Knowledge and Application of Green Supply Chain Management Practices in Selected Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Southeast, Nigeria (Published)
Environmental sustainability has become a critical concern for businesses worldwide, yet Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) often face challenges in adopting sustainable supply chain practices. This study examined the knowledge, attitude, and application of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices among selected SMEs in Southeast Nigeria, focusing on Abia, Enugu, and Imo States. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving 382 purposively selected respondents, using questionnaires and interviews to capture both quantitative and qualitative insights. Quantitative analysis indicated a moderate level of knowledge of GSCM (overall mean = 3.07/5), with respondents demonstrating awareness of environmental integration in supply chain operations but showing gaps in understanding its broader strategic scope. Qualitative findings revealed that SMEs generally associate GSCM with basic environmental responsibility rather than comprehensive supply chain strategies. Implementation of GSCM practices was low, with only 6% of firms actively applying them, while 77.2% reported no implementation. The study concludes that despite moderate awareness, practical adoption of GSCM in SMEs is minimal. It recommends targeted training, sensitization programs, and strengthened regulatory enforcement to enhance GSCM integration.
Keywords: Green Supply Chain Management, Institutional Theory, Resource-Based View, SMEs, Southeast Nigeria, stakeholder theory, sustainable practices
Emerging Issues of Green Logistics in Manufacturing Firms of China: A Literature Review (Published)
With the world’s largest population and increased rate of growth, China’s economy is faced with a big concern of moving towards more sustainable development initiatives. This paper aimed to evaluate the emerging issues of green logistics in Chinese manufacturing firms. This research used content analysis to review literature from recent journals, magazines and newspapers to draw out secondary data that helped to analyse the drivers of green logistics practices and the challenges faced by Chinese manufacturing firms in implementing them. Material collection, descriptive analysis, category selection and material evaluation steps were used when conducting the analysis. The emerging issues of green logistics in Chinese manufacturing firms were found to be driven by regulatory measures, pressures arising from customers and competitors, and social cultural responsibility. Key barriers to green logistics implementation by these firms were associated with technical factors, organization factors, and financial and human resource constraints. A great deal of potential for green logistics studies is present in China and a proper research funding and infrastructure will aid in the sustainability agenda of this economy. For the Chinese manufacturing companies to cope up with the environmental crises, they need to consider environmental protection issues and integrate these with their operational decisions to create sustainability in their organizations. More co-operations in these firms is also needed with better top managerial support to govern employee’s green behaviour and avail technical resources and learning capabilities within the industry. Although few researchers have studied Green Supply Chain Management in China, this paper is unique in that it evaluates emerging issues of Green Logistics in Chinese Manufacturing firms using a literature review approach.
Keywords: Chinese manufacturing firms, Environment, Green Supply Chain Management, Literature Review, green logistics
Effect of Green Purchasing On Performance of Food and Beverage Processing Sector in Kenya (Published)
This paper sought to find out the effect of green purchasing on performance of food and beverage processing firms in Kenya. The paper was informed by theory of reasoned action. The study used an explanatory research design whereas the target population for study was the key staff in supply chain, production and safety and environment or equivalent managers working for 187 food and beverage processing firms in Kenya. Purposive sampling technique was used since a census of all the 187 food and beverage processing firms was carried out, the data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire and to accomplish the objective, alternative hypothesis was developed and tested. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics further other statistical tests were done in the study. Presentation of data in form of charts and tables was deemed appropriate for this study. From the results of the study, green purchasing was found to have a positive significant effect on performance. The study concluded that green purchasing leads to higher performance in the food and beverage processing sector in Kenya. It recommended that green purchasing should be embraced so as to improve the performance of the food and beverage processing sector.
Keywords: Firm Performance, Green Supply Chain Management, food and beverage processing companies., green purchasing