Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The retail industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, serving as a critical link between manufacturers and consumers. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on sustainable practices within supply chain management to address environmental, social, and economic concerns. This thesis investigates the implementation of sustainable supply chain management practices in the retail industry, focusing on strategies that promote environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, presenting the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review that examines existing research and theories related to sustainable supply chain management practices in the retail sector. The review covers topics such as green procurement, reverse logistics, ethical sourcing, and stakeholder engagement. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in this study, detailing the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures. The chapter also discusses the ethical considerations and limitations of the research process. Chapter Four presents the findings of the study, analyzing the current state of sustainable supply chain management practices in the retail industry and identifying key challenges and opportunities for improvement. The discussion in Chapter Four delves into the implications of the findings, drawing connections between theory and practice to offer actionable insights for retail managers and policymakers. Finally, Chapter Five provides a conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting the key findings, contributions to the field, and recommendations for future research. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable supply chain management practices in the retail industry, offering practical guidance for organizations seeking to enhance their environmental and social performance while maintaining economic competitiveness.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Implementation of Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices in the Retail Industry" aims to investigate and analyze the adoption and impact of sustainable supply chain management practices within the retail sector. The retail industry plays a significant role in the global economy and is increasingly facing pressure to operate in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Sustainable supply chain management practices have emerged as a critical approach for organizations to address environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic efficiency throughout their supply chain processes. The research will begin by providing an in-depth exploration of the background of sustainable supply chain management practices, highlighting the evolution of sustainability within supply chains and its relevance to the retail industry. This will be followed by a detailed examination of the current challenges and issues faced by retail companies in implementing sustainable practices in their supply chains. The project will identify key problem areas and gaps in existing literature, aiming to contribute to the body of knowledge in this field. The research objectives will focus on understanding the motivations behind adopting sustainable supply chain practices in the retail industry, evaluating the challenges faced by companies in implementing these practices, and assessing the impact of sustainable supply chain management on organizational performance and stakeholder relationships. By addressing these objectives, the study aims to provide valuable insights for retail companies seeking to enhance their sustainability practices and improve their overall supply chain management strategies. Methodologically, the research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Surveys, interviews, and case studies will be used to gather data from retail companies operating sustainable supply chain practices. Data analysis will involve thematic analysis, statistical techniques, and qualitative coding to explore patterns, trends, and relationships within the data. The findings of the study are expected to contribute to both theoretical and practical implications in the field of sustainable supply chain management in the retail industry. By identifying best practices, challenges, and opportunities, the research aims to provide actionable recommendations for retail companies to enhance their sustainability efforts and improve their supply chain performance. In conclusion, the project on the "Implementation of Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices in the Retail Industry" seeks to advance knowledge in sustainable supply chain management, offer practical insights for retail practitioners, and contribute to the broader sustainability agenda within the retail sector.