Track: Sustainability in Supply Chain, Enterprise Operations and Strategies

Abstract

The sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practice has gained acceptance among the manufacturing sector with its adoption of ISO 14001 environmental management systems with positive environmental and economic outcomes. However, there is still a lack of research in the area of non-manufacturing companies in Malaysia, particularly in the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) sector. Nevertheless, SMEs are the backbone of every country and contributed a substantial portion to its overall GDP growth. The purpose of this study is to fill the research gap in studying the drivers and barriers of SSCM implementation in the non-manufacturing sector within Malaysia. In order to gain a better understanding on their challenges in SSCM implementation, semi-structured interviews were conducted on selected respondents from different industries and sectors. Thematic analysis and cross-case analysis were used to further analyze, compare and contrast the different drivers and barriers obtained from findings. It has a causal relationship as well with the lack of management support in terms of resource allocation leading to challenges in securing adequate funding for further SSCM activities.