Improving sustainable performance by enhancing supply chain resilience

: the dynamic capability perspective

Abstract

Conversations about supply chain resilience frameworks can lead stakeholders throughout the supply chain to adopt varied resilience measures in the face of unforeseen events. However, this approach can introduce inconsistencies that weaken and undermine resilience. This research, anchored in the dynamic capability framework, delves into the role of supply chain resilience in underpinning the sustainable evolution of supply chains, with a focal emphasis on the Chinese construction sector. Through a cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire survey, data was collected from 525 participants within Chinese construction supply chains. This dataset was rigorously analysed using both the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS). Firstly, employing second-order models, the study offers profound insights into the multifaceted nature of the pivotal constructs. The research differentiates between traditional company dynamic capabilities and supply chain dynamic capabilities, accentuating the imperative for a layered perspective. Then, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analyses revealed a direct, positive correlation between resilience and sustainability, where dynamic capabilities played a mediating role. Significantly, among the various dynamic capabilities, only Supply Chain Seizing (SEI) was discerned to significantly mediate the relationship between Supply Chain Resilience (SCR) and Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM). Finally, invariance analysis affirmed the study's general applicability across diverse firm types in the Chinese construction domain. However, certain non-invariances detected in specific relations and error terms underscore the necessity for meticulous instrument development and validation to cater to different sample groups. The analysis also indicated that while SSCM practices are notably beneficial for designers, there exists an evident gap in their optimal application among contractors. In an era where Chinese construction firms are expanding globally, placing emphasis on the triple bottom line, the implications of this research stand out. Theoretically, the study illuminates the intricate nexus between supply chain resilience, dynamic capabilities, and sustainable management. From a practical standpoint, firms, especially in volatile contexts, are advised to embed dynamic capabilities within their strategic frameworks. A pivotal takeaway is the marked effectiveness of sustainable practices among designers compared to contractors, pinpointing clear areas for enhancement.

Date of Award	Sept 2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Coventry University
Supervisor	Mahdi Bashiri (Supervisor), Ming Lim (Supervisor), Tega Akpobi (Supervisor) & Jiayao Hu (Supervisor)