Transdisciplinary perspective on sustainable multi-tier supply chains: a triple bottom line inspired framework and future research directions

Abstract

Global sourcing and increased interdependencies between organisations have created more complex multi-tier supply chains. While these supply chains have been instrumental in keeping the world moving, they equally pose sustainability issues. In the extant literature, there is a growing number of studies on sustainable multi-tier supply chains. However, there has been limited effort to take stock of existing research to set an agenda for future studies. To address this gap, this study reviews 64 articles through the lens of the triple bottom line theory. Based on the findings, the study develops a framework for sustainable multi-tier supply chains and provides direction for future research.