IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jlogis/v9y2025i3p99-d1711791.html

Achieving Sustainable Supply Chains: Applying Group Concept Mapping to Prioritize and Implement Sustainable Management Practices

Author

Listed:
  • Thompson McDaniel

    (Doctoral School of Economics and Business Informatics, Corvinus University of Budapest, H-1093 Budapest, Hungary)

  • Edit Süle

    (Department of Corporate Leadership and Marketing, Széchenyi István University, H-9026 Győr, Hungary)

  • Gyula Vastag

    (Department of Public Administration and Infotechnology, Ludovika University of Public Service, H-1581 Budapest, Hungary)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Thompson McDaniel & Edit Süle & Gyula Vastag, 2025. "Achieving Sustainable Supply Chains: Applying Group Concept Mapping to Prioritize and Implement Sustainable Management Practices," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-32, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:3:p:99-:d:1711791
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/9/3/99/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6290/9/3/99/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Stefan Seuring & Martin Müller, 2008. "Core issues in sustainable supply chain management – a Delphi study," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 17(8), pages 455-466, December.
    2. Jianwei Li & Deyu Zhong, 2024. "Comparing the Impact of Green Supplier Selection and Integration on Environmental Performance: An Analysis of the Moderating Role of Government Support," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-20, August.
    3. Samera Nazir & Li Zhaolei & Saqib Mehmood & Zarish Nazir, 2024. "Impact of Green Supply Chain Management Practices on the Environmental Performance of Manufacturing Firms Considering Institutional Pressure as a Moderator," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-30, March.
    4. Ladinig, Thomas B. & Vastag, Gyula, 2021. "Mapping quality linkages based on tacit knowledge," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 233(C).
    5. Katarzyna Wojtaszczyk & Izabela Różańska‐Bińczyk & Marzena Syper‐Jędrzejak, 2024. "Human resource management: A link between sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles. Traditional and systematic review," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 32(5), pages 5567-5580, October.
    6. Rondinelli, Dennis A. & Vastag, Gyula, 1998. "Private investment and environmental protection:: Alcoa-Köfém's strategy in Hungary," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 16(4), pages 422-430, August.
    7. Dominik Zimon & Jonah Tyan & Robert Sroufe, 2019. "Implementing Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Reactive, Cooperative, and Dynamic Models," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(24), pages 1-22, December.
    8. Dumont, Jeanne, 1989. "Validity of multidimensional scaling in the context of structured conceptualization," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 12(1), pages 81-86, January.
    9. Asterios Stroumpoulis & Evangelia Kopanaki & Panos T. Chountalas, 2024. "Enhancing Sustainable Supply Chain Management through Digital Transformation: A Comparative Case Study Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-29, August.
    10. Trochim, William M. K. & Linton, Rhoda, 1986. "Conceptualization for planning and evaluation," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 9(4), pages 289-308, January.
    11. Peter Dobers & Rolf Wolff, 2000. "Competing with ‘soft’ issues – from managing the environment to sustainable business strategies," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 9(3), pages 143-150, May.
    12. Vichathorn Piyathanavong & Sun Olapiriyakul & Jose Arturo Garza‐Reyes & Vikas Kumar & Van‐Nam Huynh & Jessada Karnjana, 2024. "Implementing Industry 4.0 and circular economy through the developmental culture perspective—Driving a competitive advantage in the manufacturing industry," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(8), pages 9059-9074, December.
    13. Anup Kumar & Santosh Kumar Shrivastav & Avinash K. Shrivastava & Rashmi Ranjan Panigrahi & Abbas Mardani & Fausto Cavallaro, 2023. "Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Performance Measurement, and Management: A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-25, March.
    14. Rondinelli, Dennis & Vastag, Gyula, 2000. "Panacea, common sense, or just a label?: The value of ISO 14001 environmental management systems," European Management Journal, Elsevier, vol. 18(5), pages 499-510, October.
    15. Ehsan Shekarian & Behrang Ijadi & Amirreza Zare & Jukka Majava, 2022. "Sustainable Supply Chain Management: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Industrial Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-30, June.
    16. Ahmed Dabees & Mahmoud Barakat & Sahar Sobhy Elbarky & Andrej Lisec, 2023. "A Framework for Adopting a Sustainable Reverse Logistics Service Quality for Reverse Logistics Service Providers: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-16, January.
    17. Trochim, William M. & McLinden, Daniel, 2017. "Introduction to a special issue on concept mapping," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 166-175.
    18. Sarkis, Joseph & Zhu, Qinghua & Lai, Kee-hung, 2011. "An organizational theoretic review of green supply chain management literature," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 130(1), pages 1-15, March.
    19. Jabbour, Ana Beatriz & Jabbour, Charbel & Govindan, Kannan & Kannan, Devika & Arantes, Ariana Fernandes, 2014. "Mixed methodology to analyze the relationship between maturity of environmental management and the adoption of green supply chain management in Brazil," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 255-267.
    20. Robert D. Klassen & Curtis P. McLaughlin, 1996. "The Impact of Environmental Management on Firm Performance," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 42(8), pages 1199-1214, August.
    21. Dayal S. Prasad & Rudra P. Pradhan & Kunal Gaurav & Partha P. Chatterjee & Inderpal Kaur & Saurav Dash & Sagar Nayak, 2018. "Analysing the critical success factors for implementation of sustainable supply chain management: an Indian case study," DECISION: Official Journal of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, Springer;Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, vol. 45(1), pages 3-25, March.
    22. Federico Solari & Natalya Lysova & Giovanni Romagnoli & Roberto Montanari & Eleonora Bottani, 2024. "Insights from 20 Years (2004–2023) of Supply Chain Disruption Research: Trends and Future Directions Based on a Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-24, August.
    23. Marcus Brandenburg & Tobias Rebs, 2015. "Sustainable supply chain management: a modeling perspective," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 229(1), pages 213-252, June.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Carolin Brix-Asala & Anne-Kristin Geisbüsch & Philipp Christopher Sauer & Patrick Schöpflin & Axel Zehendner, 2018. "Sustainability Tensions in Supply Chains: A Case Study of Paradoxes and Their Management," Post-Print hal-03891228, HAL.
    2. Lai, Kee-hung & Wong, Christina W.Y. & Lam, Jasmine Siu Lee, 2015. "Sharing environmental management information with supply chain partners and the performance contingencies on environmental munificence," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 445-453.
    3. Wei Shan & Jingyi Wang, 2018. "Mapping the Landscape and Evolutions of Green Supply Chain Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-23, February.
    4. Jong-Wan Bae & Sang-Joon Kim, 2022. "How Do Active Firms Implementing Corporate Environmental Responsibility Take Technological Approaches to Environmental Issues? A Resource-Allocation Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-13, July.
    5. Kittisak Jermsittiparsert & Sudawan Somjai & Sriparinya Toopgajank, 2020. "Factors Affecting Firm s Energy Efficiency and Environmental Performance: The Role of Environmental Management Accounting, Green Innovation and Environmental Proactivity," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 10(3), pages 325-331.
    6. Yalabik, Baris & Fairchild, Richard J., 2011. "Customer, regulatory, and competitive pressure as drivers of environmental innovation," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 131(2), pages 519-527, June.
    7. Hammad Riaz & Abubakr Saeed, 2020. "Impact of environmental policy on firm's market performance: The case of ISO 14001," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 27(2), pages 681-693, March.
    8. Emel Gelmez & Eren Özceylan & Beata Mrugalska, 2024. "The Impact of Green Supply Chain Management on Green Innovation, Environmental Performance, and Competitive Advantage," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-18, November.
    9. Talita Borges Teixeira & Rosane A. G. Battistelle & Adriano Alves Teixeira & Camila Zanchettin Bonacina & Marinez Cristina Vitoreli, 2022. "Sustainability in the Supply Chain: Analyzing the Role of the Focal Company and Training in the Implementation of SDGs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-17, October.
    10. Ehsan Shekarian & Behrang Ijadi & Amirreza Zare & Jukka Majava, 2022. "Sustainable Supply Chain Management: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Industrial Practices," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-30, June.
    11. Sadia Samar Ali & Rajbir Kaur & D. Jinil Persis & Raiswa Saha & Murugan Pattusamy & V. Raja Sreedharan, 2023. "Developing a hybrid evaluation approach for the low carbon performance on sustainable manufacturing environment," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 324(1), pages 249-281, May.
    12. Schrettle, Stefan & Hinz, Andreas & Scherrer -Rathje, Maike & Friedli, Thomas, 2014. "Turning sustainability into action: Explaining firms' sustainability efforts and their impact on firm performance," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 147(PA), pages 73-84.
    13. Orcos, Raquel & Pérez-Aradros, Beatriz & Blind, Knut, 2018. "Why does the diffusion of environmental management standards differ across countries? The role of formal and informal institutions in the adoption of ISO 14001," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 53(6), pages 850-861.
    14. Wencheng Zhang & Fengjuan Zhang & Zhuo Cheng, 2025. "Green entrepreneurial orientation and green human capital: unlocking the potential of green supply chain integration through corporate environmental strategy," Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-16, December.
    15. Małgorzata Ćwil & Witold Bartnik & Sebastian Jarzębowski, 2021. "Railway Vehicle Energy Efficiency as a Key Factor in Creating Sustainable Transportation Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-14, August.
    16. Soh Hyun Chu & Hongsuk Yang & Mansokku Lee & Sangwook Park, 2017. "The Impact of Institutional Pressures on Green Supply Chain Management and Firm Performance: Top Management Roles and Social Capital," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(5), pages 1-21, May.
    17. Joaquín Cañón-de-Francia & Concepción Garcés-Ayerbe, 2009. "ISO 14001 Environmental Certification: A Sign Valued by the Market?," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 44(2), pages 245-262, October.
    18. Md Sajjad Hosain & Mohitul Ameen Ahmed Mustafi, 2025. "Linking green supply chain management practices with perceived environmental performance: A mediated moderation model," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 32(2), pages 1879-1900, March.
    19. Haodong Chen & Hengyi Zhang & Eias Al Humdan & Mohammed Alharithi & Yu Gong, 2023. "Research on Multi-Channel Supply Chain Decisions Considering Carbon Emission Cost and Consumer Loyalty," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-28, July.
    20. Christina W.Y. Wong & Chee Yew Wong & Sakun Boon‐itt, 2018. "How Does Sustainable Development of Supply Chains Make Firms Lean, Green and Profitable? A Resource Orchestration Perspective," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(3), pages 375-388, March.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:3:p:99-:d:1711791. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager The email address of this maintainer does not seem to be valid anymore. Please ask MDPI Indexing Manager to update the entry or send us the correct address (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.