Strategic Sustainability and Operational Initiatives in Small- and Medium-Sized Manufacturers: An Empirical Analysis

Abstract

We explored the moderating impacts of product modularity and supply chain visibility for sustainability and operational initiatives, which entails a dramatic rethinking and reorganization of the production processes of manufacturing enterprises. Moderating effects of product modularity and supply chain visibility on links among supply chain pressure, technological pressure, sustainable practices, operational performance, and sustainability performance were included. A conceptual model was developed following the resource-based view and dynamic capability theories. Well-designed questionnaires collected data, and the total sample size for data analysis was 490 responses from small- and medium-sized manufacturing firms in Pakistan. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the proposed hypothesis. The first finding revealed that operational performance and sustainable performance both improve when companies implement sustainable practices. The second finding drawn from the data was that supply chain pressure and technological pressure have a positive effect on sustainable practices. The major finding of this work was grounded in the product modularity perspective, we argue that the relations among supply chain pressure, technological pressure, sustainable practices, operational performance, and sustainability performance are affected and moderated. The moderating effect of supply chain visibility existed and it has a positive moderating effect for the relationships from sustainable practices toward operational and sustainability performance. Surprisingly, moderating impact of visibility on relations from supply chain pressure and technological pressure towards sustainable practices was not significant.

Qualitative-environmental aspects of products improvement in SMEs from V4 countries

“…The survey questions were constructed based on a review of the subject literature, i.e. (Benito-Hernández et al, 2023;Bryła, 2020;Hudakova et al, 2021;Saqib et al, 2023;Wysocki, 2018).…”

How to Manage Supply Chains Successfully in Transport Infrastructure Projects

“…The primary goals of evaluating logistics performance are to reduce operational expenses, stimulate revenue growth, and enhance shareholder value [42]. The incoming logistics chain should evaluate factors including manufacturing, shipping, customs brokerage, and delivery in terms of overall lead time to increase efficiency [14]. Project failures in Pakistan's construction sector result from time and expense overruns, which impede development by government goals [43].…”

“…Effective supply chain management is a prerequisite for the success of major transportation infrastructure projects. It enhances project performance by optimizing cost control, ensuring timely delivery, and facilitating the use of higher-quality materials and components [14]. According to [53], efficient supply chain management enhances project outcomes by reducing expenses, optimizing resource utilization, and improving project coordination.…”

“…BIM stands out as a highly promising recent innovation in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) [13]. Additionally, in the realm of building, off-site manufacturing has been validated as an effective alternative to the conventional on-site construction approach [14]. Most recent research has primarily concentrated on qualitative examinations of the amalgamation of BIM and OSM in specific areas of enhancement.…”

Market Diversification and Competitiveness of Fresh Grape Exports in Peru

“…The research can theoretically be enriched and extended by incorporating findings from recent studies examining the impact of product modularity and supply chain visibility on sustainability and operational performance. For instance, the study of manufacturing in small and medium-sized enterprises in Pakistan [49] offers a valuable framework. This framework can analogously be applied to argue that, in the Peruvian vitivinicultural industry, greater supply chain visibility and adaptability in production practices could positively moderate the relationship between market pressures, technological innovation, and market diversification in the competitiveness of exports.…”