Identifying and analyzing obstacles to ESG-driven sustainable transition in third-party logistics: A WINGS–ISM approach under interval-valued spherical fuzzy modeling
6
Issued Date
2026-04-01
Resource Type
eISSN
26667908
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105029076281
Journal Title
Cleaner Engineering and Technology
Volume
31
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Cleaner Engineering and Technology Vol.31 (2026)
Suggested Citation
Sumrit D., Kongsakul R. Identifying and analyzing obstacles to ESG-driven sustainable transition in third-party logistics: A WINGS–ISM approach under interval-valued spherical fuzzy modeling. Cleaner Engineering and Technology Vol.31 (2026). doi:10.1016/j.clet.2026.101157 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/114909
Title
Identifying and analyzing obstacles to ESG-driven sustainable transition in third-party logistics: A WINGS–ISM approach under interval-valued spherical fuzzy modeling
Author(s)
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
This study investigates the hierarchical structure and causal relationships among obstacles hindering the ESG driven sustainable transition of small and medium sized third-party logistics firms. Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) and institutional (INT) theory, eleven obstacles are identified and validated, comprising eight endogenous and three exogenous factors. To address ambiguity, hesitation, and partial knowledge in expert judgments, the study adopts interval valued spherical fuzzy sets, which allow the simultaneous representation of membership, non-membership, and hesitancy degrees within bounded intervals. Compared with conventional Type 1 and Type 2 fuzzy sets, this approach provides greater expressive flexibility without imposing excessive computational or interpretability burdens in small expert panel studies. Using the Weighted Influence Nonlinear Gauge System (WINGS), six endogenous obstacles are revealed as dominant driving barriers, indicating that limitations in financial capacity, technological and digital infrastructure, process standardization, and sustainability capabilities primarily constrain ESG implementation, consistent with RBV logic emphasizing firm specific resources. In contrast, exogenous obstacles related to organizational culture, strategic alignment, regulatory coherence, governmental incentives, and stakeholder collaboration function mainly as dependent effect factors shaped by institutional conditions. Using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) further identifies a five-level hierarchy, with obsolete technological infrastructure emerging as the root barrier. The study provides actionable insights for managers and policymakers seeking to design capability-oriented interventions and supportive institutional mechanisms to accelerate ESG transitions in SME logistics and other service intensive sectors.