Critical analysis of engineering education focused on sustainability in supply chain management: an overview of Brazilian higher education institutions

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to critically analyze the engineering education focused on sustainability in supply chain management, in courses offered by Brazilian higher education institutions. Design/methodology/approach Topics related to sustainable supply chain management were listed from the literature and used as a framework to gather professors’ opinions on how well these topics are covered in engineering courses offered in Brazil. Data analysis was performed via frequency analysis and comparative ordering using the Fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution technique. Findings It was possible to evidence that most of the topics are superficially presented within other subjects and that there are few associated practical activities that enable greater learning. Comparatively, issues related to ISO standards (related to quality and environmental management systems) and compliance with environmental laws, regulations and standards were highlighted. Additionally, it was possible to verify that there is a need for further study on issues related to energy efficiency, worker training and corporate governance. Originality/value No similar study was found in the literature. The findings presented in this paper can contribute to the improvement of engineering education in Brazil and other countries.

Higher Education for Sustainability: A Bibliometric Approach—What, Where and Who Is Doing Research in This Subject?

“…are the same researcher, it was decided to join the two references to this author, who is now considered as a single author. In his works (and focusing only on some of the most recent), Leal Filho gives particular emphasis to themes such as sustainability at universities / higher education [24][25][26], sustainable development goals at the university/higher education [27,28], sustainability and education programs [29,30], and focusing more recently on the analysis of how sustainability teaching on sustainable development has been affected by the lockdown [31,32]. In his works (and focusing only on some of the most recent), Leal Filho gives particular emphasis to themes such as sustainability at universities/higher education [24][25][26], sustainable development goals at the university/higher education [27,28], sustainability and education programs [29,30], and focusing more recently on the analysis of how sustainability teaching on sustainable development has been affected by the lockdown [31,32].…”

An analysis of the Brazilian higher educational opportunity and challenge processes to achieve the 2030 Agenda for the sustainable development

“…Some studies address careers, such as engineering (Tominaga et al , 2021), nursing (Rodrigues et al , 2018), psychology (Mantzios et al , 2019) and occupational therapy (Nogueira and Oliver, 2018), bringing contributions to insertion of sustainable themes and professionals in curriculum for sustainable implementation. Regarding educational access in Brazil, it can be said that there have been advances in recent decades; however, there are still difficulties in terms of adequate learning, maintaining students in schools and accessing daycare centers.…”

Sustainability Transfer as a Concept for Universities in Regional Transformation—A Case Study

“…These case study results refer to the framework of German universities. Including international studies and case studies with different topics and practice actors, e.g., on municipalities [36], ecovillages [21], supply chain management in engineering [37], or sustainable agriculture [38] can help to create a more differentiated picture. Additional impulses for further conceptual development are provided by [21,39].…”