Leveraging the impact of supply chain integration through information technology
Vanpoucke, Evelyne
Vanpoucke, Evelyne
Publication Type
Journal article with impact factor
Editor
Supervisor
Publication Year
2017-04-03
Journal
International Journal of Operations & Production Management
Book
Publication Volume
37
Publication Issue
4
Publication Begin page
510
Publication End page
530
Publication Number of pages
Collections
Abstract
Purpose Companies increasingly exchange information to work more closely with supply chain partners. Although information exchange is a critical element for up- and downstream partnerships, the purpose of this paper is to indicate that it is not a guarantee for improved performance and should be combined with other integration tactics to fully capture its benefits. Design/methodology/approach Using a global sample in the industrial sector, a moderated mediation framework for both upstream and downstream integration, which links integration tactics to operational performance, was empirically tested. Findings This research shows that operational integration is indispensable to capture the benefits of information exchange. In addition, it points out that the impact of the use of information technology (IT) is stronger for upstream integration. Practical implications While the data show that the use of IT significantly improves the delivery performance in the supply chain, it also signals to managers how and when to invest in supply chain integration tactics. Originality/value This paper contributes to a better understanding of the supply chain integration-performance link, by clarifying some of the inconsistencies in previous literature and by simultaneously analyzing upstream and downstream implications.
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
Empirical, Collaboration, Supply Chain Management, Operational Performance, Information Technology, Vertical Integration