Title: Logistics service providers coordinating sustainable supply chains: a fast food industry case

Authors: Mauro Vivaldini; Sílvio R.I. Pires

Addresses: Methodist University of Piracicaba, Rodovia do Açucar, Km 156, Piracicaba, SP, 13400-911, Brazil ' Methodist University of Piracicaba, Rodovia do Açucar, Km 156, Piracicaba, SP, 13400-911, Brazil

Abstract: This study explores sustainable supply chain practices. It proposes a conceptual framework, organising the roles of agents in the supply chain and the coordinating roles of logistics operators. In addition, the study analyses the proposed framework in practical terms, using a real project application implemented recently by McDonald's and Martin-Brower in Brazil. First, the study uses theory to propose a conceptual structure that characterises sustainability actions by logistics service providers. Second, the study compares the conceptual structure against the practical case, chosen by means of an intentional sampling process, with relevance from factors such as size, scope, and level of innovation of the firms involved. The comparison of the conceptual proposal with the practical case confirms the importance of the corporate vision in the entire supply chain. Moreover, initiatives for sustainable actions need to find allies capable of accepting, internally sharing, and participating actively to enable such actions.

Keywords: sustainability; supply chain management; SCM; logistics service providers; LSPs; fast food industry; supply chain coordination; sustainable supply chains; case study; Brazil; firm size; firm scope; innovation level.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2016.077788

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2016 Vol.24 No.4, pp.548 - 569

Received: 25 Nov 2014
Accepted: 28 Jan 2015
Published online: 15 Jul 2016 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article