A model for enhancing sustainable supply chain management, agility and performance in the petrochemical industry in South Africa
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Authors
Hlaisi, Amukelani Elone
Issue Date
2025-06-18
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) , Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices , Corporate Social Performance (CSP) , Supply Chain Agility (SCA) , Triple Bottom Line Theory (TBL) , Stakeholder Theory (ST) , Supply Chain Management (SCM) , SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
Alternative Title
Abstract
Socio-economic challenges and stakeholder pressure have compelled petrochemical firms in South Africa to scout for sustainable solutions to such problems. One area where sustainability could be incorporated within the operations of petrochemical firms is supply chain management (SCM). However, adopting sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) is still in its infancy in most industries within South Africa. The aim of the study is to test a conceptual model for the relationships between SSCM practices, supply chain agility (SCA) and corporate social performance (CSP) in the petrochemical industry in South Africa. The study was based on the Stakeholder and Tripple Bottom Line Theories. Quantitative data were collected from 354 supply chain and operations managers and professionals drawn from selected petrochemical firms in South Africa. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics, using tools such as the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 28.0) and partial least squares (SMART-PLS) structural equation modelling (SEM).
The study results show that only three of the nine SSCM practices (risk management, information technology adoption & communication) positively influence SCA. In turn, SCA positively influenced the three dimensions of CSP (environmental, social & economic performance). Further tests showed that SCA mediated the relationships between three SSCM practices (risk management, information technology adoption & communication) and CSP. Communication also emerged as the most significant factor influencing SCA when compared to the other SSCM practices considered in the study. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing literature that supports the importance of sustainability as a critical factor in supply chain strategies applied in the petrochemical industry in South Africa.