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A proposed framework to assess upstream supply chain sustainability

Author

Listed:
  • Susana Garrido Azevedo

    (University of Beira Interior)

  • Helena Carvalho

    (Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa)

  • Luís M. Ferreira

    (University of Aveiro)

  • João C. O. Matias

    (University of Beira Interior)

Abstract

There are few methods that are suitable for assessing the sustainability of companies and supply chains in an integrated way, taking into consideration the economic, social and environmental dimensions. This paper proposes a framework for assessing the sustainability of individual companies and their corresponding upstream supply chain. The framework consists of a set of steps to evaluate the sustainability of both the individual company and their upstream supply chain. The linear aggregation technique is suggested to combine the set of indicators from the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability into a unique value, giving rise to a composite index for the company and corresponding supply chain. The proposed framework represents a contribution in the area of index construction and could be used as a valuable component of sustainability reporting and sustainability management practices. It also represents an important benchmarking tool, offering managers the possibility of identifying the supply chain partners that are best and worst performers in terms of sustainability while at the same time making it possible to improve company performance. Managers can adjust their company’s behaviour according to their sustainability index score and improve economic, social and environmental performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Susana Garrido Azevedo & Helena Carvalho & Luís M. Ferreira & João C. O. Matias, 2017. "A proposed framework to assess upstream supply chain sustainability," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 19(6), pages 2253-2273, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:19:y:2017:i:6:d:10.1007_s10668-016-9853-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-016-9853-0
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    5. Cagatay Tasdemir & Rado Gazo, 2018. "A Systematic Literature Review for Better Understanding of Lean Driven Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-54, July.
    6. V. Sathiya & M. Chinnadurai & S. Ramabalan & Andrea Appolloni, 2021. "Mobile robots and evolutionary optimization algorithms for green supply chain management in a used-car resale company," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(6), pages 9110-9138, June.
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