Synopsis
The call to think and act differently in Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) is becoming increasingly critical. Pagell and Shevchenko (2014: 44f.) spelled out a clear need for research into the issues of "how to create truly sustainable supply chains" and "what new practices and processes are needed to create truly sustainable supply chains". This edited collection aims to show innovative cases, approaches and concepts in how to successfully implement all three dimensions of triple bottom line sustainability (e.g. Gimenez et al., 2012; Griggs et al., 2013) into supply chains.
Rationale for the book
This edited collection will represent interesting and novel research on triple bottom line sustainability as it relates to global and multinational supply chains. Articles that take a true triple bottom line (TBL) perspective are welcomed. Research has mostly focused on the environmental and economic dimension of the triple bottom line, but the social dimension is relatively under-researched (Seuring & Müller, 2008). Therefore, papers that include the social dimension are of particular interest, but papers focusing on the environmental and economic dimensions will be equally considered.. An example might be the role of social entrepreneurs in transforming supply chains according to triple bottom line criteria, e.g. by founding social businesses that are economically and environmentally sustainable. From the onset of these businesses, the entrepreneur is focused on building sustainability into their supply chain. The goal of the entrepreneur is to convince social investors of the return-on-investment in all three pillars. This allows them to creatively consider the business model upfront and establish sustainable and innovative business models. For sustainable business models we follow the definition of Boons and Luedeke-Freund (2013). In this case, the firm creates value through considering economic, ecological and social elements, by promoting equitable relationships amongst the stakeholders, and adopting a fair revenue model.
Noting that this interface of environmental, economic and social aspects in supply chain management is not yet well covered, this edited collection also hopes to address the call for further research concerning base-of-the-pyramid business models that address the sustainability needs of the global poor (e.g. Karnani, 2007; Hahn, 2009). Linking these models to SCM, as stated by Seuring and Gold (2013:5) "could help us to address aspects that are so far weakly developed, such as the social dimension of sustainability management."
Another contribution might be an understanding of impact investing on supply chain management. Additional insights into how (social) businesses can successfully build triple bottom line effective business models will be playing an increasing role, as it is estimated that by 2020 about 500 billion USD will be allocated to impact investing initiatives (World Economic Forum, 2013). Therefore, aspects such as what makes them successful and/or what can be learned from failures holds tremendous potential for advancing this trend and furthering sustainable practices.
To read the full call, click here: http://greenleaf-publishing.com/content/TBL_SSCM_FINAL.pdf
Please submit abstracts of no more than 1,000 words, together with a CV, as email attachments direct to the Editors:
Lydia Bals: lydia.bals@hs-mainz.de
Wendy Tate: wendy.tate@utk.edu
Abstract submission by 31st March 2015