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American Journal of Applied Science and Technology

Peer Reviewed | Open Access | E-ISSN: 2771-2745
Published Article

SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: THEORETICAL SYNTHESIS, MODELING APPROACHES, AND PRACTICAL PATHWAYS TOWARD LOW-WASTE, RESILIENT NETWORKS

SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: THEORETICAL SYNTHESIS, MODELING APPROACHES, AND PRACTICAL PATHWAYS TOWARD LOW-WASTE, RESILIENT NETWORKS

Authors

  • Dr. Amina R. Delgado
    Global Institute for Supply Chain Sustainability, University of Lisbon

Keywords:

sustainable supply chain management quantitative models governance social sustainability transparency resilience

Abstract

Background: Sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) has matured from normative prescriptions to an interdisciplinary field that blends ethics, operations research, risk management, and market mechanisms. Foundational work established definitional boundaries and conceptual frameworks; subsequent quantitative modeling and empirical studies have advanced our ability to design, manage, and evaluate supply chains that account for economic, environmental, and social dimensions (Linton et al., 2007; Seuring & Müller, 2008; Carter & Rogers, 2008). Despite progress, persistent gaps remain in integrating heterogeneous theoretical perspectives, operationalizing social criteria, and aligning market incentives with system-level sustainability objectives (Touboulic & Walker, 2015; Seuring & Müller, 2008).

 Objective: This article synthesizes extant theoretical foundations and modeling approaches for SSCM, proposes an integrated conceptual architecture for designing and evaluating sustainable supply chains, and articulates prescriptive insights for managers and policy makers. The work strictly draws on the provided reference corpus and elaborates theoretical implications, counter-arguments, and future research directions.

 Methods: A structured interpretive synthesis of seminal and contemporary works was performed: conceptual frameworks (Seuring & Müller, 2008; Carter & Rogers, 2008), structured literature reviews (Touboulic & Walker, 2015; Seuring, 2012), and quantitative model surveys (Brandenburg et al., 2014). The methodology section describes how theory integration, taxonomy construction, and model selection heuristics are derived from these sources and used to generate normative guidance.

 Results: The synthesis identifies three organizing logics for SSCM: (1) normative-ethical logic emphasizing social responsibility and legitimacy (Anner, 2012; Buchanan, 2000); (2) market-incentive logic focusing on the role of demand, regulation, and transparency (Vermeulen & Seuring, 2009; Chowdhury, 2025); and (3) analytic-technical logic emphasizing modeling, optimization, and measurement (Seuring, 2012; Brandenburg et al., 2014). From this, an integrated architecture is proposed that brings together governance mechanisms, metric systems, quantitative models, and digital enablers. Practical recommendations center on robust decision rules, layered metrics, and stakeholder-aligned governance.

 Conclusions: Progress in SSCM requires co-evolution of theory and application: richer social metrics, hybrid quantitative methods, and market structures that internalize externalities. The article concludes with a research agenda and policy recommendations that prioritize measurement, transparency, and resilience while acknowledging trade-offs and limitations.

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