Sustainable operations,research paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sustainable operations, - Research Paper Example Carrefour is a multi-format, multi-channel and multi-local group comprising of approximately 9,994 stores which operates in thirty three different countries in the world. Stores operate in a range formats and channels namely, hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, cash and carry stores for professionals and hypercash stores which are specifically designed to address the requirements of different consumer segments. Some stores are designed by vertically integrating the stages in the value chain example, Hypercash stores combines the benefits of Cash and carry stores (wholesale) and convenience of hypermarkets (retail). Creating specific investment between stages of the value chain helps firms to internally exploit their pool of knowledge and capacities, and to guarantee quality of inputs and services employed (DÃ ­ez N.p). Carrefour has launched specific sustainability oriented programs to the stakeholders in different stages of its value chain. Sustainable development for the business enterprise can be defined as adopting business strategies and activities that meet the needs of the enterprise and its stakeholders while protecting, sustaining and enhancing the human and natural resources that will be needed in the future. This definition suggests that business growth must meet the needs of its shareholders; lenders, customers, employees, suppliers and communities who are affected by the organization’s activities which must not irreparably degrade or destroy the natural and human resource bases in its venture for raising physical and financial capital. Carrefour adopts a sustainable development self-assessment tool for the suppliers which is a detailed self-evaluation framework designed in conjunction with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), accessible to suppliers online, including forty nine self assessment criteria based on four central pillars: sustainable development management