Identification and evaluation of the contextual relationship among barriers to the circular supply chain in the Pakistani context - an interpretive structural modelling approach

This paper aims to identify the potential barriers to the implementation of circular supply chain management (CSCM) in developing countries by considering a case of the Pakistani fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. By using literature review and expert panel input, this study found fourteen barriers to the implementation of the circular supply chain (CSC) and established the contextual relationship among the identified and validated barriers using interpretive structural modelling (ISM). The barriers were then classified into different categories using the MICMAC technique based on their driving and dependence power. The results helped to explore the direct and indirect effect of barriers on each other. The study also developed a hierarchical relationship among the barriers using an integrated ISM-MICMAC methodology in an emerging economy context. The results of the hierarchical model shall help to understand the impact of one particular barrier over others. Managers and organizations can use this study to inhibit the effects of barriers for successful implementation of the CSC.

Automated summary

This study identified potential barriers to the implementation of circular supply chain management in developing countries, specifically in the Pakistani FMCG sector. By using a combination of literature review, expert panel input, and interpretive structural modelling, the study established a contextual relationship among the identified barriers and classified them based on their driving and dependence power. The results provided insights into the impact of these barriers on each other and offered a hierarchical relationship among them in an emerging economy context.