An Empirical Investigation of Supply Chain Sustainability: Practice, Pressure, and Performance within Large and Medium Manufacturing Industries in Ethiopia

Weldemichael, M (2026) An Empirical Investigation of Supply Chain Sustainability: Practice, Pressure, and Performance within Large and Medium Manufacturing Industries in Ethiopia. Doctoral thesis, Liverpool John Moores University.

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Abstract

ABSTRACT
This study aimed to develop a standardized framework for assessing and measuring SSCM performance. It also sought to examine the role of social, environmental, and economic SSC practices in enhancing the performance of large and medium-sized manufacturing firms in Ethiopia. The conceptual framework is theoretically underpinned by the Triple E concept, which stresses the incorporation of economic, environmental, and social sustainability practices. The Triple E concept provides the theoretical justification by arguing that long-term organizational success depends on balancing economic viability, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility rather than focusing solely on financial outcomes. Accordingly, the conceptual framework assumes that integrating these sustainability practices enhances overall sustainable performance in Ethiopian manufacturing firms. The study was shaped by a pragmatist ontological perspective, which influenced the choice of methodology. Pragmatism approach enabled the adoption of a mixed-methods strategy, allowing for the combination of quantitative and qualitative data to deliver a thorough understanding of the research issue and effectively address the research questions.
The study specifically focused on the medium- and large-scale manufacturing industries and industry parks located in major Ethiopian cities. A total of 86 manufacturing companies participated in the survey, and questionnaires, structured interviews, and observation were the primary data collection instruments. The data analysis structure includes descriptive, factor, and inferential analyses. This study has employed EFA to identify drivers and barriers of SSC practice. Moreover, to investigate the determinants of SSC performance, both OLS and the logit model have been employed. The findings show that SSC practices adoption is increasing in Ethiopian manufacturing, but it is uneven and fragmented. The findings further indicate that export-oriented manufacturing firms have implemented SSC practices largely in response to external pressures, including regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and international market standards. In contrast, firms serving primarily domestic markets demonstrated lower levels of SSC practice adoption and weaker sustainability performance, largely due to limited government enforcement and reduced pressure from other external stakeholders.
Regarding the drivers and barriers of the sustainable supply chain, top management commitment, employee involvement, government regulation, and customer demand are the major drivers of sustainable practice. The cost of SSC implementation and the absence of knowledge and training are the major barriers to adopting a SSC in Ethiopian manufacturing. The OLS estimator used in the linear regression model indicates that the gross profit of the companies surveyed increases with the presence of environmental policy, EMS certifications, and CSR policy. These variables are statistically significant and positively associated with companies' gross profit. This study introduces a comprehensive conceptual framework for evaluating and measuring SSCM performance. The framework is developed to enable the large and medium-sized Ethiopian manufacturing firms to adopt SSC practices and measure their performance.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Sustainability, Sustainable Supply Chain, Ethiopian Manufacturing, Triple E, Drivers, Barriers, Firm Performance
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management T Technology > TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
Divisions:	Engineering and Built Environment
Date of acceptance:	17 September 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	16 October 2026
Date Deposited:	16 Oct 2026 12:27
Last Modified:	16 Oct 2026 12:30
DOI or ID number:	10.24377/LJMU.t.00029491
Supervisors:	Matellini, B, Simon, PN and Jenkinson, I
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29491

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