SG7009 Applied Supply Chain and Logistics
1. Research title
A study on the evaluation of the impact of sustainability on supply chain management
2. Importance of study
Sustainability is currently the most important topic of discussion. It should be seen as the most important part of corporate “Supply Chain Management (SCM)” practises. As a result, as sustainability issues will have an influence on the entire world and are linked to climate change, such issues will be the focus of the research (Khan et al. 2021). This study will have a significant influence on raising public awareness of SCM’s sustainable features and the necessity of changing related practices. The important elements of sustainable SCM practice and their effects on the future expansion of the company will also be made clear to the readers of this study.
3. Research problem/gap
Supply networks are prone to disruptions, both positive ones caused by technological developments as well as negative ones caused by tragedies caused by either nature or humans. Because of the disruption due to the Covid-19 outbreak and associated dangers, the firm that relied on the old SCM practice has suffered greatly. Researching each of these risk-reduction techniques like green practices, SC crisis management procedures, and sophisticated algorithms from the standpoint of the manufacturing and supply chain industries is vital. Less study has been conducted on the effects of sustainability in SCM, although it is necessary and is backed by several sustainable goals set by the United Nations (Un.org, 2023). Hence, the proposed research will be beneficial from every angle, whether it relates to the sustainable practice related to SCM elements of enterprises.
4. Research aim
The main aim of this study will be to determine the significance and sustainability of SCM in the supply chain and logistics industry. This way, it can be easier to determine the impact of sustainability on the SCM as well.
5. Research objectives
The research objective of the proposed research study will be as follows:
- To assess the components of the necessity of sustainability in SCM practises.
- To analyse the key components of sustainability in supply chain and logistics industry-related SCM practises.
- To examine the connection between sustainable business practises and SCM.
- To evaluate the tactics being used by companies in the supply chain and logistics sector to enhance sustainable practices.
6. Literature review
6.1 Key literature
The importance of sustainability in SCM practices
Sustainability in business refers to two primary areas: the potential environmental effect of SCM practises and the potential social impact of linked businesses. A company’s failure to take on its responsibilities might have the opposite effect, which can result in new problems including social upheaval, inequality, and environmental damage (Saeed and Kersten, 2019). Numerous businesses are found to rely on the import and export of automobile components to complete their production processes, which helps to preserve the high quality of their goods (Meherishi et al. 2019). This includes all goods and services that are used in the running of the firm, both inbound and outbound. This shows that key elements of the supply chain system, together with the consistency and dependability of supply logistics in manufacturing, are necessary for the organization’s performance (Esmaeilian et al. 2020).
Emerging Strategies for improving supply chain resilience
Operational excellence, a diversity of resources, and various processes are needed for “sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP)”. In order to prevent supply interruptions during pandemics, “supply chain industrial businesses” need to embrace specific ideas such as adopting green practices, utilising smart technology, and applying logistical crisis mitigation strategies (Kamble et al. 2021). As opined by Esmaeilian et al. (2020), when businesses use collaborative software to deliver their products to their customers, their supply chain operations will improve. In order to create mitigation strategies for the SCM to handle the uncertainty, it is crucial to identify the risks that the organisations are exposed to (Meherishi et al. 2019).
6.2 Theories and Models
Resource dependence theory (RDT)
Greater tactical management can be possible by utilising this theory in practice and thus can be beneficial in sustainable practices of SCM.
“Resource-based view, or RBV”
Greater allocation of resources and asset management is made possible by upper supply system levels’ understanding of resource requirements and applications, including those for tangible and intangible assets (Assensoh-Kodua, 2019).
7. Research context selection
This study is based on business research methodologies that include SCM sustainability and company growth. Sustainable considerations have had a huge influence on global SCM activities. The “global supply chain” may function better when green methods are used. Similarly to this, by creating and putting into practice SC crisis mitigation techniques, SSCP performance may be improved in line with SCM practices.
8. Research Methods
Research Philosophy
Researchers use research philosophy as a methodological tool to choose the optimal strategy for producing phenomena and efficiently gathering and analysing data (Tamminen and Poucher, 2020). The four main subcategories of research philosophy are “positivism, realism, interpretivism, and pragmatism”. However, when the researcher considers the social context pertinent to the research topic, which is SCM practises’ viability, an “interpretivism philosophy” will be pertinent and used.
Research Approach and Study Type
Using a research methodology entails gathering, analysing, and interpreting data ranging from general hypotheses to particular techniques (Adhi Santharm and Ramanathan, 2022). For the examination of qualitative data, an inductive technique is necessary, whereas a deductive approach is used for quantitative data. For the proposed study, the researcher has chosen to employ an inductive research approach as it is related to careful examination of the qualitative study.
Research design
The components of the “research design” are dependent on the overall plan for the study’s completion in line with the study’s objective. The “descriptive, explanatory, and exploratory” designs are the types of research methods (Bloomfield and Fisher, 2019). The descriptive design will be adopted to carry out the investigation. The advantages of presenting an in-depth perspective of the study issue by this design are the primary factors in this decision.
Research strategy
A case study approach is the most effective way to choose suitable secondary qualitative data for the proposed research process. This has made it simpler to rely on the evaluation of earlier study findings and reports and has given the research reliable and trustworthy sources.
Data sources
In order to complete the empirical investigation, the researcher will collect secondary and qualitative data from sources that are not scientific such as business news accounts, company web pages, trade publications, and magazines. Furthermore, Google Scholar-listed publications and common web searches are both helpful sources of the additional information required for the study.
Time horizon
This research was conducted during a cross-sectional period of time. The “cross-section time horizon” was chosen for its advantageous ability to operate on specific points in time.
Data analysis method
The present study will be finished using the “qualitative content analysis” approach. The researcher has identified the best sources to support the study objectives and has categorised them based on themes that are relevant to the case studies. The best-matched themes that fulfil the objectives of the research will be looked at one at a time during this stage.
Research validity and reliability
The validity of a social research study will be assessed by looking at the authors’ names, backgrounds in education, and additional information when using secondary data. Taking into account its major effects and the influence of technology, the researcher chose case studies pertinent to sustainable and novel innovations in the logistical sector’s supply chain. With potential effects on the logistical sector, the research aims to provide a solution.9. Research timeline
10. Reference list
Adhi Santharm, B. and Ramanathan, U., 2022. Supply chain transparency for sustainability–an intervention-based research approach. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 42(7), pp.995-1021.
Assensoh-Kodua, A., 2019. The resource-based view: A tool of key competency for competitive advantage. Problems and Perspectives in Management, 17(3), p.143.
Bloomfield, J. and Fisher, M.J., 2019. Quantitative research design. Journal of the Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses Association, 22(2), pp.27-30.
Esmaeilian, B., Sarkis, J., Lewis, K. and Behdad, S., 2020. Blockchain for the future of sustainable supply chain management in Industry 4.0. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 163, p.105064.
Kamble, S.S., Gunasekaran, A., Subramanian, N., Ghadge, A., Belhadi, A. and Venkatesh, M., 2021. Blockchain technology’s impact on supply chain integration and sustainable supply chain performance: Evidence from the automotive industry. Annals of Operations Research, pp.1-26.
Khan, S.A.R., Yu, Z., Golpira, H., Sharif, A. and Mardani, A., 2021. A state-of-the-art review and meta-analysis on sustainable supply chain management: Future research directions. Journal of Cleaner Production, 278, p.123357.
Meherishi, L., Narayana, S.A. and Ranjani, K.S., 2019. Sustainable packaging for supply chain management in the circular economy: A review. Journal of cleaner production, 237, p.117582.
Saeed, M.A. and Kersten, W., 2019. Drivers of sustainable supply chain management: Identification and classification. Sustainability, 11(4), p.1137.
Tamminen, K.A. and Poucher, Z.A., 2020. Research philosophies. In The Routledge international encyclopedia of sport and exercise psychology (pp. 535-549). Routledge.
Un.org, 2023. “THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development” Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/goals [Accessed on 22/06/2023]
Know more about UniqueSubmission’s other writing services:
