FACTORS AFFECTING THE LEVEL OF SUPPLY CHAIN PERFORMANCE AND ITS DIMENSIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF SUPPLY CHAIN ADAPTABILITY

Background: A vital determinant of supply chain performance is its adaptability. It is one of essential features that affect the results of the functioning of a supply chain. Many researchers indicate adaptability as a significant source of acquiring and maintaining a long-term competitive advantage, one of major factors that guarantee the success of a supply chain, or a major development megatrend of supply chains. The main objective of the article is to analyse the impact of such factors as industry and applied competitive strategy (cost leadership, differentiation, or focus) on the level of supply chain performance and results achieved by the supply chain with regard to the key aspects of performance in the context of adaptability.

Methods: In the article the author analyses results of studies conducted with CATI method at a sample of 200 enterprises representing four industries: automotive, food, furniture as well as consumer electronics and household appliances, which are among most advanced sectors in the Polish economy (leaders of Polish export). The analysis of data gathered was carried out at a few stages. Firstly, a hierarchical confirmatory factor analysis was applied. The developed model was used for measuring and assessing the performance of supply chains and its dimensions by means of designating factor scores. The last stage involved studying the impact of such factors as type of industry or applied competitive strategy on the level of performance and its four dimensions: visibility, velocity, versatility, and responsiveness. At this stage the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used.

Results: The results of the conducted studies provided evidence that the level of supply chain performance as well as its four dimensions is not affected by the type of industry, but vary in accordance to the applied competitive strategy.

Conclusions: The model, developed and positively verified in terms of quality, may constitute a useful tool for management practitioners to measure and assesses the performance of specific supply chains, as well as make comparisons between them. Thanks to determining factors that affect the level of performance and its four dimensions, managers may as well consciously indicate directions in improving supply chains.