Antecedents and consequences of integration of supply chain information systems into the textile supply chain. A Kenyan textile supply chain perspective

Abstract

Background: Supply chain information systems remained critical for the performance of the supply chain. A number of information systems have previously been used alongside other supply chain drivers when examining the contribution of the supply chain to overall organisational performance. Nevertheless, factors that enhanced integration of information systems into the supply chain remained unclear.

Objectives: This study analysed antecedents and consequences of integration of information systems into the Kenyan textile supply chain.

Method: This study leaned towards the positivist research paradigm in adopting a covariance-based confirmatory research design to explain relationship between variables. The study sample was made up of 290 respondents drawn from textile firms in Nairobi County. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the collected data.

Results: The findings of the study indicated that implementation of information technology (IT) and knowledge and management of IT were significant antecedents of integration of supply chain information systems. Moreover, the study findings confirmed that the consequence of having these antecedents in place was increased performance of Kenya’s textile firms.

Conclusion: This study contributed to existing theory on supply chain management by delineating knowledge and management of IT, together with the capability to implement information technology as the main factors required in overseeing integration of information systems into the supply chain. Practical implication of these findings was that integration of information systems into the supply chain may not be achieved without coming up with good strategic plans and having a good IT infrastructure when knowledge and management of IT and capacity to implement it were lacking.