Relations between supply chain performance and circular economy implementation: A fuzzy cognitive map-based analysis for sustainable development

Abstract

Supply chain sustainability is now an imperative, particularly considering the circular supply chain (CSC) paradigm, which offers opportunities for performance improvement. Thus, it is possible to infer that there is a causal link between circularity and supply chain performance. However, the analysis of this relationship occurs under subjective perspectives. To computationally process human language can overcome this issue. Hence, this paper aims to propose an approach for assessing the influence of circular economy (CE) implementation principles on supply chain performance using the fuzzy cognitive map (FCM), a well-established soft computing technique. The study develops a computational model and brings an illustrative application. Methodologically, is model-based, quantitative, axiomatic and descriptive. It contributes by providing means to support the formulation of strategies for aligning CE implementation efforts with supply chain performance improvement efforts. The FCM visually represents how supply chain performance attributes are influenced by CE principles, supporting informed decision-making towards circularity.