The role of green logistics management practices, supply chain traceability and logistics ecocentricity in sustainability performance. Purpose-The priority giving to green practices in today's competitive market has made green logistics... more
The role of green logistics management practices, supply chain traceability and logistics ecocentricity in sustainability performance. Purpose-The priority giving to green practices in today's competitive market has made green logistics management practices (GLMPS) a significant driver of organizational performance. This study explores the influence of green logistics management practices, logistics ecocentricity and supply chain traceability on sustainability performance. Methodology-The study uses structured questionnaires to gather data from 274 managers of manufacturing firms in Ghana. The partial least square structural equation modelling approach is used to analyze the data to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings-The results obtained from the analysis indicate that green logistics management practices positively influence social sustainability and environmental sustainability. However, green logistics management practices negatively influence business performance. The results further reveal that logistics ecocentricity and supply chain traceability augment green logistics management practices to achieve a significant improvement in both business performance and environmental sustainability through the mediation effect approach. Originality-The study proposes a conceptual framework that tests the combined effect of green logistics management practices, logistics ecocentricity, and supply chain traceability on environmental sustainability, social sustainability and business performance from the Ghanaian perspective.
This study principally aimedat examininghow reverse logistics influences firm performance, with competitive advantage playing an intervening (mediating) role. The study carefully selected 187 logistics, procurement and production managers... more
This study principally aimedat examininghow reverse logistics influences firm performance, with competitive advantage playing an intervening (mediating) role. The study carefully selected 187 logistics, procurement and production managers via stratified sampling from Ghanaian bottled and sachet manufacturing firms. Questionnaire was the main data collection instrument for the study. The study tested all hypotheses using PLS-SEM via SMART PLS 3 software. The findings of the study showed that reverse logistics positively and significantlyinfluences competitive advantage and firm performance. The findings further disclosed that competitive advantage positively and significantlyinfluencesfirm performance. Moreover, the findings showed that competitive advantage plays a significant intervening (mediating) role between reverse logistics and firm performance. The study findings serve as an insight for managers to holistically consider and integrate reverse logistics into their supply chain so as to enjoy competitive advantage and improve their performance.
This study provides evidence of connections between sustainability policy goals included in public
procurement tenders and offers and their achievement through contract award.
Academics believe that work integrated learning (WIL) is no longer essential and that it takes up a lot of teaching and learning time. They also believe that teaching time should be extended and that students would seek employment on... more
Academics believe that work integrated learning (WIL) is no longer essential and that it takes up a lot of teaching and learning time. They also believe that teaching time should be extended and that students would seek employment on their own upon completion of their diplomas and degrees. However, we are of the opinion that WIL is vital to the growth and career development of students. We determined the 'students-employer' perceptions on the benefits, expectations and experiences of WIL in higher education. Data that were collected through questionnaires were analysed with the use of statistical tools. We then obtained trends from the findings. We discovered that WIL is beneficial in bridging a gap between the classroom and the industry. Exchange lecturers and guest lecturers from the industry may be a plausible way to supplement WIL. Lecturers need to keep abreast of industry expectations and acclimatise their curriculum as some theories maybe obsolete and detached from practice.
The study primarily aimed at assessing the perceived stakeholder influence on reverse logistics (RL) adoption and further examined how the adoption of RL influences supply chain performance, with a focus in the Ghanaian manufacturing... more
The study primarily aimed at assessing the perceived stakeholder influence on reverse logistics (RL) adoption and further examined how the adoption of RL influences supply chain performance, with a focus in the Ghanaian manufacturing sector. A total of 193 operation managers, logistics managers and production managers were carefully selected via stratified sampling technique for the study. A structured questionnaire was used for the primary data collection instrument. Formulated hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares structural equation modelling. The findings revealed that all the stakeholder variables (top management support, corporate citizenship pressure and customer pressure), except for environmental regulations, have a strong influence on RL adoption. Furthermore, supply chain performance is enhanced through RL. The results provide strategic insight for managers to willingly support RL and design effective product return policies that meet both customers and society's 'greening' expectation to enhance their supply chains. Governments and other environmental regulatory bodies should also design national waste management policies aimed at mounting pressure on manufacturing firms to comply and adopt RL into their operations.
The vast majority of research and practice regarding sustainable supply chains has followed an instrumental logic, which has led firms and supply chain managers to place economic interests ahead of environmental and social interests.... more
The vast majority of research and practice regarding sustainable supply chains has followed an instrumental logic, which has led firms and supply chain managers to place economic interests ahead of environmental and social interests. Evidence that firms are attempting to become less unsustainable is mounting, but compensating practices such as offsetting a supply chain’s negative impact on the environment and society do not create truly sustainable supply chains. This conceptual paper seeks to move the field from the question of how can firms merely diminish environmental or social problems to how supply chains can become truly sustainable. To that end, we review the major weaknesses in previous logics and develop an Ecologically Dominant logic where environment and social interests supersede economic interests. To encourage a wider adoption of our perspective, the paper illustrates how the Ecologically Dominant logic can advance practice and research. We do this by providing examples drawn from practice and our previous research and by offering propositions to encourage future research.
Key trends in the apparel industry are significantly impacting the apparel supply chain by modifying its configuration and by intensifying the competitive pressure. Global sourcing strategies, product proliferation, together with product... more
Key trends in the apparel industry are significantly impacting the apparel supply chain by modifying its configuration and by intensifying the competitive pressure. Global sourcing strategies, product proliferation, together with product life-cycle-speed, are the emerging competitive drivers but at the same time can have a negative impact by the sustainability perspective. Technology innovation plays a key role in breaking the above trade-off. Many technology options are available to entrepreneurs intended to improve their company's efficiency and sustainability. An interesting supporting framework for apparel supply chains management and integration, the extended smart sustainable organisation (xSSO), is presented and discussed. It is based on the research work developed within the Leapfrog European research project and it is suggested to become the new networking oriented, integrative framework for the organisation of flexible and sustainable apparel manufacturing of the future.
Purpose: To determine the state-of-the-art in Socially Responsible Sourcing (SRS) research, leading to an agenda for further work; and, to evaluate the use of theory in this context. SRS is defined as the upstream social issues within... more
Purpose: To determine the state-of-the-art in Socially Responsible Sourcing (SRS) research, leading to an agenda for further work; and, to evaluate the use of theory in this context. SRS is defined as the upstream social issues within the sustainability literature, where social issues include human rights, community development and ethical issues but exclude environmental concerns.
Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review of 157 papers that include SRS published in ABS listed journals. The papers have been analysed according to their research content, with a particular focus on the use of pre-existing theories.
Findings: Key findings for researchers and managers alike include an analytical discussion of strategies developed to date to embed SRS in an organisation; and key research gaps include a particular need to consider the supplier perspective in developing countries. In terms of the use of theory, a typology is proposed, which (in ascending order of effectiveness) is as follows: theory dressing, theory matching, theory suggesting/explaining and theory expansion.
Research limitations/implications: The review is limited to papers published in the ABS list; and the analysis of the use of theory is limited to the SRS literature. The findings suggest that insightful papers can be written without any use of theory but that as a field develops, a greater depth of application of theory is needed to aid understanding.
Originality/value: This is the only review that focuses exclusively on SRS, excluding environmental issues, thus allowing for a greater depth of discussion on social issues; and is unique in its detailed critical analysis of the use of theory.
The high bandwidth and low latency features of 5G network are perceived to offer a unified platform for multiple device connectivity in real time. Despite the promising benefits of disruptive 5G wireless technology, literature on... more
The high bandwidth and low latency features of 5G network are perceived to offer a unified platform for multiple device connectivity in real time. Despite the promising benefits of disruptive 5G wireless technology, literature on 5G-enabled supply chain management is scarce. The paper, therefore, explores the role of 5G and its impact on supply chain management through a systematic literature review. Various aspects of 5G technologies in an environment of Industry 4.0, Supply Chain 4.0 and supply chain processes are discussed. Bibliometric results reveal that 5G-enabled supply chain management is a very recent topic and published in a very limited way. We find that most studies have focussed on technical features of emerging 5G and its impact being conceptualised on Industry 4.0 and Supply Chain 4.0. Areas of future supply chain management research that can support 5G are discussed. ARTICLE HISTORY
L'approvisionnement est une fonction stratégique dans toute entreprise produisant des biens et opérant mondialement. Pour celles qui désirent épouser les tenants et aboutissants du développement durable et de la responsabilité sociale,... more
L'approvisionnement est une fonction stratégique dans toute entreprise produisant des biens et opérant mondialement. Pour celles qui désirent épouser les tenants et aboutissants du développement durable et de la responsabilité sociale, l'approvisionnement responsable est devenu une pratique incontournable. Depuis une dizaine d'années, praticiens et théoriciens estiment que les enjeux sociaux sont des sujets saillants pour l'approvisionnement dit responsable.
Mais qu'en est-il des variables qui influencent l’approvisionnement responsable ? Comment synthétiser les meilleures pratiques de gestion des impacts sociaux sur les chaines d’approvisionnement mondialisées ? C'est dans une optique d'amélioration des conditions socio-économiques des travailleurs ainsi que dans une perspective cycle de vie que nous répondons à ces questions.
Méthodologiquement, nous nous inscrivons dans une approche qualitative de la recherche et nous appuyons sur une revue de littérature raisonnée. À partir des bases de l'approvisionnement responsable que sont les approches, outils, dimensions et cadres RSO, nous expliquons la pratique sous l'égide du modèle d'affaires et de la gouvernance éthique. Nous introduisons deux variables importantes du volet social de l'approvisionnement : la mondialisation et les risques sociaux.
Nous innovons ensuite avec une définition de l'approvisionnement socialement responsable, en nous appuyant sur diverses définitions répertoriées dans la littérature. Après avoir abordé les modèles d'implantation, nous répertorions les vingt meilleures pratiques qui sont, théoriquement, garantes de succès en approvisionnement socialement responsable. Ces pratiques sont suivies d'une discussion sur les enjeux de l'opérationnalisation de l'approvisionnement socialement responsable et une mise en parallèle avec le commerce équitable. Nous concluons avec une brève synthèse des principaux concepts et pratiques.
Estudo sobre os problemas de sobrepesca de frutos do mar, cadeias produtivas mais sustentáveis do pescado e as conexões com o varejo. Preparado para Walmart Brasil em 2009 como parte do programa “Diálogos para a sustentabilidade –... more
Estudo sobre os problemas de sobrepesca de frutos do mar, cadeias produtivas mais sustentáveis do pescado e as conexões com o varejo. Preparado para Walmart Brasil em 2009 como parte do programa “Diálogos para a sustentabilidade – Construindo a cadeia e suprimentos do futuro”. Com 44 páginas, em formato .pdf, tem concepção e criação gráfica da Ruschel & Associados Marketing Ecológico, sendo editor-executivo Rogerio Ruschel e criador e diagramador Rafael Boni Ruschel.
Purpose-We introduce the key concepts, issues and theoretical foundations of this special issue on "The hidden side of sustainable operations and supply chain management (OSCM): Unanticipated outcomes, trade-offs and tensions". We explore... more
Purpose-We introduce the key concepts, issues and theoretical foundations of this special issue on "The hidden side of sustainable operations and supply chain management (OSCM): Unanticipated outcomes, trade-offs and tensions". We explore these issues within this context, and how they may hinder our transition to more sustainable practices.
Design/methodology/approach-Our research is based on a critically analyzed literature review focused on the unanticipated outcomes, trade-offs and tensions of sustainable OSCM, including the articles selected for this special issue.
Findings-We present an overview of unanticipated outcomes, trade-offs, tensions and influencing factors from the literature, and identify how such problems may emerge. Our model addresses these problems by highlighting the crucial effect of the underlying state of knowledge on sustainable OSCM decision-making.
Research limitations/implications-We limited our literature review to journals that ranked 2 and above as defined by the Chartered Association of Business Schools Academic Journal Guide. The main implication for research is a call to focus attention on unanticipated outcomes as a starting point rather than only an afterthought. For practitioners, good intentions such as sustainability initiatives need careful consideration for potential unanticipated outcomes.
Originality/value-The study provides the first critical review of unanticipated outcomes, trade-offs and tensions in the sustainable OSCM discourse. While the literature review (including papers in this special issue) significantly contribute towards describing these issues, it is still unclear how such problems emerge. The model developed in this paper addresses this gap by highlighting the crucial effect of the underlying state of knowledge concerned with sustainable OSCM decision-making.
گسترش کمی حوزه های مختلف علوم بشری یکی از موضوعاتی است که اغلب مورد توجه بوده است. یکی از کارآمدترین شیوه های بررسی برون داد پژوهشی و وضعیت کلی پژوهش، استفاده از مطالعات علم سنجی است. در این مطالعات، اندازه گیری کمی تولیدات علمی تا حدودی... more
گسترش کمی حوزه های مختلف علوم بشری یکی از موضوعاتی است که اغلب مورد توجه بوده است. یکی از کارآمدترین شیوه های بررسی برون داد پژوهشی و وضعیت کلی پژوهش، استفاده از مطالعات علم سنجی است. در این مطالعات، اندازه گیری کمی تولیدات علمی تا حدودی مشخص می کند که فراوانی پژوهش های هر کشور، نهاد، رشته علمی، یا فرد و روند آن چگونه است. بررسی روند پژوهش های انجام شده را از جنبه های مختلف در دوره های مشخص و معینی مقایسه ، تغییرات آنها را ثبت و ضبط کرده، و پس از تحلیل این تغییرات میزان مطلوبیت یا عدم مطلوبیت آنها را تعیین می نماید، و سرانجام از آن برای پیش بینی و جهت دهی برنامه های آتی بهره می گیرد. این مطالعه ضمن مروری کوتاه بر موضوع مدیریت زنجیره تامین پایدار، یک بررسی نسبتا جامع از بیش از 1700 مطالعه منتشر شده در پایگاه علمی اسکوپوس انجام داده و شبکه هم رخدادی نویسندگان را نیز با استفاده از نرم افزارهای Bibexcel و Gephi ، ترسیم نموده است.
Sustainable supply chain management is more than ever an important subject to deal with. With the increase of environmental concerns as global warming, companies have to integrate this aspect into their management and this for a lot of... more
Sustainable supply chain management is more than ever an important subject to deal with. With the increase of environmental concerns as global warming, companies have to integrate this aspect into their management and this for a lot of essential reasons as the following: to keep a good brand image, to reduce operation costs and to agree with lawful measures. In this review we will analyze how the literature has highlighted the concept of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), and what are the strategies outlined to help companies in their approach to sustainable development concerns. We will notice that three factors are central and need to be considered. These are called by the literature "the triple bottom line approach" and entail the economic, environmental and social factors. A focus will be made on this process in order to measure the performances of a company using SSCM as a method of management.
Purpose – In search of new perspectives on sustainable food production, this paper focuses on three fields of literature, namely corporate responsibility (CR), supply chain management (SCM) and strategy. The purpose of this paper is to... more
Purpose
– In search of new perspectives on sustainable food production, this paper focuses on three fields of literature, namely corporate responsibility (CR), supply chain management (SCM) and strategy. The purpose of this paper is to identify the recent theoretical developments and then integrate them in a framework for studying and managing corporations.
Design/methodology/approach
– Conceiving socio‐cultural and economic systems within the ecosystem, this paper call for research in the food sector that takes the planetary boundaries into consideration and places the essential needs of the world's poor onto the research agenda of CR, SCM and strategy.
Findings
– First, a new perspective on CR could be “holistic and beyond responsive”, as it emphasizes the focal actor's role. Second, SCM could be strengthened at its interface with sustainability by the “bottom of the pyramid” view, as it looks for new ways to make business models and operations beneficial for poor communities. And third, in examining the strategies for these two, the strategy‐as‐practice perspective might prove useful, as it is not only limited to organizational practice but also includes the concepts of organizational praxis and practitioners.
Research limitations/implications
– This paper argues that these new perspectives are promising avenues for managing and studying business in the food sector, and thus have implications for both academia and industry.
Originality/value
– The framework provided in the paper combines three important areas of business research for sustainable development, namely CR, SCM and strategy.
Sustainability is fast emerging as a major strategic consideration for business leaders. Organisations are increasingly under scrutiny from a range of stakeholders, including, customers, investors, legislators, governments and pressure... more
Sustainability is fast emerging as a major strategic consideration for business leaders. Organisations are increasingly under scrutiny from a range of stakeholders, including, customers, investors, legislators, governments and pressure groups regarding the impact their operations are having on the wider environment and society. Issues such as global warming, depletion of natural reserves, waste management, emerging producer responsibility legislation, air transport, corporate social responsibility reporting are just a few examples of the complex nature of the area.
Hope you are doing great. We are seeking funds from NGOs/foreign universities to conduct research in the area of supply chain risk management/sustainable supply chain management and disaster operations management/humanitarian logistics in... more
Hope you are doing great. We are seeking funds from NGOs/foreign universities to conduct research in the area of supply chain risk management/sustainable supply chain management and disaster operations management/humanitarian logistics in Bangladesh. These areas are quite new and interesting to many researchers and organizations in Europe and the North America. We look forward to formulating qualitative/quantitative frameworks to manage the risk in supply chains of Bangladeshi industries that are connected globally, as well as the humanitarian supply chains in Bangladesh. Considering the diversified nature of organizational and humanitarian supply chains, several multiple criteria decision-making tools/system dynamics approach/artificial intelligence approach would be included in such research projects.
How a supply chain (SC) is configured can have a significant impact on the performance of global firms. More specifically, disturbance factors (i.e. those factors associated with uncertainty and risk) are increasingly important... more
How a supply chain (SC) is configured can have a significant impact on the performance of global firms. More specifically, disturbance factors (i.e. those factors associated with uncertainty and risk) are increasingly important considerations. This paper focuses on endogenous, exogenous and environment-related SC disturbance factors and their relative importance when configuring global SCs. Three alternative scenarios of SC configurations for European-based pharmaceutical firms are identified-insource nearshore, outsource nearshore and outsource offshore. Through a multi-phase, mixed-method approach we find that the top five disturbance factors managers should be aware of while configuring their SCs are quality defects, unforeseen and random interruptions in manufacturing processes, order processing difficulties, untimely delivery of products, and a mismatch between market demand and supplier responsiveness. This study is able to provide insights into the impact of disturbance factors on the SC configuration strategy for Big Pharmas. We show that SC disturbances influenced the decision to bring production back home (reshoring) or to a closer location (near-shoring). To mitigate the effects of disturbances many Big Pharmas recalibrated their SC configurations by insourcing core products, outsourcing non-core products offshore and developing offshore insourcing capabilities through 'captives'.
In today’s competitive global business environment, where Innovation is considered as a catalyst to achieve long term sustainable growth, innovative suppliers are dammed as main contributors to growth. Scarcity of research on sustainable... more
In today’s competitive global business environment, where Innovation is considered as a catalyst to achieve long term sustainable growth, innovative suppliers are dammed as main contributors to growth. Scarcity of research on sustainable supplier evaluation and selection from the leans f sustainable innovation demand scholars’ attention. Hence, the current study proposes an advance decision framework regarding section of innovative supplier in the cement industry. Methodologically, the current study adds to the SSCM literature, by means of adding Dematel & Fuzzy Dematel methodology among the previously available methods. To deal with this issue, this paper proposes a decision framework to assess sustainable innovative suppliers. To check the usefulness and suitability of the designed method an example in the cement industry has been discussed. In the way of attaining sustainable development, this paper will provide a lot of help to all businessman, industrialists, analysts, scholars in making the decision of how to select the sustainable suppliers and strengthen the sustainability of supply chains through sustainable innovation.
Multinational food processing corporations are facing rapid growth in emerging markets like China and a concurrent need for sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). These firms attempt to address supply risk and threat to the triple... more
Multinational food processing corporations are facing rapid growth in emerging markets like China and a concurrent need for sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). These firms attempt to address supply risk and threat to the triple bottom line through managing suppliers and inputs, and at the same time need to overcome the uncertainty raised by the unfamiliar host environment. An exploratory qualitative case study of two multinational food processing corporations in China finds their SSCM practices are impacted by the nature of the raw material inputs as well as local stakeholder expectations. In particular, government policy and media attention seems to influence the direction and choice of SSCM activities engaged in by the focal firms. Furthermore, the discussion also suggests a possible permanent effect may occur as stakeholder expectations and host country institutions evolve. The implication of this study is that food processors preparing to enter emerging markets should be aware that local stakeholder expectations may affect operations significantly more than previously expected. As such, these firms need to carefully evaluate their operations in the host market and seek balance between SSCM practices and local stakeholder expectations. This study extends existing research on SSCM, exploring practices among the agri-food industry in a developing economy, and points out a theoretical extension to the existing sustainable purchasing portfolio matrix.
Industrial operations could emit harmful pollutants and degrade natural environment, thereby posing a threat to human beings and wildlife (polar bears, panda, penguins, turtles, whales, walrus etc.). Globally manufacturers must ensure... more
Industrial operations could emit harmful pollutants and degrade natural environment, thereby posing a threat to human beings and wildlife (polar bears, panda, penguins, turtles, whales, walrus etc.). Globally manufacturers must ensure that the operations be done as safely and responsibly as possible keeping in line with the three dimensions of triple bottom line. We develop a framework which analyses the various complex relationships involved in a sustainable supply chain with the aid of interpretive structural modeling. The key factors influencing sustainable supply chain were identified based on a thorough literature review and in consultation with rubber industry experts. Further MICMAC analysis was applied to identify the autonomous, linkage, dependent and independent factors.
A escassez de pesquisas em GCSS em países em desenvolvimento (CARVALHO, 2011) foi considerada na gênese desse artigo. Três casos foram investigados via estudo de caso exemplar (MERRIAM, 1998) e descritivo (STABLEIN, 2001), com o objetivo... more
A escassez de pesquisas em GCSS em países em desenvolvimento (CARVALHO, 2011) foi considerada na gênese desse artigo. Três casos foram investigados via estudo de caso exemplar (MERRIAM, 1998) e descritivo (STABLEIN, 2001), com o objetivo de analisar as características da GCSS em empresas da região metropolitana de Fortaleza à luz de modelos da literatura internacional. Analisaram-se, nas dimensões do TBL, as categorias dos modelos de GCSS. Entre os casos estudados foi possível verificar poucas divergências, ligadas a peculiaridades de como realizar sustentabilidade; convergências totais, majoritariamente de um modelo e indicando comportamentos e práticas comuns; e maioria de convergências parciais.
Buying firms are increasingly confronted with compliance scandals in their upstream supply chain, for which they are held accountable by their stakeholders. Purely symbolic practices, typically referred to as greenwashing, as well as... more
Buying firms are increasingly confronted with compliance scandals in their upstream supply chain, for which they are held accountable by their stakeholders. Purely symbolic practices, typically referred to as greenwashing, as well as substantive practices, such as green supplier championing, are thus receiving widespread attention in business practices and academia alike. In this study, we reveal the impact of two opposing leadership dimensions following the concepts of ethical and transactional leadership as antecedents for green supplier championing and greenwashing. We particularly address whether these antecedents have a complementary or a counterproductive effect on green supplier championing and greenwashing. Furthermore, we investigate the complementary impact of incentives and the two leadership styles on achieving sustainability behavior. The resulting model is tested using a path analysis based on a data set of 118 firms located in Germany. We find support for the positive impact of ethical leadership on green supplier championing but also a non-significant negative impact on greenwashing. Greenwashing is significantly impacted by leadership styles reflecting obedience to authority, and further moderated by ethical incentives. Interestingly, ethical incentives do not moderate the impact of ethical leadership on green supplier championing. Finally, we discuss implications for theory and business practice.
O trabalho considerou a escassez de pesquisas em GCSS, principalmente em países em desenvolvimento. Adotou-se como objetivo analisar características da GCSS em empresas de Fortaleza, segundo modelos da literatura internacional. Quatro... more
O trabalho considerou a escassez de pesquisas em GCSS, principalmente em países em desenvolvimento. Adotou-se como objetivo analisar características da GCSS em empresas de Fortaleza, segundo modelos da literatura internacional. Quatro casos foram investigados via estudo de caso interpretativo (MERRIAM, 1998) e gerador de teoria (STABLEIN, 2001). Analisaram-se, nas dimensões do TBL, as categorias dos modelos de GCSS (roteiro de entrevistas). Entre os casos verificaram-se poucas divergências, algumas convergências totais e maioria de convergências parciais. O porte afetou as convergências. Sugeriu-se modelo genérico a partir das categorias dos modelos teóricos.
This paper analyses the adoption of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies by small and medium manufacturers which are involved in supplying relationships with large retailers. The purpose of the paper is to examine CSR drivers... more
This paper analyses the adoption of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies by small and medium manufacturers which are involved in supplying relationships with large retailers. The purpose of the paper is to examine CSR drivers within large retailers’ supply chains. A quantitative empirical research was conducted focusing on the food sector, as a sector in which traceability, supplier’s coordination and control are critical to the supply chain. Data collection was performed through a questionnaire addressed to 89 Italian SME manufacturers to explore the main factors influencing the adoption of CSR and the level of formalization of the related policies. Findings revealed the key role of large retailers for the establishment of a sustainable/ethical supply chain. An attenuation of the hierarchic/conflictual perspective in buyer-seller relationships emerged, with a reduction of margin-compression effects for smaller suppliers as a consequence of power imbalances. A relevant con...
Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and knowledge management's (KM) positive role in improving supply chain development and performance have both attracted attention in recent years, the former arguably stimulated by the triple... more
Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and knowledge management's (KM) positive role in improving supply chain development and performance have both attracted attention in recent years, the former arguably stimulated by the triple bottom line (TBL). Despite the positive development, there is a paucity of theoretical and empirical studies identifying the broad capabilities that affect a firm's ability to simultaneously pursue economic, environmental and social success. We use the natural resource based (NRBV) and knowledge-based (KBV) views to develop a series of propositions linking KM capability to strategic and operational supply chain sustainability and competiveness and test their veracity with practicing managers (n ¼ 275). We offer a systematic analysis of KM's role in the development of SSCM. The findings confirm the credibility of the theoretical propositions and identify how different KM processes specifically facilitate strategic or operational development of SSCs. We provide researchers with a framework to guide future research at the KM/TBL nexus. ARTICLE HISTORY
This paper builds on to the previous work done on sustainable supply chain management and sustainable performance. The aim of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework for examining the relationship between sustainable supply chain... more
This paper builds on to the previous work done on sustainable supply chain management and sustainable performance. The aim of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework for examining the relationship between sustainable supply chain management and healthcare sustainable performance in Malaysia. A total of four dimensions of sustainable supply chain management involved; environment, information and communication technology, culture change and risk management were determined to have significant and positive direct relationship with sustainable performance. Based on the proposed conceptual, research hypothesis is being developed. The proposed research framework is applied to Malaysian healthcare industry which has limited studies.
Studies using the Regulatory-Intermediary-Target (RIT) framework have examined a variety of forms of regulatory capture, including how targets capture intermediaries (TàI) and how intermediaries capture regulators (IàR). Little attention... more
Studies using the Regulatory-Intermediary-Target (RIT) framework have examined a variety of forms of regulatory capture, including how targets capture intermediaries (TàI) and how intermediaries capture regulators (IàR). Little attention has been paid to why and how regulators themselves might engage in capture. Yet such a scenario is likely in transnational gover-nance settings characterized by regulatory competition and conflict, as well as power differentials between different types of private regulators (non-governmental organizations, multinational corporations, and business associations). This paper elucidates why and how a private regulator might capture another private regulator via a regulatory intermediary: R1àIàR2. Drawing on interview and archival data, I examine three industry-driven regulatory intermediaries created to harmonize private labor codes of conduct and ethical audit processes. These are founded and governed by a small group of retail trade associations and global retailers who also fulfill the role of private regulators (R1). My analysis reveals that the creation of these intermediaries is driven by global retailers' reliance on standardization, low transaction costs, and regulatory harmonization across all aspects of their operations. It further reveals how the harmonization platforms are designed to leverage global retailers' market power and evolve from regulatory intermediaries into de facto regulators that supplant existing private regulators (R2), and thereby capture transnational governance of consumer product supply chains. The article concludes by discussing contributions, implications, and avenues for future research.
This research aimed to “identify and critically understand key barriers and opportunities for UK tour operators and their ground handlers to source and sell more sustainable tourism products.” The author conducted a literature review in... more
This research aimed to “identify and critically understand key barriers and opportunities for UK tour operators and their ground handlers to source and sell more sustainable tourism products.” The author conducted a literature review in the fields of: i) organisational culture; ii) (sustainable) supply chain management; iii) supply chain collaboration and iv) B2B sustainable tourism marketing. The author synthesized lessons learned into three action-levels: i) inside your company; ii) between companies and iii) to the market. This frame was used to develop a semi-structured interview tool; and interview 13 staff working in 10 UK tour operators (UK TO), and 15 staff in 10 Ground Agents (GA) in UK destinations. The research identified five key staff roles in UK tourism supply chains (TSC) with decision making authority to source or sell sustainable tourism, and their key decision making criteria. The research also identified obstacles and opportunities to sourcing and selling sustainable tourism products: inside tour operators and between B2B partners. The academic contribution was to elucidate a knowledge gap on the state of Supply Chain Collaboration in UK tourism supply chains.
Multinational food processing corporations are facing rapid growth in emerging markets like China and a concurrent need for sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). These firms attempt to address supply risk and threat to the triple... more
Multinational food processing corporations are facing rapid growth in emerging markets like China and a concurrent need for sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). These firms attempt to address supply risk and threat to the triple bottom line through managing suppliers and inputs, and at the same time need to overcome the uncertainty raised by the unfamiliar host environment. An exploratory qualitative case study of two multinational food processing corporations in China finds their SSCM practices are impacted by the nature of the raw material inputs as well as local stakeholder expectations. In particular, government policy and media attention seems to influence the direction and choice of SSCM activities engaged in by the focal firms. Furthermore, the discussion also suggests a possible permanent effect may occur as stakeholder expectations and host country institutions evolve. The implication of this study is that food processors preparing to enter emerging markets should be...
Most institutions of higher learning complain about poor pass rates and poor throughput rates. A common intervention is the tutorial system. While research has shown the positive impact of this intervention, yet tutorials alone do not... more
Most institutions of higher learning complain about poor pass rates and poor throughput rates. A common intervention is the tutorial system. While research has shown the positive impact of this intervention, yet tutorials alone do not produce the requisite results. This study focused on a university of technology in South Africa in order to determine whether there is a close relationship between attending lectures and tutorials and positive student outcome. A cohort of first year students of Cost and Management Accounting was chosen as the population. Data were collected using class attendance registers, tutorial attendance registers and students' results sheets. The results suggest that lectures are critical to student performance, but more importantly tutorials assisted some students thus supporting the notion that tutorials are a necessary intervention. This research is relevant to teaching and learning as it backs the argument for a structured tutorial program that supports regular classroom engagements.
Social issues are under-represented in sustainability, considering historical predominance of economic and environmental issues. This also applies to Sustainable Supply Chain Management. Even with its definition clarified regarding Triple... more
Social issues are under-represented in sustainability, considering historical predominance of economic and environmental issues. This also applies to Sustainable Supply Chain Management. Even with its definition clarified regarding Triple Bottom Line, research still advances disproportionately in environmental and economic dimensions , facing the social dimension. This research aims to analyze how social sustainability is addressed in focal firms and managed into its supply chain. The study explores the concepts of social issues and governance mechanisms, presenting elements discussed in the literature. A framework for managing social sustainability in supply chains is presented, followed by a case to illustrate the discussed concepts in a Latin American context.
Increasing concern about global sustainability has ushered in a diverse set of regulatory policies that aim to encourage sustainable business practices and outcomes. This chapter sheds light on how these regulatory policies affect... more
Increasing concern about global sustainability has ushered in a diverse set of regulatory policies that aim to encourage sustainable business practices and outcomes. This chapter sheds light on how these regulatory policies affect multiple aspects of companies’ sustainable supply chain practices. It begins by describing sustainable supply chain strategies more generally, focusing especially on firms’ efforts to reduce their environmental harms. It then discusses how different types of regulation are related to firms’ efforts to make their supply chains more sustainable. Three general regulatory policies are considered: (1) command-and-control regulation; (2) market-based policies; and (3) non-regulatory approaches.
The growing importance of supply chain management on a global scale raises questions about it sustainability and measuring of social impact. This need stems both from a desire to determine the benefits and risks for the organization... more
The growing importance of supply chain management on a global scale raises questions about it sustainability and measuring of social impact. This need stems both from a desire to determine the benefits and risks for the organization resulting from the sustainable development paradigm. Organizations strive also for tools, that help them to access their social and environmental impact. Decisions made in this field depend, however, on the people, the scope of their duties, their norms, values and beliefs. This article focuses on the role the remuneration system has for sustaining supply chains. The analysis shows that discrepancies between incentive schemes used by chain members hinder the partnership oriented on sustaining supply chain networks. Recommendations for the practice are discussed.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the state-of-the-art in socially responsible sourcing (SRS) research, leading to an agenda for further work; and to evaluate the use of theory in this context. SRS is defined as the... more
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the state-of-the-art in socially responsible sourcing (SRS) research, leading to an agenda for further work; and to evaluate the use of theory in this context. SRS is defined as the upstream social issues within the sustainability literature, where social issues include human rights, community development and ethical issues but exclude environmental concerns. Design/methodology/approach – A systematic literature review of 157 papers that include SRS published in ABS listed journals. The papers have been analysed according to their research content, with a particular focus on the use of pre-existing theories. Findings – Key findings for researchers and managers alike include an analytical discussion of strategies developed to date to embed SRS in an organisation; and key research gaps include a particular need to consider the supplier perspective in developing countries. In terms of the use of theory, a typology is proposed, which (...
This study proposes a fuzzy-based VIKOR (VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) framework for evaluating barriers to implementing green supply chain management (GSCM) in the context of an emerging economy. The methodology... more
This study proposes a fuzzy-based VIKOR (VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) framework for evaluating barriers to implementing green supply chain management (GSCM) in the context of an emerging economy. The methodology uses a mix method approach combining literature review and opinions of some selected managers from the plastic industry of Bangladesh to identify four main-barriers and twenty-five sub-barriers relevant to GSCM implementation. Fuzzy-VIKOR approach was applied to aid in the analysis of the barriers in the plastic industry of Bangladesh. The findings of the study show the order/rank of intensity and severity of the main-barriers to implementing GSCM practices in the plastic industry of Bangladesh as follows: 'inadequate knowledge and sup-port', 'insufficient technology and infrastructure', 'financial constraints and unsupportive organizational' and 'operational policies'. The results also show the rankings of the sub-barriers under each main barriers. This research contributes to the literature in a number of ways. First, it identifies multi-levels of barriers to GSCM implementation. Secondly, it identifies and proposes alternative action plans (strat-egies) to help mitigate and implement GSCM practices. Though this study has significant contributions , a number of limitations do exist. The barriers in this study were identified using the extant literature review and industrial managers' opinions. A more scientific approach and empirical validation is required, especially in the plastic manufacturing industry of Bangladesh to identify more new challenging barriers. However, this study can provide managers with a better understanding of the barriers to implementing GSCM practices and motivate the researchers to further extend the investigation on the insights for developing strategic plans for implementing GSCM practices in the plastic industry of Bangladesh. ARTICLE HISTORY
In todays' dynamically changing environment and competitive landscape, organisations are adopting sustainable practices for attaining long-term economic viability. However, there is a misalignment between sustainable practices and... more
In todays' dynamically changing environment and competitive landscape, organisations are adopting sustainable practices for attaining long-term economic viability. However, there is a misalignment between sustainable practices and organisations' strategies and capabilities, especially when sustainability requirements of the stakeholders changes over time. Grounded in dynamic capability view (DCV), this paper addresses the changes in supply chain sustainability requirements of stakeholders in the context of sourcing products from apparel manufacturers in a low cost country Bangladesh. To this end, this study develops a decision support (DS) framework for supply chain sustainability (SCS) that identifies and prioritises optimal strategies for SCS in a dynamic environment. This study adopts a mixed method approach, with the qualitative approach being a field study, and the quantitative approach using fuzzy Quality Function Deployment (QFD) integrated optimisation technique. Our DS framework addresses the stakeholders' sustainability requirements over time in the context of a case company. The findings show that concomitant with the changes in the stakeholders' priorities of the sustainability requirements, the organisational sustainability practices, strategies and capabilities also change over time. The SCS DS framework brings a richer conceptual understanding of the dynamic changes in stakeholder requirements and allow managers to choose and select optimal strategies and make astute decisions whilst balancing the economic, social and environmental viability simultaneously.
There has been an exponential growth of new electronic products in the global consumer market. New electronic consumer products generate a growing need for new methods, processes and entrepreneurship in recycling. In this study, we... more
There has been an exponential growth of new electronic products in the global consumer market. New electronic consumer products generate a growing need for new methods, processes and entrepreneurship in recycling. In this study, we examine how entrepreneurs involved in the recycling of electronic products innovate to create a more sustainable circular economy. The recycling system must take care of electronics that contains hazardous materials. Also, a recycling system should prevent the waste of potentially useful materials. Thus, entrepreneurship is crucial to improve the handling of toxic material and processing technology to reuse valuable elements. Innovation therefore is essential to facilitate a sustainable recycling process. In this study, we analyse entrepreneurial innovation in the light of the organisational structure of the recycling system. Following a study of 108 recycling entrepreneurs, competition and specific investments are found to be important factors that drive the sustainable innovation that make Norway one of the countries with the highest recycling rates of electronic and electric waste.
There has been an exponential growth of new electronic products in the global consumer market. New electronic consumer products generate a growing need for new methods, processes and entrepreneurship in recycling. In this study, we... more
There has been an exponential growth of new electronic products in the global consumer market. New electronic consumer products generate a growing need for new methods, processes and entrepreneurship in recycling. In this study, we examine how entrepreneurs involved in the recycling of electronic products innovate to create a more sustainable circular economy. The recycling system must take care of electronics that contains hazardous materials. Also, a recycling system should prevent the waste of potentially useful materials. Thus, entrepreneurship is crucial to improve the handling of toxic material and processing technology to reuse valuable elements. Innovation therefore is essential to facilitate a sustainable recycling process. In this study, we analyse entrepreneurial innovation in the light of the organisational structure of the recycling system. Following a study of 108 recycling entrepreneurs, competition and specific investments are found to be important factors that drive the sustainable innovation that make Norway one of the countries with the highest recycling rates of electronic and electric waste.
The high bandwidth and low latency features of 5G network are perceived to offer a unified platform for multiple device connectivity in real time. Despite the promising benefits of disruptive 5G wireless technology, literature on... more
The high bandwidth and low latency features of 5G network are perceived to offer a unified platform for multiple device connectivity in real time. Despite the promising benefits of disruptive 5G wireless technology, literature on 5G-enabled supply chain management is scarce. The paper, therefore, explores the role of 5G and its impact on supply chain management through a systematic literature review. Various aspects of 5G technologies in an environment of Industry 4.0, Supply Chain 4.0 and supply chain processes are discussed. Bibliometric results reveal that 5G-enabled supply chain management is a very recent topic and published in a very limited way. We find that most studies have focussed on technical features of emerging 5G and its impact being conceptualised on Industry 4.0 and Supply Chain 4.0. Areas of future supply chain management research that can support 5G are discussed. ARTICLE HISTORY