Antecedents and Evolution of the Green Supply Chain

Authors

  • David Nelson University of Toledo
  • Erika Marsillac Old Dominion University
  • Subba Rao University of Toledo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12660/joscmv1n1p29-43

Keywords:

Green Supply Chain, Sustainability, Triple Bottom Line, Corporate Social Responsibility, Product Life Cycle

Abstract

Supply chains have been developing over time since the inception of commercial trade and barter. The purpose of this paper is to describe the emergence of the Green Supply Chain, the newest entry in supply chain evolution. As a foundation for this, historical perspectives of manufacturing chronology, along with supply chain modifications resulting from changing market conditions are discussed. Managerial implications are offered reflecting pathways towards sustainability.As production power shifted from manual operation to steam, technology became the main driver for supply chain development leading to a variety of types seen in industry today. Today's supply chain types emerged due to increasing market complexity and competitive pressure. More recently, an additional driver occurred catalyzing the Green Supply Chain - the Environmental Movement. This chain is positioned as the next step in today's supply chain evolution, balancing environmental, economic, and societal needs with customer growth.

Author Biographies

David Nelson, University of Toledo

PhD Candidate in the Department of Information Operations, and Technology Management at the University of Toledo with expected graduation in fall, 2013. The dissertation is Antecedents and Triple Bottom Line Consequences of Green Supply Chain Strategy. Dave earned an MS from the University of the Pacific, an MBA from Purdue University. His research interests reflect Supply Chain Sustainability, Green Supply Chain Strategy, Triple Bottom Line and Corporate Social Responsibility, Mr. Nelson has authored papers in the International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, Journal of Operations and Supply Chain Management, Biodiesel and an Alternative Energy study under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Erika Marsillac, Old Dominion University

Assistant Professor of IT/DS/MSCM at Old Dominion University. She received her PhD in Manufacturing Management from the University of Toledo, and holds a BA from Pennsylvania State University, and two MBAs from Goldey-Beacom College. Her research interests include green supply chain management, sustainable manufacturing, and international partnerships. She has published in the Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management; Journal of Operations and Supply Chain Management; International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management; International Journal of Logistics Systems Management; Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods; Performance Improvement Journal; and Social Responsibility, Entrepreneurship and the Common Good.

Subba Rao, University of Toledo

PhD. in Operations Research and recently retired as Professor of Information, Operations and Technology Management at The University of Toledo where he served as the Director of the Ph.D. program for several years. With research interests encompassing Operations Research/Management, Modeling, Quality, and Supply Chain Management, Dr. Rao has authored over 60 papers in global publications: Operations Research, Naval Research Logistics Quarterly, Journal of Optimization Theory and Applications, IEEE Transactions, Journal of Applied Probability, OPSEARCH, Total Quality Management, Journal of Quality Management, OMEGA, European Journal of Operations Research, and International Journal of Quality and Reliability, as well a comparable number of publications in conference proceedings, presentations and technical memoranda.

Downloads

Published

2012-07-18

Issue

Section

05.Sustainability of Operations