Sustainable service supply chain practices (SSSCPs): a framework development

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework of sustainable service supply chain management (SCM) processes and practices in the multi-dimensional construct. It tries to provide a template for those sustainability general key practices that can be scheduled and budgeted in different service sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

To provide an applicable framework, its adaptability to most service settings should be ensured. In this regard, at first, the related literature on service SCM processes and sustainability practices of SCM are reviewed. To modify and confirm the extracted list, it is distributed to experts. After summarizing experts’ opinions, an initial list of the sustainable service supply chain practices (SSSCPs) is provided. Finally, the Fuzzy Delphi Method is applied to construct the framework for hospital supply chain (SC).

Findings

It suggests that the SSSCPs can be constructed in terms of seven major processes: managing the sustainable supplier, sustainable employee, sustainable customer, sustainable service performance, sustainable service operations, sustainable external relations, and sustainable knowledge, information and technology.

Practical implications

The framework can be employed as a template of sustainability practices for individual member firms of service SCs to identify and implement the key practices toward sustainability.

Originality/value

Reviewing the literature indicates that determining what is unique about the sustainable SCM in the service sector is immature. The paper is a preliminary effort to identify the general sustainability practices, in incorporating all sustainability dimensions in service SC processes.

Citation

Aliakbari Nouri, F., Shafiei Nikabadi, M. and Olfat, L. (2020), "Sustainable service supply chain practices (SSSCPs): a framework development", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 69 No. 4, pp. 813-833. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-09-2018-0314