Investigating the Strategies for Supply Chain Agility and Competitiveness

Main Article Content

Samudi Perera
Claudine Soosay
Sukhbir Sandhu

Abstract

Manuscript type: Research paper
Research aims: This study explores the strategies that enable firms to establish supply chain agility and competitiveness in Australian manufacturing firms.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Using a case study approach, interviews are conducted with eight Australian manufacturing firms. Underpinned by the dynamic capability perspective, data are then thematically analysed to derive the findings.
Research findings: Agility strategies are based on collaborative efforts, requiring information sharing among firms in the supply chain and diversifying core competencies in a strategic manner to remain competitive. Theoretical contribution/Originality: This study shows how dynamic capabilities foster competitive advantage. It identifies both the strategic and operational agility which enable firms to respond to market changes and to remain competitive.
Practitioner/Policy implication: The manufacturing industry in Australia is undergoing a transition where Australian manufacturers need to transform and be more agile by leveraging their competencies and supply chains collectively.
Research limitation/implications: The results are based on a crosssectional study of firms identified from the Australian manufacturing industry.


Keywords: Agility, Australian Manufacturing, Operations, Strategy, Supply Chains
JEL Classification: I3, M14

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Author Biographies

Samudi Perera, University of South Australia Business School, Adelaide

Early Career Researcher having completed her PhD in 2017 from the School of Management, University of South Australia Business School, Adelaide, SA 5001.

Claudine Soosay, University of South Australia Business School, Adelaide

Associate Professor: Operations and Supply Chain Management at the School of Management, University of South Australia Business School, Adelaide, SA 5001

Sukhbir Sandhu, University of South Australia Business School, Adelaide

Senior Lecturer: Sustainability and Strategy at the School of Management, University of South Australia Business School, Adelaide, SA 5001.