Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operate in supply environments characterised by uncertainty, resource constraints and recurring disruptions. In such environments, the capacity to adapt operations, manage supply chain risks and deploy technology strategically may determine whether firms maintain performance or experience prolonged operational difficulties. This study examined the effects of supply chain flexibility, supply chain risk management and supply chain technology adoption on the performance of SMEs in South-East Nigeria. The study adopted a quantitative survey design and analysed data obtained from 325 valid SME responses. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the measurement and structural models. The findings show that supply chain flexibility has a significant positive effect on SME performance (β = 0.30, p < 0.001). Supply chain risk management emerged as the strongest predictor of performance, with a significant positive effect (β = 0.37, p < 0.001). However, supply chain technology adoption did not have a significant direct effect on SME performance (β = –0.05, p = 0.52). The findings suggest that adaptive and risk-oriented capabilities have more immediate performance implications for SMEs than technology adoption considered in isolation. The study argues that technology should be integrated with organisational capabilities and supply chain processes rather than treated as an automatic route to improved performance. The article contributes to supply chain resilience research by examining the combined effects of operational adaptability, risk management and technology adoption within the SME context of South-East Nigeria. Practical implications are provided for SME managers, policymakers and supply chain practitioners.
Chikaodili Peace Onuorah, I. Nwaizugbo, O. Ojiaku et al.· Open Access Journal of Busin...· 0 citations
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies operate within supply environments marked by demand uncertainty, supplier disruptions, infrastructure constraints and intense competition. These conditions make the development of supply chain resilience capabilities increasingly important for sustained business performance. This study examined the effects of supply chain agility, supply chain flexibility and supply chain collaboration on the performance of SMEs in South-East Nigeria. The study adopted a quantitative survey design and drew on primary data collected through a structured questionnaire from SMEs operating across the region. A sample of 398 SMEs was determined, while 325 valid responses were returned and used for analysis. Structural equation modelling was employed to assess the measurement and structural models. The findings indicate that supply chain agility has a significant positive effect on SME performance (β = 0.32, p < 0.001). Supply chain flexibility also exerts a significant positive effect on performance (β = 0.30, p < 0.001), while supply chain collaboration has a significant positive effect (β = 0.22, p = 0.001). The results suggest that SMEs that respond quickly to environmental changes, reconfigure operations when conditions change, and maintain purposeful relationships with supply chain partners are more likely to achieve stronger performance outcomes. The study contributes to supply chain resilience scholarship by isolating three closely related but conceptually distinct capabilities within the SME context of South-East Nigeria. It recommends that SME managers move beyond reactive supply chain practices and deliberately build agility, flexibility and collaborative routines as complementary capabilities.
Chi-Chi Onuorah, I. Nwaizugbo, O. Ojiaku· Open Access Journal of Manag...· 0 citations