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Reverse Logistic [RL] is considered as the part of supply chain procedure that involves returning of products from consumer’s side; this is often known as return management (Birkel and Müller, 2021). RL is a detailed concept that comprised with series of steps such as- planning, implementing and controlling flow of products in such manner that initiate support to businesses while undertaking cost-effective practices for managing flow of good (Wijewickrama et al, 2021). Return management has become latest trend in e-commerce sector as proper understanding in this context acts as a critical success factor for organizations. Developed countries such as UK is working towards the implementation of RL procedure within e-commerce sector by considering the laws & regulation related to sustainability (Garai and Sarkar, 2022).On the other side, in developing countries namely India, procedure of return management comprised with varied issues that links with sustainability within e-commerce reverse logistic and there is need to implement specific strategies in this area.
The present research proposal will shed light on witnessing the sustainability concerns of e-commerce reverse logistic within India while undertaking comparison with UK. Furthermore, ways in which issues could be addressed and role of technology in enhancing RL procedure in India will be studied. The literature review will be conducted and suitable research methodologies will proposed. Moreover, project plan is going to be highlighted.
The argument on research will be conducted in relation to the issues of sustainability within e-commerce sector by taking into account the practices of reverse logistic. The process of RL claims that it promotes sustainability however, return management process is developing serious environmental concerns such as- noise pollution, transportation cost, increasing packaging waste and etc. Hence, outcomes of research will shed light on these issues along with highlighting the measures.
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Return logistic is determined as one of the vital parameter in sustainability domain however, due to lack of efficiency is whole system numerous sustainable concerns such as packaging waste, greenhouse emission, energy wastage and etc. have been arising (Kaviani et al, 2020). RL is specifically for prioritising the interest of consumers, however, within this, it is developing serious environmental concern and therefore, research in this area is significant. The rationale behind undertaking current research comprised with analysing the challenges of sustainability within e-commerce reverse logistic so, better understanding related to challenges can be witnessed (Paula et al, 2020). Furthermore, ways in which technology would create impact on solving the concern will be studied so, effectual outcomes could be revealed. Hence, increasing environmental concern in RL is major reason behind undertaking the study.
The research area is significant as this comprised with global concern which is sustainability. With the help of outcomes, e-commerce sector in India will be able to reduce the environmental concern due to reverse logistic practices (Liu et al, 2022). Study is contributing in the practices of corporate social responsibilities through which organisations would get benefit in long run. Therefore, outcomes of the research prove to be significant for organisation and society as well.
Aim
The aim of the research is- “To investigate the sustainability issues of E-commerce reverse logistic in India”.
Research questions
Research objectives
| Theme 1 | Theme 2 | Theme 3 |
| Importance of sustainability in e-commerce sector. | Sustainable issues within e-commerce reverse logistic | Technologies that lead to solve environmental issues in e-commerce reverse logistic |
| This theme will cover the introduction of sustainability and its importance in e-commerce sector. | Challenges of sustainability in e-commerce logistic will be described. | This theme will undertake analysis of the technologies that supports in solving sustainable issues. |
| All of these themes are interlinked with each other that will emphasize on environmental concern within e-commerce reverse logistic and the technologies that helps in solving these issues. | ||
Literature review is explicated as specific piece of academic writing which assists in gaining in-depth knowledge related to study context. Different viewpoints of authors are demonstrated in order to derive final conclusion. The present section of research proposal will conduct literature review within developing different themes so that effectual understanding can be gained.
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Kazancoglu et al, (2021) elucidates that; sustainability is determined as the process of meeting present requirements without affecting the needs of future generation. It has become essential in order to preserve the resources as they are limited and reduction could lead to develop drastic situation for future generation. Julianelli et al, (2020) highlights the criticism of sustainability and states, topmost tenant of this concept says people should limit the resource usage which impacts the standard of living in present era. Society is compromising their own needs in present for full-filling the future requirements. This simply means one generation whether it is present or future have to compromise in order to perform sustainable practices.
Wit and Pylak, (2020) disclosed about the significance of sustainability in varied sector which proves, it does not reduce the standard of living in present era, this develops a structured pattern of living which should be followed for saving environment. For instance- sustainability in e-commerce sector is playing significant role as it has changed the practices of this sector while minimising the negative impact on environment. Makarova et al, (2021) revealed that e-commerce industry is focusing on sustainable aspects such as- packaging, transportation and waste management. These organisations are reducing their carbon foot prints and assuring their contribution in creating a sustainable future.
On opposition side Alkahtani et al, (2021) stated, e-commerce sector is one of those industries who faces varied sustainable challenges related to- frequent shipping, non-recyclable packaging and high return rates that lead to develop negative impact on environment. Safdar et al, (2020) emphasised on waste management theory which articulates, organisation should reduce their waste management as higher waste lead to increase harm for human health and for environment as well. With reference to this theory, this can be analysed that, in e-commerce sector high return rates contributes in packaging waste which led to increase environmental concern (Toorajipour, 2021). It can be said that, sustainability is essential in this sector as this industry provides return management facilities to customers due to which re-packaging of items needs to be done which contributes in extreme resource usage. On a conclusive note this could be said that, sustainability is essential for creating a structured pattern of living in present era that promotes resource allocation for future. In e-commerce field significant focus required on managing environmental challenges which are developing threats to greater extent.
As per the views of (Wang et al, 2021) reverse logistic provides opportunities to customers in relation to returning the products. However, return facilities are creating environmental challenges and that has become growing concern in developing nations. For reference- India falls under the category of developing country which means still there is so much development procedure needs to be undertaken and most importantly, protecting resources is essential. However, RL is leading to extreme usage of resources that creates negative impact on nature. In the study conducted by Dutta et al, (2020) it has been witnessed that, e-commerce organisation experiences environmental challenges that involves- costly operation, compliance with regulation, transportation cost and supply chain disruption.
For reference- Flipkart, Amazon and Myntra which are top-most e-commerce businesses providing product return facilities to consumers in India. Flipkart, Amazon and Myntra’s return policies have been changed from 10 to 30 days. Due to increase in return period customers are returning the products on rapid note even after utilising it which contributes in developing negative impact on environment (Indian E-commerce sector, 2023). In many cases buyers utilise products for significant period and then request for return. Accordingly, return has been scheduled by organisation which involves transportation cost that requires extra fuel and wastage of packaging as well.
Nanayakkara et al, (2022) criticised and said; lack of technological advancement in RL contributes in increasing the negative impact on environment. For example- India is lacking in technological advancement due to which e-commerce organisations are not able to undertake reverse logistic practices in efficient manner. On the other hand, in the UK, e-commerce businesses such as- Myntra, Amazon and Flipkart are using the technologies in order to enhance their reverse logistic processes. Automation data used by Amazon under which system automatically fills up information and schedules date of return on a single day which save time and cost (E-commerce industry practices in UK, 2023). Myntra uses cloud computing method under which proper information related to return has mentioned such as- type of return, status and reason.
In accordance with Das, Kumar and Rajak, (2020) reverse logistic system in e-commerce industry led to retain customers for longer period however, the impacts on environment proves to be negative. RL is developing significant influence on nature. By transporting products back more carbon foot prints is generated due to this noise and traffic congestion increased to greater extent. Also, when hazardous materials returned then, this result in creating health and safety risk for workers and thereupon, balancing environmental cost in order to undertake the RL practices is essential.
In opposition side Wei, Ma and Liu, (2021) favour reverse logistic and state, it results in influencing environment on positive note. With the help of recycling products, energy can be saved. Also, by reusing and repairing products, demands for new products can be reduced. Zennaro et al, (2022) states reverse logistic develop ethical, legal and operational issue. The lack of control towards quantity and quality of the products results in unstructured return pattern due to which cost of production for the companies increases. SKURPEL and WODNICKA, (2023) says organization need to implement focus on carbon emission as this is the topmost challenge that is creating negative impact on the environment, higher return led to increase in noise pollution which contributes in environment degradation. Reverse logistic was started with the aim of achieving sustainability so, returned products can be reuse and reused and this policies was framed for assuring effectual services to consumers. However, customers started using it as their benefit and increasing rate of return led to result in higher transportation cost which means there is more energy consumption witnessed.
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In similar manner Venosta and Temperelli, (2020) articulates, reverse logistic has become crucial factor of success in the business and for prioritising customer interest companies are working towards it but, due to lack of expertise in this area drastic outcomes have been gained. For reference- In India, returns are scheduled for several times due to unavailability of consumers which led to contribute in more consumption of energy. In the views of Kawa and Piera?ski, (2021) return management can assure positive impact on environment if this can be comprised with specific strategies and solution. Strict policies need to be implied that involves limited time for returning the product. Along with this, customer should provide specific reason behind returning products so rate can be minimized.
On the basis of aforementioned analysis, it has been identified the negative impacts of reverse logistic are more in comparison of the positive parameters and this is due to lack of technological advancement and specific policies.
Mathuthra and Aruljothi, (2020) sheds light on the importance of technology in reverse logistic, technological advancement lead to solve numerous challenges which are important for protecting environment. Inclusion of technology develops a structured pattern of working which saves time, cost and resource that ultimately lead to assuring protection towards nature. However, major aspect aligns with identification of the ways in which technology could be used and it is also important to analyse that which advancement could benefit more. Panjehfouladgaran and Lim, (2020) favours technology and stated that it helps in enhancing the practice of RL and minimising the waste. For reference- organisation in UK are using technologies such as- automation, cloud computing and etc. for developing a structured pattern through which procedure of return management can be undertaken on specific note. Ni et al, (2023) elucidates, reduction of waste management is an essential practice when it comes to minimizing the environmental influence. Engineering methodologies such as- waste-to-conservation, blockchain, IOT and automation supports in reshaping waste management processes while optimising the resource and reducing environmental impact.
As per the views of Peña-Montoya et al, (2020) Waste to energy conversion is most suitable technological method that leads to convert waste into usable energy form. For example- using this technology in e-commerce sector within India helps in protecting environment. In order to undertake this practice, it is important to understand the difference between the types of products which have been returned. When a product is damaged in comparison of their original state then, it is considered as reverse logistic which differs from the process of waste management. Ding et al, (2023) proposed triple bottom line technique which promotes circular economy concept in which reusing and recycling can be done while using eco-friendly packaging method. Waste conservation technique helps in reducing the waste and reusing material, the return products can be repurposed and using it for another purpose helps in waste management.
Letunovska et al, (2023) elaborated about blockchain technology for solving sustainability issue for reverse logistic, with the help of this businesses can develop secure and transparent platform where record regarding the returns can be maintained and appropriate data can be collected on a single platform. This helps in scheduling delivery processes in specific manner. For instance- specific day can be scheduled for receiving return product from those areas or localities that are near. This helps in reducing transportation cost and noise pollution in significant manner. Govindan et al, (2022) depicts that, IOT assist in undertaking automation process through which system can automatically fills the data so, reverse logistic can become more easy. Khan et al, (2023) stated, shipment, tracking and monitoring becomes easy with the inclusion of automation that lead to save the time and cost for e-commerce businesses. AI algorithms initiates in processing data in order to assist route for undertaking reverse logistic practices. Inventory management becomes easy with the help of IOT and proper data related to return management can be prepared so that return can be received and reused in fast manner. Hence, this could be said that, technology has become highly important in terms of enhancing the practice of reverse logistic. With the help of this, negative impact on environment can be minimised and such practices can be undertaken that supports in promoting sustainability.
On contrary note Saruchera and Asante?Darko, (2021) stated that, technology can lead to assure negative outcomes if these has not been used in appropriate manner. Lack of information in this area could result in providing drastic impacts. For instance- In India, technological advancement is still a concern and there is lack of expertise in this area and it also comprised with higher cost. In order to undertake technological advancement in reverse logistic it is important to gain expertise in this area and this can only be done while hiring experts who can look upon this area and accordingly guides employees. This lead to develop supports for the companies while taking decision related to the involvement of technology.
Hence, this could be said that, inclusion of technology in reverse logistic supports in reducing environmental concerns however, specific strategy needs to be implied in this area. Lack of expertise can lead to provide negative outcomes and therefore, experts need to be hired and investment should be done. This supports in creating a base for e-commerce organisations so they can enhance the reverse logistic practices that led to reduce negative influences on environment. In this manner, sustainable practices can be approached and effectual results can be gained.
Previous studies that were based on sustainable issues of ecommerce reverse logistic have been undertaken in order to conduct literature review and it is being witnessed that, reverse logistic develops both positive and negative impacts on environment. However, drastic influences are more and therefore, it has become essential to imply focus in this area. Inclusion of technology can lead to solve the issues but, expertise is needed in this area and thereupon, proper planning along with implementation is required.
The present section will highlight the research methodologies that need to be adopted in order to analyse the environmental concerns comprised with reverse logistic in e-commerce sector within India. The analyst will prefer research onion framework in order to write methodological section-
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In accordance with research onion framework research philosophy refers to set of beliefs in relation to phenomenon or study area that supports in undertaking research practices. There are two types of research philosophies which are- Interpretivism and positivism. Interpretivism philosophy associates with analysing the thoughts and opinion of people in related to research area so findings can be developed. On the other hand, positive philosophy backed up with the analyzation of existing theories and patterns through which information associated with study areas could be gained (Lê, J.K. and Schmid, T., 2022). The researcher will use the combination of interpretivism as well as positivism philosophy referring the research type being initiated. Accordingly, mixture of these philosophies analyst will analyse opinion of individuals in research context. Along with this positivism philosophy will be preferred by researcher with the aim of developing standardized and reliable findings. Two of these philosophies enable researcher to gain in-depth knowledge related to sustainability issues of e-commerce reverse logistic and accordingly outcomes will be developed.
Research type
Research type is delineated as the process or ways in which research can be conducted. It plays most important role in implementing the practices of research. There are three ways in which research can be conducted and those are- qualitative, qualitative and mixed research types. Qualitative method is based on the allocation of theoretical information and quantitative relies on collecting numerical data. Whereas, mixed method involves both qualitative and quantitative method for undertaking research practices.
The researcher will use mixed method in order to conduct study. Data is going to be collected in the form of theories and numerical terms so, wider information can be accumulated in research context. The reason behind selection of mixed method comprised with gaining comprehensive understanding of study area through which reliable outcomes can be developed (Pandey, P. and Pandey, M.M., 2021). Within collecting qualitative data, investigator will experience flexibility and further it supports in developing of outcomes that can be understand in easy manner. On the other hand, allocation of quantitative information supports in undertaking scientific study through which relatable outcomes could be developed. Due to varied benefit of mixed method approach, analyst will prefer this research method. The qualitative and quantitative data will be allocated for evaluating sustainability issues of E-commerce reverse logistic in India.
It refers to the specific process approached by researcher in order to collecting, evaluating and interpreting data. Inductive and deductive; these are the two types of research approaches that could be used. Inductive method is suitable fort theoretical information as it helps in development of theories which comprised with specific observation (Diop, K.A.S. and Liu, 2020). On the other hand, deductive approach proves to be efficient for quantitative data, under this, hypothesis has been implemented and accordingly observation is made. As per the suitability of current research, analyst will prefer mixture of both the approaches, inductive for qualitative information and deductive for quantitative. With the help of inductive approach, theories will be developed that supports in implementation of final outcomes and further makes it easy to understand. Hence, this helps in understanding the challenges of sustainability in depth manner that are impacting ecommerce reverse logistics. Deductive approach will be suitable for gathering quantitative data and accordingly research will be undertaken. Thus, both the approaches supports in analysing the technological support through which issues can be solved.
Data collection method involves those sources which are needed to be approached in order to allocate information. This is considered as the most crucial part in research as allocation of data is the base on-to which analysis can be done. There are two ways through which data could be collected- Primary and secondary. In accordance with research onion model primary method refers to gathering first-hand information whereas, secondary method involves collecting second- hand data (Al-Ababneh, M., 2020). The researcher prefers both the methods primary and secondary in order to collect data. The primary information will be gathered while conducting Survey and questionnaire will be used as a data collection tool. This method is appropriate for gathering quantitative data and therefore, analyst prefers this. Also, direct interaction with participants will be created that helps in allocating realistic information through which efficiency of outcomes can be enhanced.
On the other hand, secondary source such as- google scholar will be preferred and researcher will review articles and accordingly qualitative data intended to be allocated. With the help of literature review, data will analyse so that effectual findings could be implemented. Thus, it could be said that, both the methods of data collection will provide benefit to analyst and helps in collecting effectual information related to research area. Wider information would be collected related to challenges of sustainability within E-commerce RL.
Sampling is considered as the selection of specific group through which data can be allocated. Approaching specific samples is essential as the efficiency of outcomes depends upon this. It can be done in two ways and those are- probability and non-probability. In probability method, random selection has been done whereas, non-probability comprised with judgemental selection. The scholar will prefer probability sampling method and random selection of the participants will be done and this further supports in assuring no discrimination towards candidates. 20 managers from e-commerce industry in India will be taken as sample size and sample population respectively. Thus, probability method is suitable in current research as this will lead to promote random selection and no-one will be judged.
It is considered as the systematic method under which data analysis tool is being used in order to analyse gathered information. There are two ways through which data could be analysed and those are thematic and statistical. In context of evaluating qualitative data, thematic method is suitable, whereas, for quantitative information statistical analysis is appropriate (Privitera, G.J., 2022). Researcher will use both the methods- thematic and statistical for analysing data, with the help of thematic analysis, researcher will formulate different themes and qualitative data will be analysed. Whereas, while using statistical method, frequency table distribution table is going to be used and accordingly quantitative information will be evaluated. As per the suitability of current method, the methods are suitable and therefore, researcher will use two of these methods so issues and measures; both of these aspects can be addressed.
Ethics plays vital role in whole research and therefore, researcher will assure keen focus on this and concept of informed consent will be undertaken. Confidentiality of the candidates is going to be prioritised and it will be ensure that no hard towards participants will be created. These are the mandatory ethics followed for primary research (Kara, H., 2020). On the other hand, reliability and validity of the sources will be evaluated and those articles would be selected that are accurate and reliable. Accordingly secondary information is going to be gathered.
Yes, the study will involve human participants as probability sampling will be undertaken and 20 managers from e-commerce sector will be the participants.
The candidates will be approached with the help of random sampling method and they will be given informed consent form so, awareness regarding the research area can be developed. Afterwards, their opinion will be taken in consideration.
The research will take place through online mode and questionnaire will be send to participants and there is no risk involved in the procedure of research as after undertaking informed consent interaction with candidates will be made.
The researcher will assure that, personal data of the participants will not be disclosed and within taking their concern opinions would be undertaken. In this manner, confidentiality of the participants will be maintained.
The findings of the research will be used in the practice so this can lead to assure benefit to e-commerce sector. The whole research with outcomes will be uploaded so readers can gain in-depth knowledge.
Below mentioned is the timeline which have been followed in order to complete the research proposal-
References
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