Unleashing the power of supply chain learning: an empirical investigation

Abstract

PurposeOrganisational learning plays a critical role for firms to keep abreast of a supply chain environment filled with volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA). This study investigates the extent to which supply chain learning (SCL) affects operational resilience under such circumstances.Design/methodology/approachThis study developed a research framework and underlying hypotheses based on SCL and information processing theory (IPT). An empirical test was carried out using secondary data derived from the “Supply Chain Policy” launched by the Chinese government and two large related conferences.FindingsSCL positively relates to operational resilience, and several moderators influence the relationship between them. The authors argue that digital-technological diversity could weaken the role of SCL in operational resilience, whereas customer concentration, and participating in a pilot programme could enhance the effect of SCL.Practical implicationsFirms should embrace the power of SCL in building resilience in the VUCA era. Meanwhile, they should be cautious of a digital-technological diversification strategy, appraise the customer base profile and proactively engage in pilot programmes.Originality/valueThis research develops the SCL construct further in the context of China and empirically measures its power on operational resilience using a unique dataset. This contributes to the theorisation of SCL.

Enhancing digital transformation: exploring the role of supply chain diversification and dynamic capabilities in Chinese companies

“…(4) Pilot Policy (PP) is assessed based on the approach outlined by Guo et al . (2023a) and Liu et al. (2023b).…”

“…These policies, including incentives such as tax reductions, subsidies, and preferential treatments, incentivize enterprises to participate in innovation endeavors actively (Wang et al, 2023b). In China, the supply chain innovation pilot policy (PP) stands as a cornerstone government initiative for fostering supply chain development (Liu et al, 2023b). Hence, the influence of ERP and PP on the relationship between SCD and enterprise DT, representing crucial complementary internal and external resources for enterprises, remains to be elucidated.…”

“…The PP facilitates enterprise learning opportunities for suppliers and customers through organized training sessions, seminars, and exchange activities. For instance, the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing held conferences in May 2018 and November 2019 to disseminate knowledge on pilot policies of supply chain innovation (Liu et al, 2023b). These initiatives enable enterprises to reconfigure their resources and capabilities to access diversified supply chains (Haq, 2021;Yang et al, 2022).…”

“…(4) Pilot Policy (PP) is assessed based on the approach outlined by Guo et al (2023a) and Liu et al (2023b). This involves the interaction term (Treat i;j 3 Post i;t ), which is the product of the pilot (Treat i;j ) and the timing of the pilot (Post i;t ).…”

“…, 2023b). In China, the supply chain innovation pilot policy (PP) stands as a cornerstone government initiative for fostering supply chain development (Liu et al. , 2023b).…”