A conceptualisation of supply chain effectiveness

Bambrick, Scott Francis (2016) A conceptualisation of supply chain effectiveness. Doctoral thesis (PhD), Manchester Metropolitan University.

Preview

Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (7MB) | Preview

Abstract

With globalisation leading to increased competition within their markets, businesses face new challenges. One of these is the management and subsequent efficiency of their supply chains. Through carefully considered and implemented supply chain management, businesses can attain a competitive advantage over their competitors. However, there is evidence to suggest that in practice, success factors attributed to efficiency of supply chains are not being addressed. This is of concern, as more businesses are now competing supply chain vs supply chain rather than directly as business vs business. This study investigates the success factors related to the management of successful supply chains. The research methodology of this study utilised a quantitative survey instrument informed by qualitative information. It encapsulates structured themes within a conceptual framework and encompasses the associated critical success factors of each theme. Responses from 307 supply chain decision makers, have enabled both exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis to take place. Through an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) the findings firstly identified 48 variables as critical factors directly attributed to supply chain efficiency. A confirmatory factor analysis offered the plausibility of a model fit of a 7V conceptual framework when addressing supply chain efficiency. The research contributes to the relatively new field research area of supply chain management and specifically critical success factors. It develops a conceptual framework that can assist organisations when planning and managing their supply chains. In doing so it also identifies critical success factors that if managed can improve supply chain efficiency and assist organisations in attaining a competitive advantage.