This book examines the sustainability of supply chains in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), in developed and emerging economies. Drawing on contributions from experts in the field and examining case studies from a range of countries, including Thailand, Bangladesh, France, Spain, Austria and Greece, this book provides researchers and industry practitioners with guidance on how to make SMEs more sustainable through appropriate trade-offs between economic, environmental and social aspects. Over the course of the book, the authors examine the current state of sustainable supply chain practices, highlight the key issues and challenges, and identify critical success factors across different industries and geographical locations. They also explore how supply chain carbon footprints and effectiveness are measured, and navigate the delicate balance between reducing the carbon footprint whilst still ensuring enhanced productivity. Finally, the book reflects on how the circular economy model might facilitate higher sustainability of SMEs. Supply Chain Sustainability in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises will be of great interest to scholars and practitioners of supply chain management and sustainable business.

"This book examines the sustainability of supply chains in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), focusing specifically on the developed and emerging economies of the UK and India. Drawing on contributions from experts in the field and examining case studies from a range of countries including Thailand, Bangladesh, France, Spain, Austria, and Greece, this book provides researchers and industry practitioners with guidance on how to make SMEs more sustainable through appropriate trade-off between economic, environmental and social aspects. Over the course of the book the authors examine the current state of sustainable supply chain practices, highlight the key issues and challenges, and identify critical success factors across different industries and geographical locations. They also explore how supply chain carbon footprints and effectiveness are measured and navigate the delicate balance between reducing the carbon footprint whilst still ensuring enhanced productivity. Finally, the book reflects on how the circular economy model might facilitate higher sustainability of SMEs. Supply Chain Sustainability in Small and Medium Sized Enterprises will be of great interest to scholars and practitioners of supply chain management and sustainable business"--

This book focuses on the need to develop sustainable supply chains - economically, environmentally and socially. This book is not about a wish list of impractical choices, but the reality of decisions faced by all those involved in supply chain management today. Our definition of sustainable supply chains is not restricted to so-called "green" supply chains, but recognises that in order to be truly sustainable, supply chains must operate within a realistic financial structure, as well as contribute value to our society. Supply chains are not sustainable unless they are realistically funded and valued. Thus, a real definition of sustainable supply chain management must take account of all relevant economic, social and environmental issues. This book contains examples from a wide range of real-life case studies, and synthesizes the learnings from these many different situations to provide the fundamental building blocks at the centre of successful logistics and supply chain management.

Industrialisation has brought great benefits to humankind but now, after 200 years of fossil fuel use, land clearance and pollution, the planet’s boundaries are being stretched to their limits. Going beyond these confines would have severe consequences for humankind. To prevent this from happening, government, corporate and community initiatives must focus on reducing the environmental impact of approximately 400 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), given that they produce approximately 70% of the world’s pollution, 60% of carbon emissions and have a significant impact on land. To date, research shows that SMEs have been environmental laggards and more needs to be understood to improve sustainability in the SME sector. Broadening the researcher’s methodological focus, beyond traditional singular approaches, improves knowledge generation and better informs policy and practice. This book paves the way by showing the reader that a mixed method research design is able to provide a deep, diverse and holistic understanding of sustainability and SMEs. Importantly, the book also provides an in-depth mapping of mixed method sustainability and SME research at a regional level. As this book is about environmental sustainability framed in a business context, it will be of interest to researchers, academics, students and those in industry who are enquiring about the environmental sustainability of SMEs.

Measuring and managing the performance of a business is one of the most genuine desires of management. Balanced scorecard, the performance prism and activity-based management are the most popular frameworks in this setting. Based on the findings of R.G. Eccles’ acclaimed "Performance Measurement Manifesto (1991)" this book introduces new contexts and themes of application and presents emerging research areas related to business performance measurement and management, e.g. SMEs and sustainability. As a result of the 1st International Summer School Piero Lunghi on "Perspectives of Business Performance Management" this book is written both for students and academics, as well as for practitioners looking for new, yet proven ways to measure and manage business performance.

Supply Chain Management (SCM) has become an important area of focus for any business that wishes to remain competitive. It is especially integral to managing successful Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). In recent years, there has been a growing interest in how SCM can be used to create value for SMEs. The development of SCM systems in SMEs has been a key factor in their success. SCM can provide SMEs with an understanding of their supply chain, enabling them to better manage their resources and ensure that their products and services meet customer demand. It also provides an opportunity to reduce costs and improve customer service. The book enables SMEs to better understand the complexities of the supply chain process and provides insights into the best practices for Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Customer Satisfaction and Service (CSSCM). There are the challenges of managing a supply chain in SMEs and suggestions on how to increase efficiency and reduce costs by including methods of inventory management, vendor selection and the use of technology. The book provides an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the supply chain practice and study, whether as a business owners, employees, researchers or students. It offers an in-depth exploration of the various facets of SCM and provides readers with valuable insights into the complexities of managing the supply chain in the SME sector.

The managed flow of goods and information from raw material to final sale also known as a "supply chain" affects everythingâ€"from the U.S. gross domestic product to where you can buy your jeans. The nature of a company's supply chain has a significant effect on its success or failureâ€"as in the success of Dell Computer's make-to-order system and the failure of General Motor's vertical integration during the 1998 United Auto Workers strike. Supply Chain Integration looks at this crucial component of business at a time when product design, manufacture, and delivery are changing radically and globally. This book explores the benefits of continuously improving the relationship between the firm, its suppliers, and its customers to ensure the highest added value. This book identifies the state-of-the-art developments that contribute to the success of vertical tiers of suppliers and relates these developments to the capabilities that small and medium-sized manufacturers must have to be viable participants in this system. Strategies for attaining these capabilities through manufacturing extension centers and other technical assistance providers at the national, state, and local level are suggested. This book identifies action steps for small and medium-sized manufacturersâ€"the "seed corn" of business start-up and developmentâ€"to improve supply chain management. The book examines supply chain models from consultant firms, universities, manufacturers, and associations. Topics include the roles of suppliers and other supply chain participants, the rise of outsourcing, the importance of information management, the natural tension between buyer and seller, sources of assistance to small and medium-sized firms, and a host of other issues. Supply Chain Integration will be of interest to industry policymakers, economists, researchers, business leaders, and forward-thinking executives.

By analysing the rationales for sustainability strategies, this book addresses a timely question for managers, academics and MBAs: 'when does it pay to be green?' Based on solid theoretical foundations and empirical research, it clarifies the elements involved in the formation and evaluation of sustainability strategies in firms.

Heavy industrialization in the past few decades has caused several global environmental issues including poor air quality, climate change, and outdoor air pollution-related diseases. As such, consumer pressure coupled with strict governmental policies have influenced firms to adopt and implement green practices in their supply chain and business operations in order to improve socio-environmental sustainability. Global Perspectives on Green Business Administration and Sustainable Supply Chain Management is an essential reference book that discusses innovative green practices including recycling, remanufacturing, reduction in waste and adoption of renewable energy in manufacturing. It also examines environmentally friendly policies that have been adopted by many European and Western countries. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as energy analysis, environmental protections, and logistics development, this book is ideally designed for managers, operations managers, executives, manufacturers, environmentalists, researchers, industry practitioners, academicians, and students.

In recent years, a commitment to increased accountability and improved performance has become essential in both governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations. To help managers and executives in their ongoing quest for greater accountability and improved performance Theodore H. Poister, offers a comprehensive resource for designing and implementing effective performance measurement systems at the agency level. The ideas, tools, and processes in this vital resource will help organizations develop measurement systems to support such results-oriented management approaches as strategic management, results-based budgeting, performance management, process improvement, performance contracting, and employee incentive systems. Using this book as a guide, public and nonprofit organizations can accurately measure outputs, efficiency, productivity, effectiveness, service quality, and customer satisfaction, and use the resulting data to strengthen decision-making and improve agency and program performance. Read a Charity Channel review: http://charitychannel.com/publish/templates/?a=36&z=25