Proposal of a framework to determine the maturity level in sustainable supply chain management: A multiple case study

ABSTRACT The objective of this study is to identify variables that can be used to formulate a framework for assessing the level of maturity in Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM). The factors that motivated the conception of such objectives include the growing interest in conducting studies aimed at sustainability, in response to the increasing environmental and social impacts present in society, and the need to consolidate the concepts found in literature regarding SSCM. In addition, the absence of similar studies in the current literature was noted, with the majority being carried out in emerging countries, such as Brazil. A classification of the main motivating factors for adopting such practices was conducted, and a proposal for a maturity model and an original framework for classifying SSCM maturity levels was developed. To verify the applicability of the proposed maturity model and framework, a multiple-case study was carried out with five Brazilian companies from different supply chains; and the SSCM maturity model was applied to each company. From results, it was found that of the five companies analyzed, one adopted fewer consolidated SSCM practices with motivation focused on cost reduction and prevention, being classified as preventive in SSCM maturity. Four adopted a greater volume of consolidated practices with motivation focused on competitive advantages, being classified as proactive in SSCM maturity., it was possible to find a positive relationship between the intensity of adoption of SSCM practices and their primary motivating factors with the SSCM maturity level, as well as to analyze the applicability of the framework and the listed SSCM practices, increasing the knowledge available in the literature on the subject.