Supply chain management: a model for implementation for SME's in Saudi Arabia

With markets going global and competitions turning intense, Organizations are fast realizing the immense potential of a proactive Supply Chain Management (SCM) to improving their market positions in this cut-throat business environment. The research aims at developing a supply chain framework model that enables SMEs to improve their SCM performance and to have a sustainable business growth in dynamic environment. To fulfill the foremost aim, the following objectives have been set as follows. To fulfill the foremost aim, the following objectives have been set: 1. To contribute to the bod of knowledge to the both Supply Chain Management and Saudi Arabian SMEs manufacturing by reviewing pertinent literature of the same field. Knowledge in this study refers to as information, understanding and skills that one gain during research and education. 2. To investigate the current SCM practice of Saudi Arabia SMEs manufacturing sector by explorative approach, broad reliable and valid survey questionnaires distributed to 320 SMEs companies (Chapter 4). 3. To identify the gap within the current supply chain dimensions of SMEs against world class companies (Chapter 5) by statistical analyzing the survey questionnaires developed in chapter four. 4. To suggest appropriate methodological design using robust techniques that is to developed framework model (Chapter 6). 5. To develop qualitative assessment approach in the form of focus group to theoretically and practically validate and test the framework model ( Chapter 6). 6. To benchmark the developed model with different model in the same field. A sample of 150 of Saudi Arabia SMEs within the manufacturing sector was surveyed aimed at identifying the gap between SCM practices as adopted by the world class organizations and the actual practices adopted by SMEs under investigation. The research carried out using multiple research methods, i.e. quantitative and qualitative methods. This is mainly to gain multiple perspectives on the issue and filter out the real problem to be understood and worked upon. The framework model was developed based on literature review, other works in the same field, and the results of the field work study (survey) and the working experience of the researcher in the manufacturing sector for more than 20 years. The model was validated theoretically and practically with a predetermined selected manufacturing company. The significance of the research work could be best understood from the overall results which make important contributions to supply chain management system. The study is significant as it aids in better understanding of an issue which is of increasing importance to both the organizational practice and academic literature.