Responsiveness and supply chain performance: A hierarchical capability perspective

Abstract

Background: Supply chain performance increasingly depends on transport responsiveness and effective coordination across interconnected value-chain activities. Rising uncertainty, cost pressures and customer expectations have intensified the need to understand how transport-related operational indicators shape overall supply chain performance from a strategic operations perspective.
Objectives: This study examines the extent to which transport responsiveness and key operational capabilities, namely lead time, supplier performance, manufacturing cost, transportation cost and inventory level are associated with supply chain performance outcomes.
Method: A quantitative research design was adopted using the publicly available ‘Supply chain analysis dataset’. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analyses and multivariate regression models were employed to analyse the relationships between operational indicators and a composite supply chain performance index capturing delivery timeliness, cost efficiency and fulfilment accuracy. Robustness checks were conducted using alternative model specifications.
Results: Lead time emerged as the most significant determinant of supply chain performance and was strongly negatively associated with performance outcomes. Supplier rating and manufacturing cost were also statistically significant predictors, whereas transportation cost and inventory level showed no significant effects. Diagnostic tests confirmed the stability of the estimated relationships.
Conclusion: The study contributes to the transport and supply chain management literature by examining the role of transport responsiveness in shaping performance outcomes.
Contribution: By integrating the resource-based view, dynamic capabilities and supply chain integration perspectives, this study advances a capability-based explanation of supply chain performance and provides actionable insights for logistics managers, transport planners and other stakeholders.