Driving logistics and supply chain agility through supply chain digital transformation strategy implementation with the moderating role of pharmaceutical supply chains internationalization

Abstract

The purpose of this research paper is to study the impact of implementing supply chain digital transformation strategy (SCDTSI) on fostering the logistics and supply chain agility (LSCA). It investigates the moderating effect of logistics and supply chain internationalization (LSCI) on the SCDTSI-LSCA relationship across the global pharmaceutical supply chains in Egypt. After conducting a bibliometric thematic analysis, the authors detected and bridged theoretically three active literature research themes on logistics and supply chain digital transformation, agility, and internationalization. A research model was generated and tested empirically using 250 questionnaires answered by logistics and supply chain managers at 50 international, digital, and agile pharmaceutical supply chains operating in Egypt and globally. Quantitative data were analyzed using structural equation modeling by SmartPLS-v4. Results indicated that SCDTSI has a significant positive impact on LSCA, and LSCI was found to be a significant moderator in the SCDTSI-LSCA relationship. Adopting a mixed methods approach, the authors started with exploratory then explanatory qualitative interviews with logistics and supply chain experts to obtain a comprehensive analysis of this technologically-evolving industry. The authors contributed graphically by illustrating a supply chain map of these internationally-oriented digitally-transformed agile pharmaceutical networks in Egypt. This study presented practical and social implications to logistics and supply chain professionals and policy makers on implementing supply chain digital transformation strategies with the aid of creating global partnerships and strategic alliances to reinforce a digitally-driven logistics and supply chain agility within this vital pharmaceutical industry, which will then have an ecofriendly contribution to the society.