Theoretical foundations underpinning supply chain management and supply chain level sustainable performance

Abstract

This paper addresses the paucity of theoretical foundations underpinning supply chain management and supply chain level sustainable performance. Building upon the literature on the development of definitions of SCM and classification of definitions, common elements in the definitions were identified: customer care, interrelationship across the chain, integration and process. A wide range of activities in SCM and the theoretical basis underpinning SCM produced an insight into understanding firms’ attitude towards SCM. Factors influencing sustainable performance across the supply chain are theoretically reviewed. The implication for future research on SCM is further provided.

Keywords:

• Supply chain management
• inter-organizational theories
• supply chain level sustainable performance

Acknowledgement

This paper was based on a PhD thesis and the author appreciates all the support and guidance given by Professor Peter Jones and Dr Margaret Lumbers at the University of Surrey, Guildford, UK at the time of writing the thesis.