Exploring the impact of building an agile automotive supply chain ecosystem on business performance: a social media perspective
The International Journal of Logistics Management
ISSN: 0957-4093
Article publication date: 3 December 2024
Issue publication date: 2 January 2025
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores how establishing an agile supply chain ecosystem (ASCE) during the COVID-19 pandemic impacts three listed auto firms’ financial and customer performance in China. Drawing on the theory of supply chain resilience, responsiveness and restoration (3R capabilities), we collect, mine and analyze unstructured social media data from Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DFM), BYD Company Limited (BYD) and SAIC Motor Corporation Limited (SAIC), all of which have production plants in Wuhan.
Design/methodology/approach
Data mining was conducted on 3,528 comments involving DFM, BYD and SAIC from 190 uploaders in the stages of “Early COVID-19 Period (January 23-May 31, 2020)” and “Enhanced Preparedness and Vaccine Launch Period (September 8, 2020–January 15, 2021)”. Our conceptual model of an ASCE was tested by adopting structural equation modelling and verified by the DFM case study.
Findings
The study finds that the 3R capabilities of the supply chain have a positive effect on establishing an automotive agile supply chain ecosystem. Establishing the automotive agile supply chain ecosystem has promoted corporate financial performance and customer performance, but the mechanism of action presents a delayed feature.
Originality/value
This study refines the definitions and application of the 3Rs concerning an ASCE in the automotive industry. Through text mining technology and statistical analysis methods, we uncover and discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the performance of three auto companies in China and examine how ASCE establishment plays a role. Constructing an ASCE provides a theoretical basis and realistic approach for the long-term and healthy development of the automotive supply chain.
Keywords
Citation
Zhang, Q., Zhu, L., Shi, Y., Tu, M. and Venkatesh, V.G. (2025), "Exploring the impact of building an agile automotive supply chain ecosystem on business performance: a social media perspective", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. 36 No. 1, pp. 322-345. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-05-2023-0191
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited