Abstract
The work examined the impact of information technology (IT) tools on supply chain performance of online retailers in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey research design and the purposive sampling procedure. Data were analyzed using the multiple regression analysis. The study revealed that information technology (IT) tools have positive influence on supply chain performance of online retailers in Calabar Metropolis. It has been observed that the use of information technology improves supply chain performance as it assists the online retailers in building accumulative knowledge about various supply chain partners (customers, suppliers, distributors, and main channels). The study concluded that supply chain management begins and ends with the customers. And, the sole aim of the integration and collaborations of the supply chain is to effectively and efficiently satisfy customers’ demands and needs, as well as add value to the supply chain activities which would enhance their performance. The study therefore, recommended that online retailers should build an effective supply chain, integrated with information technologies enabled logistic system that can improve supply chain performance and response quickly to unexpected needs of the consumers.Keywords: Information technology, IT tools, supply chain management and supply chain performance
Highlights
Information technology (IT) is widely recognised as the building block for organisations to survive and compete favourably with others
This study examined the functional role of IT in supply chain performance and reveals that the adoption of information technology tools by a service provider can lead to improved performance, customer satisfaction and in turn increase the profitability of the online retail outlets in Calabar metropolis
Customers' expectations are increasing as online retailers grapple with uncertain environments amidst fierce competition in the market place
Summary
Information technology (IT) is widely recognised as the building block for organisations to survive and compete favourably with others. Managers are motivated to adopt information technology in their operations in order to achieve efficient and effective organisational performance. Businesses especially those in the retail sector operate in complex and competitive environment, characterized by changing conditions and highly unpredictable economic climate and information technology trends. Information technology capabilities of managing information flow has an effect on dimensions of supply chain, such as cost, quality, flexibility and timely delivery of goods and services and profit of organization (Droodchy & NickMehr, 2008). Nsobiari Festus Awara, Department of Marketing, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Esther Godwin Udoh, Department of Marketing, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Joseph Amaechi Anyadighibe, Department of Marketing, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
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