Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM): an empirical analysis of the UK automotive industry

Esfahbodi, Ali (2016). Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM): an empirical analysis of the UK automotive industry. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) has garnered increasing attention from both academics and practitioners in the past two decades. However, a number of new debates have recently been opened up, throwing doubt on whether the adoption of SSCM practices really pays, and thus the commercial benefits of ‘going green’ in the context of SCM remain open to question. This thesis attempts to investigate whether SSCM practices can be both environmentally beneficial and commercially viable. In light of this, this research develops and empirically assesses a comprehensive SSCM drivers-practices-performance model. Data was collected from 186 UK automotive manufacturing firms, and analysed using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) method.
The complementary driving force of organisation environmental management (OEM), was identified as a necessary precursor to the successful SSCM adoption. The findings further suggest that while SSCM implementation delivers environmental improvements, it does not necessarily lead to improved cost performance, as only sustainable procurement was found to have a positive effect on cost performance. This research contributes to the existing knowledge by asserting that the implementation of SSCM practices leads to improved environmental performance, while the economic performance is partially compromised, sustaining a negative trade-off in terms of cost performance. Lastly, this research provides useful insights for both managers seeking to adopt SSCM practices and policy-makers and regulators seeking to further promote an SSCM agenda.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):