A Triple-A supply chain measurement model: validation and analysis

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish definitions and dimensions of Triple-A supply chain (SC) variables based on a literature review and to validate a Triple-A SC measurement model using a worldwide multiple informant sample.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review, Triple-A SC variables (agility, alignment and adaptability) are conceptualized and a list of possible items is created for their measurement. An international 309 plant sample is used to validate the convergent and criterion validities of the composites proposed to measure Triple-A SC.

Findings

Contributions to the literature: clarification of Triple-A SC variable concepts; identification of key dimensions of Triple-A SC variables; development of a validated Triple-A SC measurement scale for future empirical research and industrial applications.

Research limitations/implications

A rigorously validated instrument is needed to measure Triple-A SC variables and enable researchers to credibly test theories regarding causal links between capabilities, practices and performance.

Practical implications

Proposal of a scale for use by managers of different functions to analyze Triple-A SC deployment in the company.

Originality/value

The only Triple-A SC scale used in the previous literature has serious limitations: scales were not taken from an extended literature review; data were collected from single respondents in a single country. This is the first validated Triple-A SC measurement model to overcome these limitations.

Citation

Marin-Garcia, J.A., Alfalla-Luque, R. and Machuca, J.A.D. (2018), "A Triple-A supply chain measurement model: validation and analysis", International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 48 No. 10, pp. 976-994. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-06-2018-0233