Examining Sustainability Issues in Small-Scale Interlocking Cement Tile Manufacturing Firms: A Case Study using Integrated MCDM techniques

Abstract

This study examines the sustainability practices of small-scale Interlocking cement tile manufacturing firms in Karnataka, India. The purpose is to shed light on the economic, environmental, and social challenges and opportunities that shape sustainability in these small-scale industries. The research employs a robust framework that blends the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach with Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques. The methodology encompasses the development of a specialized survey instrument and the execution of comprehensive surveys across 70 distinct firms, further enhanced by the application of an integrated SWARA-TOPSIS MCDM approach. The findings underscore the key sustainability priorities for these small-scale firms. On the economic front, the top priorities are strategic alliances, cost optimization, and market expansion. The most pressing environmental concerns are raw material sourcing, carbon emissions reduction, and environmental compliance. In the social domain, the firms must focus on mental health support, diversity and inclusion, child/forced labour prevention, employee well-being, and safety protocols. The study's limitations provide opportunities for future research, advocating for broader industrial assessments and longitudinal impact studies. The practical implications include strategic recommendations for supply chain managers to drive sustainable growth, focusing on strategic alliances, cost optimization, responsible resource sourcing, employee well-being, and stakeholder engagement. Ultimately, this research contributes substantially to the scholarly dialogue on sustainable manufacturing, offering valuable insights and guidance for small-scale Interlocking cement tile firms in India. The study's originality lies in its integrated TBL-MCDM approach, which facilitates a nuanced understanding of the multidimensional sustainability challenges these micro-industries face.