Sustainable Supply Chain Practices Research Articles

Exploring trade-offs between basic and advanced sustainable supply chain practices among consumer electronics: a social media analytics approach

PurposeThis study explores the sustainable supply chain trade-offs in the electronics industry.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a social media analytics approach and analyses Twitter posts from August 2017 to December 2021. Thematic analysis is applied to discover the pattern in sustainable supply chain trade-offs based on the consumers' perceptions. In addition, a chi-square test was used to measure whether a relationship exists between product groups and sustainable supply chain perceptions.FindingsThe results indicate that environmental practices are the most frequent topic among consumers on social media. Further, although basic sustainable supply chain practices are prioritised in the environmental aspect, advanced sustainable supply chain practices take precedence over basic ones in the social dimension. The result from the chi-square independence test reveals that there is no significant relationship between different products and perceptions of consumers except for economically advanced sustainable supply chain practices.Practical implicationsThe main implications of the present study are to offer a fast and efficient method to marketers and companies for discovering customer perceptions. In a way, they can identify where the quality of practices needs to improve in their supply chains to gain customer satisfaction. Additionally, the authors suggest industries declare their trade-off preferences between sustainable supply chain practices transparently.Originality/valueThe findings extend the abundance of sustainable supply chain literature by identifying the sustainable supply chain trade-offs among consumer electronics. Also, the reason for customers' dissatisfaction is provided. In the end, six propositions are presented based on the explorations.

Competitive Green Supply Chain Transformation with Dynamic Capabilities—An Exploratory Case Study of Chinese Electronics Industry

Extant studies identify different strategic approaches for businesses to integrate environment management (EM) into corporate supply chain management (SCM) to create different competitive market advantages. With increasing market uncertainties, stakeholder complexities, constraints of resources, companies nowadays are required to develop more context-specific solutions for mitigating sustainability risk and improving market performance in supply chain sustainability practices. To address the challenges faced by businesses, this study aims to explore how a company adapts green supply chain strategies for a competitive transformation. Specifically, we aim to identify different green supply chain capabilities that form hybrid choices of green solutions for a company to leverage an adaptive green shift. Through an extensive literature review, this study proposes a conceptual framework for exploration which is based on a qualitative in-depth case study in the electronics industry—one of the most polluting manufacturing sectors in China. The findings show that supply chain characteristics play a significant role in the selection of different green SCM solutions by businesses. We find different hybrid choices of strategic decisions are being made by the case company operating with high-volume and high-value supply chains respectively. High-volume supply chains adopt both operational pollution and waste control strategies and incremental green product strategies to balance cost of operational change and develop a competitive eco-efficient market expansion. In contrast, high-value supply chains adopt radical green product innovation strategies and operational waste prevention strategies to balance cost of product innovation and build operational efficiency to expand in a competitive eco-differentiation market. A mix of dynamic capabilities involved in different supply chain green transformations are also identified.

Supply chain stakeholder pressure for the adoption of sustainable supply chain practices: examining the roles of entrepreneurial and sustainability orientations

PurposeThis study examines the relationship between supply chain stakeholder pressure from customers and suppliers for the adoption of social and environmental sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices given the simultaneous conditional effects of both entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and sustainability orientation (SO).Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a survey of US firms focused on their relationship with their top supplier or buyer by spend. This study used conditional process analysis to measure the relationship between stakeholder pressure and adoption of SSCM practices as well as the double moderation effects of EO and SO on this relationship.FindingsThe results show that both EO and SO simultaneously function as moderators of the effect of supply chain stakeholder pressure on the adoption of social and environmental SSCM practices. However, EO will only get firms so far in the adoption of SSCM practices. Once a strong SO takes effect, higher practice adoption ensues but the effect of stakeholder pressure weakens.Practical implicationsFor those firms that have lower levels of SO, EO and supply chain stakeholder pressure are still essential drivers for the adoption of SSCM practice. The results of this study suggest that focal firms should work closely with suppliers to increase their levels of SO while also maintaining pressure for the adoption of SSCM practices.Originality/valueThis study shows the concurrent effect of two organizational level drivers on the adoption of SSCM practices, indicating that efforts in developing a strong SO are more likely to prepare firms for the adoption of SSCM practices.

Sustainable social supply chain practices and firm social performance: Framework and empirical evidence

Concerns about social sustainability issues such as child labour, inequality, excessive overtime, and abusive working and living conditions in developing countries' manufacturing sectors have prompted an urgent study on sustainable social supply chain practices. The social pillar of sustainability has then been unnoticed, favouring the more regularly discussed environmental and economic dimensions. This study aims to expand the social sustainability framework to investigate the impact of sustainable social supply chain practices on firm social performance. The electronic survey was conducted on firms that adopted sustainable social practices. The 144 data sets were received from manufacturing firms. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling with PLS-SEM to examine domains and outcomes of sustainable supply chain practices. The result found that social supply chain practices impact the firm's social performance. However, the results indicate that the social element of sustainable procurement does not affect the firm social performance. The results show social fairness challenged manufacturing firms to comply with sustainable production and distribution. Most manufacturing firms are still not aware of their role and social responsibility to develop the local suppliers and community. Sustainability framework has proposed to raise awareness of sustainable practices that drive firms to implement sustainable social supply chain practices and leverage social performance. By being socially responsible, firms can gain improved brand awareness, a favourable corporate reputation, increased sales, observed firm growth and enhanced customer loyalty.

Sustainable Supply Chain Strategy and Sustainable Competitive Advantage: A Mediated and Moderated Model.

In the global business environment, sustainability has become a competitive priority of most enterprises. Sustainability as a differentiation approach enables organizations to compete in today's environment. However, despite the increasing adaptability to sustainability practices, pharmaceutical supply chain management is still facing challenges in preserving the global environment. The study contemplates the impact of sustainable supply chain strategy and sustainable competitive advantage while considering the mediating role of sustainable supply chain practice and moderating role of sustainability inhibitors. The data was collected from the 180 employees working in the pharmaceutical companies of Pakistan. The study applied a quantitative approach for testing a theoretical model, using discriminant validity analysis, assessment of measurement model, composite reliability & validity analysis to assess the dimensions and model's reliability and validity. The study results show a positive relationship between sustainable supply chain strategy and sustainable competitive advantage. Sustainable supply chain practice mediates the relationship between sustainable supply chain strategy and sustainable competitive advantage, while sustainability inhibitors strengthen the relationship between sustainable supply chain strategy and sustainable supply chain practice. This study will help managers develop impactful sustainable supply chain management practices that will lead to sustainable performance.

Decision-making framework for supplier selection using an integrated MCDM approach in a lean-agile-resilient-green environment: evidence from Indian automotive sector

PurposeToday, proficient practices are required to stimulate along various boundaries of the supply chain (SC) to exploit manufacturing resources economically, effectually and gracefully for retaining operational excellence. Accordingly, varieties of paramount practices, i.e. Lean, Agile, Resilient and Green practices, are integrated in present study with the objective to develop a Decision Support Framework (DSF) to select robust supplier under the extent of Lean-Agile-Resilient-Green (LARG) practices for a manufacturing firm. The framework is developed and validated in the Indian automotive sector, where the primary data is collected based on perceptions of the respondents working in an automotive company.Design/methodology/approachLARG metrics can ponder ecological balance, customer satisfaction, associations, effectiveness and sustainability and thus, the study consolidated LARG practices in one umbrella to develop a DSF. The analytical approach under DSF is developed by the integration AHP, DEMATEL, ANP, Extended MOORA and SAW techniques in present study to evaluate a robust supplier under the aegis of LARG practices in SC. DSF is developed by scrutinizing and categorizing LARG characteristics, where the selected LARG characteristics are handled by fuzzy sets theory to deal with the impreciseness and uncertainty in decision making.FindingsThe study has identified 63 measures (15 for Lean, 15 for Agile, 14 for resilient and 19 for Green) to support the robust supplier selection process for manufacturing firms. The findings of study explicate “Internal communication agility”, “Interchangeability to personnel resources”, “Manufacturing flexibility”, “degree of online solution”, “Quickness to resource up-gradation”, “Manageability to demand and supply change”, “Overstocking inventory practices” as significant metrics in ranking order. Additionally, “Transparency to share information”, “Internal communication agility”, “Manufacturing Flexibility”, “Green product (outgoing)” are found as influential metrics under LARG practices respectively.Practical implicationsA technical DSF to utilize by the managers is developed, which is connected with knowledge-based theory and a case of an automobile manufacturing firm is presented to illustrate its implementation. The companies can utilize presented DSF to impose service excellence, societal performance, agility and green surroundings in SC for achieving sustainable outcomes to be welcomed by the legislations, society and rivals. The framework represents an important decision support tool to enable managers to overcome imprecise SC information sources.Originality/valueThe study presented a proficient platform to review the most significant LARG alternative in the SC. The study suggested a cluster of LARG metrics to support operational improvement in manufacturing firms for shifting gear toward sustainable SC practices. The present study embraces its existence in enrolling a high extent of collaboration amongst clients, project teams and LARG practices to virtually eradicate the likelihood of absolute project failure.

Critical human and behavioral factors on the adoption of sustainable supply chain management practices in the context of automobile industry

AbstractBuilt upon the resource‐based view, the study examines the critical human and behavioral factors (HBFs) on adopting sustainable supply chain practices in the automobile sector (AS). The Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and Decision‐Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method is applied to understand the causeeffect relationships between (HBFs), evidenced by a case study in the automobile industry of India. The causeeffect relationships are informed by an expert team consisting of 18 members working in academia, the automobile industry, and professional consulting companies. The experts provided their inputs based on their direct experience and expertise in this subject matter. The research findings highlight that sustainable supply chain cost (end to end) is a critical success factor. Mangers in the AS should prioritize and focus on sustainable supply chain costs (end to end) to pursue sustainable practices because such critical success factors can foster information sharing behavior. The firms could develop both hard and soft critical HBFs such as Information technology (IT) infrastructure and employee training to build up HBFs to integrate a supply chain. The study provides insight to academicians, policymakers, and practitioners about critical HBFs and develops sustainability goals and policies accordingly.

Sustainable supply chain management of automotive sector in context to the circular economy: A strategic framework

AbstractIn the era of circular economy (CE), sustainability in the supply chain provides a competitive edge over other organizations in a globally competitive environment. There have been an increasing number of studies in sustainable supply chain practices in the recent past. Limited studies have been done to identify the key strategic factors for sustainable operations of automotive sector in context to developing countries like India. The primary goal of this research is to undertake a thorough assessment and give a brief understanding of the barriers of sustainability in the automotive supply chain. Various barriers are identified from experts' interviews and past academic literature. An integrated approach comprising of the “decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory method” (DEMATEL) and “interpretive structural modelling” (ISM) method is employed to develop a contextual and hierarchical relationship among the identified barriers. The lack of awareness concerning reverse logistics adoption has the greatest causal effect. This is followed by a lack of information sharing on sustainable practices and complexity in measurement and monitoring of suppliers' environmental activities. To ensure the robustness of the model, sensitivity analysis has been also performed. The novelty of this work is that it identified several barriers towards a sustainable supply chain in automotive sector with a special focus on India. This work will help the practitioners to prioritize the strategic actions needed to be taken for developing sustainable supply chain management. This research has crucial policy implications for stakeholders working to build a sustainable CE by remanufacturing and reusing production waste.

Supply chain transparency: Consumer reactions to incongruent signals

AbstractIn response to consumers' growing interest in how products are sourced, produced, and distributed, organizations are increasingly transparent about their supply chain sustainability practices. Supply chain transparency (SCT) efforts are intended to signal positive information about the company to consumers but the benefits are often unclear, especially when consumers receive multiple, but mixed signals that include negative events. We draw on signaling theory to explore how consumers develop impressions of a company's products based on different evaluative dimensions: the positive integrity signal of SCT and the negative capability signal of a product recall. The incongruent signal set creates ambiguity for consumers in assessing product quality and subsequent purchase decisions. We develop two scenario‐based experiments to test aspects of interdimensional signal incongruence. Experiment 1 investigates the magnitude of signal incongruity by considering combinations of different levels of SCT and product recall severity. Experiment 2 investigates the temporal effect of the incongruent signals, considering the restorative effect of SCT after a product recall signal has been received. While product recall signals are salient for consumers in shaping perceptions of product quality and purchase intentions across both experiments, we demonstrate the strategic value of SCT as a positive integrity signal to consumers.

Strategic Direction of Information Technology on Sustainable Supply Chain Practices: Exploratory Case Study on Fashion Industry in Malaysia

A growing body of research emphasises sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) in contrary with limited studies exploring role of information technology (IT) in sustainable supply chain activities. Moreover, little is known on SSCM implementation in niche industries like fashion/textile-apparel industry. As most studies concentrated on investigating IT impact on business performance and profitability in supply chain, integrating sustainable practice with IT is still scarce. The aim of this study is to identify current SSCM practices with the focus on IT role in supporting SSCM in fashion industry. For that purpose, this study applies the sustainable key practices framework discussed in the literature of SSCM and adopted previous study framework that differentiates four IT roles for sustainability. Using the proposed frameworks, interviews were conducted with five fashion practitioners that are currently engaged with SSCM practices. The findings from this study highlight the existence of SSCM practices in fashion industry. Finally, this finding enhances the current understanding of how IT can support SSCM practices and helps future research in exploring the IT implementation, challenges and benefit towards SSCM.

Building sustainable and resilient supply chains: a framework and empirical evidence on trade-offs and synergies in implementation of practices

Implementing practices aiming at both sustainable and resilient supply chains is a nascent but still poorly addressed research area. This study aims at exploring how to develop sustainable and resilient supply chain practices, advancing knowledge on synergies and trade-offs that can be expected. Empirical evidence from six firms has been collected by means of semi-structured interviews. The preliminary results obtained show that sustainability practices are more explicitly implemented by firms, while resilience practices are sometimes neglected. Various degrees of synergies and trade-offs are highlighted: besides being the most widely implemented practices, green logistics, certifications, and eco-design practices can be considered both sustainable and resilient. The implications of this study may be important to expand knowledge on what is regarded as both sustainable and resilient, and it supports organizations throughout their supply chains in the implementation of practices.

How blockchain technology can be a sustainable infrastructure for the agrifood supply chain in developing countries

PurposeThis study aims to formulate a conceptual sustainable framework for developing a trusted, reliable, scalable, transparent, traceable and sustainable agri-food supply chain in a developing country so that it minimizes wastage and increases the efficiency levels of agri-produce and its usage.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a rigorous review of extant literature, case studies and the interview method for theory building, using blockchain technology (BT) as a subject. Further, the study builds a framework to relate blockchain solutions to the challenges faced by the agri-supply chain. Notably, the use of BT in the agri-food supply chain is a relatively new area of study.FindingsLimitations of using BT 3.0 in a diverse supply chain like the food sector, especially in a developing country such as India, may be overcome by adopting BT 4.0 and could change the country’s face by controlling inefficiencies and ensuring transparency, helping in good governance, improving the humanitarian supply chain and integrating the bottom of the pyramid to the main economy. Based on the findings, this study proposes BT 4.0 for the agri-supply chain in India to deal with the current issues of demand-supply gap, wastages of agri-produce, unequal distribution of profit among agriproduct producers and logistics suppliers and ensuring sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsResults in this study have been derived from a specific demographic condition in India. Future research with other demographic conditions may be replicated. BT is a new technology product, and its effectiveness is yet to be established.Practical implicationsThe outcome of this study provides the application of BT 4.0 in the area of the agri-food supply chain. The BT 4.0 framework has been developed on studying a few cases that either implemented BT or were in the testing phase. The benefits of the agri-food supply chain vis-à-vis its overall social well-being may be achieved on the successful implementation of the framework, despite existing complexities in the food supply chain. Further research on this subject may help the other dimensions of the complexity of adopting BT 4.0. Both practitioners and policymakers from developing countries can, therefore, use the findings of this study to analyze BT 4.0 and address the concerns of the agri-food supply chain.Originality/valueThis research paper has proposed a conceptual framework of BT 4.0, which is a completely new technology. It is fairly transparent, and therefore sustainable supply chain practices may be achieved easily.

Applying a thematic analysis in identifying the role of circular economy in sustainable supply chain practices

Applying a thematic analysis in identifying the role of circular economy in sustainable supply chain practices

Integrating supply chain management with marketing strategies: Enhancing competitive advantage, customer satisfaction, and sustainability

This thematic literature review explores the dynamic interplay between supply chain management and marketing strategies, highlighting the crucial role of integrating these functions to achieve enhanced marketing outcomes. Drawing on a wide array of sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles, industry reports, and case studies from the last decade, the review identifies key themes such as the importance of strategic integration, leveraging supply chain capabilities for competitive advantage, and the impact of sustainable supply chain practices on marketing success. The findings underscore that a well-coordinated supply chain not only supports but actively enhances marketing efforts, contributing to superior customer service, differentiation in the marketplace, and a robust commitment to sustainability. Despite the potential benefits, challenges related to supply chain disruptions, cost management, and the adoption of sustainable practices pose significant hurdles. The review concludes with the imperative for businesses to continuously adapt and align their supply chain and marketing strategies to meet evolving consumer demands and environmental standards. Future research directions are suggested to further explore innovative supply chain practices and their impact on marketing outcomes.

Practice theories and supply chain sustainability: a systematic literature review and a research agenda

PurposeThis paper presents an investigation into the ways the term “practice” is commonly referenced in supply chain management academic papers. Scholars have not yet developed a common understanding of the meaning and do not use practice theories when examining practices related to sustainability management in supply chains. Hence, the authors highlight theoretical gaps and make recommendations for future research.Design/methodology/approachGrounded in a systematic literature review of 232 peer-reviewed papers published in operations and supply chain management journals, a qualitative content analysis was conducted using both a deductive and an inductive approach.FindingsResults show that supply chain sustainability (SCS) scholars seem barely interested in increasing the understanding of the term “practice,” widely used in the literature to refer to a practical context. Moreover, a clear distinction between being practical and using practice theories to study SCS practices is needed. A descriptive and critical analysis revealed eight key supply chain practices connected to sustainability, with a clear reflection on their meaning. As awareness of practice theories for research on SCS is limited, few recommendations for researchers and practitioners were identified.Originality/valueUnlike prior literature reviews, the authors reinforce the need to increase the maturity of the SCS field by going beyond superficial theoretical building. Practice theories pathways are provided to enlighten scholars on how to avoid using the term “practice” as taken-for-granted and on how to deal with SCS research and practice.

Novel taxonomy of sustainability soft and hard practices in the food supply chain

The evidence on food supply chain sustainability practices (FSCS practices) is varied, fragmented and unstandardised. There is still no consensus about the meaning, components, empirical manifestations and impacts of FSCS practices. This paper uncovers/validates a new taxonomy of FSCS practices from a soft/hard management perspective. The procedure combines the general protocol of a systematic review with a taxonomic analysis based on critical incidents and agreement between judges. This study extracts 525 statements of sustainable practices from the literature. These are grouped into two hard/soft typologies, four dimensions, and 30 subdimensions. The taxonomy included both a mandatory core (‘operational management') and support functions of management and relational/cooperative social/environmental routines intra/inter-actors. The taxonomy enables to classify/describe/disseminate data/information/knowledge about the FSCS practices, and to plan/design initiatives favouring the practice/education of sustainability in food supply chains. This paper complements the traditional viewpoint in understanding supply chain management, using a more holistic perspective for managers.

Applying blockchain technology to ensure compliance with sustainability standards in the PPE multi-tier supply chain

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, urgent surging demand for healthcare products such as personal protective equipment (PPE) has caused significant challenges for multi-tier supply chain management. Although a given firm may predominantly focus on an arms-length solution by targeting the first-tier supplier, the firm can still struggle with extended multi-tier suppliers it cannot choose which use unsustainable practices. One key goal is compliance across various dimensions with production, environmental and labour standards across the multi-tier supply chain, a goal that blockchain technology can be applied to manage. Based on a comprehensive literature review, this research develops a system architecture of blockchain-based multi-tier sustainable supply chain management in the PPE industry designed to identify and coordinate standards in production and social and environmental sustainability in multi-tier PPE supply chains. The architecture was validated by theoretical basis, expert opinions and technical solutions. We conclude with managerial implications for implementing blockchain technology to advance sustainable multi-tier supply chain practices.

EXPLORING RELATIONSHIP POWER IN SUPPLY CHAIN SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES: A CASE STUDY OF A SOUTH AFRICAN HOSPITAL GROUP

Buyers and suppliers of healthcare products and services are more dependent on each other than ever before for the provision of scarce and unique resources, which highlights the need to implement supply chain sustainability practices. Firms controlling these resources hold excessive power over others. This study adopted resource dependence theory as a theoretical lens to explore the role of relationship power in supply chain sustainability practices between a South African private healthcare provider and its suppliers. The study employed a generic qualitative single-case study design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 12 participants at various levels of the case organisation’s hierarchy. The main findings revealed several types of environmental and social practice used in the supply chain of the private healthcare provider. Some of the environmental practices were effective waste management and recycling, while the social practices included supplier selection and periodic reviews. The healthcare provider exercised extensive power over its suppliers to implement these practices. By exploring the advantages and disadvantages of sustainability practices, the findings showed that relationship power acted as a driver of supply chain sustainability. Mutual commitment, continuous communication, and training support these practices. Healthcare managers must be aware of the importance of relationship power for supply chain sustainability practices implementation, and are advised to invest time and effort in building buyer—supplier relationships to aid sustainability. This study expands the literature on relationship power in supply chain sustainability practices in an underexplored developing country healthcare context. Keywords Sustainability; supply chain relationships; power; private hospital; single case-study

The Impact of Sustainable Upstream Supply Chain Practices on Financial Performance: Lessons from Moroccan industrial companies

The relationship between sustainable supply chain management practices and companies’ performances has been the subject of many research studies in the past few years. Some authors showed that sustainable supply chain management doesn’t contribute to the financial performance, while others found the opposite. This research paper is fully in line with this debate and aims to investigate the relationship between the financial performance and the supply chain’s sustainability of Moroccan industrial companies listed on the stock exchange and belonging to three different sectors. A statistical analysis was carried out using the database of Vigeo Eiris, an international environmental, social and corporate governance research and rating agency founded in 2002, and companies’ annual reports. Results show that sustainable relationships with partners in the upstream supply chain impact the financial performance of companies in different ways, depending on the characteristics of each sector. The findings of this research have financial, ecological and social implications as they can help companies understand the importance of having an efficient supply chain while being environmentally and socially responsible.

Incorporating supply chain sustainability practices through end customer engagement

ABSTRACT This paper investigates how a multinational cosmetics company engages end customers with sustainability practices in the supply chain (SC). Using a case study, data were collected from different downstream SC members and examined by an inductive content analysis. The results show managerial activities transformed into a bundle of sustainability practices to identify how to translate changes developed from upstream to downstream SC (i.e. to engage end customers in the SC). This bundle includes cognitive (informing and training), emotional (involving, respecting, and protecting) and behavioural (changing mindset) practices. For instance, through advertising, the company informs (i.e. a cognitive element) end customers regarding its focus on local sourcing by showing both the raw material used and the supplier selection, and consequently, awakens a new market behaviour. Beyond mapping current end customer engagement practices, this study contributes to scholars and practitioners with a multidimensional approach to increase stakeholder engagement in SC sustainability practice.