Exploring Factors Influencing Vietnamese SMEs’ Container Round-Use Platform Adoption

Abstract

Objective - The global expansion of container shipping has intensified challenges related to empty container logistics, significantly impacting supply chain efficiency and costs. In Vietnam, like in other regions, the repositioning of empty containers incurs high expenses and inefficiencies in the supply chain. To optimize container utilization and mitigate these challenges, Container Round-Use Platforms (CRUPs) have emerged as innovative solutions. Methodology/Technique – This study aims to identify factors influencing the adoption of Container Round-Use Platforms in the Vietnamese supply chain and examine the relationship and degree of influence between these factors and the platform’s adoption. Employing the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the research explores contextual factors at the firm level that influence technological innovation adoption. The data was collected through an online survey with the participation of 349 valid respondents during July 2023. Finding – The survey data are analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that factors, including cost, ease of use, usefulness, relative advantage, firm size, top management support, and workforce, significantly influence the adoption of the Container Round-Use Platforms. By exploring these factors comprehensively, this research not only validates established adoption drivers but also unveils novel insights into enhancing CRUPs adoption strategies in Vietnam. Novelty – This study contributes uniquely to the literature by bridging theoretical gaps and offering practical implications for stakeholders seeking to enhance logistical efficiency and sustainability through advanced technological solutions in container logistics. Type of Paper: Empirical JEL Classification: L91, O33, R41 Keywords: Container Round-Use Platforms, PLS-SEM, TOE framework, Vietnam, Vietnamese supply chain. Reference to this paper should be referred to as follows: Nguyen, D.H; Goldwasser, B. (2024). Exploring Factors Influencing Vietnamese SMEs’ Container Round-Use Platform Adoption, GATR-Global J. Bus. Soc. Sci. Review, 12(2), 67–73. https://doi.org/10.35609/gjbssr.2024.12.2(2)