Exploring factors influencing supply chain performance: Role of supply chain resilience with mixed method approach empirical evidence from the Chinese healthcare Sector

Abstract

Abstract94% of Fortune 1000 firms experienced supply chain disruptions. The severe shortage of essential medical supplies caused by COVID-19 has severely hampered the healthcare supply chain (HCSC). This study explores the impact of supply chain resilience (SCR) on supply chain performance (SCP) and the impact of communication (COM), organization culture (OC), top management support (TMS), and product complexity (PC) on SCR. The establishment of a theoretical framework is the goal of this study. This paper adopts mixed research methodologies: the qualitative method using semi-structured interviews and NVivo data analysis, and the quantitative method based on self-administered questionnaires and SmartPLS analysis. The study investigated SCR in the Chinese healthcare industry from the perspective of CAS (complex adaptive systems). 32 Tier-4 healthcare organizations from China took part in the interviews. 162 businesses filled out questionnaires to gather data from Chinese healthcare suppliers or manufacturers. The results suggested that SCR positively impacts SCP, and COM, OC, and PC positively impact SCR, but empirical evidence for the significance of TMS on SCR is still lacking. Top management in China’s healthcare sector still needs to improve SCR management, especially by incorporating digital technology into the direction of the company’s supply chain, including supply chain innovation brought about by new technology and big data analysis. This study can be expanded to include Chinese healthcare. In response to supply chain disruptions, this effort will improve SCR.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• supply chain resilience
• supply chain performance
• communication
• culture
• management support