Green supply chain management: theoretical framework and further research directions

Assessing the role of green supply chain management in enhancing Pakistan manufacturers' performances

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of success factors of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) dimensions (i.e., green purchasing, internal environmental management, cooperation with customers, eco-design, and investment recovery) and their impact on the Organizational Performance of Manufacturers in Pakistan on three pieces of levels of execution (i.e., Environmental Performance, Economic Performance, and Operational Performance), whereas GSCM practices in developing countries like Pakistan need to be explored. Data was collected from managers of 220 business firms in Pakistan through survey questionnaires with a purposive sampling technique. The target population consisted of managerial employees (business experts and executives) from private business firms, and partial least square-structural equation modeling was used for analysis. All GSCM dimensions were found significant in at least one of the performances, except eco-design on environmental performance and green purchasing on economic performance, either clearly or indirectly. The proposed model assembles and provides the respondents' distinctive working areas: electronic gadgets, automobile process and machinery sectors. Moreover, the appraisal of the connection between five developments of GSCM practices and three builds with the effect of the green distribution of authoritative execution in the Pakistan assembling setting offers an extraordinary theoretical commitment to exploring the green supply chain management field. First, this research is done by studying the green supply chain management dimensions of different performances of manufacturing firms in Pakistan, which has never been done before. Second, it contributes to the existing literature on critical success factors of GSCM. Manufacturing firms should implement GSCM practices to improve all three types of performance, i.e., environmental, economic, and operational.

Identifying factors affecting the low uptake of reprocessed construction materials: A systematic literature review

The success of demolition waste reverse logistics supply chains (DWRLSCs) depend on the market uptake of reprocessed construction materials (RCMs) since resource recovery will not be viable without a well-developed consumption process. However, usage of RCMs is sparse while there is also limited focus in existing research on their market uptake. Therefore, this systematic literature review (SLR) attempts to discern trends in research on the use of RCMs and identify factors that limit their uptake. 52 articles from three databases published between 2000 and 2021 were selected for descriptive and content analyses. Descriptive analysis showed growing research interest in the area over the last 5 years. Content analysis was underpinned by Attitude-Behaviour-Context (ABC) Theory which focuses on pro-environmental consumer decisions. As predicted by the theory, a mix of personal and contextual factors affect the low uptake of RCMs. Negative attitudes, reluctance to change the status quo and limited decision-making capabilities were identified as personal factors that limit the use of RCMs. Similarly, contextual factors such as price, quality, information availability, market availability, sourcing lead times and lack of regulations, standards, and specifications inhibit the use of such materials. The review also proposes several future research directions to expand knowledge around this domain.

Top management commitment in greening supply chain operations: post-COVID-19 perspectives from an emerging economy

Purpose

The novel COVID-19 supply chain disruption has globally altered the environmental needs of society. Against this backdrop, this paper aims to examine how top managers are environmentally committed to integrating green supply chain management (GSCM) practices in the operational performance of small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana, within the post-pandemic economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a cross-sectional survey to obtain data from 270 SMEs in Ghana, using partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modelling to test seven hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The outcome of the analysis revealed that top management environmental commitment has a significantly positive effect on supply chain operational performance. The structural model also revealed that top management environmental commitment has a positive and significant effect on both internal and external GSCM practices. The results further revealed that both internal and external GSCM practices have positive and significant effects on supply chain operational performance. Finally, both internal and external GSCM practices mediate the path between top management environmental commitment and supply chain operational performance.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides a novel framework which contributes to both theoretical studies and managerial decisions on COVID-19 related supply chain management issues. However, the study was limited to the Ghanaian context, thus, further related studies are required in other contexts.

Originality/value

This study provides a novel framework by elucidating the intervening role of GSCM practices in the path between top management environmental commitment and supply chain operations in an emerging post-pandemic world context.

Impact of green supply chain management and green human resource management practices on the sustainable performance of manufacturing firms in Pakistan

Using the resource-based view theory, this paper explores the association between green human resource management and green supply chain management. Moreover, the collective impact of green human resource management and green supply chain management on the triple bottom lines (social, environmental, and economic performance) was tested. The current study employed a random sampling technique in evaluating data from 212 firms from the chemical, pharmaceutical, automotive, textile, and food industries. Our main findings include the following. First, green human resource management positively influenced the triple bottom lines. Second, green supply chain management mediates green human resource management and triple bottom lines. Specifically, internal green supply chain management mediates green human resource management practices and sustainable performance. In contrast, external green supply chain management practices only mediate the relationship between green human resource management practices and the environmental and social perspective of sustainable performance. The study provides managerial implications and future recommendations.

Intertwining green SCM- and agile SCM-based decision-making framework for sustainability using GIVTFNs

Purpose

Supply chain management (SCM)-embedded valuable resources, such as capital, raw-materials, products, partners, customers and finished inventories, where the evaluation of environmental texture and flexibilities are needed to perceive sustainability. The present study aims to identify and evaluate the directory of green and agile (G-A) attributes based on decision support framework (DSF) for identifying dominating measures in SCM.

Design/methodology/approach

DSF is developed by exploiting generalized interval valued trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (GIVTFNs). Two technical approaches, i.e. degree of similarity approach (DSA) and distance approach (DA) under the extent boundaries of GIVTFNs, are implicated for data analytics and for recognizing constructive G-A measures based on comparative study for robust decision. A fuzzy-based performance indicator, i.e. fuzzy performance important index (FPII), is presented to enumerate the weak and strong G-A characteristics to manage knowledge risks in allied business environment.

Findings

The modeling is illustrated from the insights of decision-makers for augmenting business value based on cognitive identification of measures, where the best performance score is identified by the “sustainable packaging” under the traits of green supply chain management (GSCM). “The use of Web-based applications” under the traits of agile supply chain management (ASCM) and “Outsourcing flexibility” under traits of ASCM is found as the second and third most significant performance characteristics for business sustainability. Additionally, the “Reutilization (recycling) and reprocessing” under GSCM in manufacturing and “Responsiveness and speed toward customers needs” under ASCM are found difficult in attainment.

Research limitations/implications

The G-A evaluation will assist in attaining performance excellence in day-to-day operations and overall functioning. The outcomes will help executives to plan strategic objectives and attaining success.

Originality/value

To reinforce the capabilities of SCM, wide extent of G-A dimensions are presented, concept of FPII is reported to manage knowledge risks based on identification of strong attributes and two technical approaches, i.e. DSA and DA under GIVTFNs are presented for attaining robust decision and directing managerial decision-making process.

Exploring the technical and behavioral dimensions of green supply chain management: a roadmap toward environmental sustainability

Environmental sustainability issues have become an increasing concern for enterprises and organizations due to new tendencies in climate change. Green supply chain management (GSCM) practices are growing worldwide in this context. Based on socio-technical systems and institutional theory, the present study develops a conceptual model highlighting a mediating effect between two distinct categories of GSCM dimensions, i.e., technical practices and behavioral practices, along with the moderating effect of institutional pressure on organizational performance. Data were collected from 260 Pakistani manufacturers, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was employed to analyze the hypotheses. The classification of technical and behavioral GSCM practices and findings of this research contributes to the literature on GSCM. Empirical results reveal that behavioral practices of GSCM (top management support, supplier, and customer involvement) mediate the relationship between technical GSCM practices (eco-design, green manufacturing, and reverse logistics) and organizational performance (economic, environmental, and social). The results also demonstrate that institutional pressure positively moderates the relationship between technical practices and organizational performance. These findings suggest that organizations in developing countries must focus on the behavioral dimensions of GSCM first for the successful implementation of technical dimensions of GSCM to gain effective environmental, economic, and social performance.

Modelling of factors influencing organizational readiness for change in start-ups during the COVID-19 emergency

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to “identify”, “analyze” and “construct” a framework to quantify the relationships between several determinants of organizational preparedness for change in the start-ups during the COVID-19 emergencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) is used to find characteristics that assist in analyzing the readiness or preparedness level before initiating a change deployment process in start-ups. A cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) analysis is performed to determine the driving and dependent elements of change in start-ups.

Findings

From literature research and an expert interview, this study selected ten variables of change preparedness to explore inner interconnections and comprehend the inner connections factors. The findings depict that clarity of mission and goals, reward system, technological advancement and motivational readiness have been considered the most important readiness factor for deploying organizational change in start-ups during the COVID-19 emergencies.

Practical implications

This research will aid the management and researchers gain a better understanding of the factors that influence change preparedness. Constant observation of current changes in the start-ups and the external environment will aid in improving the quality of products or services provided by the start-ups during the COVID-19. The start-ups can use these criteria linked to change readiness. The priority of each element is determined using MICMAC analysis and ranking using the TISM technique, which assists start-ups in ordering the enablers from highest to lowest priority.

Originality/value

There is no research regarding factors influencing organizational readiness for change in start-ups during the COVID-19 emergencies. This research gap is filled by analyzing aspects linked to organizational readiness for change in start-ups. This gap inspired the present study, which uses the “Total Interpretive Structural Modelling (TISM)” technique to uncover change determinants and investigate hierarchical interconnections among factors influencing organizational readiness to change in start-ups during the COVID-19 emergencies.

Relationship of green human resource management with environmental performance: mediating effect of green organizational culture

Purpose

Environment concerns and climate changes have led organizations to reorient their processes with a focus toward sustainability. Organizations recognize that incorporating greening in HR practices has the potential to address environmental concerns. The present study aims to focus on investigating the relationship between green human resource management (GHRM) practices and environmental performance (EP). It is premised that the adoption of green human resource practices facilitates the development of a green organizational culture (GOC) that helps the organization to gain strategic business advantage with respect to the competitors. The literature suggests that the adoption of green human resource practices among organizations is at a nascent stage. The present study focusses on understanding the mediating role of three dimensions of GOC, that is, degree, diffusion and depth in the relationship between green human resource practices and EP that has not been addressed in the empirical literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study developed a model consisting of GHRM practices as an independent variable, the three dimensions of culture (degree, diffusion and depth) as mediators, and EP as the dependent variable. The study followed a quantitative exploratory research approach. The sample consisted of 278 employees from private and public sector organizations located in India. The hypothesized model was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The study found the green human resource practices to be significantly related with EP of the organization. Results of parallel mediation confirmed that the “degree” dimension of GOC played a significant mediating role in the relationship between green human resource practices and EP of the organization. The other two dimensions of GOC, diffusion and depth, did not have a significant mediating role in this relationship. The findings of the study have been explained in the context of social identity theory, resource based view and ability–motivation–opportunity theory.

Practical implications

The study provides practical insights for researchers and managers who seek to adopt sustainability objectives in the organization. The findings have the potential to encourage human resource managers to adopt green human resource management practices toward promoting a culture of greening in the organization. The importance of developing and measuring EP targets for industry leadership is also emphasized.

Originality/value

The originality of the study lies in classifying and understanding GOC in terms of three dimensions, that is, degree, diffusion and depth, following the model proposed by Harris and Crane (2002). The three dimensions help in assessing the current level of GOC. This assessment promotes the judicious application of resources by the organization and adopts green practices to foster the organizational EP.

Readiness for lean-sustainability in start-ups during the COVID-19 era

Purpose

This study aims to “identify”, “analyse” and “categorise” the lean-sustainability enablers for start-ups during the COVID-19 epidemic using total interpretive structural modelling (TISM).

Design/methodology/approach

A closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect data in addition to the scheduled interview. The TISM methodology is used to determine how the variables interact, and the matrice d’Impacts croises-multiplication applique´ a classement (MICMAC) method is used to rank and categorise the lean-sustainability enablers.

Findings

This study identified ten lean-sustainability enablers for start-ups during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study says that the key factors are leadership and managerial commitment, implementation of employee skills and abilities, strategic need, personnel engagement and financial ability.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused primarily on lean-sustainability characteristics for start-ups.

Practical implications

This research will aid key stakeholders and academics in better understanding the factors that contribute to lean-sustainability in start-ups.

Originality/value

This study proposes the TISM technique for start-ups, which is a novel attempt in the subject of lean-sustainability in this industry.

Coordination issues in managing the reverse supply chain: a systematic literature review and future research directions

Purpose

Reverse supply chain (RSC) is one of the ways to handle product returns efficiently. Recovery of residual value from product returns also helps in achieving sustainability. Its successful implementation requires coordination among all the channel members involved in the activities, from the acquisition to collection to the disposition of returned products. This article aims to review the literature about coordination issues in the RSC.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review of 151 articles published during 2004–2021 is carried out. Theory, context and methodology (TCM) framework of the literature review is used to identify the research gaps for future research directions.

Findings

This study identifies the characteristics of RSC coordination. It includes channel structures; coordination mechanisms; performance measuring parameters; the methodology applied and explored industries. The review shows that game-theoretical modeling in RSC coordination is the most commonly used method to coordinate the channels. It was found that issues like disruption, fairness and corporate social responsibility are not explored in-depth and offer much potential for future research.

Originality/value

There are very limited studies on coordination issues in the RSC. The proposed articles add value by considering RSC issues from different strategic, government, consumers' behavior and functionality decision-making point of view.

Location of competitive facilities: a comprehensive review and future research agenda

Purpose

The research in competitive facility location (CFL) is quite dynamic, both from a problem formulation and an algorithmic point of view. Research direction has changed immensely over the years to address various competitive challenges. This study aims to explore CFL literature to highlight these research trends, important issues and future research opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilises the Scopus database to search for related CFL models and adopts a five-step systematic approach for the review process. The five steps involve (1) Article Identification and keyword selection, (2) Selection criteria, (3) Literature review, (4) Literature analysis and (5) Research studies.

Findings

The paper presents a comprehensive review of CFL modelling efforts from 1981 to 2021 to provide a depth study of the research evolution in this area. The published articles are classified based on multiple characteristics, including the type of problem, type of competition, game-theoretical approaches, customer behaviour, decision space, type of demand, number of facilities, capacity and budget limitations. The review also highlights the popular problem areas and dedicated research in the respective domain. In addition, a second classification is also provided based on solution methods adopted to solve various CFL models and real-world case studies.

Originality/value

The paper covers 40 years of CFL literature from the perspective of the problem area, CFL characteristics and the solution approach. Additionally, it introduces characteristics such as capacity limit and budget constraint for the first time for classification purposes.

Assessing the Benefit of Adopting ERP Technology and Practicing Green Supply Chain Management toward Operational Performance: An Evidence from Indonesia

The recent concern on the environmental protection and COVID-19 issue is increasingly affecting the manufacturing industry. This research assessing the benefit of adopting ERP technology and practicing green supply chain management toward operational performance in manufacturing industry. The study is essential to provide insight for the manufacturing industry regarding the consequences and benefits of practicing the green supply chain and adopting ERP technology amid the current constraints of the environmental protection issue and the COVID-19 pandemic. The study has surveyed 122 companies domiciled in Indonesia. Data collection used a questionnaire designed with a seven-point Likert scale. Questionnaire created in Google form, printed and distributed using social media and postal mail. Data analysis used SmartPLS software version 3.0. The result revealed that ERP adoption enables green purchasing, production, distribution, and operational performance. Furthermore, operating performance is directly affected by green purchasing and green production. However, operating performance was not supported by green distribution. In addition, ERP adoption indirectly improves operational performance through green purchasing and green production. But ERP adoption did not affect operational performance through green distribution. This result provides essential insight for the manager in the manufacturing industry that adopting ERP in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic and practicing environmental protection such as green purchasing, green production enhances operational performance. In summary, the result of this study encourages the practitioner to adopt environmental protection in running their business since it benefits the company. While there are very few studies examining the relationship between ERP adoption, green supply chain practices, and operational performance, this study is essential in terms of exploring the mediating role of green supply chain practices on the effect of ERP adoption on operational performance. Thus, these research findings could enrich the current research in the supply chain management context.

Horizontal collaboration in the last mile distribution: gauging managerial response to disruption and abnormal demand

Purpose

Last mile distribution is a crucial element of any supply chain network, and its complexity has challenged established practices and frameworks in the management literature. This is particularly evident when demand surges, as with recent lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent demand for home delivery services. Given the importance of this critical component, this study recommends horizontal collaboration as a possible solution for retailers seeking to improve the quality of their services.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates whether horizontal collaboration should be considered as an option for faster and greener distribution of groceries ordered online. Using the United Kingdom and Greek grocery markets that differ in terms of online grocery penetration, distribution network structure and delivery times, the study discusses how the effectiveness of pooling resources can create positive spillover effects for consumers, businesses and society.

Findings

Despite their differences, both markets indicate the need for horizontal collaboration in the highly topical issue of last mile delivery.

Originality/value

Taking a theoretical and practical view in cases of disruption and constant pressure in last mile distribution, horizontal collaboration supports retailers to coordinate routes, increase fleet and vehicle utilisation, reduce traffic and carbon emissions while improving customer satisfaction.

Environment Sustainability Is a Corporate Social Responsibility: Measuring the Nexus between Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Big Data Analytics Capabilities, and Organizational Performance

Sustainability has profound implications for environmental competitiveness, yet little has been done to study the feasibility of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices as a predictor of organizational performance (operational and environmental performance). By integrating stakeholder theory and dynamic capability theory, this study aims to determine the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on SSCM practices and assess its impact on organizational performance. This research also investigates the role of big data analytical capabilities (BDAC) in mediating the relationship between SSCM practices and organizational performance. The authors collected data online, examined 320 valid responses, and tested research hypotheses. The findings suggest that CSR (both internal and external CSR) positively promotes SSCM practices and contributes to expanding dynamic capacity theory in the context of BDA capabilities. BDAC is also a key mediator between SSCM practices and organizational performance. These results contribute to and improve the research on stakeholder theory and SSCM practice and provide a new perspective for scholars to further study this issue.

Green supply chain management for operational performance: anteceding impact of corporate social responsibility and moderating effects of relational capital

Purpose

The paper aims to study the relationship between corporate social responsibility, green supply chain management, and operational performance and the moderating effects of relational capital on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct an empirical study with a structural equation modeling approach to investigate the relationship between corporate social responsibility—constructed by the quality and environmental responsibility, green supply chain management—including green supplier and customer management and operational performance—manifested by quality, cost, flexibility, and delivery performance using data from 308 manufacturers in China. Besides, the authors explore the moderating effect of supplier and customer relational capital on these relationships.

Findings

The findings indicate that a company's quality and environmental responsibility significantly impacts its green supply chain management practices, which further improve its operational performance in quality, cost, flexibility, and delivery. In addition, supplier and customer relational capital strengthens the influence of environmental responsibility on green supply chain management. While supplier relational capital reinforces the impact of green supplier management on flexibility and delivery performance, customer relational capital only strengthens the influence of green customer management on flexibility performance.

Originality/value

The study enriches the extant literature by developing a holistic framework integrating corporate social responsibility, green supply chain management, relational capital, and operational performance and unraveling their intricate relationships. The authors’ findings help practitioners prioritize proactive steps in environmental conservation more than achieving operational performance.

Modelling the resilience of start-ups during COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose

Resilience, the ability of start-ups to deal with anticipated instabilities and probable disruptions, is becoming an important success element during coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). To survive in this pandemic situation, resilience is an important concept for start-ups. The present paper aims to “identify”, “analyse” and “categorize” the resilience factors for start-ups during the Covid-19 pandemic using total interpretive structural modelling (TISM).

Design/methodology/approach

The resilience elements of start-ups during Covid-19 were identified and shortlisted during the first phase, which included literature analysis and extensive interaction with experts. TISM was used in the second phase to investigate or to determine how the factors interplayed between the resilience factors of start-ups during Covid-19. The Matrice d'impacts Croises Multiplication Appliquee a un Classment (MICMAC) method is used to rank and categorize the factors. Closed-ended questionnaire with the scheduled interview was conducted to collect the data.

Findings

The first part of the study found ten resilience elements in total. The TISM digraph was constructed in the second step to show why one resilience component led to another. The MICMAC analysis divided these factors into four groups: autonomous, linkage, dependent and independent. These groups represented resilience variables based on their driving and dependent power, which assist executives and managers in proactively addressing them while using the TISM digraph as a guide.

Research limitations/implications

During the Covid-19 epidemic, this study focused primarily on resilience characteristics for Indian start-ups.

Practical implications

This study will help key stakeholders and scholars to better understand the elements that contribute to start-up's resilience.

Originality/value

The TISM method for start-up's resilience is suggested in this paper, which is a novel attempt in the field of resilience in this industry.

The drivers of employee creativity and organizational innovation: a dynamic capability view

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the drivers of employee creativity and organizational innovation empirically. And to study how employee creativity significantly impacts organizational innovation in a highly competitive market.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is grounded in positivism philosophy. The theoretical model is grounded in the dynamic capability view (DCV) and further developed ten hypotheses and sub-hypotheses. To test our research hypotheses the authors utilized psychometric-based instruments. The authors obtained 575 responses from the automobile industry in India after multiple follow-ups. The data were utilized to check the construct validity and tested the authors’ research hypotheses using the co-variance-based structural equation modeling (SEM) tool (IBM SPSS AMOS 20.0).

Findings

The results support the authors’ research hypotheses. The findings of this study conform to the previous findings of the scholars which is an important aspect of the study. In the past various scholars have made an attempt to reproduce the results in different contexts. In a way, it helps to build confidence in the scientific merit of the results. It may be considered as an incremental contribution to the literature but it helps establish confidence in the theory of creativity and innovation.

Practical implications

The results offer a nuanced understanding to the practitioners and policy makers to understand “what” and “how” to improve employee creativity that plays a significant role in organizational innovation.

Originality/value

This study is an attempt to examine how the theory of creativity and innovation can be embraced by the Indian automobile industry.

A systematic literature review on supply chain approaches

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present green supply chain, resilient supply chain, agile supply chain, cold supply chain and lean supply chain (GRACL SC) procedures based on a detailed perspective, analyzing subjects in the past 19 years with a systematic literature review (SLR) of the papers reported from 2000 to 2019, and offering information and guidelines for further studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on 17 keywords in the title and topic of the articles and collects data from Web of Science (WOS) databases and objectively chooses 1,190 articles and performs meta-data analyses. Tables and statistical reports are based on the following three filters: publication year, authors and document type. At least, 39 publications from the ISI WOS has been examined for presenting information of categorization of the conducted research with regard to the content analysis, comprising the conceptual development and obstacles, cooperation with the supply chain elements, as well as mathematical and other optimization models.

Findings

Finally, this study answered three main questions in the research and demonstrates that the majority studies in the green supply chain (GSC) and a minimum number of studies on the cold supply chain have been conducted and 27 factors are chosen to achieve the 2000 to 2019 GRACL SCM model which robust and fit for Iranian food industries. The model shows that the agile, resilient and lean supply chain have direct effect on GSC and it can be said that all 27 groups which are selected for the final model of this research can be the main groups in the supply chain.

Originality/value

This paper was actually conducted by authors who reported it. To prevent plagiarized, redoubled efforts have been made and actually this paper is based on SLR methodology and the results are real and the researcher discusses the results appropriately. This investigation can have a positive impact within the field of expanding supply chain flexibility and lessening squander within the Iranian generation framework.

How to make intelligent automation projects agile? Identification of success factors and an assessment approach

Purpose

Organizations are fast adopting new technologies such as automation, analytics and artificial intelligence, collectively called intelligent automation, to drive digital transformation. When adopting intelligent automation, there is a need to understand the success factors of these new technologies and adapt agile software development (ASD) practices to meet customer expectations. The purpose of this paper is to explore the success factors of intelligent automation and create a framework for managers and practitioners to meet dynamic business demands. Total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) framework is a suitable approach to integrate quantitative measurement with qualitative semi-structured interviews capturing the context of the individual organization environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper identified agility factors and their interrelationships using a TISM framework. TISM results were validated using a one-tailed t-test to confirm the interrelationships between factors. Furthermore, the agility index of a case project organization was assessed using a graph-theoretic approach (GTA) to identify both the triggering factors for agility success and improvement proposals.

Findings

Results showed that leadership vision, organization structure and program methodology were driving factors. The TISM model was validated statistically and the agility index of the intelligent automation case project organization was calculated to be79.5%. Here, a GTA was applied and the triggering factors for improvement of the agility index were identified.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study are described along with the opportunities for future research as the field evolves through the rapid innovation of technology and products.

Practical implications

The increasing role of digital transformation in enterprise strategy and operations requires practitioners to understand how ASD practices must be planned, measured and/or improved over time through the implementation of automation, analytics and artificial intelligence programs. The TISM digraph provides a framework of hierarchical structure to organize the influencing factors, which assists in achieving organizational goals. This study highlights the driving factors which contribute to the success of intelligent automation projects and project organizations.

Originality/value

This is a first attempt to analyze the interrelationships among agility factors in intelligent automation projects (IAP) using TISM and the assessment of the agility index of a case IAP organization using a GTA.

Emerging challenges to greening of supply chains: an empirical study

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the greening practices adopted by micro, small and medium enterprises in India and recommend an empirically tested and validated green supply chain management (GSCM) practices construct. The study also aims at measuring the influence of pressures created by external and internal stakeholders on the GSCM score.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a mixed-method approach. Qualitative methods, including literature review, expert opinion, focused group discussions and questionnaire-based surveys, were used for item generation and data collection. Quantitative methods included exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to find out the reasonable number of constructs to include in the scale of the GSCM practice, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to purify/confirm the scale, and finally, structural equation modelling (SEM) to select the best fit model and to test all causal relationships as portrayed in the base model. In the two-stage survey, convenience and purposive sampling methods were applied.

Findings

The study develops an empirically validated scale of GSCM practices, which has 6 dimensions and 16 items. This scale can measure the greening score of GSCM practices implementation. Further, findings confirm that the pressures from external and internal stakeholders are the significant forces for micro, small and medium enterprises to adopt GSCM practices. Finally, mediation function of external/internal pressures and green factors also does occur where GSCM is the mediator.

Research limitations/implications

The study is an extension of available literature on GSCM practices utilizing the survey data from India. It contributes to the literature on micro, small and medium enterprises and GSCM practices implementation and expands the scope of theoretical applications.

Practical implications

For the managers, it provides useful insights about innovative practices to become eco-efficient. The second-order of scale reveals that managers need to equally focus on all factors rather than on any single one. Less GSCM practices score indicates the dearth of external and internal pressures on micro, small and medium enterprises. Therefore, managers need to collaborate with local customers, overseas customers, competitors and legislative agencies. Besides, training of employees, literacy of employees and support from top management also emerge as critical measures that help the industry implement GSCM practices.

Originality/value

GSCM as a topic had been extensively explored within different business areas and functions in the available literature. However, this study has some significant values. At prima facie, the study is the first that elucidates GSCM practices by incorporating the effects of pressures of different stakeholders in the context of Indian micro, small and medium enterprises which is considered as the most unorganized sector. Second, the proposed model of the study could provide useful direction for GSCM practices implementation in the unorganized sector in developing nations. Third, the study can also benefit academicians interested in the researched topic, organizations within different sectors and any other party interested in understanding more the concept of GSCM.

Antecedents and consequences of green supply chain management practices: a study of Indian food processing industry

Purpose

This study aims to empirically test a comprehensive green supply chain management (GSCM) practices model. This paper incorporates green intellectual capital (GIC) and green supply chain orientation (GSCO) as antecedents to the successful implementation of GSCM practices and organizational performance as its consequence.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has been conducted in the Indian food processing industry. The respondents of this study include 139 plant-level managers working in the food processing industry. The managers were contacted using a combination of personal visits, phone and mail. Structural equation modeling was performed using SPSS AMOS v26 to test the hypothesized model.

Findings

The findings of this study reveal that GIC and GSCO positively impact the implementation of GSCM practices. Further, GSCM practices improve economic and operational performance, leading to improved organizational performance.

Practical implications

This study provides implications for managers suggesting that GSCM practices should be implemented in phases. The first phase must reflect the organization's commitment toward building GIC and the second phase must reflect managerial orientation toward implementation for GSCM practices.

Originality/value

This study adds to the existing literature by linking GIC to GSCM practices; second, this study provides a framework for implementation of GSCM practices in the food processing industry.

A study on the influential factors of the last mile delivery projects during Covid-19 era

The Covid-19 has shifted the face of many markets including e-commerce and online business with many bottlenecks to be cleared. The last-mile delivery project has the greatest effect on all types of e-commerce companies because it has many consumer touchpoints as well as the Covid-19 pain points. Due to these interconnected issues, the delivery projects itself requires modern solutions. The purpose of this paper is to identify, analyse and categorize the major factors that affect the last mile delivery projects in e-commerce, food sector, retail sector and so on using total ınterpretive structural modelling approach during the Covid-19. Ten major factors are identified from literature review, and expert opinions are collected from multiple organizations that are involved in the last mile delivery projects. The results indicate that types of goods, achieving routing efficiency and meeting fulfilment timeline are the key factors for last mile delivery projects during the time of Covid-19. This study helps the managers to identify the key factors and to focus on these factors for the successful implementation of last mile delivery project.

Green supply chain management pressures, practices and performance: a critical literature review

Purpose

The concept of green supply chain management (GSCM) is evolving rapidly due to the environmental concerns and gaining popularity in the research community. This study critically analyze the literature of GSCM pressure, practice and performance for manufacturing enterprises based on the results of bibliometric, network and frequency analyses.

Design/methodology/approach

Scopus database is used for literature search. Bibliometric network and frequency analysis are used to critically review the evolution of identified constructs and measures of GSCM pressure, practice and performance.

Findings

This study has identified that the selected topic is in growing stage through the collaborative effort of the worldwide researchers. This study also shows the diffusion of influence in developing countries and there are enormous opportunities of research in these regions. The study finds evaluation of GSCM constructs and measures with time and shift in focus areas by the researchers. The study suggests more focus on the measurement of informative pressures, reverse logistics practices and negative impact on economic performance due to the adoption of GSCM practices. There is a need of simultaneous analysis of GSCM pressures, practices and performance to identify the cascading effect in different regions and industrial sectors and developed a conceptual framework to identify this effect. This study also observes the need of more quantitative measures-based case studies and suggests the use of life cycle assessment for the quantification of environmental performance.

Originality/value

This study for the first time has analyzed a specific topic of GSCM pressure, practice and performance through bibliometric and network analyses. This study critically reviews the constructs and measures of GSCM pressure, practice and performance and identified the future research directions.

Performance Implications of Aligning Supply Chain Practices with Competitive Advantage: Empirical Evidence from the Agri-Food Sector

During this pandemic crisis, supply chain management (SCM) has emerged as a critical source of competitive advantage driving organizational performance, especially in the agri-food sector, since public health and consumers’ confidence as well as firms’ survival depend on the effectiveness of supply chain networks. This study adopts two central SCM practices, namely strategic suppliers’ partnerships and partners’ information quality & sharing and tests their relationships with competitive advantage (quality, process flexibility, and time to market) and business performance (profitability and market share), based on an empirical study of 300 enterprises in the agri-food sector in Greece. After data collection, we deploy a diagnostic-exploratory model, utilizing fuzzy cognitive mapping, with agent-based modeling following up for development for data prediction and simulation. Consequently, we found that supply chain firms’ compelling and robust relationships with supply chain partners and suppliers can promote their profitability and market share. Relationships of this kind focus on quality information sharing and are strongly connected with businesses’ quality, process flexibility, and time to market competitive capabilities. Hence, our study provides salutary info to supply chain firms regarding potential implementation to existing and new collaborators.

Modeling the enablers of sourcing risks faced by startups in COVID-19 era

Purpose

Startups across all sectors are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and are facing a formidable challenge in terms of marketing and operations. Most of the startups have experienced a downturn in demand and supply due to COVID-19 led disturbances in sourcing networks. This paper aims to identify, analyze and categorize the significant risks influencing sourcing operations in startups during the COVID-19 era in India, using the total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight enablers were identified through literature review and expert opinions from various startups in India. This study adopted the TISM approach to analyze the inter-relationships between the enablers. Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) analysis was used to rank the sourcing risk enablers and classify them as autonomous, independent, linkage and dependent enablers.

Findings

The results indicate “insufficient fund” as the most critical enabler. Network issues and employee flexibility risk were among the other critical enablers that have a high driving power. Supplier risk, quality risk and demand risk were found to have highly dependent on other enablers for implementation.

Research limitations/implications

This study mainly focuses on the sourcing risks in startup operations in India. This study can be extended to many other countries.

Practical implications

This study will help startup industry managers and practitioners understand the interactions of enablers and identify critical enablers to mitigate risks in startup sourcing operations in the COVID-19 era.

Originality/value

The present study identifies the sourcing risk enablers in the COVID-19 era. It is the first attempt to analyze the interrelationship among sourcing risks in startups using the TISM approach.

Optimization of a two-echelon supply chain with random demand and random defect rate under strict carbon cap policy

Purpose

The yield of defective items and emissions of greenhouse gases in supply chains are areas of concern. Organizations try to reduce the yield defective items and emissions. In this paper, a constrained optimization model is developed with consideration of the yield of defective items and strict carbon cap policy simultaneously and then optimized. Further, sensitivity analyses have been carried out to draw different managerial insights. Precisely, we have tried to address the following research questions: (1) how to optimize the cost for a two-echelon supply chain considering yield of defective items and strict carbon cap policy, (2) how the total expected cost and total expected emissions act with changing parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical modeling approach has been adopted to develop a model and further optimized it with optimization software. Costs and emissions from different areas of a supply chain have been derived and then the total cost and total emissions have been formulated mathematically. One constrained mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem has been formulated and solved considering emissions-related, velocity and production related-constraints. Further, different sensitivity analyses have been derived to draw some managerial insights.

Findings

In this paper, many decision variables have been calculated with a set of basic values of other parameters. It has been found that both cost and emissions can be controlled by controlling different parameters. It has been also found that some parameters have very little or no influence either on cost or emissions. In most cases, originations may exhaust the given limit of carbon cap to optimize their costs.

Originality/value

In spite of my sincere efforts, no paper has been found that has considered the yield of defective items and strict carbon cap policy simultaneously. In this paper, it is assumed that both demand and defect rates are random in nature. The model, presented in this paper may give insights to develop different supply chain models with consideration of both defective items and strict carbon cap policy. Sensitivity analyses, drawn in this paper may give deep insights to managers and carbon regulatory bodies.

The antecedents and consequences of green purchasing: an empirical investigation

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of the supplier's coercive and cognitive pressures on a manufacturer's green purchasing decision-making process and the resultant implications in terms of operational and environmental performances.

Design/methodology/approach

Path analysis is performed to test the hypothesized linkages.

Findings

This study finds that the supplier's coercive pressure, environmental focus and socio-cultural responsibility will lead a firm to more successful implementations of green purchasing, which, in turn, results in improved operational and environmental performances. The study findings reveal that the commercial values of green purchasing in addition to social and political obligations will promote the adoption of green purchasing in supply chain management practice.

Originality/value

This study helps business managers understand the impacts of the supplier's coercive and cognitive pressures on green purchasing and the manufacturer's resultant performances. In particular, coercive pressure is operationalized by the supplier's coercive pressure and environmental regulatory pressure, while cognitive pressure is reflected in the supplier's environmental focus and socio-cultural responsibility. This study contributes to the extant theories and enriches the literature on green purchasing.

Modelling the enablers of sustainability in higher education institutions

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore and encapsulate the enablers that can facilitate education for sustainable development in higher education (HE). The study also aims to understand the interdependence between the enablers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts the total interpretive structural modelling approach to comprehend the interaction and transitivity between the enablers. Cross-impact multiplication matrix analysis was applied to rank the enablers and classify them on the basis of the driving and dependence power into dependent, autonomous, independent and linkage enablers.

Findings

An extensive literature review and expert opinion helped in identifying 10 enablers that can promote sustainability in higher education. The structural model revealed government policies, media, accreditation/sustainability audit, sustainability leadership and institutional commitment as the crucial enablers that can drive sustainability and activate the enablers with high dependence and low driving power.

Practical implications

The results of this study will assist the policymakers and management of universities and colleges in understanding important factors that can facilitate sustainability in higher education. Universities and colleges to incorporate sustainability in their system need to transform not only the core higher education activities of learning and teaching, research and engagement, also the way the colleges operate its culture, governance, structure and how it supports the staff and students.

Originality/value

So far, research on sustainability in higher education has looked into each factor in isolation. This research provides a comprehensive view of the factors and has attempted to establish a multidirectional interplay between factors facilitating sustainability in higher education (SHE).

Black swan: bibliometric analysis and development of research agenda

Purpose

There has been an increasing interest amongst the researchers to work and explore, “Black Swan” events which are not well studied. However, the “Black Swan” events hold an eminent relevance amongst academicians and practitioners. The present study offers nuanced understanding of “Black Swan” events.

Design/methodology/approach

We undertook an extensive bibliometric analysis of the extant literature using “Black Swan” as guiding keyword with the help of SCOPUS database.

Findings

The search for articles only yielded 59 articles. Our analyses highlight the prominent works, authors and journals. Further, this study reveal the research gaps that may help guide future scholars interested in “Black Swan” events to examine in different context.

Research limitations/implications

The current study develops a research agenda and offers numerous research directions. Research on “Black Swan” events can be apprehended at three different stages – pre-black swan event, about black swan event and post-black swan event with identified sub-themes.

Originality/value

This paper is the pioneer research work to dedicatedly analyse the existing set of literature with “Black Swan”.

Selection of environmental-conscious sourcing: an empirical investigation

Purpose

The prime objective of this paper is to design a green supply chain management (GSCM) framework to evaluate the performance of environmental-conscious suppliers using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature survey reveals critical factors for implementing GSCM, adopted methodologies and the result obtained by several researchers. Data have been collected by conducting surveys and interviews with strategic-level personnel of five esteemed organizations in automobile manufacturing sectors. A GSCM framework is developed in which a mathematical tool entropy–the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) has been used to analyze the six parameters of automobile manufacturing unit. Initially, entropy is used to find the weights of each of the parameters that influence the decision matrix of the TOPSIS method. Secondly, the proposed GSCM framework ranks the supplier. Finally, sensitivity analysis of the model satisfies the GSCM framework and benchmarked the supplier.

Findings

The result shows that “Total CO2 emission” has an influential role for GSCM sustainability, and hence, firms should put more effort to reduce emissions to improve overall performance. Again, the parameters like investment in R&D and total waste generation may be ignored in the selection process. The result reveals the benchmarked supplier and its strategies for effective sourcing, which would have an indirect effect on organizations' overall sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

This research entirely focuses on sustainability within supply chain considering economic, social and environmental paradigms. The mathematical modeling of the proposed work considers many influential parameters and provides an easy and comprehensive decision-making technique.

Practical implications

The methods may be adopted by the industries for sustainable supply chain management. This study benchmarks the supplier organizations and explores the adopted policies by benchmarked organizations. Other organizations should follow the policies followed by benchmarked organization for enhancing environmental, social and economic performance. Organizations striving for sustainable development can adopt this framework for evaluation of supplier performance and benchmark with better accuracy.

Originality/value

The design of the GSCM framework explores both the qualitative and quantitative data based on environmental, social and economic parameters simultaneously in the evaluation of environmentally conscious suppliers. The research also investigates the constraints of the system to implement the GSCM in automobile manufacturing unit. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis justifies the benchmarked supplier and the adopted strategies to be followed by other manufacturing unit.

The role of green logistics management practices, supply chain traceability and logistics ecocentricity in sustainability performance

Purpose

The priority giving to green practices in today's competitive market has made green logistics management practices (GLMPS) a significant driver of organizational performance. The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of GLMPS, logistics ecocentricity and supply chain traceability on sustainability performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses structured questionnaires to gather data from 274 managers of manufacturing firms in Ghana. The partial least square structural equation modeling approach is used to analyze the data to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results obtained from the analysis indicate that GLMPS positively influence social sustainability and environmental sustainability. However, GLMPS negatively influence business performance. The results further reveal that logistics ecocentricity and supply chain traceability augment GLMPS to achieve significant improvement in both business performance and environmental sustainability through the mediation effect approach.

Originality/value

The study proposes a conceptual framework that tests the combined effect of GLMPs, logistics ecocentricity and supply chain traceability on environmental sustainability, social sustainability and business performance from the Ghanaian perspective.

The thematic landscape of literature on supply chain management in India: a systematic literature review

Purpose

To assess the state of supply chain management (SCM) research in India and to understand the research trends and methodologies used. The present study also aims to create a taxonomy of the subject areas researched in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study employed the systematic literature review methodology. Literature from 395 peer journal papers in 67 leading journals over a 20-year period (2000–2020 Quarter-1) was comprehensively reviewed and assessed.

Findings

SCM research in India started around the year 2000. The quantum of research was low (single digit) until 2010. There has been steady growth over the last decade, and over 50% of the total papers up until now has been published in the last four years. The present study created a three-tiered taxonomy of the subject areas and classified the papers as per it. The first tier (level-1) has seven categories (SCM strategy, network design, SCM processes and integration, IT systems, skills, performance measurement and others). A perusal of the newly created taxonomy revealed that, except for a few areas under level-1 categories (such as SCM processes and SCM strategy), the other level-1 categories have not seen much research. Similarly, there is little or no research in a large number of level-2 categories (such as outsourcing strategy, channel strategy, demand management, demand fulfillment, customer relationship management, integrated supply chain planning, new product development, returns, supply chain orientation, performance monitoring, performance improvement, SCM adoption process, SCM implementation issues and quantified benefits of SCM). Methodologically, the rigor of SCM research in India needs improvement.

Originality/value

A comprehensive taxonomy of SCM subject areas researched in India at three cascading levels was created for the first time in the present study. The taxonomy will help provide researchers with a clear understanding of the structure of the subject areas and help in identifying areas where research has been carried out and the subject areas where gaps exist for future research to proceed. The present study also provides an overview of the methodological rigor of SCM research in India and points out some of the limitations that researchers should avoid in future studies.

Outsourcing and reverse supply chain performance: a triple bottom line approach

Purpose

Outsourcing has become a strategic decision for most of the organizations in the present context of globalization and circular economy. The objective of proposed study is to empirically investigate the relationship between the outsourcing benefits and triple bottom line (TBL)-based performance of reverse supply chain (RSC) comprising of economic, environmental and social factors.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, the partial least square path approach of structural equation modeling has been applied for testing hypotheses. A questionnaire was developed for collecting the information and responses from the experts of electronics industry, India. Measurement models were tested for ensuring the fitness of data for further applying partial least square path approach of SEM.

Findings

The results provide insightful information on outsourcing and RSC performance. It reveals that outsourcing decisions are important and have great influence on the economic, environmental and social performance of RSC.

Research limitations/implications

The study will provide useful guidance to the organizations for outsourcing decisions. One of the limitations of the study is that it has considered data collected from the Indian electronics industry. Therefore, results may not be generalized.

Originality/value

The third-party service providers have core competencies, and they are the experts of providing RSC services. It is also apparent from the exploration of past research and theoretical background that there are limited number of studies focusing on the impact of outsourcing decisions in RSC performance specifically from the TBL perspective. Hence, the proposed study is an effort to explore the impact of outsourcing RSC activities on the performance of RSC from a sustainability perspective.

Exploring predictors of working capital management efficiency and their influence on firm performance: an integrated DEA-SEM approach

Purpose

This study develops an integrated approach combining data envelopment analysis (DEA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) for estimating the working capital management (WCM) efficiency and evaluating the effects of diverse exogenous variables on the WCM efficiency and firms' performance.

Design/methodology/approach

DEA is applied for deriving WCM efficiency for 212 Indian manufacturing firms over a period from 2008 to 2019. Also, the effect of human capital (HC), structural capital (SC), cost of external financing (CEF), interest coverage (IC), leverage (LEV), net fixed asset ratio (NFA), asset turnover ratio (ATR) and productivity (PRD) on the WCM efficiency and firms' performance is examined using SEM.

Findings

The average mean efficiency scores ranging from 0.623 to 0.654 highlight the firms operating at around 60% of WCM efficiency only, which is a major concern for Indian manufacturing firms. Further, IC, LEV, NFA, ATR revealed direct effect on the WCM efficiency as well as indirect effect on firms' performance, whereas CEF had only a direct effect on WCM efficiency. HC, SC and PRD had no effects on WCM efficiency and firms' performance.

Practical implications

The findings offer vital insights in guiding policy decisions for Indian manufacturing firms.

Originality/value

This study is the first to identify the endogenous nature of the relationship of HC, SC, CEF, IC altogether with firms' performance, compounded by the WCM efficiency, by applying a comprehensive methodology of DEA and SEM and provides an efficiency performance model for better decision-making.

Appropriation of sustainability priorities to gain strategic advantage in a supply chain

Purpose

The authors develop a methodology to select appropriate sustainable supply chain indicators (SSCIs) to measure Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the global supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

SSCIs are identified by reviewing the extant literature and topic modeling. Further, they are evaluated based on existing SDGs and ranked using the fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method. Notably, the evaluation of indicators is a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) process within a fuzzy environment. The methodology has been explained using a case study from the automobile industry.

Findings

The case study identifies appropriate SSCIs and differentiates them among peer suppliers for gaining a competitive advantage. The results reveal that top-ranked sustainability indicators include the management of natural resources, energy, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and social investment.

Practical implications

The study outcome will enable suppliers, specialists and decision makers to understand the criteria that improve supply chain sustainability in the automobile industry. The analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the competitive package of indicators for gaining strategic advantage. This proactive sustainability indicator selection promotes and enhances sustainability reporting while fulfilling regulatory requirements and increasing collaboration potential with trustworthy downstream partners. This study sets the stage for further research in SSCIs’ competitive strategy in the automobile industry along with its supply chains.

Originality/value

This study is unique as it provides a framework for determining relevant SSCIs, which can be distinguished from peer suppliers, while also matching economic, environmental and social metrics to achieve a competitive advantage.

Environmental performance in manufacturing companies: a benchmarking study

Purpose

This study aims to explore manufacturing companies' environmental performance with the green supply chain management (GSCM) approach, taking into account company size, geographic region, industrial sector, target market and environmental management maturity level.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review, five propositions were put forward. An empirical study, using survey research, was completed. The survey questionnaire was designed with 46 items, using both the literature and industry expert input. Statistical analysis was employed to test the propositions in a sample of 116 Colombian manufacturing companies.

Findings

The test results indicate that significant environmental performance differences exist, given company sizes and target markets. However, no statistical significance was found involving the geographic region or industrial sector. Significant differences were found in maturity levels between the three clusters identified: reactive, preventive and proactive. Although the companies in the proactive group performed better, they still lagged in green practices that implied integration with suppliers and customers.

Practical implications

This study provides empirical evidence regarding the profile of those manufacturing companies that achieve better environmental performance. Moreover, the results yield insights for the generation of continuous improvement processes in companies with lower performance.

Originality/value

Few empirical studies have been carried out in GSCM that integrate specific factors in the environmental performance assessment of manufacturing companies in developing countries. On the other hand, the results permit the identification of the profile of those companies with greater maturity in their environmental practices.

Service supply chain: from bibliometric analysis to content analysis, current research trends and future research directions

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to carry out the systematic literature review, bibliometric analysis and content analysis of extant literature of service supply chain (SSC).

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic literature review (SLR) technique was used for identifying the research papers. In the first step after reading titles, abstracts and keywords and, full-length articles wherever required, papers not related to SSC were removed. In second steps papers were read more critically and papers not related to SSC were removed. Finally on 502 papers bibliometric and content analysis was further carried out. Content analysis was based on the clusters formed by bibliographic coupling. Further, content analysis of the recent articles revealed the current research trends and research gaps.

Findings

This paper identified the six existing research diversifications in SSC as (1) logistics SSC, (2) model, framework and conceptual papers, (3) third-party logistics service providers, (4) articles from various perspective, (5) measurement of quality and performance on services and (6) impact of adoption of technology, cooperation and branding on logistics service providers. Further, six future research directions are also provided.

Practical implications

This research provides a clear view of the progression of publication, research diversification, research themes of six identified clusters, sub-themes of clusters and content analysis of each cluster. Content analysis of recent articles reveals the current research trend and future research directions.

Originality/value

This is a first of its kind of study which presents the diversification of research areas within SSC, bibliometric analysis, content analysis and provides actionable future research direction.

What can we learn from previous pandemics to reduce the frequency of emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19?

The global risks report of 2020 stated, climate-related issues dominate all of the top-five long-term critical global risks burning the planet and according to the report, "as existing health risks resurge and new ones emerge, humanity's past successes in overcoming health challenges are no guarantee of future results." Over the last few decades, the world has experienced several pandemic outbreaks of various pathogens and the frequency of the emergence of novel strains of infectious organisms has increased in recent decades. As per expert opinion, rapidly mutating viruses, emergence and re-emergence of epidemics with increasing frequencies, climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases are likely to be increasing over the years and the trends will continue and intensify. Susceptible disease hosts, anthropogenic activities and environmental changes contribute and trigger the 'adaptive evolution' of infectious agents to thrive and spread into different ecological niches and to adapt to new hosts. The overarching objective of this paper is to provide insight into the human actions which should be strictly regulated to help to sustain life on earth. To identify and categorize the triggering factors that contribute to disease ecology, especially repeated emergence of disease pandemics, a theory building approach, 'Total Interpretive Structural Modeling' (TISM) was used; also the tool, 'Impact Matrix Cross-Reference Multiplication Applied to a Classification' analysis (MICMAC) was applied to rank the risk factors based on their impacts on other factors and on the interdependence among them. This mathematical modeling tool clearly explains the strength, position and interconnectedness of each anthropogenic factor that contributes to the evolution of pathogens and to the frequent emergence of pandemics which needs to be addressed with immediate priority. As we are least prepared for another pandemic outbreak, significant policy attention must be focused on the causative factors to limit emerging outbreaks like COVID 19 in the future.

Factors influencing organizational agility in higher education

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that can facilitate agility in higher education and to analyze the interrelationship between the factors.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured model of factors facilitating agility in higher education was developed using total interpretive structural modeling (TISM). Cross-impact matrix multiplication (MICMAC) analysis helped in classifying the factors on the basis of their driving and dependency power.

Findings

An extensive literature review and expert opinion helped in identifying eight enablers that can promote agility in higher education. The ability to sense the environment, organizational structure, adoption of ICT, organizational learning, human resource strategies, leadership, readiness to change and collaboration with the stakeholders were the eight factors identified. The structural model revealed leadership as the most crucial enabler followed by human resource strategies and organizational structure.

Research limitations/implications

The model has incorporated and prioritized all the crucial drivers of agility that can help universities and colleges design, adopt and implement policies and practices that would facilitate agility.

Originality/value

So far, the research on agility in higher education has looked into each factor in isolation. This research provides a comprehensive list of the factors and establishes the interplay between the factors making this study new and original.

Examining the link among green human resource management practices, green supply chain management practices and performance

Purpose

The increasing concern for the protection of the environment through pollution prevention, conservation of resources and less usage of energy has attracted several firms to align green practices with their supply chain and human resource policies and practices. This study explores the influence of green human resource management and green supply chain management practices on operational, market, financial, social and environmental performances.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses partial least square–structural equation modeling approach to analyze the data gathered through structured questionnaires from supply chain and human resource managers in manufacturing and hospitality firms in Ghana.

Findings

It is established that green supply chain management practices play complementary partial mediating role between green human resource management and operational, market, social and environmental performances, while it plays competitive partial mediating role between green human resource management and financial performance. Subsequently, the analysis reveals that the synergy between green human resource management and green supply chain management creates the highest value in operational performance, followed by market performance, environmental performance, financial performance and social performance.

Originality/value

The study proposes and tests a conceptual model that examines the synergistic influence of green human resource management and green supply chain management on operational, market, financial, social and environmental performances.

Adoption of Green Supply Chain Management among SMEs in Malaysia

The purpose of this study is to integrate the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory and Technology, Organization and Environment (TOE) theory to examine the factors that affect the adoption of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices among SMEs in Malaysia. Twelve hypotheses were developed based on the integrating theories in technology adoption context. In this study, data were collected through questionnaire survey on the SMEs in Klang Valley Malaysia. A total of 298 responses were analyzed. The regression analysis method was used to test the hypothetical relationships among technological, organizational and environmental factors and SMEs’ intention to adopt GSCM practices. Research findings show that perceived relative advantage, perceived cost, top management support, complexity, compatibility, firms size, customer pressure, regulatory pressure and the quality of human resources are statistically significant factors influencing GSCM adoption among SMEs in Malaysia. However, observability and governmental support do not have significant effects on GSCM adoption intention. According to research findings, some implications which are valuable to academics and practitioners are also addressed. This study can serve as a guideline for successful implementation of GSCM among the SMEs in an emerging country.

Prioritization of dimensions of visual merchandising for apparel retailers using FAHP

Purpose

Visual merchandising has a direct impact on shopping experience, making it pertinent for the retailers to ensure that their store environment has an effective design. This study blends fuzzy numbers and Analytical Hierarchy Process to create a fuzzy evaluation model prioritizing the relative weights of visual merchandising dimensions of online fashion apparel store. This study will help the fashion retailers in creating more engaging and informative online stores leading to subsequent increase in online retail sales.

Design/methodology/approach

Visual merchandising dimensions and sub dimensions used by retailers for online stores were identified through review of literature and discussion with experts. Twenty experts were interviewed and their responses captured. The responses were analyzed using Fuzzy AHP technique resulting in prioritizing the dimensions according to the weight. For testing the stability of the results, sensitivity analysis was conducted.

Findings

Four key dimensions and sixteen sub dimensions were extracted. Weights were calculated using FAHP. “Pictorial Presentation” has the highest weight followed closely by “Product Information” dimension. Amongst the sub-dimensions “Number of Product Images” scored highest followed by “Product Presentation mode”. “Alterable Background” scored the least weight.

Originality/value

Previous studies have identified Online Visual Merchandising dimensions and have also studied the impact of some of these dimensions on consumer buying behavior, but the relative significance has not been determined yet. This study fills the gap.

The effect of investment in green technology in a two echelon supply chain under strict carbon-cap policy

Purpose

Strict carbon-cap policy is one of the basic policies proposed by the regulatory bodies to reduce the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emission. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether it is beneficial for a company to invest in green technology or not under the strict carbon-cap policy and for that a two echelon supply chain model is developed. This paper gives insight about judicious decision about investment on green technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Mathematical modeling approach has been adopted to understand the effect of investment on green technology. All the cost and emissions parameters have been derived and the total cost (TC) and total emission equations have been formulated mathematically. Two constrained mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problems have been formulated and solved considering with or without green investment. Further, supply chain cost is optimized without carbon constraint to understand the effect of carbon constraint.

Findings

The investment in green technology can reduce the total supply chain cost. The study reveals that handling different parameters optimally can reduce both cost and emissions.

Originality/value

This paper tries to assess the effectiveness of green investment on technology under strict carbon-cap policy on a supply chain and, thereby, added value to the existing work. It examines the role played by various parameters under strict carbon-cap policy to draw insights, which will be beneficial for the academic community and managers.

Overview of green business practices within the Bangladeshi RMG industry: competitiveness and sustainable development perspective

Green business initiatives have become a prime driving force towards sustainable development across the world. The economy of Bangladesh is now on a pick as she has been moving towards nearly hitting the target for becoming a middle-income economy by 2021, and for attaining so, the development of industrial sectors is unavoidable. The booming industrial sectors have been resulting in a massive depletion of natural resources, greenhouse gas erosion, and toxic waste disposal, which further can cause uncontrolled degradation of air, soil, and water. In this highly competitive world, like most other businesses, ready-made garment (RMG) firms are facing tremendous pressure for being more competitive and availing a decisive position towards the reduction of pollution and impacts of ecological footprint. This nation brings a new paradigm of doing business called green business (GB). Principles of green business compact with emerging approaches for producing, marketing, and disposing of the products, which maintain environmental safety and business competitiveness. Green-oriented business strategy can act as a crucial tactic for gaining a competitive advantage over the potential competitors and assess them with a better way to uphold their stand towards attaining sustainable development. Since the modern purchaser is continuously being attracted to green-oriented RMG industries, they want to attain their responsibility to Mother Nature. Especially for the RMG sectors of Bangladesh, environmental concern is highly crucial since it is the most significant economic sectors of this country. The prime objective of this study is to provide an overview of green business strategy associated with the RMG sectors of Bangladesh, which further assist the sectors with competitive advantages. In order to fulfill the prime objectives of the paper, the authors conferred various books, journals, and research papers related to green business and competitiveness within the context of Bangladeshi RMG sectors. Furthermore, the study arranged some casual discussions with industry professionals in corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental protectionist, sustainable development executives, and ecology-friendly performance officer to provide substantial assistance for focusing on the precise direction of foundation evaluation and synthesis. In contextualization of the intensification of green business strategy and environmental degradation, we proposed a framework to quantify the green business strategy with the view of gain competitive advantages across the RMG sectors in Bangladesh.

Corporate social responsibility and corporate citizenship in sustainable supply chain: a structured literature review

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to provide a systematic insight into corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate citizenship (CC) in supply chain development, by analyzing the current literature, contemporary concepts, data and gaps for future discipline research.

Design/methodology/approach

This research identifies information from existing academic journals and investigates research designs and methods, data analysis techniques, industry involvement and geographic locations. Information regarding university affiliation, publishers, authors, year of publication is also documented. A collection of online databases from 2001 to 2018 were explored, using the keywords “corporate social responsibility”, “corporate citizenship” and “supply chain” in their title and abstract, to deliver an inclusive listing of journal articles in this discipline area. Based on this approach, a total of 164 articles were found, and information on a chain of variables was collected.

Findings

There has been visible growth in published articles over the last 18 years regarding supply chain sustainability, CSR and CC. Analysis of the data collected shows that only five literature reviews have been published in this area. Further, key findings include 41% of publications were narrowly focused on four sectors of industry, leaving gaps in the research. 85% centered on the survey and conceptual model, leaving an additional gap for future research. Finally, developing and developed nation status should be delineated, researched and analyzed based on further segmentation of the industry by region.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to reviewing only academic and professional articles available from Emerald, Elsevier, Wiley, Sage, Taylor and Francis, Springer, Scopus, JSTOR and EBSCO containing the words “corporate social responsibility”, “corporate citizenship” and “supply chain” in the title and abstract.

Originality/value

This assessment provides an enhanced appreciation of the current practices of current research and offers further directions within the CSR and CC in supply chain sustainable development.

Foreign versus local firms: implications for environmental sustainability

Purpose

Managing environmental consequences while sustaining economic development necessitate strong commitment and participation of all firms across sectors. However, the environment-related role of foreign and local firms is unclear from previous research. With increasing trade liberalization and entry of foreign firms, this question has become particularly relevant. The purpose of this paper is to contrast the roles and contributions of foreign and local firms from an environmental sustainability perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data collected through a structured survey (395 responses) and semi-structured interviews (19 numbers) from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) construction sector (research setting), the study analyses and understands the hypothesized differences between foreign and local firms on three key environmental sustainability aspects: the extent of environmental practices implementation, the strengths/influences of drivers and barriers affecting the implementation, and the environmental, cost-related, and organizational performance benefits derived.

Findings

Foreign firms were found to implement environmental practices to a greater extent, have a greater internal drive to implement these practices, and face lower barriers to implementation than local ones. Local firms though were found to be not far behind foreign ones with regards to the environmental, cost-related, and organizational performance benefits derived.

Practical implications

Findings from the study are expected to help policymakers and practitioners develop policies/interventions that ensure all firms irrespective of their nature of ownership contribute equitably to environmental sustainability.

Originality/value

This study is arguably the first comprehensive attempt to understand how various environmental sustainability aspects are perceived and performed by local and foreign firms.