Title: Cooperating to enhance the supply chain performance of Saudi Arabian manufacturing organisations

Authors: Mario Ferrer

Addresses: College of Business, Al Faisal University, P.O. Box 50927, Al Zahrawi Street, Al Maather, Al Takhassusi Rd, Riyadh 11533, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract: This study provides a comparative analysis of the impact of cooperation on supply chain performance in small and medium size firms (SMEs) and large manufacturing organisations operating in Saudi Arabia. Then, we investigate the moderating effects of both cost and responsiveness strategies on the links between cooperation and supply chain performance of SMEs and large firms. To this end, we first empirically identify the underlying dimensions of cooperation, agile strategies, cost strategies, and supply chain performance. Second, a series of regression analyses is undertaken to estimate the impact of the study's constructs on the supply chain performance of SMEs and large firms. The results are discussed comparatively within the contexts of both Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. The study makes a significant contribution to the extant literature through obtaining and analysing cross-company size survey data of cooperation practices, responsiveness, and cost strategies in emerging country markets.

Keywords: supply chain performance; cost strategies; cooperation; agility strategies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBPM.2021.118601

International Journal of Business Performance Management, 2021 Vol.22 No.4, pp.380 - 393

Accepted: 11 Feb 2021
Published online: 29 Oct 2021 *

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