Information technology, operational, and management competencies for supply chain agility: Findings from case studies

Given the growing emphasis on the need for supply chain agility to sustain competitive advantage, this study explores the impact of the relationship between supply chain competence and supply chain agility on firm performance. Although the influence of supply chain agility on firm performance has been acknowledged, this study further articulates the relationship from the perspective of inter-organizational collaboration. We develop a conceptual model based on the resource-based view and employ a multi-case study method in this exploratory research. Our findings highlight the importance of distinguishing the difference between supply chain agility and supply chain competence and their impact on firm performance. This study contributes to the growing body of conceptual and empirical literature on supply chain agility and adds to the understanding of the complexity of supply chain competence.

Research highlights► We explore the impact of the relationship between supply chain competence and supply chain agility on firm performance. ► Our findings highlight the importance of distinguishing the difference between supply chain agility and supply chain competence and their impact on firm performance. ► Our findings provide a clear pathway for the development of supply chain agility as a competitive advantage. ► This study reveals the importance of inter-organizational collaboration in creating IT and operational competencies for supply chain agility.