Impact of Technology to supply chain sustainability and environmental

protection; case of Apple Inc.

Name of Student

Name of Instructor

Date

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Contents
Introduction...............................................................................................................................................3
Research aim, objectives and questions...................................................................................................4
Research Aim.........................................................................................................................................4
Research Objectives..............................................................................................................................4
Research Question.................................................................................................................................5
Literature Review......................................................................................................................................5
Sustainability.........................................................................................................................................5
Environmental Management Practices................................................................................................6
Supply Chain Integration......................................................................................................................6
Technological Innovation......................................................................................................................7
Gaps in literature.......................................................................................................................................8
Significance of Research...........................................................................................................................8
Methodology..............................................................................................................................................8
Research Model and Hypotheses..........................................................................................................8
Research Methods.................................................................................................................................9
Project Plan................................................................................................................................................9
Ethical Consideration..............................................................................................................................10
References................................................................................................................................................11

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Introduction
In today's manufacturing environments, new technologies are progressively being utilised in
production and operations management (POM). New data-driven information technologies, such
as artificial intelligence (AI), sustainable energy technologies, and machine learning, have grown
at an unprecedented rate, paving the way for what is being called a "new industrial revolution"
(Yang Liu, Qinghua Zhu, and Stefan Seuring, 2020). Specifically, smart factories, intelligent
manufacturing system designs, and advanced manufacturing technology systems can be
developed as more and more intelligent communication technologies are integrated into the
manufacturing process (B. Li, 2017). Managing operations, planning and directing
manufacturing, and overseeing the supply chain and logistics will all look different in the
modern era of industrial change.

In the past few years, there has been a growing body of writing that has begun to examine the
industrial implications of these new technologies (Chiang, 2012) These preliminary studies assert
that a manufacturing company's competitiveness improves when it provides consumers with
high-efficiency, high-quality, and cost-effective products and services. Integration and
improvement of the many steps in the production process will help achieve this goal.

On the other hand, research shows that many businesses have made serious efforts to spend
heavily in the research and development of environmentally friendly technologies. Incorporating
these eco-friendly procedures into the supply chain has been shown to have a beneficial effect on
both the environment and the bottom line. Green techniques have inspired considerable optimism
for economic and ecological outcomes. The results of this research will show how far-reaching
the effects of Apple's Green Supply Chain really are. Apple has set a goal of becoming
completely carbon neutral by the year 2030. This new promise means that by 2030, every Apple
product sold will have net zero climate effect, adding to the company's existing commitment to
carbon neutrality for its global business activities (Apple Inc., 2020). The aim of this study to
determine the extent to which these technologies contribute to supply chain sustainability and
environmental protection.

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Research aim, objectives and questions
Research Aim
1. To determine the extent to which technologies contribute to supply chain sustainability
and environmental protection; a study on Apple Inc.

Research Objectives
The following is a synopsis of the objectives that the researcher has prioritised in order to
accomplish the stated objective of the research:

1. To investigate new technologies in operations and supply chains as well as their

implications for sustainability.
2. To investigate the increasing application of digital technologies in operations and supply
chain management is one of the major drivers of change.
3. To discuss the significance of green supply chain management, as well as the steps
necessary to put it into action.
4. To conduct an analysis to determine how Apple Inc. may use technology to build a
dependable foundation for its supply chain.

Research Question
The following research topics are going to be addressed as part of the present project:

1. How does Apple Inc. currently organise its networks and supply chains?
2. How exactly does Apple's present method of managing its supply chain impact the
natural world?
3. What impact does environmentally responsible management of supply chains have on the
world's ecosystems?
4. How can Apple Inc. make use of technology to develop environmentally responsible
methods of managing its supply chain?

Literature Review
Sustainability
The concept of "sustainable living" has emerged as a popular buzzword in the 21st century.
Because protecting the environment is a goal shared by both the public and the private sector, it

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is an integral part of a socially responsible company strategy. Now, how exactly does this relate
to the company's profitability? Environmental regulations are established by the government, and
if those regulations aren't adhered to, there are monetary repercussions.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR), investor attitude, and other features of firm governance
and capital structure are increasingly being linked to financial success alongside more
conventional measures. To put it another way, protecting the natural world is an objective shared
by both the general public and the business community, and being environmentally responsible is
a cornerstone of corporate social responsibility. Companies are answerable for their operations.
These actions have an impact on the environment, society, and economy not just for the
company's own operations but also for those of the Supply Chain partners with whom they work.
(EY., 2020).

Environmental Management Practices

Environmental management techniques (green practises), as proposed by (Bergmiller, 2015), are
actions taken with the intention of enhancing environmental performance. This includes, but is
not limited to, enhancing efficiency, decreasing response time, decreasing energy consumption,
decreasing waste, and decreasing the use of harmful materials. Competitive advantages and
commercial prospects can be gained, for instance, by employing clean manufacturing technology
and re-designing products, optimising production technology, boosting resource efficiency, and
decreasing production costs. Products that are friendly to the environment, marketing strategies
that minimise their impact on the environment, and consumption patterns that minimise their
impact on the environment are all advantageous in gaining public and customer attention.
Establishing a green image through the implementation of environmental management might
mitigate the negative impact of competitors who have implemented environmental management
earlier (Weng, 2015).

Supply Chain Integration

Supply chain integration, according to (Flynn, 2010), involves intra- and inter-organizational
cooperation between members of the supply chain in order to manage all the activities
collaboratively on the supply chain in order to exert optimal control over the flows of products or
services, information, finances, and choices in pursuit of maximising customer value at minimal
cost and in the quickest possible timeframe. Strategy, product/process development, customers,

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and suppliers are the four pillars of supply chain integration that (Narasimhan, 2007) uses to
examine the interplay between supply chain integration, strategic goals, and process integration.
Split supply chain integration into two categories, internal and external, and then split external
into two further categories, supplier and customer. In their analysis of "arcs of integration" in the
supply chain, (Frohlich, 2001) divided the integration of the supply chain into two distinct
categories: suppliers and customers.

Technological Innovation
According to (Kamble SS, 2018), Industry 4.0 paves the way for greater process integration,
which in turn increases the efficacy and efficiency of organisations and Supply Chains across the
three pillars of sustainability. Increased consumer satisfaction, cheaper costs, and more flexible
production are just a few of the economic benefits that can be gained by embracing cutting-edge
technologies.

Automation and digitalization are two key components of supply chain 4.0, which together make
it feasible to realise benefits such as shorter lead times, lower manufacturing costs, and enhanced
quality (Teuteberg, 2016). Using real-time data from different partners in the value chain,
businesses may better distribute resources like materials, energy, water, and goods, reducing
their negative effects on the environment. Reduced emissions of greenhouse gases, energy
consumption, and material reserves are further benefits of adopting more technologically
sophisticated practises. It improves transportation and logistics planning, which in turn reduces
fuel consumption, and enables the adoption of cutting-edge tracking and monitoring devices
(Cabrera, 2001).

A systematic analysis of the research articles will be linked with the study topic using the
aforementioned theories and concepts, and the articles will be selected based on their sufficiency
and quality.

Gaps in literature
After reading the relevant published material, it became abundantly evident that each and every
aspect of putting into action a sustainable supply chain had been meticulously researched. The
authors recognise the difficulties that are presented by the supply chain practises that are
currently being used by some companies and provide substantial recommendations for

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introducing environmentally responsible practises into the supply chain. Unfortunately, it was
found that there is a lack of data on how sophisticated technologies are being utilised to enhance
the sustainability of supply chains. In light of this, the present research will focus its attention on
analysing how the management of Apple Inc.'s supply chain makes use of information
technology to make the company more environmentally friendly.

Significance of Research
The findings of this study described the significance of impact of sustainability on apple
corporation performance. This study was valid from the period in which the investigation was
conducted and can be useful in the future. This research will provide light on the significance of
supply chain sustainability and the role that technology plays in accomplishing this aim.
Researchers, companies, and academics will find this study helpful since it will throw light on
these topics.

Methodology
Research Model and Hypotheses
Two different routes to Sustainability's forebears are represented in our research model (seen in
Figure 1). Technology's impact on sustainable development and environmental management is
explored.

Figure 1

Sustainability

Environmental
Management
Technologica
Practices l Innovation

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 H1: Environmental management practices have a positive effect on sustainability.

H2: Technological Innovation have a positive effect on sustainability.

H3: Technological Innovation have a positive effect on Environmental management practices.

Research Methods
The questionnaire survey technique will be utilized to obtain information for this investigation.
To examine the content and usefulness of the scales, we’ll invite two professors, six PhD grads,
and four managers from Apple Corporation (two CEOs, a supply chain executive, and a technical
director) to participate in our research study. After deciding on the scales, the survey will be split
into two parts. The questionnaire test will be at the first step. Through in-person interviews with
Apple Inc. executives, we plan to develop twenty-five legitimate questionnaires. Through in-
person interviews with PhD grads, we plan to generate twenty valid questionnaires and then
changes and improvements will be made to the questionnaire's format and questions.

A formal investigation will be the next step. In particular, we targeted manufacturing businesses
and solicited responses from senior managers with a broad understanding of business operations.
One hundred official surveys were distributed.

Project Plan
The aims and purposes of the research may be fulfilled in the span of sixteen weeks. The agenda
is broken down as follows:

  Gantt Chart For Research Project WEEK NUMBER

  ACTIVITY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
A IDENTIFY RESEARCH TOPIC                        
B LITRETURE REVIEW                      
C METHODOLOGY                        
D DEVELOP QUESTIONS FOR DATA COLLECTION                        
E DATA COLLECTION                        
F DEVELOP INTERVIEW SCHEDULE                        
G CONDUCT INTERVIEWS                        
H TRANSCRIBE INTERVIEW                        
ANALYSE TRANSCRIPTIONS AND COLLECTED
I DATA                        
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J WRITE UP RESEARCH                        

Ethical Consideration
The researcher who is conducting this study will abide by all of the ethical standards that are in
place, such as obtaining informed consent, obtaining permission to conduct research from the
Law Ethics Committee and the management of the organisation before beginning the study,
giving proper credit to the work that was done by others, maintaining the confidentiality of the
participants, security of all data acquired, and so on.

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