Abstract

The global footwear industry faces significant challenges as it navigates the complexities of sustainability, technological advancements, and supply chain resilience. This study examines how innovations in developing technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT), can enhance efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and promote sustainability within global footwear supply chains. Leveraging a phenomenological approach, the research explores the lived experiences of supply chain professionals to identify practical strategies for integrating technology, enhancing resilience, and mitigating environmental impacts. The study highlights the industry's evolution, driven by factors such as consumer demand for sustainability, disruptions caused by geopolitical conflicts, and vulnerabilities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the need for comprehensive frameworks that integrate resilience and sustainability, while addressing gaps in productivity, distribution, and global sourcing strategies. The study also considers theoretical underpinnings, including chaos theory, agency theory, and the Bullwhip Effect, to deliver a robust foundation for analyzing the complexities of modern supply chain management. The footwear industry can transition toward more sustainable and efficient operations by integrating advanced technologies and adopting principles of the circular economy. The findings aim to inform strategies for mitigating disruptions, optimizing supply chain networks, and fostering innovation, offering actionable insights for the footwear sector and analogous industries with similarly complex global supply chains. This research underscores the strategic importance of sustainability and supply chain resilience in achieving long-term competitiveness and environmental stewardship.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Footwear industry—Technological innovations; Supply chain management—Environmental aspects; Technological innovations—Environmental aspects

Date of Award

2025

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Education

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Kent Rhodes

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