Study of sustainability issues in an Indian logistics service provider: SAP-LAP approach

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze sustainability issues in the context of logistics service providers (LSPs) and to evaluate the sustainability index of an LSP in the Indian scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study method is used to understand the sustainability issues of an Indian LSP. The situation–actor–process (SAP) and learning–action–performance (LAP) framework has been applied to critically examine the sustainability issues of the case organization. The information about the case study is collected from both primary and secondary sources, and a detailed analysis of different sustainability issues in the context of an Indian case has been done. The sustainability index for the case organization has been also evaluated.

Findings

It can be observed from the in-depth case analysis that LSPs have started making use of green practices for long-term sustainability, but adoption is very slow in developing countries such as India. Based on SAP-LAP analysis of an Indian LSP, suitable actions are recommended for improving the performance of LSPs.

Practical implications

Adoption of sustainable practices by LSPs can lead to sustainable performance. Sustainability index can assist LSPs to benchmark their sustainability performance to meet the market requirements.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is to analyze the issues related to implementation of sustainable practices in an Indian LSP through SAP-LAP framework. It also illustrates the evaluation of sustainability index.

Citation

Gupta, A. and Singh, R.K. (2021), "Study of sustainability issues in an Indian logistics service provider: SAP-LAP approach", Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management, Vol. 16 No. 3/4, pp. 530-549. https://doi.org/10.1108/QROM-02-2020-1897