Exploring the Challenges of Implementing OECD Due Diligence Practices in Supply Chains: Effects on Sustainability in Emerging Economies

Authors

  • Md. Tanvir Siraj * 1 Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2303-8151
  • Md. Faiaz Arman Talukdar Tonmoy Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4174-8337
  • S M Shahrukh Arman Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8216-0189
  • Monabbir E Zaman Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh. https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2751-194X
  • Syed Salman Saeed Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6794-4035
  • Mahbubur Rahaman5 Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, Rajshahi, Bangladesh.

https://doi.org/10.22105/opt.vi.65

Abstract

Adopting the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) due diligence practices in supply chains is crucial for ensuring ethical, transparent, and sustainable business operations, particularly in emerging economies. However, various socio-economic and institutional challenges hinder the effective implementation of these practices. Therefore, this study aims to identify and prioritize the key challenges faced in adopting OECD due diligence within the supply chains of emerging economies. In this study, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques, including the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), and the Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE), were applied. The integrated combinations of AHP-TOPSIS and AHP-PROMETHEE were used to verify the robustness of the study results. The study reviewed the literature to identify the prioritization criteria and challenges, and also incorporated expert input. This study selected six criteria and seventeen challenges. AHP determined ‘Severity of Impact’ and ‘institutional and regulatory’ as the most influential criteria. ‘Weak regulatory enforcement,’ ‘corruption and governance issues,’ and ‘political instability’ were identified as the top three challenges in both the AHP-TOPSIS and AHP-PROMETHEE approaches. By addressing these challenges, policymakers and industry leaders can foster a more resilient and responsible supply chain ecosystem in emerging economies. This study provides strategic insights to enhance regulatory effectiveness, stakeholder collaboration, and institutional capacity, ultimately facilitating the successful adoption of OECD due diligence guidelines.

Keywords:

OECD due diligence, Supply chain challenges, Emerging economies, Multi-criteria decision-making, Sustainability

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Published

2025-08-16

How to Cite

Siraj, M. T., Talukdar Tonmoy, M. F. A. ., Arman, S. M. S. ., Zaman, M. E. ., Saeed, S. S. ., & Rahaman5, M. . (2025). Exploring the Challenges of Implementing OECD Due Diligence Practices in Supply Chains: Effects on Sustainability in Emerging Economies. Optimality, 2(3), 193-218. https://doi.org/10.22105/opt.vi.65

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