Bakgrund: I takt med att samhällets krav ökar kring hållbart arbete och konsumenter efterfrågar mer hållbara produkter, har modeindustrin hamnat i rampljuset på grund av dess negativa påverkan. För att vända den negativa trenden med ohållbart mode behöver nya metoder utvecklas för bättre produktion och konsumtion. Hållbara metoder kan även ge konkurrensfördelar och det krävs därför effektiva verktyg för att sprida information om företagens hållbarhetsarbete. Tidigare forskning förespråkar användandet av digitala kanaler för att sprida hållbarhetskommunikationen men saknar applicering på den svenska modemarknaden.  Syfte: Studien syftar till att undersöka hur modeföretag på den svenska marknaden kommunicerar sitt hållbarhetsarbete via sina digitala kanaler. Detta studeras med grund i det arbete modeföretagen utför för att nå en mer hållbar verksamhet. Frågeställning: Hur arbetar modeföretag med hållbarhet för att nå en mer hållbar verksamhet? Hur kommunicerar modeföretag sitt hållbarhetsarbete via sina digitala kanaler? Metod: Studien utgår från en kvalitativ metod med kvantitativa inslag och antar en abduktiv forskningsansats. Studiens empiriska insamling utförs i en tvåstegsprocess bestående av semistrukturerade intervjuer och innehållsanalys av fallföretagens digitala kanaler. De utvalda fallföretagen består av tre svenska modeföretag, vars respondenter valdes ut baserat på ettmålstyrt urval. Slutsats: Efter utförd studie dras slutsatsen att svenska modeföretag arbetar med ekologisk och social hållbarhet i form av olika initiativ och engagemang, där den ekonomiska dimensionen integreras i samtliga beslut. Arbetet sker med stort fokus i leverantörskedjan genom integrering av SSCM och drivs på av utomstående krav i kombination med en intern drivkraft. För att sprida information om hållbarhetsarbetet använder modeföretag framför allt hemsidan, i synnerhet den specifika hållbarhetssidan. Sociala medier används desto mindre för hållbarhetsinformation och mer för säljande kommunikation, med undantag för LinkedIn. Företag utnyttjar därmed inte sociala mediers fulla potential, då konsumenter inte involveras tillräckligt i konversationen om hållbarhet. Bristande hållbarhetskommunikation på sociala medier grundar sig i företagens begränsningar kopplat till krav och regelverk i kombination med rädslan för medial uppståndelse. / Background: As society demands that companies integrate CSR into their operations and consumers demand more sustainable products, the fashion industry has been under the spotlight due to its negative impact. To stop the negative trend of unsustainable fashion to escalate, new methods need to be developed for more sustainable production and consumption. Sustainable methods can also provide competitive advantages, and therefore effective tools are required to spread information about companies' sustainability work. Previous research advocates the use of digital channels to disseminate sustainability communication but lacks application in the Swedish fashion industry. Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate how fashion companies on the Swedish market communicate their sustainability work through their digital channels. This is studied based on the work fashion companies do to achieve a more sustainable business. Research question: How do fashion companies work with sustainability to achieve a more sustainable business? How do fashion companies communicate their sustainability work through their digital channels? Methodology: The study is based on a qualitative method with quantitative elements and adopts an abductive research approach. The study's empirical gathering is based on a two-step process consisting of semi-structured interviews and a content analysis of the case companies' digital channels. The selected case companies consist of three Swedish fashion brands, whose respondents were selected based on their competence concerning the subject. Conclusion: Based on the study, the conclusion is drawn that Swedish fashion companies work with ecological and social sustainability in the form of various initiatives and engagements, where the economic dimension is integrated in all decisions. The work is focused on the supply chain through the integration of SSCM and is driven by external regulations in combination with an internal driving force. To disseminate information about the companies’ sustainability, fashion companies mainly use the website, especially the specific sustainability page. Social media is used less for sustainability information and more for sales communication, except forLinkedIn. Thus, companies do not use social media's full potential, as consumers are not involved enough in the conversation about sustainability. Lack of sustainability communication on social media is based on the companies' limitations linked to requirements and regulations in combination with the fear of negative attention from the media.

The rapid increase in the adoption of global sourcing practices that took place in 1980’s led to significant transformations in traditional value chains, which were encompassed by single, vertically integrated organizations, and became globally dispersed networks of independent buyers and suppliers, where each of these firms performs specific value-adding activities that will ultimately result in that value chain’s final output. As concerns over the negative social and environmental impacts caused by industrial activity continue their rise to prominence, stakeholders are starting to realize that the changes through which value chain structures underwent have shifted the locus of corporate sustainability from individual focal firms to entire supply networks. This wider scope of stakeholder expectations has, thus, created a necessity for corporate sustainability initiatives to be diffused to all members of the supply network. Chapter one constitutes a theoretical investigation of the strategic relevance of corporate sustainability diffusion in global supply networks for both focal and non-focal firms within global supply networks, as well as the determining factors of a firm’s capacity to diffuse and performance in diffusing corporate sustainability within its supply network? The theoretical contributions of this study are divided into two parts. The first part seeks to establish a more solid cause and effect relationship to explain why firms that are more highly exposed to stakeholder scrutiny (i.e. focal firms) should necessarily face a higher risk of being held responsible for the sustainability-related misconducts of lesser exposed members of the network (i.e. supplier sustainability risk). The first part also proposes an expansion of the dichotomous categorization of corporate sustainability initiatives as either mandatory or voluntary, to add what we termed: semi-voluntary corporate sustainability initiatives. This addition serves to explain why certain firms adopt non-mandatory corporate sustainability initiatives, which apparently destroy shareholder value. We argue that this distinction is important because cases concerning semi-voluntary initiatives are likely to involve higher levels of supplier sustainability risk. In part two of the theoretical development we introduce a theoretical framework to explain the existing heterogeneity among different firms within a supply network in regards to their ability to implement the diffusion of corporate sustainability initiatives in the network (i.e. network dominance) and propose that it results from the interaction among three network-related firm characteristics: relative resource value, resource substitutability, and relative network position. Lastly, we discuss why higher levels of network dominance increase the likelihood that firms will be able to ensure a high level of corporate sustainability diffusion in the network. Chapter two aims at empirically testing a set of hypotheses derived from the propositions put forth in the second part of chapter one’s theoretical development Therefore, it seeks to answer questions, such as, who is responsible for ensuring that all network members meet the necessary corporate sustainability standards in order to adequately fulfill the demands of stakeholders? Why do some firms engage in corporate sustainability and others do not? What contributes to the effective diffusion of corporate sustainability in a supply network? These hypotheses are tested on a sample of 10,728 firms in the automotive sector, linked by 45,044 inter-firm relationships. Strong support for our hypotheses provides both researchers and managers with an interesting discussion of how this emerging business paradigm, where corporate sustainability is becoming the norm and no longer the exception, may have significant implications on how value chains are structured within this sector. / Business Administration/International Business Administration

Motivation: Reverse Logistics is part of the concept of Sustainable Supply Chain Management, which is the supply chain consideration of the economic, environmental and social goals of all the stakeholders. These considerations should be balanced in a so-called Triple Bottom Line approach. However, literature approaching the social aspects is almost inexistent and the Triple Bottom Line approach is not common when examining the supply chain problems. The study focuses on companies operating in the Swedish market, since the country is an example in many TBL aspects. Moreover, the study is limited to the fashion apparel industry due to its high amount of returns.  Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explain how Reverse Logistics in the fashion industry can contribute to the social dimension of Triple Bottom Line, as well as to identify the tools and strategies used by the fashion companies to balance the trade-offs between the Triple Bottom Line dimensions in the context of Reverse Logistics and explain the reasons behind the decisions.  Approach: This is a multiple case study of six companies. Both primary (semi-structured interviews) and secondary (corporate reports and websites) sources were used to collect data. The empirical data was analyzed using pattern matching, first each case individually and thereafter cross-case analyses were performed.  Conclusions: The social contribution of Reverse Logistics in the fashion industry is mainly limited to donations to charity. In addition, it is not focused on the workforce, as suggested by the literature. Regarding the trade-offs in Triple Bottom Line, most of the fashion firms do not recognize them in the context of Reverse Logistics. Therefore, companies do not need to prioritize the Triple Bottom Line dimensions or use tools to balance them.

The goal of this dissertation was to contribute to our understanding of the relationship between supply chain structure and the pursuit of a sustainability-driven corporate strategy. The literature indicates that in order to pursue a sustainability-focused strategy, an increased level of integration across the supply chain is required. However, there are also industry-level dynamics that impact observed levels of vertical integration. That is, some industries are naturally more integrated than others based on the maturity level of the industry. Thus, some firms may experience opposing forces regarding their sourcing strategies once they choose to pursue a sustainability-focused strategy. To explore this potential tension, it is first necessary to objectively measure vertical integration. Several methods for measuring vertical integration exist; however, all of these methods rely exclusively on economic data. These measures might overlook other forms of integration that might be enacted, such as the development of stronger social ties. Thus, this research will seek to utilize a novel method that makes use of social network analysis to assess integration among firms in a supply chain along social dimensions. This dissertation 1) determined the correlation between having a vertically-integrated organizational structure and pursuing a sustainable supply chain strategy by identifying if sustainability-focused companies (SFCs) have a more vertically-integrated organizational structure than their counterparts that are not pursuing such strategies, 2) examined the evolution of supply chain structure as a company becomes more environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable over time, and 3) defined the social ties between SFCs and their first- and second-tier suppliers to understand if they develop stronger social ties as a potential substitute for pure vertical integration. This dissertation is comprised of four main parts. In the first part of the dissertation, I compared three recently developed vertical integration indices based on consistency and ease of measurement. The three vertical integration indices studied were empirically tested on companies in the U.S. Medical Devices Industry and the limitations of each are discussed. Our analysis suggested adoption of the Fan and Lang's method. In the second part, I examined the vertical integration level of environmentally sustainable and non-sustainable companies. I empirically examined the vertical integration level of 144 sustainability-focused companies in 9 different industries. The results demonstrate that sustainability-focused companies in the Medical Devices Industry and the Industrials Industry tend to have more vertically integrated organizational structures than their industry competitors that are not pursuing such a strategy since these two industries are production oriented and they have closer relationships with their suppliers. In the third part, the objective was to understand how the organizational structure of sustainability-focused companies changes over time as the companies become more environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable. I applied trend analysis to the sustainability and vertical integration level of the companies. Our sample consisted of 10 sustainability-focused companies from the industrials industry. I used the content analysis of annual reports to calculate sustainability development scores, and applied the Fan and Lang's method to determine the vertical integration level of the companies. The study results demonstrated an increasing trend in both vertical integration and sustainability development of industrial industry companies over a 15-year of period. Furthermore, the companies became more vertically integrated as their environmental, economical, and social sustainability increased. Finally, in the fourth part, I developed and empirically tested a theoretical model that examines the supplier relationships of sustainability-focused companies (SFCs) to understand if these relationships are substitute to a vertically integrated organizational structure. Furthermore, I tested if SFCs are more socially connected to their suppliers compared to non-sustainable companies (non-SFCs). An online survey instrument was utilized for data collection. The empirical findings of path analysis demonstrated that SFCs establish long term relationships, collaborate, transfer know-how and experience, and create strong-ties with their first and second-tier suppliers to have an organizational structure that is substitute to a pure vertical integration. Findings further revealed that SFCs are connected to their first and second tier suppliers with stronger social ties compared to non-SFCs. Results support the natural transaction cost economics and natural resource based perspectives. Our study results should be useful to researchers and managers who are interested in corporate sustainability behavior.

No description available.

Dans le présent travail, le concept de durabilité a été redéfini pour que la compréhension commune puisse être garantie. Un modèle d'évaluation du degré de durabilité d'une chaîne logistique existante a été conçu par la suite. Ce modèle a été testé de façon empirique à travers une étude de cas. En appliquant l'amélioration continue, il faut que cette évaluation soit suivie d'un processus de reconception de la chaîne logistique en question. Cependant, Il est important qu'une évaluation des risques soit réalisée auparavant. Pour cette raison, un modèle de quantification des risques a été développé. Le modèle peut considérer soit les risques débouchant sur une reconception, soit les risques dus à une reconception. Une étude de cas basée sur les risques débouchant sur une reconception de la chaîne logistique a été mise en place pour prouver l'applicabilité du modèle dans un environnement réel. Les résultats qui découlent du modèle doivent être considérés comme étant une aide à la décision / Ln the present work, the sustainabillty concept has been redeflned so that common understanding can be guaranteed. Subsequently, a model intended to evaluate an existent supply chain's overall degree of sustainability has been developed and empirically tested through a case study. Considering the approach of continuous improvement, this evaluation should be followed by a redesign of the considered supply chain. However, a risk assessment needs to be done ex-ante. Forthis reason, a risk Identification and quantification model has been evolved. This model may consider bath, the risks leading to the redesign process and the risks resultlng from the redesign phase. A case study, which considers the risks leading to a redesign phase, has been implemented so that the model's feasibility in a real business' environment can be proved. The model's outcomes must not be mistaken for ultimate results but need to be considered being a decision support for managers.

What other means of influence exist in business other than economic? That is the question we set out to answer in regards to the fashion industry and the specific supply chain of cashmere. The cashmere industry has been described as complex, therefore the research has taken a complex adaptive systems approach to investigate how relationships between parts give rise to the collective behaviours of a system and how the system interacts and forms relationships with its environment. This paper describes a qualitative case study research conducted to identify the potential influence that a small to medium enterprises can have on their supply chain actors to steer them towards sustainability. Looking specifically at the supply chain of one Scottish cashmere manufacturer within the luxury fashion industry we have assessed this company’s current reality to the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development. This paper aims to present enablers and barriers towards influence, their correlations and complexity when looking at sustainability. In addition it will provide prescriptive thoughts for SMEs to support internal and external transition through sustainable development towards a sustainable cashmere supply chain.

Some business leaders in the manufacturing industry lack strategies to optimize green supply chain management strategies that increase profitability while reducing the carbon footprint. The lack of green supply chain strategies sub optimizes the use of resources business leaders use to meet their financial goals. The purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore successful green supply chain strategies leaders used to increase profitability while reducing the carbon footprint. The participants were 7 business leaders in one manufacturing organization headquartered in Massachusetts who have sophisticated green supply chain strategies in place. The natural resource-based view theory was the conceptual framework for this study. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and organizational documents. Through thematic analysis, 3 key themes emerged: environmental management strategies, profit-increasing strategies, and governance strategies. The findings of this study might be of value to business leaders to reduce costs and create sustainable, competitive supply chains using responsible methods. The implications for social change include the potential for leaders to preserve finite natural resources for future generations and reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing organizations.

A company cannot be more sustainable than its supply chain. Given their complexity and the need for collaborative, strategic action for sustainability across supplier networks this research takes a systems perspective to answer, “How can a Strategic Sustainable Development (SSD) lens support supplier network collaboration towards sustainability?”.The application of the SSD lens includes mapping barriers and enablers to collaboration for sustainability found in literature and a case company along with the Five-Level Model (5LM) to which we add complex adaptive system elements. Based on this a thematic analysis of the barriers and enablers is performed paper presents results of the 5LM and thematic analysis, finding that taking an SSD perspective shows interconnections across the multiple enablers and barriers to collaboration. The challenges encountered during 5LM along with the results implications for the Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) academic field and practitioners are discussed. We conclude that the variety and complexity of barriers and enablers for collaboration make it important to approach sustainability strategically across the supplier network. The SSD perspective supports collaboration for sustainability by providing an opportunity to examine it from a systems perspective and to formulate prescriptive considerations for the case company and guiding questions for SSCM practitioners.

Informationssystem har fått en allt större betydelse för området hållbarhet och inom utvecklingen av hållbara leverantörskedjor. Informationssystem (IS) och informationsteknik (IT) är ett väsentligt verktyg för att verksamheter ska kunna arbeta hållbart. Denna studie undersöker hur hållbarhet påverkar informationssystemens roll i leverantörskedjor och dessutom förstå hur affärsvärde främjas i samband med att verksamheter förhåller sig till hållbara affärsaktiviteter.  Studiens resultat baseras från olika arbetsroller i olika branscher vars organisation har en betydande roll i leverantörskedjor. Datainsamlingen skedde via semistrukturerade intervjuer. Resultatet påvisar att hållbarhetsarbete påverkar informationssystem i och med att det förändrar hur verksamheter arbetar i sina leverantörskedjor. Att utgå från att informationssystem är en typ av arbetssystem påvisar resultatet att det är olika delar av informationssystem som påverkats. Verksamheter är tvungna att svara på förändring eftersom att en större efterfrågan på att arbeta hållbart hela vägen har ökat från konsumenter och intressenter.Detta leder till att verksamheter behöver utvärdera sin leverantörskedja och dokumentera hur informationssystem påverkar social, ekonomisk samt miljömässiga hållbarhetsaspekter för att kunna förbättra sina affärsaktiviteter. Hållbar utveckling är ett nytt område som har börjat appliceras inom IS dock behöver det betraktas som en ny dimension vid utvärdering av informationssystem. / Information systems has gotten a bigger role in the field of sustainability and in the development of sustainable supply chains. Information systems (IS) and information technology (IT) is an essential tool for businesses to work sustainably. This study researches how sustainability affects the role that information systems have in supply chains and how business values can be promoted in connection to businesses attitudes towards sustainable business activities.  This study's result is based on different work roles in different industries where the organization has an important role in the supply chain. The data collection took place via semi-structured interviews. The results show that work with sustainability affects information systems since businesses change the way they work in their supply chains. Assuming that information systems is a type of work system the results show that different parts of the information system are affected. Businesses have to respond to change because a greater demand for working sustainably all the way has increased from consumers and stakeholders. This leads to businesses having to evaluate their supply chain and document how information systems affect social, economic and environmental sustainability aspects in order to improve their business activities. Sustainable development is a new area that is starting to apply in IS but it needs to be seen as a new dimension in evaluation of information systems.