Competitive positioning for LARG Supply Chain in Cement Industry and its Strategic Requirements Importance-Performance Analysis

Abstract

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is considered as a key factor to achieve goals such as creating competitive advantage, product quality improvement and increasing profitability in the cement industry. The main purpose of this research is to determine competitive positioning for LARG supply chain in the iranian cement industry and to do Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) for its related strategic requirements (Strenghts, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats). A survey-descriptive research method was applied and an available sample includes 11 Iranian cement companies were selected. First, with reviewing related literature and using the Delphi Method (DM), the strategic requirements of LARG supply chain in the cement industry identified. In the next step, the importance of each strategic requirement determined using SWARA technique. Then the results of applying Internal/External Factors Evaluation (IFE/EFE) matrix showed that to achieve the suitable position in the LARG supply chain for the Iranian cement industry an aggressive strategy should be taken. In the final step, applying Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) matrix showed all requirements for aggressive strategy except exporting opportunities and cooperation culture in the supply chain that were in quadrant one, evaluated in quadrant II (keep up the good work). Finally, some suggestions presented toward improving LARG supply chain performance in the Iranian cement industry.

Keywords

• swara technique
• importance-performance analysis
• aggressive strategy
• larg supply chain management