Challenges of Going Green in SCM: A Case Study on TCS (Tranzum Courier Service)

Abstract

This research focuses on exploring the crucial barriers to effective implementation of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) in Tranzum Courier Service (TCS), which is Pakistan's leading domestic courier company in a resource constrained emerging market environment. Using mixed methods research consisting of a semi-structured key informant interview and quantitative analysis of Likert scale responses to 83 statements from 5 parameters. Quantitative analysis shows a key performance-perception dilemma: TCS shows exceptional environmental effectiveness (5.0/5.0) despite having extreme structural limitations with mean barrier severity of 4.69/5.0. The barriers that are most critical are energy crisis and load shedding (5.0/5.0 severity level), infrastructure deficits (4.69/5.0), capital constraints (4.55/5.0), regulatory complexity (4.25/5.0), partnership limitations (4.44/5.0) and awareness gaps (4.0/5.0). Despite these obstacles, TCS exhibits a high degree of operational execution (4.64/5.0 implementation effectiveness) and they provide proven environmental results such as 20-30% emissions reduction and 50-70% energy efficiency gains. The research proves that individual companies cannot solve systemic barriers especially the infrastructure deficits of Pakistan, chronic energy crisis, and policy uncertainty unilaterally. Comprehensive 5-parameters GSCM Enhancement Framework is proposed emphasizing external barrier removal through infrastructural partnerships, stakeholder collaboration and government policy support is key to accelerated adoption. Findings suggest that individual company excellence cannot solve structural constraints that are endemic to resource limited developing economies, and success depends on ecosystem level coordination and distinguishing between internal execution gaps (that can be resolved by improving operations) and external barriers (that require policy and infrastructure intervention).