Research material for Simulation model for a sustainable food supply chain in a developing country

Sustainability in food supply chains is desired for production, logistics, and waste management. However, food supply chains have complex systems that differ from other supply chains (SCs). Managing such complexities is challenging for small and medium-sized enterprises due to their heightened constraints, such as infrastructure shortages, high technology costs, limited resources, and inadequate awareness. SC designs need to be adapted to navigate the challenges. The main objective of this research was to identify the practices influencing sustainable supply chain designs in a developing country and create a simulation model to illustrate the potential benefits and challenges of promoting sustainability.<strong style="color:rgb(14, 16, 26);background-color:transparent;"> </strong>Mixed-methods research was utilised, employing a literature review, participant interviews, observations, and survey data to gain insight into the problem, establish objectives, and develop a simulation model complemented by design science research.

食品供应链的可持续性在生产、物流与废弃物管理领域均为行业所追求。然而，食品供应链拥有区别于其他供应链（Supply Chains, SCs）的复杂系统。由于中小企业面临更严苛的约束条件——如基础设施匮乏、技术成本高昂、资源有限以及可持续认知不足，对其而言，管理这类复杂性极具挑战。供应链设计需进行适配以应对上述挑战。本研究的核心目标为：识别发展中国家境内影响可持续供应链设计的实践路径，并构建仿真模型以阐明推广可持续性理念可能带来的收益与挑战。本研究采用混合研究方法，结合文献综述、参与者访谈、实地观察与调研数据，以深入剖析研究问题、明确研究目标，并依托设计科学研究范式开发仿真模型。