The purpose of this thesis is to examine the application of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) in the growing industry of consumer electronics. The research intends to look for patterns in respect to the implementation of SSCM programs within selected consumer electronics focused businesses using a case study analysis. The aim of this paper is to investigate which concepts of implementation and design of SSCM are available in the consumer electronics industry and to analyze how they can be classified.
The primary sources for the main analysis of this paper are the sustainability reports from the four companies: Dell, Philips, Samsung and Sony. These companies were selected based on their location, size and ranking within the industry and the method of selection is explained herein.
Following a first look at the data, a process-oriented approach was chosen for the study, and a careful analysis leads to the formation of a model describing the process of achieving supply chain sustainability in the consumer electronics industry:
The ‘Sustainability Achievement Process’ comprises eight phases:
(1) Acknowledgement,
(2) Vision and Strategy,
(3) Communication,
(4) Assessment,
(5) Goal Setting,
(6) Goal Achievement,
(7) Expanding the Reach and
(8) Maintaining the Success.
The model is refined and substantiated in the subsequent cross-case analysis by illustrating the distinctive features of each phase within each company. Furthermore, the author identifies indicators and keywords for every phase which permit the unambiguous association of statements to levels of sustainability achievement for easy classification. Critical cases are recognized, examined and solved during the research in order to provide a framework for a real world application. Overall, the derived model provides the foundation for the evaluation of a corporation’s progress concerning different aspects of sustainability. The thesis concludes by proposing a series of approaches for future research to increase the verification of the model and advance it, potentially extending the applicability of the model to SSCM in general.
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Theoretical Foundation
- 2.1 Sustainability and Supply Chain Management
- 2.2 Environmental Aspect
- 2.3 Social Aspect
- 2.4 Economic Aspect
- 2.5 Consumer Electronics Industry
- 2.6 Research Question
- 3 Methodology
- 4 Case Selection
- 4.1 Single Case Review
- 4.1.1 Dell
- 4.1.2 Philips
- 4.1.3 Samsung
- 4.1.4 Sony
- 4.2 Cross-Case Comparison
- 4.1 Single Case Review
- 5 Pattern Finding
- 5.1 Entering the Field
- 5.2 Crafting Instruments
- 5.3 Data Analysis and Theory Building
- 5.3.1 Sustainability Achievement Process
- 5.4 Refining the Model
- 5.4.1 Acknowledgement
- 5.4.2 Vision and Strategy
- 5.4.3 Communication
- 5.4.4 Assessment
- 5.4.5 Goal Setting
- 5.4.6 Goal Achievement
- 5.4.7 Expanding the Reach
- 5.4.8 Maintaining the Success
- 5.5 Comparison with other Literature
- 5.6 Discussion
- 6 Conclusions and Outlook
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis aims to investigate the implementation and design concepts of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) within the consumer electronics industry and to classify these concepts. It utilizes a case study approach, analyzing sustainability reports from Dell, Philips, Samsung, and Sony to develop a model for achieving supply chain sustainability.
- Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) in the consumer electronics industry
- Development and application of a model for achieving supply chain sustainability
- Comparative analysis of SSCM implementation across different companies
- Identification of key phases and indicators in the sustainability achievement process
- Contribution to both theoretical understanding and practical application of SSCM
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the context of the research, highlighting the increasing international trade and its environmental impact, particularly within the consumer electronics industry. It emphasizes the growing societal awareness of environmental and social issues related to global sourcing and manufacturing practices in low-wage countries. The chapter establishes the need for sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) and outlines the thesis's objective: to investigate and classify SSCM implementation concepts within the consumer electronics industry. The methodology and structure of the thesis are also briefly outlined.
2 Theoretical Foundation: This chapter lays the groundwork for the research by defining key terms and reviewing major aspects of sustainability and its implementation in supply chain management. It discusses the historical development of the concept of sustainable development, from the early forestry management principles to the modern "triple-bottom line" approach encompassing environmental, social, and economic dimensions. The chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical underpinnings of sustainability and its integration into supply chain strategies, setting the stage for the empirical analysis in subsequent chapters.
3 Methodology: This chapter details the research methodology employed in the thesis, outlining the chosen approach and justifying its suitability for addressing the research questions. It likely describes the data collection methods, the selection criteria for the case studies, and the analytical techniques used to interpret the data and develop the proposed model. A clear explanation of the methodological choices is crucial for ensuring the rigor and validity of the research findings.
4 Case Selection: This chapter explains the selection process for the four case study companies (Dell, Philips, Samsung, and Sony). It justifies the inclusion of these specific companies based on factors such as their size, location, industry ranking, and the availability of relevant sustainability reports. The chapter likely provides detailed rationale for the selection criteria and demonstrates the representativeness of the chosen cases for the consumer electronics industry.
5 Pattern Finding: This chapter presents the core findings of the research. It describes the process of analyzing the sustainability reports from the selected case study companies, highlighting the identification of patterns and the development of the “Sustainability Achievement Process” model. The chapter meticulously explains how the model is refined through cross-case comparison and illustrates each phase with indicators and keywords for easy classification and real-world application. It provides a comprehensive overview of the model's structure and its implications for evaluating corporate progress on various aspects of sustainability.
Keywords
Supply chain management, sustainability, case study research, consumer electronics industry, holistic approach, theory building, sustainability achievement process, environmental sustainability, social sustainability, economic sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sustainable Supply Chain Management in the Consumer Electronics Industry
What is the main focus of this thesis?
This thesis investigates the implementation and design concepts of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) within the consumer electronics industry. It aims to classify these concepts and develop a model for achieving supply chain sustainability using a case study approach.
Which companies are included in the case studies?
The thesis analyzes sustainability reports from four major consumer electronics companies: Dell, Philips, Samsung, and Sony.
What is the methodology used in this research?
The research employs a case study approach, analyzing sustainability reports from the selected companies. The methodology includes data collection, case selection based on specific criteria, and analytical techniques to interpret data and develop a sustainability achievement model. The chapter detailing the methodology justifies the chosen approach and ensures the rigor and validity of the research findings.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
Key themes include Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) in the consumer electronics industry, the development and application of a model for achieving supply chain sustainability, comparative analysis of SSCM implementation across different companies, identification of key phases and indicators in the sustainability achievement process, and contributions to both theoretical understanding and practical application of SSCM.
What model is developed in this research?
The thesis develops a "Sustainability Achievement Process" model through the analysis of the case studies. This model outlines key phases and indicators for achieving sustainability in supply chains and is refined through cross-case comparison.
What are the key phases within the "Sustainability Achievement Process" model?
While the specific details are within the thesis, the model likely includes phases such as acknowledgement, vision and strategy, communication, assessment, goal setting, goal achievement, expanding the reach, and maintaining success. Each phase likely has associated indicators and keywords for practical application.
How does the thesis contribute to the existing literature?
The thesis contributes by developing a practical model for achieving supply chain sustainability, offering a classification of SSCM implementation concepts, and providing a comparative analysis across different companies. It also adds to the theoretical understanding and practical application of SSCM.
What are the key words associated with this research?
Key words include: Supply chain management, sustainability, case study research, consumer electronics industry, holistic approach, theory building, sustainability achievement process, environmental sustainability, social sustainability, and economic sustainability.
What is the structure of the thesis?
The thesis follows a standard academic structure, including an introduction, theoretical foundation, methodology, case selection, pattern finding (including model development and comparison with other literature), and conclusions and outlook.
Where can I find more details about the research?
The complete details of the research, including the specific content of each chapter and the complete "Sustainability Achievement Process" model, are found within the full thesis document.
- Quote paper
- Christian Brockmann (Author), 2014, Sustainable Supply Chain Management. Case studies in the consumer electronics industry, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/295889
