data and its policies is essential for effective climate action. Objective: This perspective paper explores the synergistic potential of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing climate change and how their integration can enhance the transparency, reliability, and accessibility of climate science. Methods: The paper analyzes the roles of blockchain technology in enhancing transparency, traceability, and efficiency in carbon credit trading, renewable energy certificates, and sustainable supply chain management. It also examines the capabilities of AI in processing complex datasets to distill actionable intelligence. The synergistic effects of integrating both technologies for improved climate action are discussed alongside the challenges faced, such as scalability, energy consumption, and the necessity for high-quality data. Results: Blockchain technology contributes to climate change mitigation by ensuring the transparent and immutable recording of transactions and environmental impacts, fostering stakeholder trust, and democratizing participation in climate initiatives. AI complements blockchain by providing deep insights and actionable intelligence from large datasets, facilitating evidence-based policymaking. The integration of both technologies promises enhanced data management, improved climate models, and more effective climate action initiatives. Conclusion: The integration of blockchain technology and AI offers a transformative approach to climate change mitigation, enhancing the accuracy, transparency, and security of climate data and governance. This synergy addresses current limitations and futureproofs climate strategies, marking a cornerstone for the next generation of environmental stewardship.

Sustainability Complexities in Supply Chains: A Qualitative Study utilizing Social Systems Theory

The purpose of this paper is to explore which sustainability complexities firms see in their supply chains. As supply chains consist of various actors and the consideration of sustainability requirements in supply chains adds to the complexity of the management of the supply chains, we apply the social systems theory as a theoretical framework enlighten inherent complexities. For investigating the research purpose, this study carried out multiple case studies with firms in the agriculture sector as these firms rely on the natural habitat and produce or source agricultural products face high expectations but also pressures from various actors. The interviewed firms were from textiles, beverages, coffee, food, non-food, cosmetics, ingredients and chemical branches. In total, this study conducted 26 semi-structured interviews with sustainability responsibles. The findings show, which different sustainability complexities firms in different branches see. By that, this study contributes to the literature as it is to the best of our knowledge the first utilizing social systems theory in the context of sustainable supply chain management. Second, for reducing sustainability complexities firms need to view and understand their relevant sustainability complexities first. Third, this paper contributes with managerial implications as firms can use our research as a starting point for identifying sustainability complexities and coping with them.

Liberalization and Global Business Dilemma in Third World Countries: A PEST Analysis

Global business plays a critical role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set forth by the United Nations. The SDGs represent a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. Global businesses collaborate with governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to address complex global challenges and achieve the SDGs. By fostering partnerships and multi-stakeholder initiatives, they contribute to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by leveraging resources, expertise, and networks to drive sustainable development. Many global businesses are increasingly adopting sustainable practices to minimize their environmental footprint and promote responsible consumption and production. By implementing sustainable supply chain management, reducing waste, and adopting eco-friendly technologies, they contribute to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Liberalization and global business are interrelated processes that shape the dynamics of international trade, investment, and economic integration. While liberalization creates opportunities for global businesses to expand their operations and access new markets, it also presents challenges related to competition, regulation, and sustainability that require careful management and policy responses in third world countries. This has elicited a mixed rection on the role of global business on development of nations. Based on this, the purpose of this study is to examine the extent to which liberalization has impacted the political, economic, social, and technological advancement of third world countries. A literature review has been adopted for this purpose. The study concludes that the impact of liberalization of global business on third world countries is complex and varies depending on factors such as governance structures, economic policies, social dynamics, and technological capabilities. This study recommends that by adopting a holistic approach that takes into account the interplay between political, economic, social, and technological factors, governments in third world countries can maximize the benefits of liberalization while mitigating potential risks and promoting sustainable development.

Green Supply Chain Finance: A Bibliometric Review of Financing Instruments, Challenges, and Opportunities

Green Supply Chain Finance (GSCF) has emerged as a pivotal approach for businesses to reconcile financial objectives with environmental sustainability imperatives. This bibliometric review synthesizes the evolving landscape of GSCF literature, analyzing financing instruments, challenges, and opportunities. Leveraging data from 967 papers spanning 1992 to 2024, the review reveals a substantial scholarly interest with a cumulative citation count of 82,996. Through network visualizations and citation analyses, key themes such as sustainable practices, financial innovations, and technology integration are identified. The review underscores the significance of GSCF in advancing sustainable supply chain management and calls for continued research and collaboration to address emerging challenges and capitalize on opportunities.