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Linking supply chain practices to competitive advantage: An example from Australian agribusiness

Ferry Jie (School of Business IT and Logistics, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia)
Kevin A. Parton (Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Orange, Australia)
Rodney J. Cox (Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, Orange, Australia)

British Food Journal

ISSN: 0007-070X

Article publication date: 28 June 2013

4233

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated modelling framework that links management action to supply chain processes and then to competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

Using survey responses about supply chain management in the Australian beef processing industry, regression analysis was used to develop a model simultaneously explaining the links from management action to supply chain processes and on to competitive advantage.

Findings

A relatively simple regression model was established that should be widely applicable in agri‐food processing industries. In the context of our example industry, the results suggest that there is a strong link from some supply chain practices to competitive advantage, with trust and information quality being important drivers of the process.

Research limitations/implications

Being based on a survey approach, a limitation is that that the results show managers' perceived influences on supply chain performance, not the influences observed by the researchers.

Practical implications

The regression method provides an easy way of summarising the links between supply chain practices and competitive advantage. This method may be generally applicable across agri‐food industries, particularly those with many small and medium‐size food enterprises.

Originality/value

This research provides a new method of integrating various aspects of supply chain management and competitive advantage. The method has the great advantage of parsimony.

Keywords

Citation

Jie, F., Parton, K.A. and Cox, R.J. (2013), "Linking supply chain practices to competitive advantage: An example from Australian agribusiness", British Food Journal, Vol. 115 No. 7, pp. 1003-1024. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-10-2010-0181

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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