Resource commitment and sustainability: a reverse logistics performance process model

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to extend existing and motivate future sustainable supply chain management (SCM) and logistics research by examining a structure-conduct-performance framework linking resource commitment to sustainable SCM, reverse logistics, and operational performance. A sustainable reverse logistics capability is investigated as mediating the performance benefits associated with resource commitments to sustainable SCM. Design/methodology/approach Survey methods and structural equation modeling were used to collect and analyze data from 180 supply chain professionals. Findings The results of a mediated model suggest that resource commitments may be used to develop a sustainable reverse logistics capability, reducing the environmental impact of reverse logistics activities. A strong sustainable reverse logistics capability results from resources committed specifically to sustainable reverse logistics and a commitment to the sustainability of the supply chain. Research limitations/implications This study applied a purposefully general sampling procedure. Specific industries may have additional constraints (e.g. risk, transparency, governance factors) that directly impact reverse logistics. These constraints are limitations of the study as well as opportunities for future research. Resource commitment is critical to the success of an overall firm strategy to build a sustainable supply chain, especially when considering reverse logistics. Practical implications As managers examine the benefits of sustainable SCM, they must consider the resources required. For firms engaging in sustainable SCM, developing a sustainable reverse logistics capability is a key success factor for improved performance. Originality/value Given the growing acceptance and importance of sustainable SCM, this research provides insights to managers and academics regarding the key mediating role of a sustainable reverse logistics capability when integrated into existing and future supply chain research frameworks and processes.

The Nexus of Government Incentives and Sustainable Development Goals: Is the Management of Resources the Solution to Non-Profit Organisations?

“…Allocation and supervision of financial resources is a praiseworthy act to support the poor community in sustainable and social practices. As pointed out by Morgan et al (2018), sustainable capability and practices are achieved through resource commitment and resources recycling effectively. Hence, organizations should efficiently use the resources in order to configure corporate social responsibility that benefits sustainable practices (Sueyoshi & Goto, 2019).…”

Measuring the impact of factors affecting reverse e-logistics' performance in the electronic industry in Lebanon and Syria

“…REL's significance is not related only to increasing profits, but also to better competing position, efficiency in performance, and customer satisfaction (YOGI, 2015;HUANG et al, 2015;EUCHI et al, 2019;AGRAWAL et al, 2016;GAMBOA;RIVEROS, 2019;SANGWAN, 2017;MAHINDROO et al, 2018;MORGAN et al, 2018).…”

“…In 2015, the costs of reverse e-logistics' were about 130.6 billion USD and 223.6 billion USD for Asia-pacific and EMEA regions, respectively. Moreover, the returned products' costs for retailers recorded was about $260 billion for the same year (MORGAN et al, 2018). Returned products represent more than 35% of the total e-commerce retailers' cost (HUANG et al, 2015).…”

Relationships between eco-design, resources commitment and reverse logistics: conceptual framework

“…The results of a mediated model suggest by Morgan et al (2018) have indicated that resources commitment may be used to develop a sustainable reverse logistics capability and reduce the environmental impact of reverse logistics activities. This study suggests that firm resources committed to sustainable Supply Chain Management (SCM) through reverse logistics create structures within and across the supply chain.…”