Implementing Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices in the Fashion Industry: A Case Study Approach

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the implementation of sustainable supply chain management practices within the fashion industry, focusing on a case study approach to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by companies in adopting sustainable practices. The fashion industry has been recognized for its significant environmental and social impacts, making it crucial for companies to integrate sustainability into their supply chain operations. Sustainable supply chain management practices encompass various strategies aimed at minimizing negative environmental and social impacts while maintaining economic viability. The research begins with an exploration of the background of the study, highlighting the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry and the need for companies to address environmental and social issues in their supply chains. The problem statement identifies the gaps and challenges faced by fashion companies in implementing sustainable practices, leading to the formulation of research objectives aimed at understanding the barriers and drivers of sustainable supply chain management in the industry. Using a case study approach, this research aims to analyze the current practices and strategies employed by a selected fashion company to integrate sustainability into its supply chain. The study also examines the limitations and scope of the research, providing insights into the practical challenges and opportunities encountered during the investigation. Furthermore, the significance of the study is discussed, emphasizing the potential contributions to theory and practice in the field of sustainable supply chain management within the fashion industry. The literature review chapter delves into existing research on sustainable supply chain management, highlighting key concepts, models, and frameworks relevant to the fashion industry. Through an in-depth analysis of scholarly articles, books, and reports, the literature review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical foundations and best practices in sustainable supply chain management. The research methodology chapter outlines the research design, data collection methods, and analysis techniques employed in the study. Using a qualitative approach, the research gathers primary data through interviews, observations, and document analysis to gain insights into the sustainability initiatives of the case study company. The chapter also discusses the ethical considerations and limitations of the research process. The findings chapter presents the results of the case study analysis, identifying the key challenges, successes, and lessons learned by the fashion company in implementing sustainable supply chain management practices. The discussion chapter critically evaluates the findings in relation to existing literature, highlighting the implications for theory and practice in sustainable supply chain management within the fashion industry. Finally, the conclusion and summary chapter provide a synthesis of the research findings, drawing key insights and recommendations for fashion companies looking to enhance their sustainability performance. The thesis concludes with reflections on the contributions of the study and suggestions for future research directions in the field of sustainable supply chain management in the fashion industry.