Assessing the Perception of Supply Chain Risk and Partnerships Using Importance-Performance Analysis Model: A Case Study of SMEs in China and Korea

Abstract

There are many studies on supply chain performances but few of them attempt to measure the perception of partnership and risk on performance and the importance of those perceptions to the supply chain. Perception of partnership and risk often affects performance. This study attempts to present empirical study results on the performance of supply chain partnerships and risk using the importance-performance analysis (IPA) model with samples from business establishments in small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in China and Korea. This study reviewed 198 valid returns (128 from Chinese firms and 70 from Korean firms, a return rate of 44%) and found there are significant differences in perception of performance and importance between the two countries especially in the supplier-customer relationship area. The findings raise some useful implications and information for companies in both countries to consider in building and maintaining a sustainable supply chain in the future. This study hopes to simulate additional discussions on this topic using the IPA model.