Integrating ICTs and Supply Chain Management: The Case of Micro‐Sized Firms

Abstract

AbstractInformation and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have changed the relationship between suppliers and buyers, and the nature of supply chain management. Previous research has studied this topic, but not from the point of view of micro‐sized companies. Micro‐sized companies are of critical importance for economies worldwide. Thus, in Europe 90% of companies are micro‐enterprises and account for 53% of employment. This article presents a new perspective by studying the impact of the introduction of e‐supply chain management on such firms. Through a literature review, we identified four key supplier‐related factors, that is, the use of ICTs, process efficiency, workforce capabilities, and the introduction of e‐supply chain management. However, these factors could differ in the case of micro‐sized companies. The data used for the empirical analysis came from a survey of 405 micro‐sized companies in Spain. Using a structural equation modeling, the results indicate that ICTs have a positive direct effect on e‐supply chain performance. It is also found that this effect is accompanied by the improved development of human resource skills and enhanced process efficiency. In addition, a number of recommendations for improving managerial practices are also proposed.