The role of orientation towards sustainability in supply chains

2019 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Minelle E. Silva ◽  
Ana Paula Ferreira Alves ◽  
Patricia Dias ◽  
Luis Felipe Machado Nascimento
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Corporate Strategy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chains ◽  
Strategic Orientations ◽  
Market Driving ◽  
Market Driven ◽  
Cross Case Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse how a company’s orientation enables sustainable practices in its supply chains. Specifically, it focusses on how the strategic orientation of a company may stimulate new behaviours in supply chains. Design/methodology/approach Two in-depth qualitative case studies were conducted. Each company’s orientation to sustainable supply chains was studied using cross-case analysis. Findings The organisations in this study have a market-driving (i.e. proactive) orientation instead of market-driven (i.e. responsive) behaviour. Using analysis from the process of change for sustainability and explaining some challenges faced by both organisations, findings indicate that a corporate strategy of sustainability modified the companies’ management processes, even for the company that changed its orientation during the time (i.e. sustainability was not the main strategy at first). Practical examples of actions are provided to illustrate the study’s conclusion that a corporate orientation towards sustainability is an enabling factor in developing sustainable supply chain management (SCM). Research limitations/implications Strategic management plays an important role in a company’s orientation towards sustainability – internally and throughout its supply chains. Based on the findings, future research should measure the effect of a company’s orientation on sustainable SCM. Practical implications This study contributes to the understanding of companies’ strategic orientations and explores ways to introduce sustainability into supply chains. Originality/value The paper examines an underexplored debate regarding to how strategic orientations are related to sustainable SCM, focussing on both market-driving (i.e. proactive) and market-driven (i.e. responsive) orientations.

scholarly journals Multi-stakeholder initiatives in sustainable supply chains: Putting sustainability performance in context

Elem Sci Anth ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cory Searcy
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chains ◽  
Economic Thresholds ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Enforcement Mechanisms ◽  
Multi Stakeholder

The purpose of this article is to explore the role of multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) in sustainable supply chains. I argue that MSIs are needed to help establish and institutionalize the natural and social thresholds in which a sustainable supply chain must operate. While a multitude of MSIs relevant to supply chains already exist, they do not yet adequately address sustainability thresholds. Building on theory and literature, I elaborate on four interrelated roles for MSIs in this area: (1) providing learning platforms, (2) developing standards, (3) developing enforcement mechanisms, and (4) issuing labels and certifications. All four roles emphasize the need for supply chains to operate within the thresholds set by nature and society. Staying within thresholds is what distinguishes between sustainable and unsustainable supply chains. The four roles form part of a broader conceptual framework outlining a way forward for MSIs in sustainable supply chains. Different MSIs could address one or more of these roles. I argue that all MSIs must be developed with special attention to their input and output legitimacy. Stakeholders from both within and beyond the supply chain must be involved in developing and implementing a MSI for it to be viewed as legitimate. I note that the conceptual framework presented here is a starting point. It would benefit from further testing and refinement. For example, future work could add further specificity to the four roles I discuss. Future research could also focus on integrating economic thresholds for sustainable supply chains into the framework.

Framing sustainability performance of supply chains with multidimensional indicators

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 242-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Varsei ◽  
Claudine Soosay ◽  
Behnam Fahimnia ◽  
Joseph Sarkis
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Social Performance ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain Management ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chains ◽  
Trade Offs

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a framework which can assist focal companies in the development of sustainable supply chains. Sustainable development from an industrial perspective has extended beyond organisational boundaries to incorporate a supply chain approach. Design/methodology/approach – The literature related to sustainable supply chain management is reviewed by incorporating concepts from four organisational theories, including the resource-based, institutional, stakeholder and social network perspectives, to illustrate key drivers and enablers of sustainability initiatives in the supply chain. A conceptual multidimensional framework is then developed that can be used for the initial assessment of supply chain sustainability. Findings – Development and assessment of sustainability in supply chains are being increasingly incorporated as part of supply chain management today. This paper presents a multidimensional framework which can serve as a tool for research scholars and supply chain practitioners in identifying and assessing various economic, environmental and social performance indicators. Research limitations/implications – The framework and approach presented are conceptual, and require additional and broader validation. Additional theories, at differing levels, such as individual behaviour theory, should be utilised to further enhance and evaluate the framework. Developing and integrating analytical models for prescriptive and practical supply chain solutions can enhance the applicability of the framework. Practical implications – The framework adopts a multidimensional approach to assessing and designing sustainable supply chains, as it not only incorporates economic and environmental dimensions but also provides a practical approach to quantifying and embedding the social dimension into decision-making. The framework helps industry practitioners in initial exploration of trade-offs among economic, environmental and social performance of supply chains, which, in turn, could assist them in creating a business case for sustainability. Originality/value – The paper is one of few studies that incorporates some of the key aspects of all three dimensions of sustainability in a single overarching framework for supply chains and offers significant theoretical contribution and implications for sustainable supply chain management.

scholarly journals Collaboration quality assessment for sustainable supply chains: benchmarking

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1469-1498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wike Agustin Prima Dania ◽  
Ke Xing ◽  
Yousef Amer
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chains ◽  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Quality Function Deployment ◽  
Efficiency Score ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chains ◽  
Network Process ◽  
Collaboration Quality

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose an instrument to evaluate the collaboration quality of sustainable supply chains by considering collaboration behaviour and sustainability factors. Design/methodology/approach The proposed model integrates Quality Function Deployment (QFD), Fuzzy Analytical Network Process (FANP) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to assess the efficiency score of each stakeholder involved. A case of a sugar company in Indonesia was analysed as the illustration of the application of the model. Findings The integrated QFD-FANP-DEA method enables to incorporate collaboration behaviour and sustainability factors in a single assessment model. The results of the case study showed the benchmarking results associated with the performance variance of stakeholders and the number of samples. Research limitations/implications Future research could consider other DEA approaches, extend the research by simulating a different number of scenarios and evaluating the improvement/deterioration, and expand the scope of collaboration. Practical implications Each stakeholder will be able to obtain the collaboration assessment results, and the improvements suggested by the model. Social implications Smallholders and farmers will be able to increase their benefits by using the existing resources. Originality/value This paper provides a methodological contribution by introducing new collaboration quality assessment methods that can accommodate any variance in multi-stakeholders, involve qualitative and quantitative measurements, and benefit all stakeholders.

Shortage of sustainable supply chain talent: an industrial training framework

2015 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rameshwar Dubey ◽  
Angappa Gunasekaran
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Operations Management ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chains ◽  
Trade Magazines

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify sustainable supply chain skill and propose a conceptual training framework for sustainable supply chain talent. Design/methodology/approach – The authors have used exhaustive literature review of extant literature published in academic journals, reputable reports, trade magazines, books and monographs. The authors further consulted leading experts from reputable bodies to further finalize the sustainable supply chain skills matrix and check the content validity of the constructs of our proposed conceptual framework. Findings – The sustainable supply chain skill matrix has been identified and a conceptual framework has been proposed. The authors further outlined the future research directions. Research limitations/implications – This is a conceptual paper based on the literature review and analysis. This offers opportunities for empirical research. Practical implications – This paper will alert companies to focus on developing talents that would help to achieve sustainable supply chain. Social implications – Better talents lead to better support for sustainable supply chains. Originality/value – The present study is unique in terms of scope and its contribution to theory of supply chain management and operations management and human resource management practice. The study has identified the sustainable supply chain skill matrix and proposed a conceptual training framework for sustainable supply chain talent.

Towards a theory of multi-tier sustainable supply chains: a systematic literature review

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (5/6) ◽  
pp. 643-663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elcio M. Tachizawa ◽  
Chee Yew Wong
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Resources ◽  
Research Propositions ◽  
Comprehensive Framework

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive framework that synthesizes approaches and contingency variables to manage the sustainability of multi-tier supply chains and sub-suppliers. Design/methodology/approach – Using a systematic literature review, the authors analyse 39 studies and relevant theories to develop a comprehensive framework that integrates research efforts so far. Findings – The authors build a conceptual framework that incorporates four approaches to manage the sustainability of multi-tier supply chains. They also identify several contingency variables (e.g. power, dependency, distance, industry, knowledge resources) and their effect on the proposed approaches. Research limitations/implications – Based on the framework, six research propositions that advance the theories on multi-tier supply chain management, allow lead firms to develop comprehensive sustainable supply chain strategies and set the ground for future research in the area were developed. Originality/value – This study provides a novel framework for studying sustainability in multi-tier supply chains that goes beyond the single-tier perspective and incorporates the extended supply chain.

The hiearchical resource nature of green logistics competency

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank G. Adams ◽  
Colin B. Gabler ◽  
V. Myles Landers
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Current Theory ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
Green Logistics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chains ◽  
Competitive Capabilities ◽  
Green Practices ◽  
Conceptual Study

Purpose This paper aims to examine the common roots of both logistics and sustainability phenomena in supply chains to derive a new potential construct, green logistics competency. Design/methodology/approach Theoretical synthesis and conceptualization of new construct. Findings Based on Madhavaram and Hunt’s (2008) resource hierarchy concept, the key to successfully competing with a sustainable supply chain may lie in whether the resources enabling both sustainability and effective supply chains are interdependent, as opposed to merely co-existent. Research limitations/implications Most current theory regarding sustainable supply chains regards environmentally-friendly factors as resources that are additively bundled with supply chain resources. To determine if competitive performance differentials exist between truly green supply chains, and supply chains that merely adopt green practices, measurement must account for both the interdependence of green and supply chain resources, and their common cultural antecedents. Practical implications The study indicates that it is not sufficient for firms to have expertise in both sustainability and in supply chain practices; managers in each of those areas must develop the cultural antecedents of both supply chain and sustainability excellence if firms are to achieve meaningful competitive capabilities through sustainable supply chains. Originality/value This conceptual study addresses a paucity of theory describing how and why organizations build a genuinely green supply chain, as opposed to simply adapting supply chains to green practices.

The dark side of sustainable dairy supply chains

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (12) ◽  
pp. 1801-1827
Author(s):  
Jane Glover
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chains

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the dark side of supermarket-driven sustainable dairy supply chains. This paper raises questions about the unintended consequences of implementing sustainable supply chain management in the dairy food supply chain. It critically questions whether unintended consequences were actually, anticipated, as the course of action taken by retailers reinforces the dominant profitability discourse.Design/methodology/approachThrough a critical management studies approach, this paper challenges the dominant discourse to shed light on the social consequences of the win-win sustainable supply chain management in the dairy food supply chain. The focus of this paper is on the experiences of farmers, taking their viewpoint of sustainable supply chains rather than taking the perspective of the multinationals who have traditionally been the focus of supply chain management research (e.g. McCarthy et al., 2018; Quarshie et al., 2016).FindingsThe study illuminates how retailers have bolstered their dominant position through using sustainable supply chains to exert further control over their suppliers. The management of sustainable supply chains has been a further catalyst in economically and socially dividing rural communities and creating tensions between dairy farmers.Originality/valueThis paper uses an ethnographic study to provide in-depth stories of the changes that took place within one farming community. It exposes the hidden ways in which the introduction of a sustainable dairy supply chain has created social and economic division, further reducing the collective power of dairy farmers through creating a dual supply chain.

scholarly journals Blockchain technology: implications for operations and supply chain management

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 469-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosanna Cole ◽  
Mark Stevenson ◽  
James Aitken
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
Inventory Management ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
New Research

PurposeThis paper aims to encourage the study of blockchain technology from an operations and supply chain management (OSCM) perspective, identifying potential areas of application, and to provide an agenda for future research.Design/methodology/approachAn explanation and analysis of blockchain technology is provided to identify implications for the field of OSCM.FindingsThe hype around the opportunities that digital ledger technologies offer is high. For OSCM, a myriad of ways in which blockchain could transform practice are identified, including enhancing product safety and security; improving quality management; reducing illegal counterfeiting; improving sustainable supply chain management; advancing inventory management and replenishment; reducing the need for intermediaries; impacting new product design and development; and reducing the cost of supply chain transactions. The immature state of practice and research surrounding blockchain means there is an opportunity for OSCM researchers to study the technology in its early stages and shape its adoption.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper provides a platform for new research that addresses gaps in knowledge and advances the field of OSCM. A research agenda is developed around six key themes.Practical implicationsThere are many opportunities for organisations to obtain an advantage by making use of blockchain technology ahead of the competition, enabling them to enhance their market position. But it is important that managers examine the characteristics of their products, services and supply chains to determine whether they need or would benefit sufficiently from the adoption of blockchain. Moreover, it is important that organisations build human capital expertise that allows them to develop, implement and exploit applications of this technology to maximum reward.Originality/valueThis is one of the first papers in a leading international OSCM journal to analyse blockchain technology, thereby complementing a recent article on digital supply chains that omitted blockchain.

Sustainable supply chain management: continuing evolution and future directions

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 122-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig R. Carter ◽  
Marc R. Hatton ◽  
Chao Wu ◽  
Xiangjing Chen
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
Unit Of Analysis ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Empirical Validity ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain Management

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to update the work of Carter and Easton (2011), by conducting a systematic review of the sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) literature in the primary logistics and supply chain management journals, during the 2010–2018 timeframe. Design/methodology/approach The authors use a systematic literature review (SLR) methodology which follows the methodology employed by Carter and Easton (2011). An evaluation of this methodology, using the Modified AMSTAR criteria, demonstrates a high level of empirical validity. Findings The field of SSCM continues to evolve with changes in substantive focus, theoretical lenses, unit of analysis, methodology and type of analysis. However, there are still abundant future research opportunities, including investigating under-researched topics such as diversity and human rights/working conditions, employing the group as the unit of analysis and better addressing empirical validity and social desirability bias. Research limitations/implications The findings result in prescriptions and a broad agenda to guide future research in the SSCM arena. The final section of the paper provides additional avenues for future research surrounding theory development and decision making. Originality/value This SLR provides a rigorous, methodologically valid review of the continuing evolution of empirical SSCM research over a 28-year time period.

Toward sustainable supply chain orientation (SSCO): mapping managerial perspectives

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 536-564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Signori ◽  
Daniel John Flint ◽  
Susan Golicic
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Wine Industry ◽  
Inductive Method ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Sustainable Supply Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chain Orientation ◽  
Business Executive ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Supply Chain Orientation

Purpose – The purpose this paper is to profile individual-level perspectives on sustainability and supply chain partnering, introduces the concept of sustainable supply chain orientation (SSCO), and suggests pathways between executive profiles toward SSCO. Design/methodology/approach – The research relies on inductive, theory-building grounded theory and phenomenological data collection and interpretations in the wine industry. In-depth interviews were conducted over five years with 112 senior managers from 88 organizations in the global wine industry representing nine wine regions in four countries. Findings – Ten profiles were developed depicting executives’ perspectives on embracing sustainability, the extent to which motivations for various forms of sustainability and partnering compete, and being self-or supply chain partner focussed. A SSCO depicts a leader who embraces sustainability, sees alignment in motivations and is supply chain partner focussed. Research limitations/implications – The paper contributes to the sustainable supply chain management and general business orientation discourses by introducing the concept of SSCO and profiling executives’ perspectives that may help to define pathways toward SSCO. It may be limited by its inductive method and the industry context. Limitations suggest future research in discovering additional profiles and pathways as well as validating them. Practical implications – Findings reveal the importance of understanding what sustainability means to business executives of firms in hyper-competitive markets with global supply chains. Managers will recognize that there are many possible routes toward SSCO, each one revealing potentially unique differentiation opportunities while also providing clues to competitors’ strategies. Originality/value – This work introduces the concept of SSCO and contributes a classification scheme consisting of detailed business executive profile descriptions and specific pathways toward SSCO followed by those executives.

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