Unravelling the critical success factors for resilient supply chains – insights from the textile industry of Pakistan

Abstract

This study focuses on developing a theoretical framework for the Resilient Supply Chain for analysing the various types of resilience and the role-play of different managerial levels in developing them effectively. Data is collected from the textile sector of Pakistan with the aid of semi-structured interviews, which were done with employees from different managerial levels. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to define the importance of the multiple Critical Success Factors (CSFs) which were derived from an extensive literature review. The identified CSFs are categorized into Ecological, Engineering, Evolutionary, and Technological resilience. The weight of each criterion and their cause- effect relationships are determined. The findings reveal that the Use of Modern Technology holds the highest weightage at 24.1%, followed by the Development of Effective SCM Strategy (14.6%) and Reliable Supplier Development (9.6%). Additionally, the study establishes connections between the CSFs and different managerial levels (Tactical, Strategic, and Operational), facilitating employee understanding of their roles in mitigating disruptions and fostering resilient supply chains. Overall, this research offers a comprehensive framework for enhancing Textile Supply Chain resilience, providing practical insights for improving operational performance and addressing industry challenges.