Abstract

Author:
Sadia Rahman, Avishek Nath, Nusrat Jahan Barsa, Sharmin Ara Chowdhury

Doi: 10.26480/mbmj.02.2024.98.106

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

This study analyzes the influence of supply chain flexibility on competitive advantage in Bangladeshi small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By employing a quantitative approach and utilizing a sample of 250 SMEs, the research investigates various dimensions of supply chain flexibility, including supplier flexibility, production flexibility, delivery flexibility, inventory flexibility, and market responsiveness. The findings indicate a significant relationship between market responsiveness and competitive advantage, highlighting its crucial role in enhancing SMEs’ positioning within the market. Conversely, the study found that other dimensions of supply chain flexibility did not show a statistically significant impact on competitive advantage. This research contributes to the understanding of supply chain dynamics in developing economies, particularly in the context of SMEs. Limitations include the study’s focus on a single geographic region and the reliance on self-reported data, which may introduce biases. Practical implications suggest that SMEs should prioritize market responsiveness while developing their supply chain strategies, fostering agility and adaptability to changing market conditions. Socially, the research emphasizes the importance of supporting SMEs in building flexible supply chains to enhance their competitiveness and contribute to economic growth. This study’s originality lies in its focused exploration of supply chain flexibility in Bangladeshi SMEs, filling a gap in the literature on supply chain management in developing countries.