Overview

As sustainability becomes increasingly integrated into supply chain management, the need to share environmental information has become critical for many firms. Research conducted by the University of New South Wales (UNSW Canberra) has shown that this is rarely a straightforward process. Firms face challenges in accessing accurate information, reporting it appropriately, and adapting to the needs of diverse stakeholders, while also incurring significant costs in maintaining the associated datasets. Although most firms are committed to responsible practices including green purchasing, green logistics, waste management, and emissions management - the associated sustainability burdens can prove insurmountable.

As existing research provides only partial answers, UNSW Canberra is partnering with Industry Capability Network Limited (ICNL) to conduct a new study. The study explores how environmental information is shared between firms and their supply chain partners in practice, how participants perceive the quality of that information sharing, and how these practices influence green supply chain initiatives and outcomes. The research is led by Dr Daniel Prior (Chief Investigator) and Zhe Cheng (Student Investigator) of the UNSW Canberra School of Business.

Who the study is seeking

The research team is seeking to speak with professionals involved in requesting, providing, or managing environmental information as part of their interactions with suppliers, customers, or governance bodies. This may include individuals working in procurement, operations, supplier engagement, customer relationship management, corporate accounting, ESG and sustainability, quality management, or business leadership.

To be eligible, participants should be currently employed in an SME, or in a relevant upstream supplier or downstream focal customer within a multi-tier supply chain, and have at least three years' experience in a role involving supply chain management, procurement, operations, or sustainability reporting. The research team welcomes participation from a broad range of company types and industries.

What participation involves

Participation involves a confidential, audio-recorded interview of approximately 40 to 60 minutes, conducted online via Microsoft Teams or Zoom, or in person at a mutually agreed location. Interviews are ideally conducted with multiple representatives from each participating company, capturing both the inbound (supply chain management) and outbound (sales) perspectives. Participation is voluntary, all data is anonymised, and no individual or organisation will be identifiable in any published findings. While no payment or reimbursement is provided, participants will receive a summary of the aggregated findings at the conclusion of the study. Full details are provided in the Participant Information Statement and Consent Form.

Intended outcomes

The interviews will inform the development of a framework for environmental information sharing across Australia's supply chains. Potential applications of this framework include recommendations for streamlining the reporting and information management practices of Australian companies; the development of a benchmark for environmentally sustainable companies in Australian supply chains; and the development of policy to inform government decisions on supply chain sustainability. A de-identified summary of findings may also be published on the ICN website for the benefit of the broader industry network.

Questions?

Come to our webinar - book your spot here.

Contact Dr Daniel Prior here.

Key Documents