An investigation of transportation logistics strategy on manufacturing supply chain responsiveness in developing countries: the mediating role of delivery reliability and delivery speed

This study aims to investigate and examine the impact of delivery reliability (DR) and delivery speed (DS) on the relationship between a manufacturing firm's transportation logistics strategy (TLS) and supply chain responsiveness (SCR). Furthermore, it examine the impacts of SCR on manufacturing firm performance (MFP). A quantitative methodology was used for the purposes of gathering and analysing primary data for this empirical study, which included 212 participants in large-sized manufacturing firms in the Middle East Territory. A web-based survey was used for the data gathering process and applied after conducting a small pilot study. The conceptual model was tested by using a hypothesis-testing deductive approach. The findings are based on covariance-based analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS software. The findings show that DR is mediating partially the relationship between TLS and MSCR, and that DS is mediating fully the relationship; further, it is pointed out that SCR is supported with improved MFP. The empirical findings can have insightful implications for managers and practitioners in terms of boosting competitive advantage and financial performance.