Search Results (174)

Background: Sustainability in supply chain management (SCM) practices is becoming increasingly important as environmental responsibility and social concerns, as well as enterprises’ competitiveness in terms of innovation, risk, and economic performance, become increasingly urgent. This paper aims to identify and prioritize concepts for implementing sustainable supply chains, drawing on sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and green supply chain management (GSCM) techniques. Corporate supply chain managers across various industries, markets, and supply chain segments brainstormed management practices to enhance the sustainability of their supply chains. Four industry sectors were surveyed across five different value chain segments. Methods: A group concept mapping (GCM) approach incorporating multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used. A hierarchy of practices is proposed, and hypotheses are developed about achievability and impact. Results: A decision-making matrix prioritizes eight solution concepts based on two axes: impact (I) and ease of implementation (EoI). Conclusions: Eight concepts are prioritized based on the optimal effectiveness of implementing the solutions. Pattern matching reveals differences between emerging and developed markets, as well as supply chain segments, that decision-makers should be aware of. By analyzing supply chains from a multi-part perspective, this research goes beyond empirical studies based on a single industry, geographic region, or example case. Full article

This study proposes a fuzzy logic-based approach to better manage supply chain uncertainty and improve decision-making flexibility. The developed framework categorizes supply chain activities into procurement, production, distribution and reverse logistics and integrates Lean, Agile, Resilient, and Green (LARG) KPIs within a hierarchical structure. The tool was implemented using Microsoft Excel^TM to enhance usability for practitioners. To test its applicability, the model was applied to a real case study. The results show that lean and resilient practices are consistently well-established across all supply chain phases, while agility and green practices vary significantly depending on the operational area—particularly between internal function (i.e., production and reverse logistics) and external ones (i.e., procurement and distribution). These findings help to better understand how the LARG capabilities are distributed across the different operational areas of the supply chain and offer practical guidance for managers seeking targeted performance improvement. Although the numerical results are context-specific, the framework’s adaptability makes it suitable for diverse supply chain environments. Full article

This study discusses the role of organizational pro-environmental behavior in driving sustainable development. Studies of green practices highlight their capacity to achieve ecological goals while delivering economic sustainability with business strategies for sustainable businesses and advancing environmental sustainability law. It also considers how the development of artificial intelligence, resource management, big data analysis, blockchain, and the Internet of Things enables companies to maximize supply efficiency and address evolving environmental regulations and sustainable decision-making. Through digital technology, businesses can facilitate supply chain transparency, adopt circular economy practices, and produce in an equitable and environmentally friendly manner. Additionally, intelligent business management practices, such as effective decision-making and sustainability reporting, enhance compliance with authorities while ensuring long-term profitability from a legal perspective. Integrating business innovation and digital technology within legal entities enhances economic efficiency, reduces operational costs, improves environmental sustainability, reduces paper usage, and lowers the carbon footprint, creating a double-benefit model of long-term resilience. The policymakers’ role in formulating policy structures that lead to green digital innovation is also to ensure that economic development worldwide is harmonized with environmental protection and international governance. Using example studies and empirical research raises awareness about best practices in technology-based sustainability initiatives across industries and nations, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Full article

It is increasingly recognized that the twin transitions of digitalization and green transformation are pivotal to achieving sustainable development. This study examines how digital trade affects corporate green total factor productivity (GTFP), using panel data from Chinese A-share listed firms and 287 prefecture-level cities in Mainland China from 2012 to 2022. The results demonstrate that digital trade exerts a significant positive impact on GTFP, primarily through improvements in technical efficiency, with heterogeneous effects across different stages of the corporate life cycle. Endogeneity concerns are carefully addressed through instrumental variable estimation and quasi-experimental designs, and robustness checks confirm the reliability of the findings. Mechanism analyses further reveal that digital trade enhances GTFP by stimulating green technological innovation and optimizing supply chain management. Importantly, threshold regression reveals non-linear effects. Both the level of digital trade and institutional factors, such as environmental regulation, intellectual property protection, and market integration, moderate the relationship between digital trade and GTFP in U-shaped, N-shaped, and other positive non-linear patterns. These insights enhance the understanding of how digitalization interacts with institutional contexts to drive sustainable productivity growth, providing practical implications for policymakers seeking to optimize digital trade strategies and complementary regulatory frameworks. Full article

As environmental issues become increasingly prominent, the sustainable practices of enterprises, especially measures at the product level, have garnered widespread attention from scholars. Although numerous studies have explored suppliers’ sales strategies for green products, they often overlook the scenario where suppliers simultaneously sell both green and non-green products.This study focuses on the sales mode selection strategies of suppliers when providing green and non-green products through e-commerce platforms. Utilizing a game model, we analyze the equilibrium strategies between suppliers and e-commerce platforms, and conduct sensitivity analyses to evaluate the impact of key parameters on decision-making. The results reveal that there are significant differences in the strategic preferences of suppliers and e-commerce platforms. However, when commission rates are moderate and green products incur high production costs, these preferences tend to align, leading to Pareto optimal outcomes. Additionally, our findings demonstrate that adopting differentiated sales modes for the two product types can effectively mitigate the problem of double marginalization, thereby enhancing the efficiencyof supply chains. These insights provide valuable guidance for e-commerce platform managers and suppliers in making decisions on sales models for managing multiple types of products. Full article

Facing growing sustainability challenges and the critical priority of digital transformation, this study explores, through the lens of the dynamic capability view, the links between big data, sustainable performance, and green supply chain in a circular economy logic, filling a notable gap in emerging markets, particularly the pharmaceutical sector. Our study proposes an original conceptual model linking big data analytics to the circular economy, tested with 275 employees from the Saudi pharmaceutical sector. The results, obtained through state-of-the-art PLS-SEM modeling, indicate a significant positive impact of big data analytics on sustainable performance and green supply chain management within the circular economy framework. The study also reveals the crucial mediating role of sustainable performance and green supply chain management in the relationship between big data analytics and the circular economy. Our study proposes an integrated framework for understanding how digital technologies support the circular economy in emerging markets, with practical implications for pharmaceutical sector actors and policymakers, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Full article

Global supply chains have faced unprecedented disruptions in recent years, ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to geopolitical tensions and climate-induced shocks. These events have exposed structural vulnerabilities in operational models overly optimized for efficiency at the expense of resilience and sustainability. This conceptual paper proposes an integrated framework linking resilience enablers, post-pandemic operational strategies, and sustainability outcomes. Through a synthesis of the interdisciplinary literature across operations management, sustainability science, institutional theory, and organizational behavior, we develop typologies of operational responses—including agile, lean–green, circular, and decentralized models—and connect them to broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Drawing on systems thinking and the Triple Bottom Line framework, we present a conceptual model that outlines causal relationships between resilience drivers, adaptive operational strategies, and long-term sustainable performance. The paper further discusses policy implications for public and private sectors, offering insights for global sustainability governance. We conclude by outlining a research agenda to empirically test and refine the model through multi-method approaches. This study contributes to theory by reconceptualizing sustainable operations in the context of compound global disruptions and offers a normative direction for future scholarship and practice. Full article

The sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) literature does not directly address Scope 3 emissions despite their role as primary drivers of greenhouse gas emissions. This study aims to provide an overview of the main themes through which the SSCM literature has considered Scope 3 emissions and identify further avenues for research. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted. Scopus and Web of Science were the databases considered. Sixty-one papers were included in the analysis. Most papers focus on assessing and estimating Scope 3 emissions, followed by papers that discuss the reporting of Scope 3 emissions. These papers shed light on how firms may not report Scope 3 emissions if the information is negative to improve investors’ perception of the firm. The last group of papers discusses practices and strategies to manage Scope 3 emissions. The main challenge identified in establishing strategies to manage Scope 3 emissions is engagement with stakeholders, as, generally, only one or two tiers of the value chain cooperate. This study is the first to organize the literature on Scope 3 emissions under the lens of SSCM. If supply chains are to become more sustainable, focal enterprise coordination must be effective and leverage practices such as Scope 3 emissions metrics and measurement, data sharing, and green product development for all stakeholders. Full article

Background: This study conceptualizes supply chain ambidexterity through two capabilities, supply chain adaptability and agility. Accordingly, it investigates the impact of supply chain adaptability and agility on green product innovation (GPI) and supply chain sustainability in Jordanian manufacturing firms. It also examines the mediating role of GPI in these relationships. The study is based on dynamic capabilities theory (DCT) as the theoretical foundation. Methods: A quantitative research approach was employed, with data collected from 346 supply chain managers using a structured questionnaire. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for analysis. Results: The findings reveal that supply chain adaptability does not directly influence sustainability but significantly enhances GPI, which positively impacts sustainability. Supply chain agility, however, directly and significantly improves both GPI and sustainability, highlighting its importance in achieving sustainable supply chain performance. Additionally, GPI mediates the relationship between supply chain ambidexterity and sustainability, reinforcing its role as a key enabler of eco-friendly supply chain management. These findings provide theoretical and managerial implications. Conclusions: The study extends DCT by confirming the role of GPI in linking supply chain ambidexterity to sustainability. Managers should prioritize agility, invest in sustainable products, and adopt green practices to enhance competitiveness. Full article

This conceptual paper introduces the Green Lean Operational Excellence (GLOE) framework to address the limitations of conventional lean systems in responding to sustainability and resilience challenges. Rooted in sustainability science and operations management, the model reconceptualizes operational excellence by integrating green imperatives—such as environmental accountability, adaptability, and systemic feedback—into lean methodologies. Rather than focusing solely on cost-efficiency, lean practices have also been recognized for enhancing quality, process stability, and organizational flexibility (e.g., Womack & Jones, 1996), which makes them valuable foundations for sustainability integration. The framework was developed through an interdisciplinary synthesis of the literature on lean operations, green supply chains, and adaptive organizational systems. It proposes a structured flow from strategic preconditions to hybrid mechanisms and sustainability-linked outcomes, supported by continuous refinement loops. Key propositions are offered for empirical testing. GLOE redefines excellence beyond traditional cost-driven paradigms, extending lean theory toward strategic sustainability, and bridging gaps between operational practice and sustainability science. It also provides a roadmap for future research, emphasizing empirical validation, indicator development, and digital integration. The model offers practical guidance for managers to move beyond siloed CSR programs and embed sustainability into the core of operational strategy. Ultimately, GLOE positions operations as active contributors to organizational resilience and long-term value in an era of climate disruption and socio-ecological complexity. Full article

The concepts of sustainable development, triple bottom line, and ESG have a strong influence on the process of formation and operation of supply chains today. This requires the implementation of various green solutions and practices to improve supply chain sustainability. An analysis of supply chain research did not reveal a universally accepted methodology to systematize green solutions and practices for their effective use in chain management. It was revealed that there are many views on the content of green solutions, in addition to insufficient specificity of their description, as well as fragmentation of the use of green solutions in relation to the elements and functions of supply chains (procurement, production, warehousing, transportation, and distribution). This reduces the effectiveness of the implementation of green solutions. In this study, based on the literature review, a systematization of currently existing green solutions and practices was carried out. The systematization was performed according to the affiliation of supply chain elements and the functions performed by the elements to promote and process the material flow from supplier to consumer. The proposed system of methods (GLMs) and instruments (GLIs) of green logistics covers all known functional areas of logistics and includes 27 methods and 105 instruments. We performed a ranking of methods and instruments using TOPSIS, MABAC, and MARCOS methods. The most and least significant GLM and GLI for each element of the supply chain, as well as for chains of complex structure in general, were determined. The results of GLM and GLI ranking can be used as a basis for the implementation of management decisions to improve the sustainability of supply chains. Full article

This study examines the establishment of a Hub for Circular Economy and Industrial Symbiosis (HUB-CEIS) centred on a forest biomass waste plant in Fundão, Portugal, presenting an innovative model for rural industrial symbiosis, circular economy governance, and sustainable waste management. Designed as a strategic node within a reverse supply chain, the hub facilitates the conversion of solid waste into renewable energy and high-value co-products, including green hydrogen, tailored for industrial and agricultural applications, with an estimated 120 ktCO₂/year reduction and 60 direct jobs. Aligned with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, this initiative addresses global challenges such as decarbonization, resource efficiency, and the energy transition. Employing a mixed research methodology, this study integrates a comprehensive literature review, in-depth stakeholder interviews, and comparative case study analysis to formulate a governance framework fostering regional partnerships between industry, government, and local communities. The findings highlight Fundão’s potential to become a benchmark for rural industrial symbiosis, offering a replicable model for circularity in non-urban contexts, with a projected investment of USD 60 M. Special emphasis is placed on the green hydrogen value chain, positioning it as a key enabler for regional sustainability. This research underscores the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in achieving scalable and efficient waste recovery processes. By delivering practical insights and a robust governance structure, the study contributes to the circular economy literature, providing actionable strategies for implementing rural reverse supply chains. Beyond validating waste valorization and renewable energy production, the proposed hub establishes a blueprint for sustainable rural industrial development, promoting long-term industrial symbiosis integration. Full article

China leads global carp aquaculture (farming of species within the family Cyprinidae), producing 20 million tons annually in a sector shaped by favorable policies, infrastructure, and innovation. Carp farming in China is rooted in millennia of traditional practices and transformative post-1978 economic reforms. This review synthesizes the historical trajectory, technological advancements, policy frameworks, and sustainability challenges shaping China’s carp aquaculture sector. Historically, carp polyculture systems, developed during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), laid the foundation for resource-efficient practices. Modern intensification, driven by state-led policies, genetic innovations, and feed-based systems, enabled unprecedented growth. However, rapid expansion has exacerbated environmental trade-offs, including nutrient pollution, habitat loss, and antibiotic resistance, while socioeconomic disparities, aging labor forces, and market volatility threaten sectoral resilience. Policy shifts since the 2000s prioritize ecological sustainability, exemplified by effluent regulations, wetland restoration, and green technologies. Despite progress, challenges persist in reconciling economic viability with environmental safeguards. Key success factors include long-term policy support, smallholder capacity building, vertically integrated supply chains, product differentiation, and adaptive management. With balanced policies emphasizing economic, social, and environmental sustainability, carp aquaculture can enhance domestic food and nutrition security. China’s experience showcases the potential of aquaculture to bolster food security but highlights the urgent need to harmonize productivity with ecological and social equity to ensure long-term resilience. Lessons from China’s model offer actionable insights for global aquaculture systems navigating similar sustainability imperatives. Full article

In the face of growing economic downturn pressure in China, disruptions in certain segments of the supply chain have intensified the bullwhip effect, severely destabilizing supply chains and posing risks to the sustainable development of the real economy. This study utilizes data from Chinese A-share listed enterprises from 2008 to 2022, employing a multiple linear regression model alongside robustness and endogeneity tests to investigate the mechanism through which corporate green transformation alleviates the bullwhip effect. The empirical results indicate that a one-unit increase in the green transformation leads to a significant 0.073-unit reduction in the bullwhip effect. Mechanism analysis further reveals that green transformation mitigates the bullwhip effect by enhancing supply-chain information sharing, strengthening organizational resilience, and improving managerial effectiveness. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the impact of green transformation on the bullwhip effect varies significantly depending on ownership structure and industry characteristics. This study contributes to the integration of green development theory and supply chain management by providing theoretical insights and practical implications for fostering corporate green transformation and optimizing supply-chain strategies. Specifically, it suggests that policymakers enhance regulatory guidance and incentives, encourage enterprises to prioritize green transformation, and implement tailored strategies based on firm characteristics to achieve supply chain stability and sustainable development. Full article

This systematic literature review explores how conflict management strategies (CMS) impact supply chain performance (SCP), focusing on the mediating roles of supply chain operational processes (SCOP) and customer-centric green supply chain management (CCGSCM) within Jordan’s food manufacturing sector. Framed within smart city initiatives and sustainable development goals (SDGs 9, 11, and 12), this study addresses critical gaps identified in the literature, particularly the lack of integrated examination of CMS impacts in emerging markets like Jordan. Utilizing thematic analysis, this review consolidates key findings across relevant studies from 2010 to 2025 sourced from top-tier databases. The results reveal that collaboration emerges as the most effective CMS strategy, enhancing stakeholder interactions, operational coordination, and resilience. SCOP significantly mediate CMS–SCP relationships, with logistics and inventory management notably vital in mitigating disruptions. Additionally, CCGSCM is highlighted as pivotal for sustainability and operational efficiency in post-COVID market conditions. The findings offer valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers, providing strategic recommendations for integrating technology-driven and relationship-focused CMS tailored to Jordan’s unique socio-economic context, thereby aligning operational practices with global sustainability goals (SDGs 9, 11, and 12). Full article