| The focus of this research is threefold. First, to explore the critical factors that affect supply chain management by consolidating research from diverse disciplines; second, to explore the relationships that will enhance the effective management of the supply chain; and third, to develop a unified theory in supply chain management.; The survey instrument was developed based on an extensive literature review. A cross-sectional mail survey was conducted for data collection. An iterative instrument development procedure that satisfies all the requirements of instrument reliability, validity and unidimensionality is utilized to consolidate the theoretical constructs. Multiple research models based on divergent focus were developed to study the interrelationship between the factors. Structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was used to analyze the research models.; The theoretical constructs satisfied all the requirements of reliability, validity, and unidimensionality. The results prove the importance of strategic purchasing, customer focus, competitive priorities, top management support, and information technology to the successful management of supply chain. The evaluation of the research models also provides a better understanding into the environmental uncertainty, customer-oriented supply chain management, supplier relationship and management, enterprise logistics, and networked organizational structure. In its entirety, this study provides a better understanding of the critical elements of supply chain management and the effect of their interrelationships on supply chain performance. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
