Enhancing Decision-Making and Supply Chain Agility through Artificial Intelligence

PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of supply chain digitalization (SCD) on supply chain performance (SCP) with the integration of supply chain agility (SCA) and supply chain resilience (SCR) in manufacturing firms. Additionally, it investigates the moderating role of environmental dynamism (ED) in these relationships in the context of manufacturing firms.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire to collect data. The sample consisted of 374 valid responses from various managerial levels within manufacturing firms in Jordan. A purposive sampling technique was used to ensure that participants had relevant expertise in supply chain management. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) through Smart PLS software to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe study found that SCD positively impacts SCP by enhancing both SCA and SCR. Digital technologies were shown to improve supply chain visibility, speed of decision-making and resource efficiency, which are essential for maintaining performance under uncertain conditions. Furthermore, ED significantly moderates the relationship between digitalization and SCP, indicating that the benefits of digitalization on SCA and SCR are more pronounced in highly dynamic environments.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by offering an investigation on the role of SCD in influencing SCA, SCR and ultimately SCP in manufacturing firms. It also sheds light on the moderating effect of ED, providing a deeper understanding of the conditions under which digital transformation in supply chains is most beneficial. The study was based on three theoretical foundations: the resource-based view (RBV), the dynamic capabilities theory (DCT) and the contingency theory (CT).

PurposeIncreasingly, studies are reporting supply chain analytical capabilities as a key enabler of supply chain agility (SCAG) and supply chain performance (SCP). This study investigates the impact of environmental dynamism and competitive pressures in a supply chain analytics setting, and how intangible supply chain analytical capabilities (ISCAC) moderate the relationship between big data characteristics (BDC's) and SCAG in support of enhanced SCP.Design/methodology/approachThe study draws on the literature on big data, supply chain analytical capabilities, and dynamic capability theory to empirically develop and test a supply chain analytical capabilities model in support of SCAG and SCP. ISCAC was the moderated construct and was tested using two sub-dimensions, supply chain organisational learning and supply chain data driven culture.FindingsThe results show that whilst environmental dynamism has a significant relationship on the three key BDC's, only the volume and velocity dimensions are significant in relation to competitive pressures. Furthermore, only the velocity element of BDC's has a significant positive impact on SCAG. In terms of moderation, the supply chain organisational learning dimension of ISCAC was shown to only moderate the velocity aspect of BDC's on SCAG, whereas for the supply chain data driven culture dimension of ISCAC, only the variety aspect was shown to moderate of BDC on SCAG. SCAG had a significant impact on SCP.Originality/valueThis study adds to the existing knowledge in the supply chain analytical capabilities domain by presenting a nuanced moderation model that includes external factors (environmental dynamism and competitive pressures), their relationships with BDC's and how ISCAC (namely, supply chain organisational learning and supply chain data driven culture) moderates and strengthens aspects of BDC's in support of SCAG and enhanced SCP.

PurposeThe current study seeks to investigate how supply chain quality management (SCQM) and supply chain agility (SCA) and innovation (SCI) have an impact on supply chain performance (SCP) and how SCQM affects SCP through the mediating role of SCA and SCI capabilities.Design/methodology/approachIn line with the research objective, a quantitative model was applied, and a multi-item survey questionnaire was developed to collect primary data. A random sample of 284 manufacturing firms belonging to different industries was used. The measurement model was assessed for validity and reliability, and satisfactory levels of these tests were demonstrated. Research hypotheses were examined using structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe results of the current study have significant implications in regard to the further improvement of SCP through SCQM. The study also found that SCQM plays a key role across the entire SC network in facilitating and developing SCA and SCI capabilities. The remarkable findings of the current study revealed the indirect effect of SCQM on SCP through SCA and SCI. These results broaden the work of previous studies which identified the positive effects of SCQM on performance by providing meaningful insights into SCQM's role in promoting SCA and SCI capabilities, which, in turn, further improves SCP.Originality/valueThis study addresses a gap in the literature concerning the effect of SCQM on SCP. In addition, it is the first study, to the best of the researchers' knowledge, to explore the role of two major SC capabilities, namely, SCA and SCI on the SCQM–SCP relationship. Moreover, the present study addresses a questionable issue in the literature regarding practices that conceptualize SCQM. Several studies confuse SCQM practices with internal quality management (QM) practices. This study defines SCQM as consisting of collaborative QM practices with external SC members and proposes five related practices for measuring SCQM.

Purpose Borrowing from the dynamic capabilities theory and augmented by the relational view, the study investigates the criticality of supply chain agility in delivering operational performance while understanding the determinant role of key cross-firm resources. Additionally, based on the contingency theory, the interactive influence of two critical context factors, supply uncertainty and product complexity, is examined to enrich the understanding of the contingent nature of the operational performance implications. Design/methodology/approach The study draws its conclusions from the survey data collected from a 152-respondent sample of executives from US manufacturing firms. The empirical data analyses using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) relate agility to operational performance enhancements while incorporating the moderating effects of contextual factors. Findings The study relates agility capability to operational performance enhancements, while resource specificity and resource complementarity emerge as significant determinants of the capability. Results on the contingent impact of contextual factors suggest differential influences of supply uncertainty and product complexity on the agility–performance relationship: while the former enhances, the latter detracts from the relationship. Originality/value The study’s contributions suggest theory extensions into supply chains as contexts, reinforcing the importance of market-responsive capabilities and the foundational nature of supply chains as repositories of vital cross-firm resources. The contingent nature of the agility–performance relationship accents the importance of market context factors.

The present study aims to establish a link between digital and humanitarian supply chain management. This study has focused on using artificial intelligence-big data analytical capabilities and information alignment to develop and maintain supply chain collaboration to achieve supply chain agility in a dynamic environment like a disaster. The targeted population is humanitarian organizations in Pakistan. Simple random sampling method, data was collected from 242 respondents using an online questionnaire. The Partial Least Square – Structural Equation Modelling technique has been used for analysis. Resource Based Theory and Contingency Theory in this study have provided foundations to develop and test the relationships among information alignment, supply chain agility, artificial intelligence – big data analytical capabilities, and supply chain collaboration in disaster management. Findings showed the use of artificial intelligence – big data analytical capabilities are beneficial for information alignment and supply chain agility.

PurposeThis study tries to examine how supply chain (SC) absorptive capacity (AC), SC ambidexterity, SC risk mitigation and supply chain agility (SCA) affect SC efficacy (SCE) in manufacturing firms (MFs) in the Middle East region.Design/methodology/approachUsing a quantitative approach through a survey-based study, 1,004 questionnaires were distributed to the MFs that are listed in the chambers of the industries of Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in the Middle East region, with 239 useable and valid responses retrieved for analysis, representing a 23.8% response rate. The main respondents were chief executive managers, operations managers, managers and logistics managers from both mid and top levels. The conceptual model was tested by using a hypothesis-testing deductive approach. The findings are based on covariance-based analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) using partial least squares-SEM (PLS-SEM) software.FindingsThis study illustrates a significant relationship between SC AC, SC ambidexterity, SC risk mitigation and SCA on SCE. Further, the findings indicate that there is a significant effect of SC risk mitigation as a mediating factor in the relationship between SC AC, and SC ambidexterity on SCE directly and indirectly, as well through a moderating effect of SCA in these relations. Finally, there is a significant direct and indirect effect of SCA in the relationship between SC AC and SC ambidexterity on SCE as a moderating factor.Originality/valueThis study presents theoretical and empirical insights that both SC risk mitigation and SCA are proper logistics features for mediating and moderating extends the literature by adding a positive role of SC AC and SC ambidextrousness in mitigating SC risks. However, this study adds up the SC literature by evidencing moderating role of SCA between the absorptive capacities, ambidexterity on SCE. Such findings of this study can provide insightful implications for managers and practitioners at different levels in and efficacy among MFs (MFs, stakeholders and policymakers regarding the importance of using the three mentioned enablers on SCE) in MFs, particularly in the Middle Eastern firms and in developing countries in general East region.

The intersection of entrepreneurship and supply chain risk management remains an underexplored research area. Therefore, this article examines and empirically validates the relationships between corporate entrepreneurship, supply chain robustness, and supply chain agility as well as the financial and commercial dimensions of business performance. Based on an examination of the extant literature, a research framework proposing positive relationships among these components is introduced. To validate the hypotheses, the authors employ partial least squares structural equation modeling and analyze survey data obtained from 168 global firms. Except for the connections between (1) supply chain robustness and commercial performance and (2) supply chain agility and financial performance, significant positive path coefficients are observed for all hypothesized relationships. According to the findings, corporate entrepreneurship promotes both supply chain robustness and supply chain agility to mitigate supply chain disturbances. In addition, corporate entrepreneurship, supply chain robustness, and supply chain agility enhance different dimensions of business performance. Thereby, we advance the understanding of supply chain risk management by bridging the gap between these research streams.

This study examines how Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies enhance supply chain resilience (SCR) in manufacturing firms by testing the mediating roles of supply chain agility (SCAG), supply chain adaptability (SCAD) and the moderating effect of customer integration (CI). Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities View (DCV), the research conceptualizes digital technologies—such as the Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI)—as both strategic resources and enablers of dynamic capabilities in turbulent environments. Survey data were collected from 273 manufacturing firms in Turkey, a context shaped by geopolitical and economic disruptions, and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicate that I4.0 technologies positively affect SCR directly and indirectly through SCAG and SCAD. However, while agility consistently strengthens resilience, adaptability shows a negative mediating effect, suggesting context-specific constraints. CI significantly amplifies the positive impact of I4.0 on SCR, underscoring the importance of external relational capabilities. Theoretically, this research advances supply chain literature by integrating RBV and DCV to explain how digital transformation drives resilience through distinct dynamic capabilities. Practically, it offers guidance for managers to combine digital infrastructure with collaborative customer relationships to mitigate disruptions and secure long-term performance. Overall, the study provides an integrated framework for building resilient supply chains in the digital era.

Modern business organisations recognise agility in supply chains to be a vital strategy for survival in a competitive scenario. The assessment of agility in supply chains is quite important as it is an indicator of strategic agile position. There exists a need for evaluating agility in supply chains for the case organisation. This study begins by developing a conceptual model for evaluation. This is followed by gathering single factor assessment vector and weights by experts. Then multi-grade fuzzy approach has been used for the evaluation of agility in the supply chain. The evaluation exercise indicated that the case organisation is agile; but still there exist chances for improving the agility level. Then the weaker areas have been identified and the improvement proposals have been implemented. The implementation result indicated that there is a significant improvement in the agility level of the case organisation.

We provide a technical assessment and critique of the existing literature via highlighting problems associated with conceptualization and technical improvement of agility practices. By presenting a narrative evaluation of the technical review, we underscore the nature of the SC hazard in addition to agility practices and furnish a synthesis for future studies. The purpose is to examine the relationship between identifying and ranking the elements affecting supply management for SC agility in compressed natural gas pressure vessels. This study is applied research and data are collected based on descriptive survey. The populace of the investigation is milled compressed natural gas pressure vessels. Survey data are amassed through interviews and questionnaires. Cronbach’s alpha has been utilized to evaluate the reliability of the values received 0.778, which shows that the questionnaire is of excellent reliability and the questionnaire has 27 questions. Also, because the volume of the statistical population is 270 people, the consequences show that there is a positive connection among the empowerment of SC agility. Driving agility is on a positive supply chain (SC) agility. The expense has a poagilitysitive impact on SC agility.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships between technology orientations and export performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research design was adopted for this study. The paper formulates hypotheses from the literature review. These hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling with data collected from 231 SMEs in Uganda. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and AMOS.FindingsThe findings of this study showed technology orientation has a positive and significant relationship with the performance of Ugandan SMEs and that supply chain agility moderates technology orientation and export performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe study discusses the findings, advances limitations and managerial implications. It also suggests future research avenues. It proposes some recommendations to help Ugandan SMEs to form flexible supply chains, use the latest technology and create strong relationship ties with their partners in the supply chain.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that managers of Ugandan SMEs should use the latest technology in production, marketing, logistics and supply chain management which will enable them to respond quickly to customer tastes and preferences leading to higher levels of export performance.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature on strategic management showing the reliability of scales used and the confirmatory of the factor structure. This study shows that in strategic management technology, orientation is critical in increasing export performance. This study has extended the resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capabilities theories.

The antecedents of supply chain agility of a firm: Scale development and model testing

This study empirically analyzed the impact of supply chain capabilities—agility, adaptability, and alignment—on supply chain resilience, while also examining whether organizational flexibility plays a moderating role in these relationships. A survey was conducted among domestic manufacturing firms, yielding a total of 176 responses, and the research hypotheses were tested using PLS structural equation modeling(PLS-SEM). The results revealed the following findings. First, supply chain agility had a significant positive (+) impact on supply chain adaptability, alignment, and resilience, and both adaptability and alignment also had a significant positive (+) effect on supply chain resilience. Second, in examining the mediating effect of supply chain adaptability and alignment in the relationship between supply chain agility and resilience, both adaptability and alignment were found to have a significant positive (+) mediating effect. Finally, regarding the moderating effect of organizational flexibility, it was confirmed that organizational flexibility significantly moderated the relationships between supply chain agility and both adaptability and alignment. Additionally, organizational flexibility was found to have a significant moderating effect on the relationships between supply chain agility, adaptability, alignment, and resilience. Through this study, it can be suggested that supply chain resilience is maximized not only through rapid responses to disruptions (agility) but also by incorporating long-term adaptive responses to environmental changes (adaptability) and fostering collaboration among supply chain stakeholders (alignment). Furthermore, strategic management of organizational flexibility is necessary to enhance supply chain resilience.

This research investigates the impact of external environment, cognitive factors, and behavioral dimensions in the context of implementing supply chain agility. It applies social cognitive theory to establish a link between various environments including business uncertainty and supply chain disruption risk, cognitive factors such as supply chain agility self-efficacy, trust, and supply chain cooperation, coordination, and communication attitude, and actions such as implementing supply chain agility as well as behavior to explain the decision-making process in implementation. Based on the survey data collected from 254 supply and purchasing managers in the Korean manufacturing industry, AMOS software with structural equation method was used for data analysis Our results support the concept that business uncertainty reduces self-efficacy in supply chain agility although both business uncertainty and supply chain disruption risk boosted trust in the supply chain as well as buyers’ positive attitude toward supply chain cooperation, coordination, and communication. The concept of supply chain agility, self-efficacy, trust, and supply chain cooperation, coordination, and communication attitude have a positive impact on firm performance. Supply chain agility, self-efficacy, and trust in suppliers positively affects implementation of supply chain agility as well as firms’ financial, operational, and supply chain performance. This research provides meaningful insights for considering external environments and cognitive factors while making decisions in implementing supply chain agility.

The growing digital transformation in retail has brought artificial intelligence (AI) to the forefront of supply chain management, enabling firms to enhance efficiency, responsiveness, and adaptability. This study investigates the relationship between AI adoption and supply chain agility among retail organizations in Pakistan. Drawing on the Resource-Based View (RBV), Dynamic Capabilities View (DCV), and Resource Orchestration Theory (ROT), the research explores how AI integration contributes to agility dimensions—flexibility, speed, and responsiveness. A quantitative research design was employed, using structured questionnaires distributed to 200 supply chain and operations managers across major retail sectors, including grocery, e-commerce, apparel, and consumer electronics. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Smart PLS, incorporating descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses. Results indicate a strong and positive relationship between AI adoption and supply chain agility (R = 0.79, R² = 0.62, p < 0.001). AI adoption was found to significantly enhance all agility dimensions, enabling firms to better anticipate market changes, streamline operations, and improve customer responsiveness. The findings suggest that organizations that effectively leverage AI tools are more capable of achieving operational flexibility and competitive advantage. The study contributes theoretically by extending technological management literature through the integration of RBV, DCV, and ROT, and practically by offering insights for managers and policymakers promoting digital transformation in emerging economies. Limitations and future research directions are discussed, emphasizing longitudinal and cross-sectoral studies for broader generalizability.