Leagile Strategies and Supply Chain Robustness in Manufacturing Firms in Kenya

Abstract

The supply chain concept is a critical anchor in the overall performance of any organization as shown through various studies. More so, several examples exist that show operational performance by organizations result from well-coordinated supply chain operations and this necessitated the need for this research work. The current study aimed to examine the effect of leagile strategies on SC robustness of manufacturing companies in Kenya. The key objectives were to; establish the leagile supply chain strategies adopted by manufacturing companies in Kenya and to establish the association between leagile strategies and SC robustness in manufacturing organizations in Kenya. This study was anchored on theory of lean supply chain (LSCT) by Lamming and supported by Goldratt's theory of constraints (TOC). A descriptive cross-sectional research design, with a sample of 132 firms was used. The main tool of data collection was a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics with Regression analysis using mathematical models were applied to produce outputs. Results from the study indicated that all the lean strategies and agile strategies had a positive influence on the robustness of supply chain. The study concluded that the two strategies combined forming the leagile strategies had a significant influence on robustness of SC in manufacturing companies in Kenya. This study thus recommended that firms should establish what lean strategies practices could work best for each firm. Additionally, the study recommended that there was need for manufacturers to actively practice agile strategies that would guide in achieving robust supply chain. Finally, the study recommended that manufacturers should benchmark their leagile strategies to test their supply chain robustness. The empirical data generated from the study is meant to be of benefit in improving supply chain practitioners as well as leagile strategies applications in manufacturing firms in Kenya. Further studies could be carried out to involve other sectors of the Kenyan economy away from manufacturing as well as within manufacturing but for the small firms.