Quality of information sharing as a moderator: An investigation of the relationship between supply chain management strategies and competitive advantage in Saudi Arabian manufacturing companies

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of supply chain management methods on competitive advantage in Saudi Arabian manufacturing firms, with a particular emphasis on the function of information sharing quality as a moderating variable. The data received from a sample of Saudi manufacturing enterprises were analyzed using a structural equation modelling technique. According to the findings, customer relationships, the level of information sharing, and strategic supplier partnerships all have strong beneficial impacts on competitive advantage. However, the influence of information sharing quality alone on competitive advantage was shown to be statistically negligible. These results emphasize the necessity of developing strong customer relationships, encouraging effective information exchange procedures, and creating strategic collaborations with suppliers to gain a competitive edge. The research adds to the current literature by providing insights unique to Saudi Arabian industrial firms. The results are important for managers and decision-makers developing competitive supply chain management strategies. Future studies may investigate other factors and dimensions, as well as perform longitudinal studies, to better understand the structures of supply chain management and competitive advantage in the Saudi context.