The Role of Supply Chain Integration and Agile Practices in Improving Lead Time During the COVID-19 Crisis

Abstract

Long lead-time is hurting the competitiveness of the supply chain, while the shorter is considered to be better in order to add value to the customer and to improve the supply dependability. Supply chain integration increases the coordination and shortens the processes. Agile practices also enable the supply chain to be more responsive to market variability. The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of supply chain integration and agile practices on lead-time reduction at Dubai HealthCare City. An empirical survey has been conducted in which the data were retrieved from 150 respondents and then analyzed using SPSS to examine the model. The result also showed a positive relationship between supply chain integration and lead-time reduction. Meanwhile, results indicated a positive relationship between agile practices on lead-time reduction. The study recommends promoting companies’ capabilities through flexibility and information sharing to achieve supply chain integration and agile practices such as responsiveness and alertness.