Analysis of Sustainable Business Models: Exploratory Study in Two Brazilian Logistics Companies

Abstract

Over the years, researchers have presented different concepts regarding business models. There is no unanimity, but there is a general agreement that a business model is the representation of how a company conducts its business. Subsequently, interest in the topic has increased and has come to be considered by companies that, driven to incorporate a positive contribution to sustainability into their values, began to face economic development that considers social and environmental aspects instead of worrying only about profit for the shareholders. The general objective of this research is to identify how the merger of two Brazilian logistics companies with different customer segments can positively contribute to the defense of sustainability, considering social and environmental aspects. As a methodology, a literature review on business models, conceptual business models, and sustainable business models was used to legitimize issues relevant to the themes. The case studies allowed for a measurement of the productivity of the areas of the chosen companies, and a survey of used business processes and technological systems, in addition to diagnosing the level of maturity of these areas. An analysis of the strengths and weaknesses in these areas, within the studied companies, resulted in a solution that allowed for the optimization of processes and savings in human and material resources, and the identification of qualitative benefits arising from mergers, improvements in productivity and services, the standardization of processes, and the implementation of innovative digital technologies.