The influence of collaboration and decision-making in sustainable supply chain management: a case study analysis on Skechers USA Inc.

Details

Supervisors

Ehnert, Ina

Faculty

Louvain School of Management

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences de gestion

Abstract

This paper aims at discussing two elements, which contribute to greater sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), namely collaboration and decision-making. SSCM is a relatively recent concept, ranging from the three pillars of sustainability to the management of supply chains, that is starting to become a priority in many organizations, both from a social awareness standpoint but also from a governmental standpoint. In fact, consumers are becoming increasingly empowered and identify much more with the brands they purchase and the company’s sustainability is starting to be mandated. Based on a literature review and a case study of Skechers USA Inc., including semi-structured interviews of several persons across lower and upper management, this paper examines a real-life example of collaboration with stakeholders and ethical decision-making in a supply chain and more specifically in the retail industry. This paper provides a background to better understand how collaboration and decision-making are linked and how they influence the network and SSCM of a company. The research allowed us to identify means that are internal and external to the network and that positively influence the collaboration between a company and its partners. The findings of the study suggest that managers should continue to take actions towards more collaboration, and collaboration between lower and top-management should be improved to achieve effective decision-making. Particular attention should be paid to stakeholders' demands, actions and processes.