Investigating The Strategies For Supply Chain Agility And Competitiveness

Manuscript type: Research paperResearch aims: This study explores the strategies that enable firms to establish supply chain agility and competitiveness in Australian manufacturing firms.Design/Methodology/Approach: Using a case study approach, interviews are conducted with eight Australian manufacturing firms. Underpinned by the dynamic capability perspective, data are then thematically analysed to derive the findings.Research findings: Agility strategies are based on collaborative efforts, requiring information sharing among firms in the supply chain and diversifying core competencies in a strategic manner to remain competitive.Theoretical contribution/Originality: This study shows how dynamic capabilities foster competitive advantage. It identifies both the strategic and operational agility which enable firms to respond to market changes and to remain competitive.Practitioner/Policy implication: The manufacturing industry in Australia is undergoing a transition where Australian manufacturers need to transform and be more agile by leveraging their competencies and supply chains collectively.Research limitation/implications: The results are based on a cross-sectional study of firms identified from the Australian manufacturing industry.