Strategic Distribution Partnerships and Value Chain Innovation in Emerging Markets: A Moderated Mediation Analysis of Nigeria’s Lubricant Oil Industry (Published)
This study considers in what way strategic distribution partnerships drive value chain innovation and outcomes in emerging market supply chains. Drawing on Resource-Based View, Value Chain Theory, Strategic Alliance Theory, and Institutional Theory, we test a moderated mediation framework using data from 562 stakeholders in Nigeria’s lubricant oil industry. Structural Equation Modelling reveals that collaborative alliances considerably enhance value chain innovation (β = 0.63, p < 0.001), which in turn improves operational performance (β = 0.57, p < 0.001). Value chain innovation mediates the partnership-performance relationship (indirect effect = 0.36, p = 0.004), while institutional conditions moderate partnership-innovation outcomes (β = 0.21, p = 0.018). Partnerships function as dynamic capability enablers, with innovation serving as the main mechanism for performance gains. However, institutional context significantly conditions these relationships, stressing the importance of context-sensitive strategy in emerging economies. The study contributes a validated system for understanding how indigenous firms leverage collaborative systems to overcome physical and institutional constraints.
Keywords: Emerging Markets, Institutional Theory, Supply chain management, moderated mediation, strategic distribution partnerships, value chain innovation
Knowledge and Application of Green Supply Chain Management Practices in Selected Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Southeast, Nigeria (Published)
Environmental sustainability has become a critical concern for businesses worldwide, yet Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) often face challenges in adopting sustainable supply chain practices. This study examined the knowledge, attitude, and application of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices among selected SMEs in Southeast Nigeria, focusing on Abia, Enugu, and Imo States. A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving 382 purposively selected respondents, using questionnaires and interviews to capture both quantitative and qualitative insights. Quantitative analysis indicated a moderate level of knowledge of GSCM (overall mean = 3.07/5), with respondents demonstrating awareness of environmental integration in supply chain operations but showing gaps in understanding its broader strategic scope. Qualitative findings revealed that SMEs generally associate GSCM with basic environmental responsibility rather than comprehensive supply chain strategies. Implementation of GSCM practices was low, with only 6% of firms actively applying them, while 77.2% reported no implementation. The study concludes that despite moderate awareness, practical adoption of GSCM in SMEs is minimal. It recommends targeted training, sensitization programs, and strengthened regulatory enforcement to enhance GSCM integration.
Keywords: Green Supply Chain Management, Institutional Theory, Resource-Based View, SMEs, Southeast Nigeria, stakeholder theory, sustainable practices