Sustainability as a prerequisite for supply chain resilience

Bachelor Thesis , 2023 , 73 Pages , Grade: 1,7

Business economics - Supply, Production, Logistics

This thesis deals with sustainability as a prerequisite for supply chain resilience. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, which has shown to a considerable extent how fragile existing supply chains are, the need for implementation of resilient and sustainable supply chains becomes necessary. Due to climate change, environmentally sustainable action should be focused on and need to be implemented in companies’ value chains. In this thesis, it is examined to what extent sustainability must be considered as a prerequisite for supply chain resilience.

Global political backgrounds are highlighted. Theoretical backgrounds are given regarding sustainability, global supply chains and approaches for measuring sustainability. Furthermore, characteristics of a sustainable and resilient supply chain are presented, by literature review and considering actual, global developments. Finally, recommendations for action are given. Global supply chains need to incorporate regional aspects as far as possible and promote cooperation along the value chain. This is promoted by digitalization processes, effective risk management and binding supply chain alignments toward sustainability.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
  • Problem Statement
  • Objectives
• Theoretical Background
  • Sustainability
    • Historical development
    • Sustainable Development Goals
    • Triple Bottom Line
  • SCM and SSCM
  • Global Value Chains – resilience, sustainability and efficiency
  • Summary
• Creation of resilient and sustainable GVCs
  • Importance of sustainability and transparency in GVCS
  • Characteristics
    • Due Diligence
    • Circularity
    • Digitalization
    • Global-regionally cooperation networks
    • Sustainable public procurement as a role model
    • Mandatory alignment of supply chains with sustainability
    • Risk Management
• Result

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis examines the relationship between sustainability and supply chain resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fragility of existing supply chains, highlighting the need for resilient and sustainable practices. The research explores the extent to which sustainability is a prerequisite for achieving supply chain resilience. It analyzes global political contexts, theoretical frameworks of sustainability, global supply chains, and sustainability measurement approaches. The study also investigates the characteristics of sustainable and resilient supply chains, considering current global developments and presenting actionable recommendations.

• The role of sustainability in achieving supply chain resilience
• The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on supply chain vulnerability
• The importance of incorporating regional aspects and promoting cooperation along the value chain
• The influence of digitalization, risk management, and sustainable supply chain alignments
• The identification of characteristics of sustainable and resilient supply chains

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter introduces the topic of sustainability and supply chain resilience, outlining the problem statement and research objectives.
• Theoretical Background: This chapter provides a comprehensive theoretical background, discussing the historical development of sustainability, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework, Supply Chain Management (SCM), and Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM). It also analyzes the concept of global value chains, focusing on their resilience, sustainability, and efficiency.
• Creation of Resilient and Sustainable GVCs: This chapter explores the importance of sustainability and transparency in global value chains. It examines the key characteristics of resilient and sustainable supply chains, including due diligence, circularity, digitalization, global-regional cooperation networks, sustainable public procurement, mandatory alignment with sustainability, and risk management.
• Result: This chapter presents the findings of the research, analyzing the relationship between sustainability and supply chain resilience based on the gathered data and insights.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This thesis focuses on the concepts of sustainability, supply chain resilience, global value chains, sustainable supply chain management, digitalization, risk management, due diligence, circularity, and global-regional cooperation networks. The research explores the relationship between these concepts and examines their impact on creating resilient and sustainable supply chains in a globalized context.

• College: University of applied sciences, Cologne
• Grade: 1,7
• Author: Isabelle Jaeschke (Author)
• Publication Year: 2023
• Pages: 73
• Catalog Number: V1334143
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346835031
• Language: English
• Tags: Sustainability, Supply chain, resilience, Triple Bottom Line, SDGs, Agenda 2030, ISO14000, SSCM, decoupling effects, GVCs, COVID-19, transparency, cooperation, globalization, digitalization, risk management, material flows, inequalities, circularity, public procurement, CSR, climate change