Sustainable operations

Journal of Business Economics

Abstract

JEL Codes Q56 • M11 • M14 • L31Sustainability is one of the mega topics of this century.Whether climate change or resource efficiency-sustainability is driving the transformation of entire industries and has found its way into all scientific disciplines.It is therefore only logical that social and environmental aspects of production and logistics have been discussed in the business management literature and in practice for many years now.The current special issue reflects this development and covers a wide range of topics in the research field of sustainable operations.Production in particular is responsible for many environmental and social impacts.This responsibility starts with the designing of global value chains and the studying of heterogeneous environmental and social standards applied.In this context, it is of great importance that sustainability aspects are correctly documented and assessed.Only then can such aspects be adequately considered in production planning in order to ensure the preservation of resources as part of a circular economy.These developments are associated with substantial changes in corporate structures and routines that do not only lead to internal changes but that also transform entire industries and markets.Hence, these changes open up opportunities for new companies that position social and environmental goals at the forefront of their activities.The five papers included in this special issue cover such developments in sustainable operations, addressing key aspects that are relevant to the companies involved, to their supply chains, and to our society.

Authors 4

1. Günter Fandel

   FernUniversität in Hagen

   Affiliation as printed

   Center of Production Economics and Decision Systems, FernUniversität in Hagen, Universitätsstr. 41, 58084, Hagen, Germany

2. Peter Letmathe corresponding Aachen Chair of Management Accounting School of Business and Economics

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Management Accounting, School of Business and Economics, RWTH Aachen University, Templergraben 64, 52062, Aachen, Germany

3. Thomas Spengler

   Technische Universität Braunschweig

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Production and Logistics, TU Braunschweig, Mühlenpfordtstraße 23 (6. Stock), 38106, Brunswick, Germany

4. Grit Walther Aachen Chair of Operations Management School of Business and Economics

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Operations Management, School of Business and Economics, RWTH Aachen University, Kackertstr. 7, 52072, Aachen, Germany