Sustainable Performance Management In The Agri-Food Supply Chain: A Focus On The Measurement Practices In The Greater Region

Abstract

Context: The thesis addresses the growing importance of sustainability in supply chain management, particularly within the agri-food sector, which faces significant challenges such as resource dependency, environmental impact, and social equity. The research emphasizes the complexity of balancing the three dimensions of the Triple Bottom Line (economic, environmental, and social) while ensuring operational viability. A critical focus is on the use of KPIs to measure and enhance sustainability within the agri-food supply chains of the Greater Region (France, Belgium, Luxembourg), a context complicated by diverse regulatory frameworks and operational disparities. While existing literature explores theoretical models for sustainable performance measurement tools, gaps remain in their practical implementation, particularly in cross-border contexts.

Objectives: This study aims to bridge the gap in understanding how KPIs are applied in the agri-food supply chain to measure and enhance sustainability performance. The research focuses on identifying the practices and challenges associated with KPI implementation among stakeholders, including producers, intermediaries, and processors. By providing actionable insights and practical recommendations, the study seeks to improve the measurement and management of sustainable supply chain performance within the unique context of the Greater Region.

Methodology: This study employed an abductive qualitative approach, integrating theoretical insights with data from semi-structured interviews. Eight stakeholders across the agri-food supply chain in the Greater Region were selected to provide a holistic view of sustainability practices. Online interviews, conducted in French for accessibility, were analyzed using thematic analysis to uncover key themes and challenges related to sustainable performance measurement tools and their practical application in the industry.

Findings: This study demonstrates the varying levels of implementation and effectiveness of KPIs in balancing the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) within the agri-food sector. Economic KPIs, such as energy cost per unit and ROSI, were instrumental in linking sustainability practices with financial performance, though their strategic use was more prevalent in larger organizations. Environmental KPIs, including emissions tracking and water recycling, showed significant progress in addressing direct impacts but lacked comprehensive integration of lifecycle considerations, such as Scope 3 emissions. The social dimension remains underdeveloped, with practices like community engagement and ethical sourcing often informal and poorly measured. These findings reflect the challenges stakeholders face in harmonizing the TBL dimensions, highlighting both advancements and gaps in current practices that inform pathways for achieving a better balance across sustainability objectives.

Word Count: 22679.

Key words: Supply chain Management, Sustainable Practices , Agrifood industry , Sustainable Performance , Performance Measurement, KPI, Triple Bottom Line.