Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices in Indian Manufacturing Firms a Case Based Research

Abstract

Purpose: It is a fact that there is a great deal of knowledge gap in the existing supply chain management literature, especially on sustainable practices followed by emerging-markets manufacturing industries. Therefore, this paper aims to study sustainable supply chain practices and its implementation in Indian manufacturing firms through a case-based research. Design/Methodology/Approach: The method that used in this article is ‘case-based research’. In other words, multiple cases are being selected to perform in-depth investigation and to draw conclusions for possible managerial implications. Findings: Using triple bottom line approach of sustainability, it is found that majority of firms considered in this study practice or addressed the following issues: Social responsibility, concept of R’s, minimization of ecological foot print, elimination of waste in packaging, green initiatives, reduction of GHG, reduction of emissions. Research Limitations: It is one of the limitations that this study does not use empirical research methods or sophisticated software-based tools to put forward some holistic views, which should improve current sustainable supply chain practices in emerging-markets. Practical Implications: This article would help new researchers who want to pursue case-based research in operations management and manufacturing systems. Thus, it would be a guide for scholars in Asia and other developing countries. Originality/Value: The originality is that it uses the findings of sustainability reports and other secondary data published by firms, which are a measure of significant contribution while implementing the concept of sustainability.