Strategic Supplier Relationships Research Articles

Optimizing risk mitigation in maritime supply chains through strategic supplier relationship management

Modern supply chains face escalating vulnerabilities, especially in the maritime industry. Traditional lean supply chain management lacks flexibility and risk mitigation measures, encouraging the proposal of agile-focused SCM. The success of companies is intricately tied to supplier performance, highlighting the pivotal role of procurement in risk mitigation through supplier relationship management (SRM) strategies. This emphasizes the role of procurement in risk mitigation since they manage suppliers using supplier relationship management (SRM) strategies. To properly apply SRM strategies, suppliers are segmented. The standard segmentation method is the Purchasing Portfolio Matrix (PPM). The downfall of this matrix is the focus on power relations, which misses a softer relationship side of SRM. The Supplier Potential Matrix (SPM) includes relationship dynamics but overlooks supply risk. A new matrix for segmentation is proposed, the Integrated Supplier Matrix (ISM), which combines and integrates the PPM and SPM. A case study in a maritime company assesses risks using the Best-Worst Method (BWM), revealing significant procurement risks such as product uniqueness, regulatory compliance, and external factors. The ISM then establishes relationships between supplier willingness, capabilities, risks, and profit impact. The findings emphasize the critical role of communication and trust in managing trade-offs within supplier relationship management (SRM).

Performance Measurement Integration And Performance Of Manufacturing Firms in Rwanda

Rwanda's manufacturing industry is essential to the country's economic growth and employment generation. Achieving sustainable development and global competitiveness necessitates the integration of performance assessment effectively. This entails measuring and optimizing organizational performance, especially in supply chains, using a variety of measures. Global market trends and resource limitations are two ongoing challenges that emphasize the necessity for reliable measuring methods. In order to give policymakers and business practitioners useful information, this study aims to assess the effect of performance measurement integration on manufacturing company performance in Rwanda, concentrating on important industries and geographical areas. Expectancy Theory and the Balanced Scorecard Framework (BSC), two important theoretical frameworks related to performance measurement integration in manufacturing businesses, are examined in the literature study. According to expectation theory, people are driven by their conviction that performance, effort, and results are all related. The BSC provides a strategy-based framework for decision-making at various organizational levels. It was created by Kaplan and Norton. The significance of integrating performance assessment in order to increase productivity, quality, customer happiness, and decision-making for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is underscored by empirical research. Performance in manufacturing is evaluated and optimized via the use of a variety of instruments and methods, including the BSC and KPIs. 
 The study methodology utilized a quantitative analytic strategy with an explanatory approach to comprehend the relationship between manufacturing company performance and supply chain integration. The research philosophy was shaped by positivism, which prioritized quantitative approaches. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to gather data from 213 manufacturing companies; 94% of the respondents answered the questions. The integration of performance measurement has been found to have a favorable influence on the performance of manufacturing organizations through effective communication, information exchange, and strategic supplier relationships. These findings were supported by descriptive statistics. The findings showed a positive relationship between measurement integration and company performance, with integration accounting for 49.9% of the variance in performance. The results showed that efficient decision-making and information exchange among supply chain participants were influenced. Notably, framework agreements with key suppliers were frequently used in emergency situations. The functions of logistics companies, funders, governments, media, and security personnel in relief efforts were emphasized using qualitative analysis. Issues with inadequate coordination and information exchange were noted. Enhancing IT infrastructure, adopting emerging technologies, collaborating with many stakeholders, and establishing legal frameworks for production readiness are among the recommendations. The study emphasizes how crucial technology, collaboration, and integration are to maximizing the performance of industrial firms and disaster relief in Rwanda.

Strategic Procurement Practices and Performance of Investment Firms Listed in Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya

The overall goal of the proposed study was to lay out the impact of key obtainment rehearses on acquisition execution of venture companies recorded in the NSE, Kenya. The specific objectives were to investigate how investment firms listed on the NSE’s procurement performance is affected by strategic supplier relationship practice; to determine how strategic contract management practices affect investment firms listed on the NSE procurement performance; To determine the impact of strategic sourcing on the procurement performance of NSE-listed investment firms in Kenya and; to ascertain how the practice of strategic negotiation affects investment procurement performance firms listed in the NSE, Kenya. This research problem was studied through the use of a cross-sectional research design. The units of observation constituted the 104 top and middle management staff working in the offices of investment firms listed in the NSE. This study used Yamane’s method to understand the sample size. Following this sample determination formula, the calculation generated a sample of 83 respondents from which the study sought information from. This study utilized both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data was gathered using research questionnaire as the research instrument. To complement the primary data, secondary data collection sheet was employed in collecting the secondary data from audited reports of the Company, NSE and other reliable sources. The researcher dropped the questionnaires physically through face-to-face method requesting them to fill them promptly and pick them up once filled up. The structured questions were used in an effort to conserve time and money as well as to facilitate in easier analysis as they are in immediate usable form; while the unstructured questions were used so as to encourage the respondent to give an in-depth and felt response without feeling held back in revealing of any information. Before processing the responses, the completed questionnaires were edited for completeness and consistency. The raw primary data collected was coded prior to being input into SPSS statistical analysis software. Once coded, the data was then cleaned to ensure accuracy and completeness of the information obtained. The data collected was both quantitative and qualitative and it was analyzed descriptively and inferentially. In addition, correlation analysis was conducted to the indicated the nature (positive or negative) and significance of the relationships between the variables in the study. Regression analysis was used to test the direction and magnitude of the relationship between the study variables. The study found that strategic supplier relationship affects procurement performance of investment firms listed in the NSE to a great extent. Utilization of strategic contract management practice was found to affect the procurement performance of the investment firms to a great extent. The study found that strategic sourcing practice affects the procurement performance of investment firms to a great extent. Strategic negotiation practice affects procurement performance to a moderate extent.It is imperative that Investment firms listed in the NSE reviews their existing procurement systems in order to identify the weak points and fasten them. Investment firms listed in the NSE should adopt customer orientation and then implement customer integration in order to receive a high level of procurement performance. Investment firms listed in the NSE should try as much as possible to tailor make their processes to best suit their unique needs.

ІННОВАЦІЇ ЧЕРЕЗ ПАРТНЕРСТВО – ВПЛИВ SRM НА РОЗВИТОК ПРОДУКТІВ ТА ПОСЛУГ

The article examines the key role of strategic supplier relationship management (SRM) in the modern business environment and its impact on the development of enterprise products and services. In the process of research, the method of systematic analysis of scientific sources and literature was used to assess the impact of strategic management of relationships with suppliers on the development of products and services of enterprises. In addition, a problem-oriented approach, abstract logical methods, as well as methods of analysis, synthesis, and generalization were used. SRM is a systematic approach to supplier relationship management aimed at optimizing collaboration, reducing risk and creating value for businesses. In the context of this article, various aspects of SRM are reviewed, and the focus is on tools and software that help businesses effectively manage supplier relationships. The choice of SRM tools requires a careful assessment of the needs and resources of the enterprise to achieve strategic goals and objectives. SRM plays an important role in reducing research and development (R&D) costs and accelerating the introduction of new products to market. SRM tools and programs contribute to the optimization of the supply chain by helping to select the best suppliers for the implementation of R&D projects. Important aspects of SRM effectiveness are examined, including the role of effective communication in achieving innovation and creating value for enterprises. The impact of SRM on the competitiveness of enterprises that strive to achieve competitive advantages in the modern business environment is studied. In particular, the article examines SRM tools and programs, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the specifics of their use in various industries and types of economic activity. Based on the analysis of theoretical concepts and practical studies, strategic opportunities and challenges related to the implementation of SRM, as well as ways to overcome these challenges, were identified. In conclusion, this study reveals the importance of strategic supplier relationship management in the context of enterprise product and service development, providing insights and methods that help improve competitiveness and drive innovation.

Performance Implications of Supply Chain Management Practices among Manufacturing Firms in Ghana

The purpose of this study was to assess the causal relationship between five dimensions of supply chain management (strategic supplier relationship, quality of information sharing, level of information sharing, customer service relationship and postponement) and the performance of manufacturing firms in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. Data was collected using questionnaires responded to by 87 manufacturing firms in Kumasi. The relationships were modelled into a framework and hypothesised. A 7-point Likert Scale was used to measure the constructs. Pearson’s Correlations and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) Regression analyses were conducted to test the hypothesis. The findings revealed that SSR and Post did not have any positive influence on OP. However, the result suggested that CR, IS, and IQ positively influence OP of manufacturing firms in Kumasi. The results also found only two hypotheses (H2 and H3) were supported, with the remaining three not supported. The finding that strategic supplier relationships have no positive effect on OP is suggestive that managers should invest significant resources to build a strong relationship with their suppliers. Connected to this path is to ensure that the quality of information shared with their trading partners is equally improved to enhance collaboration. While postponement has its attendant benefits for the organisation, it is also apparent from the study that managers must determine optimal postponement by examining the associated costs within various supply chain configurations according to the market needs. This study has provided evidence to show the impact of supply chain management practices on the performance of firms in an emerging manufacturing industry. This study may be one of the key supply chain related research projects conducted on the manufacturing industry in the Kumasi metropolis. The outcomes of this research have far-reaching implications for manufacturing companies in other regions of the country in an era where Ghana is attempting to use industrialisation as a major driver for economic development. Keywords: Supply Chain Management Practices, Supply Chain, Organizational Performance, Manufacturing Firm, Firm Performance DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/14-18-06 Publication date: September 30 th 2022

THE IMPACT OF INVENTORY CONTROL PRACTICES ON COST REDUCTION: THE CASE OF LEBANESE RETAIL COMPANIES

Inventory is a significant aspect in administration of items and services or other commodities that are kept in storage by companies and organizations. The research deals with four research variables which are vendor management inventory, lean practices, inventory management and strategic supplier management in their relation to the performance of retail companies. The research is based on the use of the mixed study approach, which aims at defining the effects of inventory control on cost reduction and operational performance of retail firms in Lebanon. The research addressed 123 respondents from the two companies. Also, the researcher has carried out six interviews with three managers from each of these two companies. The data was collected using Google forms, and then analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive analysis, inferential statistics and normality distributions were used to analyze the collected data, and the research has found a direct relationship between vendor inventory management, inventory stock taking, lean practices and strategic supplier relationships and the operational performance of the companies in question. The research recommended three new models to be implemented in further studies, and these models include the independent variables as a dependent variable. 

Strategic supplier relationships and supply chain resilience: Is digital transformation that precludes trust beneficial?

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the role that communication, trust and digital transformation can play in the relationship between joint problem-solving and supply chain resilience. More specifically, the authors try to examine the possibility of digital transformation as a replacement for trust within a joint problem-solving context.Design/methodology/approachA survey instrument was developed and administrated to manufacturing firms within the United Kingdom and the United States. Based on data collected from 291 senior managers, multiple linear regressions were conducted through a customized process model to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe results point to the actual impact of digital transformation being far more complicated than the initial benefits that it appears to bring within a supply chain. Thus, technology is only effective when applied within the right context. The authors showcase that the trio of digital transformation, trust and joint problem-solving can be highly valuable to establish supply chain resilience and that further investigation on the interrelationships between these concepts is warranted.Practical implicationsManufacturing firms that aim to adopt new technologies should not consider advanced digital technologies as an alternative to trust. While digital transformation can improve resource sharing and integration, governance mechanisms–such as trust–will remain the cornerstones of strategic supplier relationships. Therefore, supply chain partners must strive to achieve a balance between trust and the right type of digital technology.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the growing literature focusing on the role that digital transformation can play in developing supply chain capabilities. It adds an early empirical insight on the role of technology and governance in joint problem-solving and supply chain resilience.

The relational outcomes of performance management in buyer-supplier relationships

This study analyzes how relational governance facilitates the relationship benefits of performance information provided by both a supplier and a buyer. It also examines the effect of strategic supplier status on value creation supported by performance information in a buyer-supplier relationship. The empirical data was collected with a survey addressed to suppliers of large-scale industrial companies operating in both manufacturing and service sector. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) were utilized in the analysis of data. The results demonstrate the positive impact of operative performance information provided by a supplier on buyer-supplier relationship value. Mature supplier performance evaluation relates to relationship value only through the mediation of relational governance, i.e. collaborative performance management activities. Relational governance is important in relationships with both strategic and non-strategic suppliers, but for different reasons. In strategic supplier relationships, relational governance is even more important than the availability of performance information. The results of this study add to the limited body of research analyzing the outcomes of performance measurement and management in supply chains. They also extend the literature of information sharing in supply chains by presenting the varying roles played by relational governance in the use of two different forms of performance information.

Strategic supplier relationship on performance of devolved systems of government in Kenya

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of strategic supplier relationship on the performance of the devolved system of government in Kenya, the study adopted a cross-sectional survey design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population for this study was all employees working in finance and procurement departments in 10 counties namely; Garissa, Kisii, Nyamira, Narok, Marsabit, Murang’ a Bomet, Nairobi, Kiambu and Homa Bay. We study used stratified random sampling to pick 186 respondents from finance and procurement department. Data was collected by using questionnaires Descriptive and inferential statistics were used aided by Statistical Packages for Social Sciences version 24 to compute percentages of respondents’ answers. Hypothesis testing was carried using multiple regression analysis and standard F tests. We found out that a positive and significant relationship between strategic supplier relationship and performance of devolved systems of government. We recommend that devolved systems of government should conduct jointly product development with suppliers and involve suppliers directly or indirectly in their strategic plans. Suppliers’ involvement would support the company’s development innovation and capabilities thus increasing the benefits perceived by the company’s customers. Finally, we recommend that management should implement strategic supplier relationships practice within the frameworks of public procurement acts and regulations.

The role of strategic supplier relationships in enhancing supply chain innovation: A qualitative study in the South African automotive manufacturing industry

Supply chain innovation is a mechanism that firms use to ensure efficient supply chain management through collaboration with external supply chain partners. The interaction between buyers and suppliers is especially crucial in fostering innovation resulting in modifications, improvements and development of new products and processes in a manner that improves overall efficiency. Understanding the role of the supplier in firm innovation is critical for cross-firm innovation. The automotive manufacturing industry faces increasing pressures to innovate due to the high demands from stakeholders and operating in a highly competitive market. This study aimed to explore the role of strategic supplier relationships for supply chain innovation in this particular industry. A generic qualitative approach, through semi-structured interviews, was used to gather data from ten middle to senior managers in six automotive manufacturing companies. It was found that only two manufacturers involve their suppliers in the pre-innovation phase indicating that there might be an untapped source of innovation for manufacturers. It would appear from the participant responses that the involvement of suppliers increases from low to high in the pre-innovation and post-innovation phases, respectively. Furthermore, despite the cost pressures in the industry, manufacturers stated the need for suppliers who are able to adapt and synchronize with their innovation initiatives. Additionally, a possible theoretical contradiction was identified. Because many manufacturers share suppliers, transparency might act as an inhibitor of innovation, mainly if the manufacturer aims to compete on the basis of differentiation. Finally, other factors that could strengthen the relationship and subsequently the potential for innovation include being intrinsically motivated to innovate and create synergies from a supplier’s perspective, along with incentives in the form of continued business from the manufacturer’s perspective.

Buyer opportunism in strategic supplier relationships: Triggers, manifestations and consequences

Opportunistic behavior is a well-known reason for the failure of collaborative buyer-supplier relationships. Despite the numerous studies on opportunism in buyer-supplier relationships, the individual level is largely understudied. We explore opportunistic behavior of purchasing professionals in strategic supplier relationships, focusing on triggers, manifestations and consequences. The Critical Incident Technique (CIT) was employed to interview professional purchasers in the Netherlands about their personal opportunistic behavior. This resulted in rich descriptions of 29 critical incidents of opportunistic buyer behavior, extracting first-hand information. We identified triggers that provoked purchasing professionals to behave opportunistically. These triggers are linked to specific manifestations and consequences.

Self-justification for opportunistic purchasing behavior in strategic supplier relationships

PurposeThis study aims to get a deeper understanding of one of the antecedents of opportunistic behavior in strategic supplier relationships at the individual level of analysis. The authors specifically focus on self-justification, which could be seen as a mechanism that relaxes the moral scruples of purchasing professionals and, hence, facilitates actual opportunistic behavior.Design/methodology/approachThe critical incident technique was deployed to interview purchasing professionals in the Netherlands about their personal opportunistic behavior in strategic supplier relationships. This resulted in rich autobiographical accounts of 29 critical incidents of opportunistic behavior. The data were analyzed through the lens of the self-justification theory.FindingsThe study identified a set of self-justification strategies underlying opportunistic purchasing behavior in strategic supplier relationships. Opportunistic professionals tended to deploy six strategies: acknowledgement, denial, rationalization, attributional egotism, sense of entitlement and ego aggrandizement.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is limited to Dutch industrial purchasers and was exploratory by nature. Future research could extend the perspective to other sectors, cultures and professional roles.Practical implicationsThe study draws attention to radically new interventions at the individual level of analysis. To understand and minimize opportunistic behavior in strategic supplier relationships, organizations should acknowledge and address the important issue of self-justifications of purchasing professionals.Originality/valueIn contrast to the existing literature at the firm level of analysis, this study sheds new light on the antecedents of buyer opportunism from an alternative theoretical perspective at the individual level of analysis. The authors do not draw on the narrow perspective of personality psychology, but rather focus on the role of self-justification as an antecedent of buyer opportunism in strategic supplier relationships.

DETERMINANTS OF EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF CONSUMABLE PRODUCTS IN THE OIL INDUSTRY IN KENYA: A CASE OF VANOIL ENERGY LIMITED

Purpose: The study sought to examine the challenges faced in implementing effective supply chain management practices during the distribution of the consumable products in the oil industry in Kenya with reference to Vanoil Energy Limited. The study was to establish how warehousing capabilities, strategic supplier relationships, transportation planning and demand and supply forecasting affect distribution performance of the oil industry. To achieve this, the researcher reviewed both theoretical and empirical literature and proposed the research methodology that addressed the gaps identified in literature as well as answer the stipulated research questions.Methodology: This research study adopted a descriptive research design approach. The researcher prefers this method because it allows an in-depth study of the subject. A census was conducted where all the 70 staff in procurement department were issued with questionnaires. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. The data collected was analysed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. The quantitative data generated was keyed in and analysed by use of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 to generate information which will be presented using tables, charts, frequencies and percentages. Multiple regression models were used to show the relationship between the dependent variable and the four independent variables in this study.Results: The findings of the study indicated that warehousing capabilities, strategic supplier relationships, transport planning and demand and supply forecasting have a positive relationship with effective distribution of consumable products in the oil industry.Recommendations: Finally, the study recommended that companies in the oil industry should embrace supply chain management practices so as to improve distribution performance and further researches should to be carried out in other institutions to find out if the same results can be obtained.

DETERMINANTS OF EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF CONSUMABLE PRODUCTS IN THE OIL INDUSTRY IN KENYA: A CASE OF VANOIL ENERGY LIMITED

Purpose: The study sought to examine the challenges faced in implementing effective supply chain management practices during the distribution of the consumable products in the oil industry in Kenya with reference to Vanoil Energy Limited. The study was to establish how warehousing capabilities, strategic supplier relationships, transportation planning and demand and supply forecasting affect distribution performance of the oil industry. To achieve this, the researcher reviewed both theoretical and empirical literature and proposed the research methodology that addressed the gaps identified in literature as well as answer the stipulated research questions.Methodology: This research study adopted a descriptive research design approach. The researcher prefers this method because it allows an in-depth study of the subject. A census was conducted where all the 70 staff in procurement department were issued with questionnaires. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. The data collected was analysed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. The quantitative data generated was keyed in and analysed by use of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 to generate information which will be presented using tables, charts, frequencies and percentages. Multiple regression models were used to show the relationship between the dependent variable and the four independent variables in this study.Results: The findings of the study indicated that warehousing capabilities, strategic supplier relationships, transport planning and demand and supply forecasting have a positive relationship with effective distribution of consumable products in the oil industry.Recommendations: Finally, the study recommended that companies in the oil industry should embrace supply chain management practices so as to improve distribution performance and further researches should to be carried out in other institutions to find out if the same results can be obtained.

Relational architecture and relational capability: organisational levers to support strategic supplier relationships

The resource-based view of strategy suggests that competitiveness in part derives from a firm's ability to collaborate with a subset of its supply network to co-create highly valued products and services. This relational capability relies on a foundational intra and inter-organisational architecture, the manifestation of strategic, people and process decisions facilitating the interface between the firm and its strategic suppliers. Using covariance-based structural equation modelling we examine the relationships between internal and external features of relational architecture and their relationship with relational capability and relational quality. This is undertaken on data collected by mail survey. We find significant relationships between both internal and external relational architecture and relational capability and between relational capability and relational quality. Novel constructs for internal and external elements of relational architecture are specified to demonstrate their positive influence on relational capability and relationship quality.

Relational architecture and relational capability: organisational levers to support strategic supplier relationships

Relational architecture and relational capability: organisational levers to support strategic supplier relationships

The co-evolution of supplier relationship quality and product quality in the U.S. auto industry: A cultural perspective

Strategic buyer-supplier relationships have been credited with vital outcomes such as lower costs, faster lead times, and better product quality. As such, by the 1990s, U.S. automakers have been moving away from traditional arm's length relationships—and towards strategic relationships—with their suppliers. Despite such shifts, perceptions persist that U.S. automakers consistently produce lower quality vehicles than their Japanese counterparts. Thus, an unanswered question is the extent to which better supplier relationships lead to better product performance. Using a longitudinal approach with secondary data, we explore the co-evolution of relationship quality and product quality among six major automakers (the U.S. and Japanese Big Three). Our results point to previously unidentified boundary conditions on the association between strategic supplier relationships and product quality. For example, strategic supplier relations precede product quality only when relationship quality meets or exceeds a given threshold. Moreover, for Japanese automakers, high relationship quality tends to precede high product quality whereas for U.S. automakers, only those who improve supplier relationships faster than competitors appear to benefit from strategic supplier relationships. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Managing strategic supplier relationships: antecedents and outcomes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to examine the antecedents of strategic supplier relationships in conjunction with outcomes of product and service quality and financial performance. The management of strategic supplier relationships involves the selection and development of suppliers that share common goals and strategies of the partnering organization. Design/methodology/approach – Structural equation modeling using partial least squares is used to verify and test these relationships. Findings – Top management support, technological preparedness and trust were found to have significant positive influences on the management of strategic supplier relationships. Strategic supplier relationships were found to have a positive influence on product and service quality outcomes and financial performance. Research limitations/implications – The results provide new and original empirical evidence on the relationship between the antecedents and outcomes of strategic supplier relationships. Practical implications – The findings can contribute to the management of supplier relationships, resulting in improved product and service quality outcomes and financial performance. Originality/value – The research adds empirical evidence to the literature on the factors that contribute to effective supplier relationships and the customer- and firm-related outcomes of this process.

A stochastic decision model for strategic supplier relationship portfolio management

Management of a portfolio of strategic supplier relationships is complicated by their dynamism, uncertainty, information vagueness, significant profit impact, long–term orientation, substantial switching cost, and the interdependency among alternatives. To address this challenge, this paper first suggests a three–layer framework for strategic supplier relationship portfolio management. It then proposes a fuzzy binomial tree approximation–based stochastic model to analyse relationship dynamics and the value of a supplier relationship portfolio, taking into account both randomness and fuzziness uncertainty. Furthermore, it develops a decision model for supplier relationship portfolio configuration and adaptive development planning. Numerical examples are provided and some managerial implications are discussed.

Effect of Strategic Supplier Relationship Management on Internal Operational Performance of Manufacturing Firms: A Case of East African Breweries Limited, Kenya

It is the aim of every organization to achieve sustainability and operational excellence. For these reasons, organizations adopt various strategies. To achieve operational excellence, every functional area of the organization must be have roles to play. Supply chain operations are in particular key in enhancing operational performance. The aim of this study was to determine the effect Strategic Supplier Relationship Management on Internal Operational Performance of Manufacturing Firms. The study focused on business-supplier communication and business-supplier joint decision making. The study was grounded on three objectives; to establish the effect of buyer supplier communication on operational performance of manufacturing firms, to evaluate the influence of buyer supplier joint decisions on operational performance of manufacturing firms and to investigate the overall effect of strategic supplier relationship management on internal operational performance of manufacturing firms. This was a correlational study and both descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted. The individual parameters were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, mean, standard deviation and variance) while regression analyses was conducted to test the effect of strategic supplier relationship management on internal operational performance. The study revealed that business-supplier communication and business-supplier joint decision making both individually and jointly have positive effect on internal operational performance. This study therefore recommends that management of manufacturing firms and other organizations adopt and implement strategic supplier relationship management as one of the management strategies. In addition, the study suggests that further studies are conducted to relate other aspects of strategic supplier relationship and organizational performance such as financial, environmental and social performance.