Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis explores the implementation of sustainable supply chain practices in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through a detailed case study analysis. The focus is on understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by SMEs in adopting sustainable practices within their supply chains. The research aims to provide insights into how SMEs can effectively integrate sustainability into their operations to achieve both environmental and economic benefits. The study begins with an introduction that sets the context for the research by highlighting the growing importance of sustainability in supply chains and the specific challenges faced by SMEs in this context. The background of the study provides a comprehensive overview of the existing literature on sustainable supply chain management, emphasizing the relevance of the topic and gaps in current research. The problem statement identifies the main issues that SMEs encounter when trying to implement sustainable practices in their supply chains, such as resource constraints, lack of awareness, and limited access to relevant information. The objectives of the study are to analyze the current state of sustainable supply chain practices in SMEs, identify best practices, and develop recommendations for successful implementation. The study acknowledges the limitations of the research, including the focus on a specific industry or geographical location, as well as the challenges of accessing accurate data from SMEs. The scope of the study is defined in terms of the size and type of SMEs included in the case study analysis, as well as the specific aspects of sustainable supply chain management that will be examined. The significance of the study lies in its potential to contribute to the body of knowledge on sustainable supply chain practices in SMEs and provide practical guidance for businesses looking to enhance their sustainability performance. The structure of the thesis is outlined, detailing the chapters and their contents, to provide a roadmap for the reader. In the literature review, ten key themes related to sustainable supply chain management are explored, including green procurement, carbon footprint reduction, and stakeholder engagement. The review highlights current trends, challenges, and best practices in sustainable supply chain management, providing a theoretical foundation for the case study analysis. The research methodology section describes the approach taken to conduct the case study analysis, including data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures. The chapter outlines the research design, data sources, and analytical tools used to investigate the research questions and achieve the study objectives. The findings from the case study analysis are discussed in detail in Chapter Four, focusing on the current state of sustainable supply chain practices in the selected SMEs, the challenges they face, and the strategies they employ to improve sustainability performance. The chapter also compares the findings with the existing literature and identifies areas for further research. Finally, Chapter Five presents the conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting the key findings, implications for practice, and recommendations for future research. The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of sustainable supply chain practices for SMEs and the need for ongoing efforts to promote sustainability within the business sector. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the understanding of sustainable supply chain practices in SMEs by providing a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities in implementing sustainability initiatives. The research findings offer valuable insights for SMEs seeking to enhance their sustainability performance and contribute to a more sustainable future for business operations.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Implementing Sustainable Supply Chain Practices in Small and Medium Enterprises: A Case Study Analysis" aims to investigate and evaluate the implementation of sustainable supply chain practices within small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The research will focus on understanding how SMEs can adopt and integrate sustainable practices into their supply chain operations to achieve environmental, social, and economic benefits. The significance of this study lies in the growing importance of sustainability in the business world, particularly within supply chain management. With increasing pressure from stakeholders, consumers, and regulatory bodies for businesses to operate in a more environmentally and socially responsible manner, SMEs need to explore and implement sustainable practices to remain competitive and contribute positively to society. The project will begin with a comprehensive literature review that examines existing research on sustainable supply chain management, specifically within the context of SMEs. This review will explore key concepts, theories, and best practices related to sustainability in supply chains, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by SMEs in this area. The research methodology will involve a qualitative case study approach, focusing on a select number of SMEs operating in various industries. By conducting in-depth interviews, surveys, and observational studies, the research aims to gain insights into the current supply chain practices of these SMEs, their attitudes towards sustainability, and the challenges they face in adopting sustainable practices. The findings of the study will be analyzed and discussed in detail, highlighting the strategies and initiatives that SMEs can implement to enhance the sustainability of their supply chains. The discussion will also address the potential barriers to implementing sustainable practices and provide recommendations for overcoming these challenges. In conclusion, the research will summarize the key findings, implications, and contributions to the field of sustainable supply chain management in SMEs. The project aims to provide valuable insights and practical recommendations for SMEs looking to improve their sustainability performance and create long-term value for their businesses, society, and the environment.