Nowhere is the link between ‘people, planet and profits’ more evident than in modern supply chains. Companies are increasingly aware that their businesses are existentially at risk from value destruction, operational disruption and reputational harm if their supply chains are found to harbour unethical practices or result in the pollution of the environment.
A new book by authors Professor John Manners-Bell and Julia Swales argues the case for a more integrated approach to solving the challenges facing logistics and supply chain executives. ‘The Good Supply Chain’ details the latest thinking on the ‘triple advantage’ of combining ethical, environmental and profit-driven strategies demonstrating that they cannot be implemented in isolation from each other.
The approach can release huge value, enabling a new generation of entrepreneurs to design innovative business models. At the same time ‘green and gold’ strategies – those which target energy costs and carbon emissions – offer management immediate bottom line savings whilst increasing resilience.
Often the implementation of sustainable policies is just good business sense. For example, the logistics and supply chain sector has faced structural labour and skills shortages for many years – the fact that it also employs a very small proportion of women is not coincidental. Encouraging more women into the sector will raise standards, increase value add and lead to greater profitability, creating a virtuous circle in which companies and societies win.
The book sets out best practice and provides a framework for a sustainable corporate strategy, involving the company’s management and business ethos; its engagement with society; the treatment of employees and workplace conditions, as well, of course, as the mitigation of its impact on the environment. Total commitment – from senior management down – is critical to successful implementation.
Professor Manners-Bell comments, ‘A ‘good’ supply chain cannot be achieved without understanding the synergistic relationship between good business practice, ethical behaviour and environmental mitigation. However, this requires a relentless focus on all three of these strategic pillars as well as an understanding of the regulatory, political and technological environment in which businesses exist. The Good Supply Chain is a guide for everyone involved in supply chains on how to unlock the value of this innovative approach.’
About The Good Supply Chain:
The Good Supply Chain argues the case for a more integrated approach to solving the challenges facing regulators and the business community. This practical book includes a guide to implementing a successful corporate and social responsibility plan and showcases best practice through case studies of industry-leading companies. It pinpoints key UK, EU and global legislation and offers readers a comprehensive picture of how to embrace ethical supply chain management. Find out more here.
Source: Ti Insight
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