The thematic landscape of literature in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM)

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively review the vast literature on sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), with the specific objective of a thematic exploration of the literature in order to explicate the principal facets of SSCM development. Design/methodology/approach This comprehensive review follows the systematic literature review approach. Findings The authors find SSCM to develop around five principal facets. The first facet is adoption, which accounts for the development of preparatory grounds – for facilitating the generation of a SSCM philosophy to gradually seep into the frame of traditional supply chain management (SCM). The second facet of implementation accounts for the manifestation of a SSCM-oriented transformation for producing gradual upgrades in the traditional SCM environment. The third facet of extension signifies the broadening of the scope of implementation at a more wider (supply chain) level. The fourth facet of maintenance outlines the need for ensuring the continuity of progress in the course of SSCM development. The fifth facet of outcomes focuses on the yields of SSCM’s pursuit. Originality/value These principal facets are built across the multiple levels and unique conceptual standpoints as propagated by 13 themes and 34 sub-themes. These themes are generated based upon 419 articles (2000-2017) from more than 40 leading journals. The authors discuss the facet-specific key implications for guiding the literature in its further advancement, and thus propose a rigorous thematic landscape of the SSCM literature with a unique approach. Overall, the outcomes of this review provide a fundamental organization of the SSCM literature – from the perspective of a journey involved in the transition from traditional to sustainable supply chains.