The Influence of Digital Transformation on the Reconfigurability and Performance of Supply Chains: A Study of the Electronic, Machinery, and Home Appliance Manufacturing Industries in China

Limin Zhang, Fei Gu and Mingke He ()
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Limin Zhang: School of Management Engineering, Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing 100083, China
Fei Gu: School of Management Engineering, Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing 100083, China
Mingke He: Business School, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 7, 1-22

Abstract: In this era of intense global competition, supply chains are facing challenges in coping with emerging market issues. Within diverse industries worldwide, supply chains are experiencing accelerated reconfiguration, with one of the most notable transformations being the digitalization of supply chain operations. But the literature lacks empirical evidence about how digital transformation effectively contributes to it. Thus, this paper delves into the implications of the supply chain digital transformation (SCDT) and supply chain reconfigurability (SCR) on its overall performance. Cross-sectional data from 379 respondents in the machinery, electronics, and home appliance manufacturing industries were collected through a closed questionnaire. Utilizing a hybrid approach involving the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), this study employs a cross-validation of the conceptual model. Initially, the PLS-SEM is employed to unveil the direct impact of SCDT on supply chain performance (SCP), as well as the intermediary effect of SCR. Building on this foundation, the fsQCA method is further utilized to investigate the configuration paths that enable enterprises to achieve high SCP under the combined influence of SCR and SCDT. The research results affirm the significant influence of SCDT on SCP. Likewise, the findings highlight the crucial intermediary role of SCR between SCDT and SCP. Ultimately, three distinct configurations driving high supply chain performance are identified: technical, management, and flexible configurations, each playing a unique role.

Keywords: digital transformation; reconfigurability; supply chain performance; PLS-SEM; fsQCA (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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