Achieving triple bottom line sustainability in supply chains

In recent years, the interdisciplinary research of supply chains and sustainability has received extensive, yet gradual, attention; when compared to the rapid economic growth of the service industry, however, sustainable supply chain management has not been systematically explored yet. It has not only great theoretical significance, but also positive practical significance to provide a framework for the operation of a sustainable service supply chain from a sustainable development point of view. Based on the triple bottom line (TBL), we have analyzed related sustainable supply chain management research between 2006 and 2015, reviewed papers involving two or three bottom lines as well, and then introduced some classical frameworks for manufacturing supply chain management and service supply chain management. Afterward, by analyzing the differences between the manufacturing and service industries, we propose a framework of sustainable service supply chain management (SSSCM). Based on the impacts of sustainable development TBL on service supply chain participants, we have finally made a framework for sustainable operation facing triads service supply chain and proposed a future research agenda.

The purpose of this research is to investigate how sustainability is integrated into supply chain management (SCM). Emphasis is particularly devoted to determining how the sustainability of supply chains may be assessed. Four key objectives were developed to support this purpose: (1) define sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), (2) identify and analyze the published metrics for SSCM, (3) develop a comprehensive approach for assessing sustainability performance at the company level, and (4) develop an integrative sustainability performance framework for the broader context of supply chain. The first two objectives were accomplished through two different sets of in-depth literature reviews. The reviews focused on analyzing the convergences and divergences in the literature on green supply chain management (GSCM), SSCM, and the metrics used in these areas. The reviews helped provide the basis for accomplishing the remaining research objectives. Accordingly, stochastic models for measuring sustainability performance at the company and supply chain levels were developed. This research addresses several important gaps in the literature. As research on the integration of sustainability into SCM continues to expand, it becomes increasingly important to highlight the inconsistencies in the various definitions and metrics used to measure GSCM and SSCM. The lack of reasonably consistent definitions and metrics may lead to confusion regarding the appropriate scope in theory and practice of SSCM initiatives. Exploring the implications of and potential resolutions to the many differences in the published definitions and metrics provide much needed reference points, and further provide the foundation necessary to support the development of scientifically-sound sustainability models. By providing relatively simple and informative measurement, the model developed in Objective 3 presents a unique method of adopting the strong sustainability concept to assessing sustainability at the company level. Furthermore, by providing an original and straightforward analytical approach, the SSCM models developed in Objective 4 are one of the first to explicitly adopt probabilistic approaches for sustainability assessment in the supply chain context. Given their unique ability to accommodate any number of SSCM characteristics, the models can be employed as integrative, multi-dimensional tools for evaluating changes in the sustainability status of a supply chain over time.

The purpose of this research is to investigate how sustainability is integrated into supply chain management (SCM). Emphasis is particularly devoted to determining how the sustainability of supply chains may be assessed. Four key objectives were developed to support this purpose: (1) define sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), (2) identify and analyze the published metrics for SSCM, (3) develop a comprehensive approach for assessing sustainability performance at the company level, and (4) develop an integrative sustainability performance framework for the broader context of supply chain. The first two objectives were accomplished through two different sets of in-depth literature reviews. The reviews focused on analyzing the convergences and divergences in the literature on green supply chain management (GSCM), SSCM, and the metrics used in these areas. The reviews helped provide the basis for accomplishing the remaining research objectives. Accordingly, stochastic models for measuring sustainability performance at the company and supply chain levels were developed. This research addresses several important gaps in the literature. As research on the integration of sustainability into SCM continues to expand, it becomes increasingly important to highlight the inconsistencies in the various definitions and metrics used to measure GSCM and SSCM. The lack of reasonably consistent definitions and metrics may lead to confusion regarding the appropriate scope in theory and practice of SSCM initiatives. Exploring the implications of and potential resolutions to the many differences in the published definitions and metrics provide much needed reference points, and further provide the foundation necessary to support the development of scientifically-sound sustainability models. By providing relatively simple and informative measurement, the model developed in Objective 3 presents a unique method of adopting the strong sustainability concept to assessing sustainability at the company level. Furthermore, by providing an original and straightforward analytical approach, the SSCM models developed in Objective 4 are one of the first to explicitly adopt probabilistic approaches for sustainability assessment in the supply chain context. Given their unique ability to accommodate any number of SSCM characteristics, the models can be employed as integrative, multi-dimensional tools for evaluating changes in the sustainability status of a supply chain over time.

This study was conducted to examine the impact of supply chain management (SCM) strategies and practices on the overall supply chain performance of POSCO Manufacturing Company, located in the First Philippine Industrial Park in Tanauan City, Batangas. The sample size was determined using the Raosoft Sample Size Calculator, with a 5% margin of error and a 95% confidence level. Based on these parameters, 59 respondents were selected from the company’s total workforce of 69 employees. Data were collected using self-structured questionnaires specifically developed to gather information relevant to the study’s objectives. These questionnaires were designed to ensure the relevance and accuracy of responses in evaluating SCM strategies and their outcomes. The collected data were analyzed using a range of statistical techniques, including reliability analysis, mean computation, correlation analysis, standard deviation, and regression analysis. The results revealed that supply chain practices have a statistically significant effect on the company’s supply chain performance. Consequently, the study concludes that there is a strong and meaningful relationship between supply chain strategies and practices, both of which are critical to enhancing operational efficiency and performance at POSCO Manufacturing Company.

Formulation of right strategies is believed to be able to bring sustainable performance across triple bottom line (TBL), i.e., economic, environmental and social aspects within and across organizations. The purpose of this research is to investigate the role of misaligned collaboration and dynamic capabilities on TBL performance. Misaligned collaboration signifies those configurations of collaboration that deviate from ideal profile of collaboration. The ideal profile of collaboration corresponds to superior performance. Collaboration has been operationalized through joint planning and resource sharing (JPRS) and collaborative culture (CC) which brings relational aspects into collaboration. Specifically, this research provides important extensions to the theory of profile deviation and dynamic capabilities (DC) perspective in the context of sustainable supply chain performance and misaligned collaboration utilizing the empirical evidence. Uniqueness of the proposed model is established by comparing with four other alternate models. We find both JPRSmisalign (misalignment of JPRS from the ideal profile) and CCmisalign (misalignment of CC from the ideal profile) influence all dimensions of TBL through DCs. Only direct influence of CCmisalign on operational and social performance is significant. Results convey the need of building DCs when collaboration is misaligned with its ideal profile, and this misalignment produces detrimental effects on DCs and TBL performance. This research contributes significantly by building unique model to develop and maintain sustainability. Further, theoretical and managerial contributions are highlighted and contested with existing knowledge.

Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) has become one of the critical strategies in an organization whereby environmental, social, and operational responsibility have been incorporated in the supply chain processes. Although the importance of SSCM to enhance the efficiency and sustainability performance of an organization is not new, the role it has on the welfare of workers especially work-life balance continues to present an area of concern in research. This paper focuses on sustainable supply chain management and work-life balance in relation to bank employees in Pakistan. The quantitative research design was taken and data was gathered on 300 employees working in different commercial banks using a structured questionnaire. The relationship between the variables was studied using statistical methods such as descriptive analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The results indicated that sustainable supply chain management positively influenced greatly the work-life balance of employees. The findings showed that good sustainable supply chain practices enhance the efficiency of operations, ease unnecessary workloads strains, as well as provide organized and supportive working conditions. The correlation analysis revealed the presence of a strong positive correlation between sustainable supply chain management and work-life balance whereas the regression analysis indicated that sustainable supply chain management is an important predictor of employee work-life balance. These results indicate that sustainability conscious organizational behaviors do not only emerge in the operational performance but also in the wellbeing of the employees. The paper finds that sustainable supply chain management is a critical component of enhancing employee work-life balance through enhancing the work processes in an organization and minimizing the work stress. The results are useful to the bank management and policymakers to incorporate sustainability in the organization strategies to improve the welfare of the employees and organizational performance. The strategic approach of developing efficient, responsible and people-oriented organizations, sustainable supply chain management may be used.

BackgroundA well-coordinated supply chain ensures the sustainable availability of life-saving medicines that improve public health outcomes. Information Communication Technology (ICT) is one of the strategies for optimizing supply chain coordination. However, there is a paucity of data on how it affects supply chain practice and performance at the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Agency (EPSA).ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the relationships between information and communication technology, supply chain practice, and pharmaceutical supply chain operational performance using a structural equation modeling approach.MethodsWe conducted an analytical cross-sectional study between April and June 2021. Three hundred twenty EPSA employees participated in the survey. We used a pretested, self-administered five-point Likert scale questionnaire to collect the intended data. A structural equation modeling confirmed the relationship between the constructs (information communication technology, supply chain practices, and performance). Thus, the measurement models were first validated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis in SPSS/AMOS software. A p-value of less than 5% indicated statistical significance.ResultsOf the 320 questionnaires distributed, 300 participants (202 males and 98 females) duly responded. In this survey, supply chain practices (mainly customer relationship management and information sharing) and ICT had significant positive direct effects on operational performance with standardized regression weights (β) of 0.65 (p < .001) and 0.29 (p < .001), respectively. On the other hand, 73% of the variations in operational performance were explained by ICT and supply chain practices, wherein ICT played moderate mediation effects between supply chain practice and performance (VAF = 0.24, p < .001). Despite the significant positive influence of ICT, the agency still faced data visibility problems with customers and other supply chain partners.ConclusionThe findings revealed that supply chain practices and ICT implementation impacted the agency’s supply chain performance positively and significantly. The ICT implementation practice in the agency posited a significant positive partial mediating role between supply chain practice and operational performance. Thus, if the agency focuses on the automation and integration of customer relationship management and the practice of information exchange, the essential supply chain practices, it can further improve operational performance.

Traceability and transparency are essential for sustainability in complex global supply chains (SCs), but they remain elusive goals in practice. Scholars and practitioners consistently advocate collaboration amongst SC stakeholders as a means of enhancing them, yet little is known regarding their interrelation and contribution to sustainability. We adopt the SC practice‐based view (SCPV) to propose and test an explanatory model elucidating how to deploy collaboration, traceability and transparency to achieve triple bottom line (TBL) performance within global SCs. Focusing on the paramount example of complex fashion‐apparel SCs, we analyse the insights gained from 139 suppliers—typically ignored in favour of focal firms—using Partial Least Squares Structural Equations Modelling. Our results provide a concrete battery of not‐necessarily complex or inimitable activities empirically proven to help put traceability and transparency into practice to achieve TBL performance. The SCPV approach contends that everyday practices, activities and relationships amongst SC stakeholders underpin TBL performance.

Purpose– The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationships between management, measurement and performance of sustainability in supply chains. The authors develop a framework which explores these links through decoupling as articulated by the institutional theory. They draw on a conceptual continuum of reactive-proactive sustainable supply chain practices and identify clusters of companies along these dimensions and evaluate the theoretical and managerial implications of this for sustainability performance.Design/methodology/approach– This study uses primary and secondary datasets from 12 inductive, multiple case studies across different industries. This method ensures that we are better able to encapsulate a broader and more diverse set of practices and settings which in turn adds robustness to the theory we induced from our findings.Findings– The authors find varying degrees of alignment between management practices and measurement systems of sustainable supply chains. Some firms better align their sustainable supply chain management and measurement practices than others, resulting in tighter coupling and ultimately improved sustainability performance in the supply chain.Research limitations/implications– Further research may explore the conditions under which firms decouple their practices and the contextual settings that are associated with decoupling, loosely and tightly coupled alignment. Additionally, the conceptual framework should be tested across countries, industries and different relationships between public and private organisations.Originality/value– This is one of the first empirical explorations of the decoupling theory and the reactive-proactive continuum in sustainable supply chain management.

Purpose: considering the resource-based view, embracing green supply chain management (GSCM) influences a firm’s performance (FP). This study finds the nexus between GSCM and FP by analyzing the reporting trends among the authors, countries, and sources along with collaboration among countries and authors, the emerging topics, and different themes in this field with their impact, centrality, and density. Lastly, it probes into the different methodologies, affiliating concepts, influencers, drivers, and impacts of GSCM through content analysis. Design/methodology/approach: this paper spotted 1518 documents narrowed down to 938, pertinent to GSCM and performance, utilizing the Scopus database. It uses sources, authors, word analysis, coupling, network analysis of keywords, social structure, and conceptual structure analysis in the Biblioshiny package of Rstudio (Version 4.4.0) to identify the progress in the fields spanning through the decade (2014–2023). Moreover, content analysis has been used to study the concepts and contexts of different themes identified through thematic analysis. Findings: the study found Journal of cleaner production in sources, Sarkis in authors, and China in countries to have the highest no. of documents. Closed-loop, digital, and circular supply chains and Industry 4.0 have been identified as the trending topics. Moreover, the key themes identified are (1) Supply Chain Optimization Models for Sustainability, (2) Affiliating concepts to, and the relationship between, Sustainable Supply Chain Strategies and TBL Performance in Manufacturing Sectors of Developing Countries, (3) Life Cycle Analysis of Natural-Resource Based Supply Chains for Sustainability Assessment on TBL, and (4) Factors Influencing and Performances Impacted by GSCM. Originality/Value: this research adds to the previous literature by analyzing both the concepts of GSCM and FP collectively, and finding new themes in between their intersection. Implications: it will direct future researchers in choosing the right theme, methodology, intervening variables, affiliating concepts, and country and author collaboration for the fields related to GSCM and FP.

The global supply chain landscape is experiencing transformative change due to the escalating impacts of climate change, which disrupt traditional models and pose risks to supply chain resilience. In response, Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) has emerged as a key strategy that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations into supply chain practices. This paper explores the interdisciplinary convergence of environmental science and business logistics, highlighting how such integration can enhance supply chain adaptability and long-term sustainability. Using a comprehensive literature review, secondary data analysis, and relevant case studies, the study investigates the effects of climate disruptions on global supply chains and examines innovative SSCM practices such as green procurement, circular supply chains, and renewable energy integration. Findings demonstrate that companies adopting SSCM approaches especially those investing in clean technologies and collaborative environmental strategies are better equipped to mitigate risks and gain competitive advantages. Key case studies from firms like Unilever, IKEA, and Walmart underscore the practical benefits of sustainability-focused supply chains. Additionally, the role of digital transformation technologies such as blockchain, IoT, and predictive analytics is discussed as an enabler of traceability and transparency. This study concludes by providing actionable recommendations for both business practitioners and policymakers, while also identifying areas for future interdisciplinary research in SSCM, such as emerging technologies and regional adaptation strategies. The proposed framework emphasizes the need for systemic shifts in supply chain thinking to align with climate resilience and sustainability imperatives.

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to identify key categories of Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and related practices that are required to fulfill the demands of sustainability and, therefore, contributing to sustainability performance. As part of this, the authors will identify different approaches in practice implementation in SSCM and supply chain management (SCM). SSCM has become a topic of great interest and is linked to the assumption that a more sustainable performance for businesses would be achieved on its implementation. Such performance has to be achieved with respect to all three dimensions of sustainability. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is conceptual in nature. The authors draw from literature on SSCM and examine frameworks and critical accounts on the topic. This allows identifying key aspects of SSCM and pointing out differences and overlaps with SCM. Findings – The authors identify five key categories which are of high importance for the sustainable management of supply chains: orientation toward SCM and sustainability, continuity, collaboration, risk management and proactivity. In a second step, the authors describe distinctive practices which allow organizations to follow the goals formulated in the five key categories. Finally, they highlight issues preventing companies that follow a rather “conventional” approach to SCM to reach the level where it can be called SSCM, i.e. how to reach sustainability performance in SCM. Research limitations/implications – The work presented is conceptual in nature. It would be required to operationalize respective categories and, therefore, test them in empirical research. Practical implications – The categories and practices identified within the framework can be used for guiding managers toward the implementation of SSCM. This is the case when management takes performance implication into account without solely considering rather simplistic indicators. At the same time, differentiating a company based on the implementation of sustainability practices has become more difficult, due to the proliferation of sustainability in a wider field. Social implications – Social aspects are integrated into the framework on the same level as environmental and economic aspects, emphasizing the triple bottom line orientation. Originality/value – While all practices applied in SSCM have originally been identified and described by researchers for the case of “conventional” SCM, their particular interrelation and joint implementation makes up SSCM and ensures a contribution to sustainability performance.

Global competition and uncertainties call for manufacturers to adopt advanced supply chain practices that help them achieve competitive advantages in a volatile business environment. In this essence, the current research examines how supply chain integration, just-in-time practice, and quality management boost a firm operational and financial performance during a pandemic crisis like COVID-19. Similarly, this study examines the moderating effect of IT advancement on the relationship between a firm operational and financial performance. The sample size of this study is assessed with a priori power analysis. Data were collected from employees working in manufacturing firms, including construction equipment, transportation, electronic products, engineering, chemical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare manufacturers. For empirical analysis, 380 responses were estimated with a structural equation modeling approach. Constructs validity and reliability are tested in the measurement model. Empirical findings revealed that factors such as internal integration, process integration, product integration, just-in-time, and quality management collectively explained R^2 75.4 % variance in firm operational performance. In addition, effect size analysis 〖 f〗^2 shows that product integration has the highest importance in determining a firm operational performance. The research model has shown substantial predictive power Q^2 54.2% to predict firm operational performance. The moderating impact of IT advancement is established and revealed that IT advancement in the supply chain will strengthen the relationship between the firm’s operational and financial performance. Theoretically, this research has developed an integrated supply chain model that combines supply chain integration factors, just-in-time, quality management, and IT advancement to investigate the firm’s operational performance. To practice, this study suggests that policymakers should concentrate on process integration, just-in-time supply chain strategy, and IT advancement, which boosts the firm’s operational and financial performance. This study is unique as it discloses several useful findings which would help manufacturers deal with an unprecedented situation like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sustainability is a timely topic. A sustainable supply chain is one which aims to maximize the system's performance in three dimensions, namely environment, economics, and society. In the fashion industry, with the advance of big data related information technologies, achieving a sustainable supply chain is no longer a dream. In this paper, we first establish that a fashion supply chain is in fact a typical system of systems. Then, we examine several critical big data related technologies and applications which are related to sustainable fashion supply chain management. After that, we develop and present the design principles, from a system of systems perspective, for developing a sustainable fashion supply chain. Based on these principles, we further propose a novel five steps framework for achieving sustainable fashion supply chain management in the big data era. A sustainable fashion supply chain system of systems matrix is also constructed.

In the fiercely competitive telecommunications industry of Indonesia, the significance of innovation and perpetual improvement cannot be underestimated. It is imperative for businesses to explore the potential of sustainable supply chain management, as it allows for the integration of environmental, economic, and social dimensions. By implementing a comprehensive and thorough approach, this study offers a theoretical framework for measuring sustainable supply chain performance. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, you'll be able to identify the attributes that greatly impact the success of your sustainable supply chain management. On this research Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) utilize to define Consistency Ratio (CR) and weight between dimension using SuperDecisions software. Then, Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) is utilized to measure performance of supply chain sustainability. At the same time, a stress value also measured to indicate the sustainability measurement of one specific dimension is sufficient in accordance with existing condition or not. Next, to better indicate which attributes are most influential on improving dimensional sustainability performance, it is essential to conduct a sensitivity analysis and Montecarlo analysis for each attribute. In the end, this research successfully determined which attributes that influence sustainable supply chain management and measure the value of supply chain sustainability in the telecommunications industry in Indonesia.