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Sustainable Supply Chain Management—A Conceptual Framework and Future Research Perspectives

Author

Listed:
  • Marcus Brandenburg

    (School of Business, Flensburg University of Applied Sciences, 24943 Flensburg, Germany
    Current address: Flensburg University of Applied Sciences, Kanzleistr. 91-93, 24943 Flensburg, Germany.)

  • Tim Gruchmann

    (Institute of Management and Tourism (IMT), Westcoast University of Applied Sciences, 25746 Heide, Germany)

  • Nelly Oelze

    (School of Business, Flensburg University of Applied Sciences, 24943 Flensburg, Germany)

Abstract

Sustainable operations and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) have become a highly relevant topic for scientific research and management, as well as policy-making practice. Despite surging growth in extant research, the need for theoretical and conceptual substantiation persists, and large opportunities for further research remain unexploited. This paper responds to the need for a conceptual foundation and, therefore, aims at providing a structured agenda for future research areas in SSCM. Based on an abductive reasoning approach, SSCM constructs and concepts are gathered from existing literature and recombined into a comprehensive conceptual SSCM framework. Areas and directions for future SSCM research, as suggested in earlier studies, are summarized, positioned in the framework, and outlined to stimulate further SSCM research activities. To overcome the lack of holistic research in the field, sophisticated techniques and integrated systems to support decision-making are required to tackle related issues’ complexity. Therefore, this paper’s contribution lies in the synthesis of state-of-the-art literature to provide a more comprehensive view of SSCM. Researchers may find promising recommendations and a suitable foundation for future studies, while practitioners may find helpful orientation and guidance for decision- and policy-making.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcus Brandenburg & Tim Gruchmann & Nelly Oelze, 2019. "Sustainable Supply Chain Management—A Conceptual Framework and Future Research Perspectives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(24), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:24:p:7239-:d:298782
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    Cited by:

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    5. Nelly Oelze & Tim Gruchmann & Marcus Brandenburg, 2020. "Motivating Factors for Implementing Apparel Certification Schemes—A Sustainable Supply Chain Management Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-15, June.
    6. Iain J. Fraser & Julia Schwarzkopf & Martin Müller, 2020. "Exploring Supplier Sustainability Audit Standards: Potential for and Barriers to Standardization," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-31, October.
    7. Ronak Warasthe & Finja Schulz & Ralf Enneking & Marcus Brandenburg, 2020. "Sustainability Prerequisites and Practices in Textile and Apparel Supply Chains," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-18, November.
    8. Zahra Homayouni & Mir Saman Pishvaee & Hamed Jahani & Dmitry Ivanov, 2023. "A robust-heuristic optimization approach to a green supply chain design with consideration of assorted vehicle types and carbon policies under uncertainty," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 324(1), pages 395-435, May.
    9. Iyere Mary & Misopoulos Fotios, 2022. "The degree of stakeholder influences and risks in sustainable supply chains: a systematic literature review," International Journal of Contemporary Management, Sciendo, vol. 58(2), pages 9-26, June.
    10. Sylvia Mardiana, 2023. "Gasoline Policy Simulation to Increase Responsiveness Using System Dynamics: A Case Study of Indonesia’s Gasoline Downstream Supply Chain," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 13(6), pages 109-118, November.
    11. Leena Jokinen & Tuire Palonen & Helka Kalliomäki & Oana Apostol & Katariina Heikkilä, 2020. "Forward-Looking Sustainability Agency for Developing Future Cruise Ships," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-20, November.
    12. Stavros Sindakis & Saloome Showkat & Jiafu Su, 2023. "Unveiling the Influence: Exploring the Impact of Interrelationships among E-Commerce Supply Chain Members on Supply Chain Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-27, December.
    13. Kai Kang & Xinfeng Luan & Wenjing Shen & Yanfang Ma & Xuguang Wei, 2020. "The Strategies of the Poverty-Alleviation Supply Chain with Government Subsidies and Cost Sharing: Government-Led or Market-Oriented?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-24, May.
    14. Jun-Der Leu & Larry Jung-Hsing Lee & Yi-Wei Huang & Chia-Chi Huang, 2021. "Sustainable Supply Chains: Evidence from Small and Medium-Sized Manufacturers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-22, August.
    15. Priyabrata Chowdhury & Rezaul Shumon, 2020. "Minimizing the Gap between Expectation and Ability: Strategies for SMEs to Implement Social Sustainability Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-15, August.
    16. Iain J. Fraser & Martin Müller & Julia Schwarzkopf, 2020. "Dear supplier, how sustainable are you?," NachhaltigkeitsManagementForum | Sustainability Management Forum, Springer, vol. 28(3), pages 127-149, December.

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