Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis focuses on the implementation of sustainable supply chain practices in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through a comprehensive case study analysis. The growing importance of sustainability in supply chain management has prompted SMEs to adopt environmentally and socially responsible practices to enhance their competitiveness and contribute to sustainable development. The research aims to investigate the challenges, opportunities, and outcomes associated with the implementation of sustainable supply chain practices in SMEs, particularly within the context of a case study analysis. The introduction provides an overview of the research topic, highlighting the significance of sustainable supply chain management for SMEs and the rationale for conducting a case study analysis. The background of the study contextualizes the research within the existing literature on sustainable supply chain practices, emphasizing the gap in knowledge regarding the specific challenges faced by SMEs in implementing sustainability initiatives. The problem statement identifies the key issues that this research seeks to address, focusing on the barriers to and drivers of sustainable supply chain management in SMEs. The objectives of the study are outlined to guide the research process, including the exploration of best practices, the identification of critical success factors, and the evaluation of the impact of sustainable supply chain practices on SME performance. The limitations and scope of the study are also discussed to provide clarity on the research boundaries and constraints. The significance of the study is emphasized to underscore the potential contributions to theory, practice, and policy in the field of sustainable supply chain management for SMEs. The literature review critically examines existing research on sustainable supply chain practices, highlighting key concepts, theories, and empirical findings relevant to SMEs. Drawing on a range of sources, the review identifies ten critical themes related to sustainable supply chain management in SMEs, including environmental sustainability, social responsibility, supplier collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and performance measurement. The research methodology section outlines the research design, data collection methods, sampling strategy, and data analysis techniques employed in the case study analysis. Eight key components of the methodology are discussed, including the selection of case study sites, data collection procedures, data analysis frameworks, and validity and reliability considerations. The findings of the case study analysis are presented and discussed in detail in Chapter Four, focusing on the challenges, opportunities, and outcomes of implementing sustainable supply chain practices in the selected SMEs. The analysis highlights the strategies adopted by SMEs to overcome barriers to sustainability, the benefits derived from sustainability initiatives, and the lessons learned from the implementation process. Finally, Chapter Five provides a comprehensive conclusion and summary of the research findings, drawing out the key insights, implications, and recommendations for SMEs seeking to enhance their sustainability performance through effective supply chain management practices. The conclusion also reflects on the broader implications of the research for theory, practice, and policy in the field of sustainable supply chain management. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable supply chain practices in SMEs, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of implementing sustainability initiatives in small and medium enterprises. The case study analysis provides a rich empirical context for understanding the complexities of sustainable supply chain management and offers practical recommendations for improving sustainability performance in SMEs.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Implementing Sustainable Supply Chain Practices in Small and Medium Enterprises: A Case Study Analysis" aims to investigate and analyze the implementation of sustainable supply chain practices within small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This research is crucial given the growing focus on sustainability in business operations and the increasing recognition of the impact of supply chain activities on environmental, social, and economic aspects. The study will focus on SMEs, which play a significant role in the global economy but often face challenges in adopting sustainable practices due to limited resources and capabilities. By examining the specific context of SMEs, the research aims to provide valuable insights and practical recommendations for enhancing sustainable supply chain management in these organizations. The project will involve conducting a detailed case study analysis of selected SMEs to understand the current state of their supply chain practices, identify challenges and opportunities for sustainability integration, and evaluate the outcomes of sustainable initiatives implemented. This will be achieved through a combination of qualitative data collection methods such as interviews, surveys, and document analysis. Key aspects to be explored include the background and context of sustainable supply chain management, the specific challenges faced by SMEs in implementing sustainable practices, the objectives and scope of the study, and the significance of the research in contributing to both academia and industry. The study will also define key terms related to sustainable supply chain practices to provide clarity and context for the research. Furthermore, the research overview will delve into the literature review section, which will examine existing theories, frameworks, and empirical studies related to sustainable supply chain management, particularly in the context of SMEs. This section will provide a theoretical foundation for the study and help in identifying gaps in the current knowledge that the research aims to address. The methodology section will outline the research design, data collection methods, sampling strategy, and data analysis techniques to be employed in the case study analysis. It will also discuss the ethical considerations and limitations of the research, highlighting the steps taken to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings. The discussion of findings section will present and analyze the results of the case study analysis, drawing insights from the data collected and linking them to the existing literature on sustainable supply chain practices. This section will provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges, opportunities, and outcomes of implementing sustainable practices in SMEs, along with practical implications for managers and policymakers. Finally, the conclusion and summary section will synthesize the key findings of the research, discuss their implications, and suggest recommendations for future research and practice. The project aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in sustainable supply chain management and provide valuable insights for SMEs seeking to enhance their sustainability performance.