## Improving Supply Chain Sustainability in the Fashion Retail Industry Amidst Global Disruptions: A Novel Pareto-Based Bayesian Best-Worst Method Approach### AbstractRecent global supply chain upheavals, including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, and Hamas-Israel clashes, have tested the resilience of established business strategies. Consequently, it is imperative for organizations to incorporate sustainable practices into their supply chains to mitigate the far-reaching consequences of such disruptions. This necessity is especially pressing in the emerging economy fashion retail sector. Exploring the supply chain imperatives through the lens of sustainability dimensions has been underexplored, representing a significant research gap.This study aims to bridge this gap through a rigorous investigation of fundamental sustainable supply chain imperatives in the fashion retail sector of Bangladesh. Employing a novel Pareto-based Bayesian Best-Worst Method (BWM) approach, we identify and prioritize these imperatives, highlighting the most monumental challenges and opportunities.The study's findings reveal that the "Availability of government support schemes to promote sustainability" emerged as the most critical economic imperative, underscoring the crucial role of government interventions in stabilizing supply chains amid disruptions. From a social standpoint, "Developing strategic supply chain interventions to ameliorate the impact of disruptive events" stood out, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to address the social implications of supply chain breakdowns. Finally, "Understanding customer awareness of sustainable products" surfaced as the paramount environmental imperative, highlighting the significance of educating consumers about environmentally friendly practices.### IntroductionThe global supply chain (SC) landscape has been subjected to an unprecedented array of disruptions in recent times, ranging from the COVID-19 pandemic to escalating geopolitical conflicts. These disruptions have severely tested the resilience of business strategies and exposed the need for organizations to adopt a more sustainable approach to their SC operations.Fashion retail, a significant contributor to the economy of developing countries like Bangladesh, is particularly vulnerable to SC disruptions due to its reliance on global supply chains. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, led to widespread order cancellations, production halts, and disruptions in raw material sourcing, resulting in substantial losses and unemployment. To ensure long-term competitiveness and resilience in the face of such challenges, organizations must prioritize sustainability initiatives within their SCs. Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM), therefore, assumes paramount importance, aligning with the triple bottom line principles of economic, social, and environmental sustainability.Adopting an SSCM approach requires careful consideration of critical sustainability imperatives. Despite being a crucial area of research, identifying and prioritizing these imperatives has been largely overlooked, especially in emerging economies like Bangladesh.This study aims to address this research gap by investigating the key sustainability imperatives in the fashion retail SC in Bangladesh amidst recent global disruptions. Our study leverages a novel Pareto-based Bayesian Best-Worst Method (BWM) approach to prioritize these imperatives, providing valuable insights for decision-makers in developing countries seeking to align their SCs with sustainability principles.### Theoretical BackgroundSustainability has evolved into a pressing issue in recent years, with SC disruptions further intensifying its relevance. The SC must be managed with sustainability in mind to ensure a resilient and responsible supply network.Several studies have delved into the drivers of SSCM, highlighting factors such as government policies, industry collaborations, and technological advancements. Yet, a comprehensive analysis of the sustainability imperatives in an emerging economy like Bangladesh, particularly within the fashion retail sector, remains lacking.Our study aims to fill this knowledge gap by identifying and prioritizing the key sustainability imperatives in this context, drawing upon previous research and expert insights.### MethodologyOur study employed a novel Pareto-based Bayesian Best-Worst Method (BWM) approach to identify and prioritize the sustainability imperatives influencing SC operations in the fashion retail industry of Bangladesh. This two-step methodology involved:1. **Pareto Analysis**: To extract the most influential sustainability imperatives from a comprehensive list, we applied Pareto analysis, focusing on factors with a cumulative impact of approximately 80%.2. **Bayesian Best-Worst Method (BWM)**: The prioritized list of imperatives from the Pareto analysis was further evaluated using the Bayesian BWM. This method facilitated the calculation of precise weightings for each imperative, enabling a more accurate understanding of their relative importance.### ResultsOur study identified and prioritized 18 key sustainability imperatives for the fashion retail industry in Bangladesh. Using Pareto analysis, we narrowed down the list to 12 most influential imperatives, which were subsequently evaluated using the Bayesian BWM method.1. **Availability of government support schemes to promote sustainability** (Economic)2. **Developing strategic supply chain interventions to ameliorate the impact of disruptive events** (Social)3. **Digitizing the supply chain** (Economic)4. **Understanding customer awareness of sustainable products** (Environmental)5. **Ensuring compliance with health and safety legislations across the supply chain** (Social)6. **Increasing the application of big data analytics** (Economic)7. **Improving collaboration among supply chain stakeholders** (Social)8. **Exploding use of robotics in logistics and inventory system** (Environmental)9. **Increasing the application of circular manufacturing** (Environmental)10. **Enhancing the resilience of transportation and logistics system** (Environmental)11. **Deploying blockchain technology in supply chain management** (Economic)12. **Improving the collaboration among supply chain stakeholders** (Social)### DiscussionOur study provides significant insights into the sustainability imperatives that fashion retailers in Bangladesh must prioritize to achieve long-term viability. The study's findings highlight the critical role of government support in promoting sustainability, which can take various forms such as financial incentives, tax breaks, and regulatory frameworks. Additionally, the need for developing robust strategic interventions to mitigate the impact of disruptive events emphasizes the importance of proactive planning and coordination among SC stakeholders. Furthermore, fostering customer awareness about sustainable products is crucial for driving consumer demand and promoting environmentally friendly practices throughout the SC.By identifying and prioritizing these imperatives, our study serves as a valuable resource for organizations seeking to align their SC operations with sustainability principles. The framework presented in the study can guide decision-makers in Bangladesh's fashion retail industry in developing and implementing effective sustainability strategies that will enhance resilience, minimize risks, and contribute to long-term competitiveness.### ConclusionThis study contributes to the emerging body of knowledge on SSCM by comprehensively analyzing the key sustainability imperatives for the fashion retail industry in Bangladesh amidst global disruptions. Using a novel Pareto-based Bayesian BWM approach, the study identifies and prioritizes these imperatives from economic, social, and environmental perspectives, providing valuable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers. The study's findings emphasize the need for a holistic