Sustainability as a prerequisite for supply chain resilience

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2023 in the subject Business economics - Supply, Production, Logistics, grade: 1,7, University of applied sciences, Cologne, language: English, abstract: This thesis deals with sustainability as a prerequisite for supply chain resilience. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, which has shown to a considerable extent how fragile existing supply chains are, the need for implementation of resilient and sustainable supply chains becomes necessary. Due to climate change, environmentally sustainable action should be focused on and need to be implemented in companies' value chains. In this thesis, it is examined to what extent sustainability must be considered as a prerequisite for supply chain resilience. Global political backgrounds are highlighted. Theoretical backgrounds are given regarding sustainability, global supply chains and approaches for measuring sustainability. Furthermore, characteristics of a sustainable and resilient supply chain are presented, by literature review and considering actual, global developments. Finally, recommendations for action are given. Global supply chains need to incorporate regional aspects as far as possible and promote cooperation along the value chain. This is promoted by digitalization processes, effective risk management and binding supply chain alignments toward sustainability.