An analysis of barriers affecting implementation of sustainable supply chain management in electronics industry: a Grey-DEMATEL approach

Abstract

Purpose World over organizations are focusing on sustainable goals, where along with economic success their role in protecting the planet and people are becoming important. Whilst transforming the supply chain into a sustainable one, there would be some barriers which might hinder this process. This paper aims to study these barriers in the context of the electronics industry so that organizations can better implement sustainable supply chain programs. Design/methodology/approach In this research, barriers affecting sustainability implementation in the electronics supply chain are shortlisted from literature review and experts’ opinion. Using the combined methodology of Grey DEMATEL, the causal factors, the effect factors and degree of prominence of barriers is found out. The overall relationship among barriers is established by a diagraph. Sensitivity analysis is performed to check the robustness of the results. Findings It is found that lack of regulation and guidance from authorities is the primary causal barrier affecting operations of sustainable supply chain management. There are five barriers which fall in the influenced group and among them, complexity in measuring and monitoring sustainability practices has the largest net effect value on the implementation of a sustainable supply chain. The barrier having the highest correlation with other barriers is the high cost for disposal of hazardous wastes. The implications of these findings on managers and academicians is explored in the study. Research limitations/implications In this research, the number of barriers shortlisted is limited to 11 in the context of the electronics supply chain. More factors could be added in future research based on the industry being studied. Originality/value The research analyses 11 barriers under categories of policy, technology, financial and human resources in the Indian electronics industry by evaluating the cause and effect group of barriers. These results can guide policymakers of the electronic sector and industry for mitigating barriers during the implementation of sustainable programs.

Sustainable supply chain management of automotive sector in context to the circular economy: A strategic framework

“…Findings imply that organizations should mainly emphasize on managing reverse logistics. These findings are aligned with the other studies done by Bratt et al (2021); Menon & Ravi, 2021a; Tseng et al (2021). Top management is often reluctant towards the implementation of sustainable practices.…”

“…Lack of top management commitment (B1) is a major concern for an effective implementation program for any organization. One of the most important barriers to a company's long-term development is the lack of top management involvement in its sustainability management (Menon & Ravi, 2021a). The top management needs to hold a leadership position while implementing and sustaining in any business environment.…”

“…Therefore, the DEMATEL approach has been employed to develop a causal relationship between identified barriers of the sustainable supply chain. This method considers indirect relationship as well as direct relationship between all the barriers (Menon & Ravi, 2021a). When dealing with the relationship between criteria, the classic DEMATEL method, on the other hand, considers all criteria to be equally relevant, which does not correspond to reality.…”

“…A CE is a multidisciplinary discipline that brings together various approaches, strategies and technologies to promote societal change towards a more sustainable future. As a result, businesses are focusing on increasing their sustainable performance (Menon & Ravi, 2021a). Companies must include sustainability into their supply chains to improve economic, social and environmental challenges in their processes (Bai et al, 2020).…”

“…A CE is a multidisciplinary discipline that brings together various approaches, strategies and technologies to promote societal change towards a more sustainable future. As a result, businesses are focusing on increasing their sustainable performance (Menon & Ravi, 2021a).…”