The Effect of Information Technology Implementation on Retail Manufacturer's Operational Performance: A Moderated Serial Mediation Model

Abstract

This study explores the impact of “Information Technology Implementation” (IT-Impl) on firms' “Operational Performance” (Op-Per) using the Dynamic Resource-Based View (DRBV), proposing a dynamic influence path including the framework of resources-capability-competitive advantage. The direct effects of IT-Impl on Op-Per have been extensively studied, but not the complex instrumental routes and intermediate processes. This study advances a more sophisticated understanding of the dynamic capabilities in converting IT resources into long-term competitive advantage, particularly identifying the serial mediation of the IT-Impl–Op-Per relationship by supply chain integration (SC-Int) and postponement (Post-P). A quantitative research approach was used to gather data from a sample of 298 top-ranking managers from retail manufacturers to test hypotheses using Smart-PLS. The results show that while IT-Impl positively affects Op-Per through the serial mediating roles, “Information Intensity” negatively moderates these relationships. In practice, Op-Per is influenced by a multitude of factors, including supply chain and internal operating capabilities. The study emphasizes the importance of considering SC-Int and Post-P as dynamic capabilities in leveraging IT-Impl for Op-Per. Organizations should strategically align IT investments with advanced supply chain and internal operating capabilities to gain a sustainable competitive advantage. The results, discussion, contributions, limitations, and potential future directions are provided.