Publikationen | Hochschule Flensburg

2019

Impacts of stakeholder influences and dynamic capabilities on the sustainability performance of supply chains: a system dynamics model

Rebs, T. ., Thiel, D. ., Brandenburg, M. ., & Seuring, S. . (2019). Impacts of stakeholder influences and dynamic capabilities on the sustainability performance of supply chains: a system dynamics model. Journal of Business Economics, 89, 893–926. http://doi.org/10.1007/s11573-019-00940- (Original work published 2025)

Abstract

Dynamic capabilities (DCs) are crucial for companies to attain competitive advantage in dynamic business environments and supply chains, where environmental and social aspects are considered by sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). However, the effects of stakeholder influences on SSCM performance, which results from the interplay of DCs and SSCM practices, need to be analyzed. Therefore, a system dynamics (SD) model is proposed to include the influences of governmental, shareholder, and other external stakeholder pressure. The system behavior, i.e., the company’s SSCM performance, can thus be analyzed in face of varying time delays of stakeholder influences. Findings indicate that different intensities of stakeholder influences affect the development of SSCM practices and DCs of a focal company, and thus, overall SSCM performance. Consequently, intensities of stakeholder influences should be managed accordingly, while the impact of time delays has to be understood to control SSCM performance. The insights gained from the model support the decision- and policy-making, which can be considered from the perspective of the focal company, the regulatory authorities, the shareholders, and other external stakeholders that ultimately translate into customer pressure.

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System dynamics modeling for sustainable supply chain management: A literature review and systems thinking approach

Rebs, T. ., Brandenburg, M. ., & Seuring, S. . (2019). System dynamics modeling for sustainable supply chain management: A literature review and systems thinking approach. Journal of Cleaner Production, 208, 1265–1280. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.10.100

Abstract

Globalized economic systems involve complex supply chains (SCs) where environmental and social impacts are to be managed in alignment with diverse stakeholder expectations and to mitigate sustainability-related risks. Quantitative modeling approaches for sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) have gained increasing attention. Compared to analytical models and mathematical programming, simulation methods in SSCM are underrepresented, although system dynamics (SD) modeling is suitable to simulate and examine complex and dynamic systems and to support long-term, strategic decision-making. This paper provides a review of SSCM-related SD models, systematizes SSCM from a systems thinking perspective in a conceptual framework, and proposes guidelines for SD modeling in SSCM research. A content analysis of related literature examines SD models for forward, reverse, and closed-loop SCs that include environmental or social aspects of sustainability. It is found that a majority of models deals with macroscopic levels of analysis while models for intra- and inter-organizational SCs are less prominent. SSCM-related SD models integrate environmental and social sustainability metrics, governmental pressures and incentives or customer expectations, but uncertainties and risks are seldom modeled. Inferences for future SD modeling in SSCM are derived from this review to address strengths and shortcomings of extant SD modeling approaches for SSCM. SSCM-related constructs, model validation and the need of hybrid models, which integrate different simulation, optimization, or multi-criteria decision-making models, are addressed. A framework for a systems thinking perspective on SSCM is conceptualized that may serve as a basis for future research.