Sustainable Operations: Building Resilient and Responsible Supply Chains

Abstract

This seminar explores practical pathways for building more sustainable and resilient operations. Drawing on case studies that apply Value Stream Mapping (VSM), it highlights how organisations can identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and uncover environmental hotspots across their supply chains. The discussion examines the role of operational excellence in advancing sustainability, its strengths in improving efficiency and its limits in addressing broader environmental and social goals. Emphasis is placed on supplier collaboration as a key driver of systemic change. The findings demonstrate how integrating lean principles with sustainability objectives can enhance transparency, resource efficiency, and resilience across the value chain.

Biography

Professor Manoj Dora is an internationally recognised expert in sustainable production and ethical consumption, and Director of the Centre for Intelligent Supply Chains. With over two decades of experience, he has advised governments, businesses, and international organisations on integrating sustainability into operations and supply chain management. His research focuses on circular economy strategies, supplier collaboration, and building resilient, inclusive global trade networks. Professor Dora’s award-winning work bridges academia and industry, advancing fair and responsible supply chains worldwide.