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Designing a conceptual framework to investigate the influences of sustainability on demand chain studying new product development in manufacturing sector

Designing a conceptual framework to investigate the influences of sustainability on demand chain studying new product development in manufacturing sector

Naghi Ganji, Elmira (2020) Designing a conceptual framework to investigate the influences of sustainability on demand chain studying new product development in manufacturing sector. PhD thesis, University of Greenwich.

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Abstract

Industrialisation has resulted in global competition requiring businesses to enhance their products and services to survive. Besides, the global climate emergency and sustainability challenges are not issues to be taken lightly. Industrial activities can play a critical role in mitigating environmental impacts. Manufacturing corporations as well as their entire supply chain stakeholders are accountable for taking action and seeking innovative solutions towards sustainability. In this respect, consumers, as end-users of distribution networks, are no exception, especially in light of the emerging circular economy (CE) concept. Consumer empowerment has resulted in the emergence of a new demand chain management (DCM) system to replace the traditional supply chains. In this situation, there is uncertainty regarding the sustainable preferences of consumers and their willingness to pay premium prices. This is where the impact of sustainability on both new product development (NPD) and DCM becomes critical for further research. Several studies have been conducted to examine the relationship between DCM and NPD, as well as the influence of sustainability on both. However, the issue of how the three concepts interact has remained unsolved.

This research initially conducts a systematic review of literature consisting of 75 resources to provide a profound review of previous academic efforts and examine the possible associations between the main three study concepts. A qualitative case study analysis of four manufacturing companies from various global locations provides the input data for this study. Through content analysis and categorisation of qualitative data into final themes, this study ultimately develops a conceptual research framework. The generated framework highlights the sustainability influences on DCM and NPD as promised by the main study aim. It comprises four stages, starting with preliminary planning for sustainability and its influence on demand-driven product development, which then continues with innovative manufacturing and environmental management. Some moderating variables within different stages modify the relationships between dependant and independent variables. The final dependent variable and the output of the framework is NPD success, brand image, reputation, and competitive advantage, which describe the key benefits of associating sustainability with DCM and NPD.

This study used four qualitative case studies to shed some light on the implications of sustainability for demand-driven product development. However, to overcome the limited target population, future researchers may conduct surveys to obtain a larger statistical sample. Furthermore, a longitudinal study would be beneficial to ensure the long-term benefits of sustainability applications within DCM and NPD contexts.

Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
Uncontrolled Keywords: sustainability on demand chain; new product development; manufacturing sector
Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group: Faculty of Business
Last Modified: 07 Sep 2022 08:45
URI: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/37211

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