Supply logistics integration in the Saudi food industry

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of supply logistics integration (SLI) on inbound supply performance (ISP) and competitive performance (CP) in firms, in addition to examining the effect of ISP on CP. Design/methodology/approach To demonstrate the effect of SLI on ISP and CP, different techniques such as factor analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling were used to verify the validity of the proposed conceptual model and to test the suggested hypotheses. This was accomplished by using data collected from 192 companies in the Saudi food industry (representing a response rate of 75.6 percent). Findings According to the study's findings, ISP is positively affected by SLI. Moreover, CP is directly affected by SLI and ISP. Research limitations/implications Due to the specific nature of the sample, the findings of the current research are applicable only to the food industry. Originality/value The current research introduced a conceptual model, which has been tested and verified in the Saudi food industry. The findings recommend that both SLI as well as ISP will contribute to improving the CP. In addition, SLI will improve the ISP.