Developing a Sustainable Supply Chain Strategy for Small and Medium Enterprises

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in economic development globally, and their sustainability is essential for overall economic growth. This thesis focuses on developing a sustainable supply chain strategy tailored to the unique needs and challenges faced by SMEs. The research aims to address the gap in literature regarding sustainable supply chain strategies specifically designed for SMEs, as most existing studies focus on larger corporations. The introduction lays the foundation for the study by discussing the importance of sustainable supply chain management and the specific challenges faced by SMEs in implementing such strategies. The background of the study provides an overview of the current state of supply chain management in SMEs and highlights the need for a more sustainable approach. The problem statement identifies the key issues that this research seeks to address, including resource constraints, lack of awareness, and limited access to information and technology. The objectives of the study are to develop a framework for a sustainable supply chain strategy that is practical and cost-effective for SMEs, to identify the key success factors for implementing such a strategy, and to analyze the potential benefits and challenges. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, including time constraints, limited access to SMEs for data collection, and the subjective nature of some qualitative data. The scope of the study is focused on SMEs operating in the manufacturing sector, with a particular emphasis on those in developing countries. The significance of the study lies in its potential to provide valuable insights and guidance to SMEs looking to improve their supply chain sustainability practices, leading to enhanced competitiveness, reduced environmental impact, and increased social responsibility. The structure of the thesis outlines the organization of the subsequent chapters, including the literature review, research methodology, discussion of findings, and conclusion. The literature review explores existing research on sustainable supply chain management, challenges faced by SMEs, and best practices for developing and implementing sustainable supply chain strategies. Key themes include supplier relationship management, green procurement, reverse logistics, and collaborative partnerships. The research methodology details the approach taken in this study, including data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures. The discussion of findings presents the results of the research, including the developed framework for a sustainable supply chain strategy for SMEs, key success factors identified, and an analysis of the benefits and challenges. The conclusion summarizes the key findings, implications for practice, and recommendations for future research. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable supply chain management for SMEs and provides practical insights for SMEs seeking to enhance their supply chain sustainability practices.