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.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Developing a Sustainable Supply Chain Strategy for Small and Medium Enterprises" aims to address the critical need for sustainable supply chain practices within the context of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This research overview will provide a comprehensive explanation of the project, outlining its significance, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. **Significance of the Project:** Small and Medium Enterprises play a crucial role in the global economy, contributing significantly to job creation and economic growth. However, many SMEs face challenges in developing and implementing sustainable supply chain strategies due to limited resources, expertise, and awareness. This project seeks to bridge this gap by offering practical insights and solutions to help SMEs enhance their supply chain sustainability. **Objectives of the Project:** The primary objective of this project is to develop a sustainable supply chain strategy tailored specifically for Small and Medium Enterprises. The strategy aims to improve environmental performance, social responsibility, and economic viability within the supply chain context. By achieving this objective, SMEs can enhance their competitive advantage, stakeholder relationships, and long-term sustainability. **Methodology:** The research methodology for this project will involve a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Data collection methods will include literature reviews, surveys, interviews with industry experts, case studies of successful SMEs, and analysis of supply chain practices. The research will be conducted in collaboration with SMEs to ensure practical relevance and applicability of the developed strategy. **Expected Outcomes:** The anticipated outcomes of this research project include the development of a comprehensive and practical sustainable supply chain strategy specifically designed for Small and Medium Enterprises. The strategy will encompass best practices, tools, and guidelines for SMEs to enhance their supply chain sustainability performance. Additionally, the project aims to raise awareness among SMEs about the importance of sustainable supply chain practices and provide a roadmap for implementation. In conclusion, the research project "Developing a Sustainable Supply Chain Strategy for Small and Medium Enterprises" holds significant promise in contributing to the advancement of sustainable business practices within the SME sector. By addressing the unique challenges faced by SMEs in adopting sustainable supply chain strategies, this project has the potential to drive positive impact on the environment, society, and economy.