Supply chain learning, integration, and flexibility performance: an empirical study in India

2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 755-769 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoff Willis ◽  
Stefan E. Genchev ◽  
Haozhe Chen
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Functional Integration ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chain Flexibility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Flexibility

Purpose Supply chain flexibility has been acknowledged as a necessity in the context of constantly changing operational and service requirements in the global marketplace. However, limited research has focused on analyzing and empirically testing the dynamics of achieving enhanced flexibility performance. Drawing upon the knowledge-based view of the firm, the purpose of this paper is to address this research gap by introducing supply chain learning (SCL) and integration as key factors in the process. Design/methodology/approach Survey data were collected in India. Structural equation modeling technique was used as the main analysis method to test the proposed conceptual model on SCL, integration, and flexibility performance. Findings Research findings indicate that the supply chain integration construct (in its internal and external dimensions) mediates the proposed SCL-flexibility performance relationship. The analysis also confirms the positive relationship between cross-functional integration and inter-firm integration. Research limitations/implications Focusing on only one country may limit the generalizability of the findings. Also, cross-sectional data collection may not be the ideal approach for evaluating the impacts of SCL. Therefore, future research with longitudinal data and in different contexts is warranted to validate the research results of this study. Originality/value The proposed conceptual model adds to the limited existing knowledge body of SCL and links SCL, integration, and flexibility performance. It also provides a new venue for future research in this area.

scholarly journals Supply Chain Integration and Flexibility and Its Impact on Business Performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Samed Muntaka ◽  
Ashraf Haruna ◽  
Henry Kofi Mensah
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Firm Performance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Functional Integration ◽  
Supply Chain Integration ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chain Flexibility ◽  
Supply Chain Flexibility

This study explores the significance of integration and flexibility as critical determinants of business performance by examining the connection amongst supply chain integration and flexibility on the one hand and business performance on the other.  Using mainly a cross-sectional approach, structured questionnaire was used to collect responses from two hundred and fifty-five employees drawn registered companies in the Kumasi Metropolis and analyzed with the help of Pearson’s correlation and structural equation modeling (SEM). Three elements of supply chain integration (company integration with suppliers, cross functional integration within a company and company integration with customers) and three elements of supply chain flexibility (adaptability, alignment and agility) were subjected to analysis. The results indicate that supply chain integration and supply chain flexibility exhibit significant correlation with firm performance. Supply chain integration and supply chain flexibility have high correlation with ‘financial performance’ followed by ‘logistic performance’ and then ‘operational performance’. Also, the results demonstrate that four supply chain integration surrogates; ‘production data integration’, ‘going after customers for feedback’, ‘periodic connection with customers’ and ‘real time search of inventory’ and two supply chain flexibility proxies specifically ‘technology’ and ‘supply network strategies’ are crucial as they exhibit the most noteworthy influence on firm performance. Results of this study offer remarkable demonstrations of the effects of integration and flexibility in enhancing performance of businesses and greater attention must be paid to those proxies of supply chain integration and flexibility that exhibited the most significant impact on firm’s performance.

An integrative framework of supply chain flexibility

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 1321-1342
Author(s):  
Ying Liao
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Chain Flexibility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrative Framework ◽  
Supply Chain Flexibility

PurposeIt is crucial to recognize that supply chain flexibility is important to build sustainable competitive edge in coping with uncertainty. This study puts forth an empirically supported integrative framework to understand supply chain flexibility from market-oriented and network-oriented perspectives, interrelationships among its dimensions and the effect of supply chain complexity as a contingent factor.Design/methodology/approachThe online survey data were collected from 201 manufacturing companies and checked for common method variance, validity and reliability. Structural equation modeling was then used to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe results of this study demonstrate that there are interrelationships among market-oriented and network-oriented supply chain flexibility dimensions. It is the flexibility embedded in the supply chain network configuration that plays critical roles in superior performance in flexibility capabilities to create customer values. The interrelated effect among flexibility dimensions is contingent on the magnitude of the supply chain complexity corresponding to the number of supply chain tiers.Originality/valueThis study takes a step to advance understanding of supply chain flexibility from an integrative point of view consisting of market-oriented and network-oriented perspectives. This study is expected to provide practitioners the foundation to implement supply chain flexibility considering the interrelationships among flexibility dimensions. Our results suggest that to carry out a supply chain flexibility strategy, the vertical complexity of the supply chain structure needs to be taken into consideration.

scholarly journals Understanding supply chain analytics capabilities and agility for data-rich environments

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (6/7/8) ◽  
pp. 887-912 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Fosso Wamba ◽  
Shahriar Akter
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Agility ◽  
The Usa

Purpose Big data-driven supply chain analytics capability (SCAC) is now emerging as the next frontier of supply chain transformation. Yet, very few studies have been directed to identify its dimensions, subdimensions and model their holistic impact on supply chain agility (SCAG) and firm performance (FPER). Therefore, to fill this gap, the purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a dynamic SCAC model and assess both its direct and indirect impact on FPER using analytics-driven SCAG as a mediator. Design/methodology/approach The study draws on the emerging literature on big data, the resource-based view and the dynamic capability theory to develop a multi-dimensional, hierarchical SCAC model. Then, the model is tested using data collected from supply chain analytics professionals, managers and mid-level manager in the USA. The study uses the partial least squares-based structural equation modeling to prove the research model. Findings The findings of the study identify supply chain management (i.e. planning, investment, coordination and control), supply chain technology (i.e. connectivity, compatibility and modularity) and supply chain talent (i.e. technology management knowledge, technical knowledge, relational knowledge and business knowledge) as the significant antecedents of a dynamic SCAC model. The study also identifies analytics-driven SCAG as the significant mediator between overall SCAC and FPER. Based on these key findings, the paper discusses their implications for theory, methods and practice. Finally, limitations and future research directions are presented. Originality/value The study fills an important gap in supply chain management research by estimating the significance of various dimensions and subdimensions of a dynamic SCAC model and their overall effects on SCAG and FPER.

The effects of strategic sourcing on supply chain strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-148
Author(s):  
Sibel Yildiz Çankaya
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Competitive Performance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Sourcing ◽  
Plant Level ◽  
Lean Supply Chain

Purpose This study aims to examine the effects of strategic sourcing (SS) on lean supply chain (LSC) and agile supply chain (ASC) strategies and investigate the role of these concepts on development of competitive performance. Design/methodology/approach A proposed research model and hypotheses are tested by using cross-sectional e-mail survey data collected from the manufacturing firms operating in Turkey. SS is conceptualized as a second-order factor. Structural equation modeling is used to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings This study reached the conclusion that SS affects LSC and ASC strategies positively. Additionally, it is seen that these concepts are effective in improvement of competitive performance. Practical implications The results are important in terms of emphasizing the significance of SS in improvement of the lean and agile nature of the supply chain. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence regarding the relationships among SS, supply chain strategies and competitive performance. Research limitations/implications This study was carried out on the plant level where one person from each organization responded to the survey.

Antecedents of cross-functional integration level and their organizational impact

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 1706-1723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Cristina Ferreira ◽  
Marcio Lopes Pimenta ◽  
Paraskeva Wlazlak
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Functional Integration ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Probabilistic Sampling ◽  
Parsimonious Model ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a model to predict the antecedents of the integration level among marketing, logistics and production, considering the influence of formal and informal factors that generate integration and the existence of conflicts. Design/methodology/approach A survey of 179 participants from all regions of Brazil was conducted. A parsimonious model including four dimensions and 34 variables was developed through confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Findings The field data corroborate studies dealing with the impact of various formal and informal integration factors on the cross-functional integration level as a construct. Furthermore, this paper concludes that the level of cross-functional can be defined as: the intensity of the relationship among internal functions which can be measured by the mutual existence of formal and informal factors and the absence of manifest conflicts. Research limitations/implications The findings of this paper cannot be generalized because of the convenience sampling. Future research could apply a probabilistic sampling and try to explore other geographical settings in both national and international contexts. Practical implications The proposed model can generate important information for managers by pointing out variables that can predict the integration level and their impacts on the organizational performance. The paper concludes with examples about how the model could be useful in several practical situations. Originality/value This paper proposes a model with reasonable accuracy to predict the integration level and overcomes prior research limitations with respect to models to predict the antecedents of the integration level, particularly the role of conflicts in the integration processes.

Lean and agile manufacturing: complementary or competing capabilities?

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 749-774 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tahir Iqbal ◽  
Muhammad Shakeel Sadiq Jajja ◽  
Mohammad Khurrum Bhutta ◽  
Shahzad Naeem Qureshi
Keyword(s):  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Agile Manufacturing ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Exporting Firms ◽  
Strategic Capabilities

PurposeLean (TQM and JIT) and agile manufacturing (AM) are viewed as strategic capabilities that can help firms to meet diverse set of market demands. However, the question whether lean manufacturing and AM are complementary or competing capabilities is still open to discussion. This research proposes an integrated research framework that draws on complementary theory, theory of systems, and concept of fit to examine this question regarding these two strategic capabilities.Design/methodology/approachData are collected from 248 apparel exporting firms, and the proposed model is evaluated using structural equation modeling.FindingsResults show that lean manufacturing, AM, and supporting management and infrastructural practices have positive and complementary effects on firm's performance. Further, results depict that lean manufacturing and AM complementarity is a complete organizational synergistic phenomenon, and piecemeal implementation of these initiatives may lead to suboptimal or unsatisfactory results. Results also indicate that there is no significant direct (correlated and uncorrelated) relationship of management, infrastructure, lean manufacturing, and AM practices with firm's performance and support that lean manufacturing and AM are not competing paradigms.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is based on cross-sectional data from one industry. Future research should collect data from diverse sectors in different countries.Practical implicationsThis study provides a key insight for manufacturing managers that piecemeal implementation of lean manufacturing and AM does not yield optimal outcomes. In addition, study suggests that lean manufacturing and AM complementarity builds on strong foundation of strategic management and internal and external infrastructure. Therefore, managers should focus on development of skilled and empowered human resources, technological advancements, and learning and virtually integrated organizations for effective implementation of lean manufacturing and AM.Originality/valueProposed framework is one of the first, if not the first, that seeks to resolve the question: whether lean manufacturing and AM are complementary or competing capabilities. Complementary effects of lean manufacturing and AM along with management, internal infrastructure, and common external infrastructure practices have positive impact on performance. This study also segregated infrastructure practices into internal and common external infrastructure practices.

Brand equity, satisfaction, and switching costs

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Galina Biedenbach ◽  
Maria Bengtsson ◽  
Agneta Marell
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Brand Equity ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Switching Costs ◽  
Professional Services ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
Marketing Managers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of satisfaction and switching costs on the development of brand equity in the business-to-business (B2B) setting. The study considers the hierarchical effects between brand awareness, brand associations, perceived quality, and brand loyalty. Furthermore, the conceptual model examines the direct effect of switching costs on satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach – Structural equation modeling was used to analyze 632 responses from the CEOs and CFOs of organizations buying auditing and business consultancy services from one of the Big Four auditing companies. Findings – The findings demonstrate the significant impact of satisfaction and switching costs on brand equity in the B2B setting. Furthermore, the findings show the positive effect of switching costs on satisfaction. Research limitations/implications – The study is conducted in the professional services context. Future research can examine whether the observed effects can be found in other B2B settings and considering various B2B services and industrial goods. Practical implications – The study contributes to marketing managers’ understanding of how marketing actions aimed to increase satisfaction can affect brand equity. Marketing managers are provided with insights and evidence on how switching costs can impact satisfaction and brand equity. Originality/value – The study tests a unique conceptual model focussing on the causal relationships between four dimensions of brand equity, satisfaction and switching costs. The findings provide a strong foundation for further investigation of links between the key marketing concepts: brand equity, satisfaction, and switching costs.

The influence of supply chain leadership and followership on organizational performance

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 333-353
Author(s):  
Pedro Fontoura ◽  
Arnaldo Coelho
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Shared Value ◽  
Practical Case ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Common Values

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to analyze how supply chain leadership and supply chain followership affect a company's value. Specifically, this will take place through an analysis of transformational leadership and followership behaviors on shared value creation, in order to achieve higher performance and greater alignment of common values.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a structured questionnaire to gather data from a cross-sectional sample of 456 supply chain partners of the largest Portuguese energy supplier. Structural equation modeling is used to test the proposed hypotheses, and a multigroup analysis is conducted to find out how supplier dependence can impact the suggested relationships.FindingsFindings suggest that supply chain leadership positively impacts supply chain followership, shared value, and common values. Additionally, it was possible to observe that the influence of supply chain leadership and supply chain followership on performance occurs in an indirect way through the mediation of shared value and common values.Research limitations/implicationsThe research considers only one company's suppliers. The relationships between variables need to be explored in other practical case studies and longitudinal investigations.Originality/valueThe study provides a better understanding of the impacts and chain of effects between supply chain leadership and supply chain followership on performance, while considering the role of dependence as a moderating variable. The overall results may support the importance of truly sustainable business leadership capable of promoting shared value creation along the entire supply chain.

Marketing advantages and sustainable competitiveness through branding for the supply chain of Islamic country

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Saeed Shahbaz ◽  
Mudaser Javaid ◽  
Syed Hasnain Alam Kazmi ◽  
Qamar Abbas
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Electric Industry ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose Branding plays a vital role in the success of every organization and even industry. In Islamic countries, every organization must consider Sharia rules while strategy making. Nowadays, the supply chain is considered a major tool of branding and marketing. After an extensive literature review, it has been found that the studies that test the marketing advantages (MAs) and sustainable competitiveness through branding are scarce. The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the relationship between branding and MAs and mediating the role of sustainable competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach This is a quantitative study. An instrument was adopted, and data were collected. The researchers tested the hypotheses from the survey data from 179 electronic organizations. The data ware analyzed through structural equation modeling to examine the proposed hypothesis of this study. Findings The findings indicate that the relationship among dimensions of branding attitude and MAs were supported (expect reliability). Additionally, this study also revealed that a sustainable competitive variable plays a substantial role as a mediating variable in those relationships. Research limitations/implications This study is a cross-sectional survey. Consequently, the limited sample size from the electric industry may affect the power of generalizability. The next study may be demonstrated for other industries to respect the nature of the branding and MAs among the managerial staff of other industries. Practical implications This study will help managers to understand how to use the supply chain as branding for their MAs through sustainable competitiveness. Originality/value This study adds practical value to the literature on sustainable competitive, branding and MA and supply chain. The study shows that sustainable competitiveness has varying mediating effects on industry value.

The moderating role of cultural similarity in developing commitment in the industrial importer-supplier relationship

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Syed Saad Andaleeb ◽  
Md. Abu Saleh ◽  
Md. Yunus Ali
Keyword(s):  
Structural Equation ◽  
Transaction Cost Economics ◽  
Relative Advantage ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Specific Investment ◽  
Business Entities ◽  
Cultural Similarity

Purpose This study aims to examine whether and how cultural (dis) similarity between business entities enhances or impairs the development of commitment in the trust building process in industrial importer-foreign supplier relationships. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on theoretical lenses of transaction cost economics, resource-based view and dynamic capability view, this study investigates how cultural (dis)similarity moderates the effects of opportunism, transaction-specific investment (TSI), the relative advantage of importing and communication on commitment, leading to building trust in business relationships. Using structural equation modeling and moderated regression analysis, the study tested several predicted effects using a sample of 154 industrial importers drawn from a developing country in Asia. Findings A key finding of the study suggests that supplier opportunism comes into play and is negatively associated with industrial importer commitment as cultural dissimilarity increases. For culturally similar countries, opportunism does not affect commitment. Conversely, TSI has a positive effect on commitment for culturally similar countries; for dissimilar countries, TSI has no effect. The study also corroborates several additional hypotheses prevalent in the literature. Research limitations/implications Cross-sectional data rather than longitudinal data, single country rather than multi-country perspectives and data from the importer’s side rather than from both importer and exporter may affect generalizability. Future research ought to address these issues to provide further insights. Originality/value The paper enriches the literature and extends the nomological network for international business theory by introducing the moderating effect of business cultural similarity in building commitment. Managerial perspectives are also gleaned from the findings.

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