Abstract
This study aims to investigate the opportunities and difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic to supply chain sustainability. This study identifies the major constructs that are crucial to the supply chain sustainability, which have not gotten sufficient attention in the literature. Therefore, we conducted a three-phase e-Delphi study using qualitative and quantitative techniques. Responses were gathered from 15 worldwide supply chain and sustainability experts, who initially identified 43 obstacles and 24 opportunities. Following the completion of the three phases of the e-Delphi process, a total of 13 vital constructs related to supply chain sustainability were identified. The current endeavor aims to close knowledge gaps related to the difficulties and opportunities produced by the Coronavirus outbreak throughout the whole supply chain, particularly when a comprehensive assessment is necessary. The results of this study will help inspire and motivate future studies in the same area.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Data availability
Data available on request from the authors: The datasets generated during and analyzed during the current study are not publicly available due to privacy and confidentiality agreements but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
References
Alreahi, M., Bujdosó, Z., Lakner, Z., Pataki, L., Zhu, K., Dávid, L. D., & Kabil, M. (2023). Sustainable tourism in the post-covid-19 Era: investigating the effect of green practices on hotels attributes and customer preferences in Budapest Hungary. Sustainability, 15(15), 11859. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511859
Armstrong, J. S., & Overton, T. S. (1977). Estimating nonresponse bias in mail surveys. Journal of Marketing Research, 14(3), 396–402. https://doi.org/10.1177/002224377701400320
Ayuso, S., Roca, M., Arevalo, J. A., & Aravind, D. (2016). What determines principle-based standards implementation? Reporting on global compact adoption in Spanish firms. Journal of Business Ethics, 133(3), 553–565. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-014-2412-4
Bals, L., & Tate, W. L. (2018). Sustainable supply chain design in social businesses: advancing the theory of supply chain. Journal of Business Logistics, 39(1), 57–79. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbl.12172
Bansal, P., & Roth, K. (2000). Why companies go green: A model of ecological responsiveness. Academy of Management Journal, 43(4), 717–736. https://doi.org/10.5465/1556363
Bao, J., Shore, E. M., Simpson, A. N., Hare, G. M., Sholzberg, M., & Robertson, D. (2020). Delphi approach for the design of an intraoperative blood conservation pathway for open myomectomy. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada, 42(1), 31–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogc.2019.04.023
Bechtsis, D., Tsolakis, N., Iakovou, E., & Vlachos, D. (2022). Data-driven secure, resilient and sustainable supply chains: Gaps, opportunities, and a new generalised data sharing and data monetisation framework. International Journal of Production Research, 60(14), 4397–4417. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2021.1957506
Belton, I., MacDonald, A., Wright, G., & Hamlin, I. (2019). Improving the practical application of the Delphi method in group-based judgment: A six-step prescription for a well-founded and defensible process. Technol Forecast Soc Change., 147, 72–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2019.07.002
Benigno, G., Di Giovanni, J., Groen, J. J., & Noble, A. I. (2022). Global supply chain pressure index: March 2022 update (No. 20220303). Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Birkel, H., Hohenstein, N. O., & Hähner, S. (2023). How have digital technologies facilitated supply chain resilience in the covid-19 pandemic? An exploratory case study. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 183, 109538.
Bolger, F., & Wright, G. (2011). Improving the Delphi process: Lessons from social psychological research. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 78(9), 1500–1513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2011.07.007
Bouncken, R. B. (2011). Supply chain Contingencies: The effects of up-stream Directives on Supplier’s innovation performance. Engineering Management Journal, 23(4), 36–46. https://doi.org/10.1080/10429247.2011.11431918
Brandon-Jones, E. (2015). Triple-bottom line. Wiley Encyclopedia of Management.
Brauer, M., Casadei, B., Harrington, R. A., Kovacs, R., Sliwa, K., & WHF Air Pollution Expert Group. (2021). Taking a stand against air pollution—The impact on cardiovascular disease: A joint opinion from the World Heart Federation, American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and the European Society of Cardiology Circulation 143 14 800 804 https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.120.052666
Brown, M. T., & Ulgiati, S. (2016). Emergy assessment of global renewable sources. Ecol Modell., 339, 148–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2016.03.010
WCED, S. W. S. (1987). World commission on environment and development. Our common future, 17(1), 1-91.
Bui, T. D., Tsai, F. M., Tseng, M. L., Tan, R. R., Yu, K. D. S., & Lim, M. K. (2021). Sustainable supply chain management towards disruption and organizational ambidexterity: A data driven analysis. Sustain. Prod. Consum., 26, 373–410. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2020.09.017
Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020). Measuring the effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic using the Current Population Survey. Available at: https://www.bls.gov/covid19/measuringthe-effects-of-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-using_the-current-populationsurvey.htm
Butt, A. S., Alghababsheh, M., Arshi, T. A., & Shah, S. H. H. (2022). Strategies to streamline supplier relationship management during crises: Lessons learned from COVID-19 and future pathways. Benchmarking an International Journal. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-04-2022-0226
Cano-Marin, E., Ribeiro-Soriano, D., Mardani, A., & Gonzalez-Tejero, C. B. (2023). Exploring the challenges of the COVID-19 vaccine supply chain using social media analytics: A global perspective. STE, 2(3), 100047. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stae.2023.100047
Carter, C. R., & Liane Easton, P. (2011). Sustainable supply chain management: evolution and future directions. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 41(1), 46–62.
Chand, P., Thakkar, J. J., & Ghosh, K. K. (2020). Analysis of supply chain sustainability with supply chain complexity, inter-relationship study using delphi and interpretive structural modeling for Indian mining and earthmoving machinery industry. Resources Policy, 68, 101726. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2020.101726
Chatterjee, S., & Chaudhuri, R. (2021). Supply chain sustainability during turbulent environment: Examining the role of firm capabilities and government regulation. Operations Management Research, 15(3), 1081–1095.
Chatterjee, S., Chaudhuri, R., & Vrontis, D. (2023). Supply chain sustainability during an uncertain environment: Examining the moderating role of leadership support. International Journal of Technology Management, 93(1–2), 165–185. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTM.2023.132591
Chau, M., & Xu, J. (2012). Business intelligence in blogs: Understanding consumer interactions and communities. MIS Q.: Management Information Systems, 36, 1189–1216. https://doi.org/10.2307/41703504
Cherian, T. M., Mathivathanan, D., Arun, S. J., Ramasubramaniam, M., & Alathur, S. (2023). Influence of supply chain resilience, information technology capabilities and agility on cost and delivery performance in construction supply chains: an Indian perspective. The International Journal of Logistics Management, 34(4), 1050–1076. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-04-2022-0164
Chowdhury, P., Paul, S. K., Kaisar, S., & Moktadir, M. A. (2021). COVID-19 pandemic related supply chain studies: A systematic review. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 148, 102271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tre.2021.102271
Clauss, T., Breier, M., Kraus, S., Durst, S., & Mahto, R. V. (2022). Temporary business model innovation–SMEs’ innovation response to the Covid- 19 crisis. R D Management, 52(2), 294–312. https://doi.org/10.1111/radm.12498
Cohen, M. J. (2020). Does the COVID-19 outbreak mark the onset of a sustainable consumption transition? Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy, 16(1), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1080/15487733.2020.1740472
Conerly, B. (2021). The labor shortage is why supply chains are disrupted. Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/billconerly/2021/07/07/the-labor-shortage-is-why-supply-chains-are-disrupted/?sh=48f80a46301d
Crayne, M. P. (2020). The traumatic impact of job loss and job search in the aftermath of COVID-19. Psychological Trauma, 12(S1), S180. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000852
De Jesus, A., Antunes, P., Santos, R., & Mendonça, S. (2019). Eco-innovation pathways to a circular economy: Envisioning priorities through a Delphi approach. Journal of Cleaner Production, 228, 1494–1513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.04.049
De Lima, F. A., & Seuring, S. (2023). A Delphi study examining risk and uncertainty management in circular supply chains. International Journal of Production Economics, 258, 108810. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2023.108810
Diamond, I. R., Grant, R. C., Feldman, B. M., Pencharz, P. B., Ling, S. C., Moore, A. M., & Wales, P. W. (2014). Defining consensus: A systematic review recommends methodologic criteria for reporting of Delphi studies. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 67, 401–409. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2013.12.002
Durmaz, A., Demir, H., & Sezen, B. (2021). The role of negative entropy within supply chain sustainability. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 28, 218–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2021.04.014
Egfjord, K.F.-H., & Sund, K. J. (2020). Do you see what I see? How differing perceptions of the environment can hinder radical business model innovation. Technolgical Forecasting and Social Change, 150, 119787. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2019.119787
Elkington, J. (1997). Cannibals with Forks: The triple bottom line of 21st century business. Mankato, MN: Capstone.
Elkington, J. (1998). Partnerships from Cannibals with forks: The triple bottom line of 21st century business. Environmental Quality Management, 8, 37–51.
Fathi, M. R., Zamanian, A., & Khosravi, A. (2024). Mathematical modeling for sustainable agri-food supply chain. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 26(3), 6879–6912.
Flostrand, A., Pitt, L., & Bridson, S. (2020). The Delphi technique in forecasting—a 42-year bibliographic analysis (1975–2017). Technolgical Forecasting and Social Change, 150, 119773. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2019.119773
Förster, B., Keller, J., von der Gracht, H., & Darkow, I. L. (2014). Delphi-based strategic issue management: crafting consumer goods supply chain strategy. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 44(5), 373–391.
Fritschy, C., & Spinler, S. (2019). The impact of autonomous trucks on business models in the 829 automotive and logistics industry–a Delphi-based scenario study. Technolgical Forecasting and Social Change, 148, 119736. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2019.119736
Fu, Q., Abdul Rahman, A. A., Jiang, H., Abbas, J., & Comite, U. (2022). Sustainable supply chain and business performance: The impact of strategy, network design, information systems, and organizational structure. Sustainability, 14(3), 1080. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031080
Garrod, B., & Fyall, A. (2005). Revisiting Delphi: The Delphi Technique. In B.W. Ritchie, P.M. Burns, & C.A. Palmer (Eds.), Tourism research methods: integrating theory with practice. (pp. 85-98). CABI Pub.
Gbededo, M. A., & Liyanage, K. (2020). Descriptive framework for simulation-aided sustainability decision-making: A Delphi study. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 22, 45–57.
Ghadimi, P., Wang, C., Lim, M. K., & Heavey, C. (2019). Intelligent sustainable supplier selection using multi-agent technology: Theory and application for Industry 4.0 supply chains. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 127, 588–600. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2018.10.050
Gimenez, C., Sierra, V., & Rodon, J. (2012). Sustainable operations: Their impact on the triple bottom line. International Journal of Production Economics, 140, 149–159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2012.01.035
Gnatzy, T., Warth, J., von der Gracht, H., & Darkow, I. L. (2011). Validating an innovative real-time Delphi approach-a methodological comparison between real-time and conventional Delphi studies. Technolgical Forecasting and Social Change, 78(9), 1681–1694. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2011.04.006
Goel, P. (2010). Triple Bottom Line Reporting: An Analytical Approach for Corporate Sustainability. Journal of Finance, Accounting & Management, 1(1), 27–42. Available at: https://openurl.ebsco.com/EPDB%3Agcd%3A5%3A1251973/detailv2?sid=ebsco%3Aplink%3Ascholar&id=ebsco%3Agcd%3A61996575&crl=c
Grisham, T. (2009). The Delphi technique: A method for testing complex and multifaceted topics. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 2(1), 112–130. https://doi.org/10.1108/17538370910930545
Gutierrez, O. (1989). Experimental techniques for information requirements analysis. Information & Management, 16(1), 31–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-7206(89)90025-6
Hallowell, M. R., & Gambatese, J. A. (2010). Qualitative research: Application of the Delphi method to CEM research. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 136(1), 99–107. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000137
Hasson, F., Keeney, S., & McKenna, H. (2000). Research guidelines for the Delphi survey technique. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 32(4), 1008–1015. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2648.2000.t01-1-01567.x
Heintz, H. T. (2004). Applying the concept of sustainability to water resources management. JCWRE. 127, 6–10. Available at: https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/jcwre/vol127/iss1/2/
Hervani, A. A., Nandi, S., Helms, M. M., & Sarkis, J. (2022). A performance measurement framework for socially sustainable and resilient supply chains using environmental goods valuation methods. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 30, 31–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2021.11.026
Hill, K. Q., & Fowles, J. (1975). The methodological worth of the Delphi forecasting technique. Technolgical Forecasting and Social Change, 7(2), 179–192. https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1625(75)90057-8
Hutte, G. J., Markwell, K., & Wilson, E. (2022). An opportunity to build back better? COVID-19 and environmental sustainability of Australian events. International Journal of Event and Festival Management, 13(4), 440–456. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEFM-03-2022-0019
Itang, I., Sufyati, H., Suganda, A., Shafenti, S., & Fahlevi, M. (2022). Supply chain management, supply chain flexibility and firm performance: An empirical investigation of agriculture companies in Indonesia. Uncertain Supply Chain Management, 10(1), 155–160. https://doi.org/10.5267/j.uscm.2021.10.001
Ivanov, D. (2020). Predicting the impacts of epidemic outbreaks on global supply chains: A simulation-based analysis on the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2) case. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 136, 101922. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tre.2020.101922
Ivanov, D., & Dolgui, A. (2021). OR-methods for coping with the ripple effect in supply chains 883 during COVID-19 pandemic: Managerial insights and research implications. International Journal of Production Economics, 232, 107921.
Kache, F., & Seuring, S. (2017). Challenges and opportunities of digital information at the intersection of Big Data Analytics and supply chain management. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 37(1), 10–36. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-02-2015-0078
Karmaker, C. L., Ahmed, T., Ahmed, S., Ali, S. M., Moktadir, M. A., & Kabir, G. (2021). Improving supply chain sustainability in the context of COVID-19 pandemic in an emerging economy: Exploring drivers using an integrated model. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 26, 411–427.
Kauko, K., & Palmroos, P. (2014). The Delphi method in forecasting financial markets—An experimental study. International Journal of Forecasting, 30(2), 313–327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijforecast.2013.09.007
Keeney, S., Hasson, F., & McKenna, H. (2006). Consulting the oracle: Ten lessons from using the Delphi technique in nursing research. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 53(2), 205–212. https://doi.org/10.11112/j.1365-2648.2006.03716.x
Klein, V. B., & Todesco, J. L. (2021). COVID- 19 crisis and SMEs responses: The role of digital transformation. Knowledge and Process Management, 28(2), 117–133. https://doi.org/10.1002/kpm.1660
Končar, J., Grubor, A., Marić, R., Vučenović, S., & Vukmirović, G. (2020). Setbacks to IoT implementation in the function of FMCG supply chain sustainability during COVID-19 pandemic. Sustainability, 12(18), 7391. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187391
Korenman, S., & Hyson, R. T. (2023). Health insurance, labor market shocks, and mental health during the first year of the COVID-19 crisis. Economics & Human Biology, 51, 101298.
Kugler, M., Viollaz, M., Duque, D., Gaddis, I., Newhouse, D., Palacios-Lopez, A., & Weber, M. (2023). How did the COVID-19 crisis affect different types of workers in the developing world? World Development, 170, 106331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2023.106331
Lahane, S., Kant, R., Shankar, R., & Patil, S. K. (2023). Circular supply chain implementation performance measurement framework: A comparative case analysis. Production Planning & Control. https://doi.org/10.1080/09537287.2023.2180684
Lee, H. S., Degtereva, E. A., & Zobov, A. M. (2021). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cross-border mergers and acquisitions’ determinants: New empirical evidence from quasi-poisson and negative binomial regression models. Economies, 9(4), 184. https://doi.org/10.3390/economies9040184
Liu, Z., Tian, J., Wang, L., & Gul, R. (2022). Achieving greenhouse gas mitigation through climate change control with the role of financial development In Covid-19 period. Climate Changre Economics, 13(03), 2240013. https://doi.org/10.1142/S2010007822400139
Loviscek, V. (2020). Triple bottom line toward a holistic framework for sustainability: A systematic review. Revista De Administração Contemporânea, 25, e200017. https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-7849rac2021200017.en
Manias-Muñoz, I., Jin, Y., & Reber, B. H. (2019). The state of crisis communication research and education through the lens of crisis scholars: An international Delphi study. Public Relat Rev., 45(4), 101797. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pubrev.2019.101797
Matos, S., & Hall, J. (2007). Integrating sustainable development in the supply chain: The case of life cycle assessment in oil and gas and agricultural biotechnology. Journal of Operations Management, 25(6), 1083–1102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jom.2007.01.013
McMaster, M., Nettleton, C., Tom, C., Xu, B., Cao, C., & Qiao, P. (2020). Risk management: Rethinking fashion supply chain management for multinational corporations in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 13(8), 173. https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm13080173
Melander, L., Dubois, A., Hedvall, K., & Lind, F. (2019). Future goods transport in Sweden 2050: Using a Delphi-based scenario analysis. Technolgical Forecasting and Social Change, 138, 178–189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2018.08.019
Melles, G. (2019). Views on education for sustainable development (ESD) among lecturers in UK MSc taught courses: Personal, institutional and disciplinary factors. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 20(1), 115–138. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-02-2018-0032
Merfeld, K., Wilhelms, M.-P., Henkel, S., & Kreutzer, K. (2019). Carsharing with shared autonomous vehicles: Uncovering drivers, barriers and future developments–A four-stage Delphi study. Technol Forecast Soc Change., 144, 66–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2019.03.012
Miller, K. A., Collada, B., Tolliver, D., Audi, Z., Cohen, A., Michelson, C., & Newman, L. R. (2020). Using the modified Delphi method to develop a tool to assess pediatric residents supervising on inpatient rounds. Academic Pediatrics, 20(1), 89–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acap.2019.07.012
Mizgier, K. J., Wagner, S. M., & Holyst, J. A. (2012). Modeling defaults of companies in multi-stage supply chain networks. International Journal of Production Economics, 135(1), 14–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2010.09.022
Nader, J., El-Khalil, R., Nassar, E., & Hong, P. (2022). Pandemic planning, sustainability practices, and organizational performance: An empirical investigation of global manufacturing firms. International Journal of Production Economics, 246, 108419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2022.108419
Nandi, S., Hervani, A. A., Helms, M. M., & Sarkis, J. (2021). Conceptualising Circular economy performance with non-traditional valuation methods: Lessons for a post-Pandemic recovery. International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 26(6), 662–682. https://doi.org/10.1080/13675567.2021.1974365
Nguyen, S., Chen, P.S.-L., Du, Y., & Shi, W. (2019). A quantitative risk analysis model with integrated deliberative Delphi platform for container shipping operational risks. Transportation Research Part E-Logistics & Transportation Review, 129, 203–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tre.2019.08.002
Nguyen, S. and Wang, H. (2018), "Prioritizing operational risks in container shipping systems by using cognitive assessment technique", Maritime Business Review, 3(2), 185–206. https://doi.org/10.1108/MABR-11-2017-0029
Nouri, A., Lee, J., Yin, X., Tyler, D., Jagadamma, S., & Arelli, P. (2018). Soil physical properties and soybean yield as influenced by long-term tillage systems and cover cropping in the Midsouth USA. Sustainability, 10(12), 4696. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10124696
Okoli, C., & Pawlowski, S. D. (2004). The Delphi method as a research tool: An example, design considerations and applications. Information & Management, 42(1), 15–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2003.11.002
Orji, I. J., & Ojadi, F. (2021). Investigating the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on sustainable supplier selection in the Nigerian manufacturing sector. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 160, 107588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2021.107588
Ozdemir, D., Sharma, M., Dhir, A., & Daim, T. (2022). Supply chain resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Technology in Society, 68, 101847. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tre.2021.10227
Pan, S. Q., Vega, M., Vella, A. J., Archer, B. H., & Parlett, G. R. (1996). A mini-Delphi approach: An improvement on single round techniques. Progress in Tourism and Hospitality Research, 2(1), 27–39. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1603(199603)2:13.0.CO;2-P
Pandor, A., Kaltenthaler, E., James, M. M. S., Wong, R., Cooper, K., Dimairo, M., O’Cathain, A., Campbell, F., & Booth, A. (2019). Delphi consensus reached to produce a decision tool for SelecTing Approaches for Rapid Reviews (STARR). Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 114, 22–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2019.06.005
Paul, A., Shukla, N., & Trianni, A. (2023). Modelling supply chain sustainability challenges in the food processing sector amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Socio-Economic Planning Science, 87, 101535. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seps.2023.101535
Paul, S. K., Chowdhury, P., Moktadir, M. A., & Lau, K. H. (2021a). Supply chain recovery challenges in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Business Research, 136, 316–329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.07.056
Paul, S. K., Moktadir, M. A., & Ahsan, K. (2021b). Key supply chain strategies for the post COVID-19 era: Implications for resilience and sustainability. International Journal of Logistics Management, 34(4), 1165–1187. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-04-2021-0238
Pereira, M. M. O., Silva, M. E., & Hendry, L. C. (2021). Supply chain sustainability learning: The COVID-19 impact on emerging economy suppliers. Supply Chain Management, 26(6), 715–736. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-08-2020-0407
Petroulakis, F. (2023). Task content and job losses in the Great Lockdown. Industrial and Labor Relations Review, 76(3), 586–613. https://doi.org/10.1177/00197939231161616
Podsakoff, P. M., MacKenzie, S. B., Lee, J.-Y., & Podsakoff, N. P. (2003). Common method biases in behavioral research: A critical review of the literature and recommended remedies. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88(5), 879–903. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.88.5.879
Pujawan, I. N., & Bah, A. U. (2022). Supply chains under COVID-19 disruptions: literature review and research agenda. In Supply Chain Forum: An International Journal. 23(1), 81–95. Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.1080/16258312.2021.1932568
Rae, A., & Alexander, R. (2017). Forecasts or fortune-telling: when are expert judgements of safety risk valid?. Safety Science, 99, 156–165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2017.02.018
Razzaq, A., Sharif, A., Aziz, N., Irfan, M., & Jermsittiparsert, K. (2020). Asymmetric link between environmental pollution and COVID-19 in the top ten affected states of US: A novel estimations from quantile-on-quantile approach. Environmental Research, 191, 110189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2020.110189
Reyna-Castillo, M., Santiago, A., Martínez, S. I., & Rocha, J. A. C. (2022). Social sustainability and resilience in supply chains of latin America on COVID-19 times: Classification using evolutionary fuzzy knowledge. Mathematics, 10(14), 2371. https://doi.org/10.3390/math10142371
Rodríguez, R., Svensson, G., & Otero-Neira, C. (2019). Future direction of sustainable development in private hospitals: General similarities and specific differences. The Journal of Business and Industrial Marketing, 35(3), 537–550. https://doi.org/10.1108/JBIM-12-2018-0399
Roßmann, B., Canzaniello, A., von der Gracht, H., & Hartmann, E. (2018). The future and social impact of big data analytics in supply chain management: Results from a Delphi study. Technol Forecast Soc Change., 130, 135–149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2017.10.005
Rowe, G., Wright, G., & Bolger, F. (1991). Delphi: A reevaluation of research and theory. Technol Forecast Soc Change., 39(3), 235–251. https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-1625(91)90039-I
Roy, S., Dutta, R., & Ghosh, P. (2021). Identifying key indicators of job loss trends during COVID-19 and beyond. SSHO, 4(1), 100163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2021.100163
Ruamchart, B. (2023). Supply chain resilience after the Covid-19 pandemic in Thai industry. Uncertain Supply Chain Manag., 11(4), 1617–1626.
Sajid, Z. (2021). A dynamic risk assessment model to assess the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the sustainability of the biomass supply chain: A case study of a US biofuel industry. Renew. Sust. Energ. Rev., 151, 111574. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2021.111574
Sajjad, A., Eweje, G., & Tappin, D. (2015). Sustainable supply chain management: Motivators and barriers. Business Strategy and the Environment, 24(7), 643–655. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.1898
Sarker, S., Lau, F., & Sahay, S. (2000). Using an adapted grounded theory approach for inductive theory building about virtual team development. ACM SIGMIS Database: THe DATABASE for Advances in Information Systems, 32(1), 38–56. https://doi.org/10.1145/506740.506745
Sarkis, J. (2020). Supply chain sustainability: Learning from the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 41(1), 63–73. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-08-2020-0568
Sarkis, J., Cohen, M. J., Dewick, P., & Schröder, P. (2020). A Brave New World: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic for Transitioning to Sustainable Supply and Production. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 159, 104894. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2020.104894
Sharma, R., Jain, G., & Paul, J. (2023a). Does the world need to change its vaccine distribution strategy for COVID-19? Technovation, 126, 102819. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2023.102819
Sharma, S., Tiwari, N., & Gupta, V. (2023b). Are Employees Disposable? A review on data driven layoffs. HR Analytics in an Era of Rapid Automation. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-8942-0.ch009
Sharma, S., & Vredenburg, H. (1998). Proactive corporate environmental strategy and the development of competitively valuable organizational capabilities. Strategic Management Journal, 19(8), 729–753. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0266(199808)19:83.0.CO;2-4
Shokouhyar, S., Seddigh, M. R., & Panahifar, F. (2020). Impact of big data analytics capabilities on supply chain sustainability: A case study of Iran. WJSTSD, 17(1), 33–57. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJSTSD-06-2019-0031
Shokouhyar, S., Shokoohyar, S., Sobhani, A., & Gorizi, A. J. (2021). Shared mobility in post-COVID era: New challenges and opportunities. Sustainable Cities and Society, 67, 102714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2021.102714
Simatupang, T. M., & Sridharan, R. (2005). The collaboration index: A measure for supply chain collaboration. International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, 35(1), 44–62. https://doi.org/10.1108/09600030510577421
Singh, J., Hamid, A. B. A., & Garza-Reyes, J. A. (2023). Supply chain resilience strategies and their impact on sustainability: An investigation from the automobile sector. Int. J. Supply Chain Manag., 28(4), 787–802. https://doi.org/10.1108/SCM-06-2022-0225
Spangenberg, J. H. (2005). Economic sustainability of the economy: Concepts and indicators. International Journal of Sustainable Development, 8(1–2), 47–64. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSD.2005.007374
Sun, X., Wandelt, S., & Zhang, A. (2023). A data-driven analysis of the aviation recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Air Transport Management, 109, 102401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2023.102401
Tam, F. Y., & Lung, J. W. Y. (2023). Impact of COVID-19 and innovative ideas for a sustainable fashion supply chain in the future. Foresight, 25(2), 225–248. https://doi.org/10.1108/FS-12-2021-0257
Touboulic, A., & Walker, H. (2015). Theories in sustainable supply chain management: A structured literature review. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 45(1/2), 16–42. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-05-2013-0106
Turoff, M., & Linstone, H. A. (2002). The Delphi method-techniques and applications. Addison-Wesley. https://doi.org/10.2307/3150755
Van Hoek, R. (2020). Research opportunities for a more resilient post-COVID-19 supply chain–closing the gap between research findings and industry practice. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 40(4), 341–355. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-03-2020-0165
Von Briel, F. (2018). The future of omnichannel retail: A four-stage Delphi study. Technolgical Forecasting and Social Change, 132, 217–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2018.02.004
Von der Gracht, H. A., & Darkow, I. L. (2010). Scenarios for the logistics services industry: A Delphi-based analysis for 2025. International Journal of Production Economics, 127(1), 46–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpe.2010.04.013
Von Der Gracht, H. A. (2012). Consensus measurement in Delphi studies: review and implications for future quality assurance. Technological forecasting and social change, 79(8), 1525–1536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2012.04.013
Wang, Y., Iqbal, U., & Gong, Y. (2021). The performance of resilient supply chain sustainability in COVID-19 by sourcing technological integration. Sustainability, 13(11), 6151. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116151
World Economic Forum-Live Updates. (2022). Trane Technologies becomes one of the world’s first net-zero approved companies with latest validation by the Science Based Targets initiative Available at: https://www.weforum.org/partners/live-updates
Yousuf, M. I. (2007). Using expertsopinions through Delphi technique. Practical Assessment, Research, and Evaluation, 12(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.7275/rrph-t210
Yu, Z., Umar, M., & Rehman, S. A. (2022). Adoption of technological innovation and recycling practices in automobile sector: Under the Covid-19 pandemic. Operations Management Research, 15(1–2), 298–306.
Zhu, X., & Wu, Y. J. (2022). How does supply chain resilience affect supply chain performance? The Mediating Effect of Sustainability. Sustainability, 14(21), 14626. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114626
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
Additional information
Publisher's Note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
Appendix 1
Appendix 1
Level of expertise | Gender of the final respondents | Countries of the final respondents | Number & background of invited experts | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Years of expertise in different levels | Background on SC (final number of participants) | Background on sustainability (final number of participants) | Final number of study participants | |||
Level 4 | 1(M), 1 (F) | United States (1), United Kingdom (1), | 20 or more | 1(1) | 2(1) | 3(2) |
Level 3 | 4(M), 2 (F) | Netherland(2), Switzerland (1), Germany (2), China (1) | 15–20 | 3(2) | 4(4) | 7(6) |
Level2 | 2(M), 3(F) | Netherland (2), China (1), Germany (1), United Kingdom (1) | 10–15 | 4(4) | 1(1) | 5(5) |
Level 1 | 2 (F) | India (1), United States (1) | Below 10 | 2(1) | 1(1) | 3(2) |
15 | 15 | 10(8) | 8(7) | 15 | ||
Rights and permissions
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
About this article
Cite this article
Azizi, S., Naeli, M. & Shokouhyar, S. Supply chain sustainability: opportunities and challenges after COVID-19. Environ Dev Sustain (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-024-05007-4
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-024-05007-4