Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the implementation of sustainable supply chain practices within the retail industry through a comprehensive case study analysis. The research aims to address the growing importance of sustainability in supply chain management and its impact on retail operations. The study focuses on identifying the challenges and opportunities associated with integrating sustainable practices into the supply chain of retail organizations. The introduction section provides an overview of the research topic, highlighting the significance of sustainable supply chain practices in the context of the retail industry. The background of the study outlines the current state of sustainability in supply chain management and its relevance to retail operations. The problem statement identifies the gaps and issues in implementing sustainable practices in the retail sector, leading to the research objectives. The literature review delves into ten key aspects related to sustainable supply chain management, including green sourcing, reverse logistics, carbon footprint reduction, and stakeholder engagement. The review synthesizes existing research to provide a theoretical framework for understanding the challenges and benefits of sustainable supply chain practices in the retail industry. The research methodology section outlines the approach taken to conduct the case study analysis, including data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures. It also discusses ethical considerations and limitations encountered during the research process. The findings chapter presents a detailed analysis of the case study, examining how a retail organization implements sustainable supply chain practices in its operations. The discussion explores the challenges faced, strategies employed, and outcomes achieved in integrating sustainability into the supply chain. The conclusion summarizes the key findings of the study and highlights the implications for retail organizations looking to enhance their sustainability efforts. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the practical implementation of sustainable practices in the retail supply chain. Recommendations for future research and practical implications for retail managers are also discussed. Overall, this thesis contributes to the understanding of sustainable supply chain practices in the retail industry and offers valuable insights for organizations seeking to improve their environmental and social performance through sustainable supply chain management.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Implementing Sustainable Supply Chain Practices in the Retail Industry: A Case Study Analysis" aims to investigate the adoption and implementation of sustainable supply chain practices within the retail sector. This research will focus on understanding how retail companies can integrate environmental, social, and economic sustainability principles into their supply chain operations. By conducting a comprehensive case study analysis, this project seeks to explore the challenges, opportunities, and best practices associated with sustainable supply chain management in the retail industry. The retail sector plays a significant role in the global economy, with supply chains that span across multiple regions and involve various stakeholders. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainability within supply chain management, driven by increasing consumer awareness, regulatory requirements, and the need to mitigate environmental impacts. As such, many retail companies are exploring ways to align their supply chain practices with sustainability goals to create value for both the business and society. Through this research, key aspects of sustainable supply chain practices such as sourcing, manufacturing, transportation, distribution, and end-of-life management will be examined in the context of the retail industry. By analyzing a specific case study, this project aims to identify the strategies, initiatives, and challenges faced by a retail company in implementing sustainable practices across its supply chain. The research will utilize a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods to gather data, including interviews with key stakeholders, surveys, and analysis of relevant documents and reports. By triangulating these sources of information, a comprehensive understanding of the current state of sustainable supply chain practices in the retail industry will be developed. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on sustainable supply chain management and provide practical insights for retail companies seeking to enhance their sustainability performance. By highlighting successful strategies and lessons learned from the case study analysis, this research aims to offer valuable recommendations for retail practitioners, policymakers, and academics interested in advancing sustainable supply chain practices in the industry.