Drivers and Barriers of Sustainable Supply Chain Management in Tesco: A Thematic Analysis

Abstract

This thesis uses both internal and external forces that drive the adoption of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) in one of the largest organisations in the UK, Tesco which is a retail organisation. Based on PRISMA-directed secondary data screening and thematic analysis of academic materials and corporate sustainability reports created by Tesco, the research finds that the following drivers, includ-ing leadership commitment, organisational culture, innovation capability, and employee engagement, facilitate the integration of sustainability throughout the supply chain. Key barriers are also demonstrated in the analysis such as limitations in costs, gaps in supplier capability, limitations in data and measuring, policy inconsistencies, logistical complexity, and price sensitivity in consumers which cumulatively make the consistent implementation of SSCM more challenging. Based on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL), Stakeholder Theory and Institutional Theory, the results indicate that although Tesco has good strategic intent regarding sustainability, structural and operational issues still limit a consistent advancement within its international supply chain. On the basis of these insights, the thesis offers evidence-based suggestions to ensure the enhancement of supplier partnership, the improvement of sustainability metrics, the enhancement of digital traceability, and the reinforced internal capabilities. The paper provides useful insights to retailers, policymakers, and industry players who would like to establish more resilient, transparent, and accountable supply chain networks.