Waqar Ahmed, Arsalan Najmi, Yusra Mustafa and Asif Khan
The purpose of this study was to investigate and explain the factors contributing to supply chain agility in service-oriented firms and therein to enhance competitive capabilities…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate and explain the factors contributing to supply chain agility in service-oriented firms and therein to enhance competitive capabilities of the organization. The study has identified various variables from past studies that support firms in developing agile supply chain operations. Factors identified from prior studies are supply chain flexibility, supply chain visibility, supply chain responsiveness, supply chain speed and learning orientation, which were then empirically tested for further understanding.
Design/methodology/approach
Using purposive sampling, a sample of 217 valid responses was gathered through structured questionnaire from supply chain practitioners working in various service industries of Pakistan. Partial least square-structural equation modeling was used for data analysis.
Findings
The results of the study show that learning orientation and flexibility of the service firm highly complement the goal of achieving agility in their operations. Speed and visibility also have a major impact on developing agile supply chain. Moreover, supply chain agility has a significantly positive impact on competitive capabilities.
Originality/value
This research is about investigating the operational agility of services sector, which is a one-off study especially in the context of developing and competitive market. This research will provide important insights into the context of dynamic capabilities view for policymakers and decision-makers who aim to develop their competitive strategies based on their operational agility.
Details
Keywords
Sarah Wahba, Sara El-Deeb and Sandra Metry
This study draws on social influence and social comparison theories to investigate the effect of social media influencers on intention to visit with the mediating role of upward…
Abstract
Purpose
This study draws on social influence and social comparison theories to investigate the effect of social media influencers on intention to visit with the mediating role of upward social comparison. It studies the reasons underlying people's intention to visit a destination from an emotional perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
PLS-SEM models were applied to a total of 527 responses.
Findings
This study provides empirical evidence supporting the Source Credibility Model's elements within the context of influencer marketing and travel intentions. Furthermore, it expands the current knowledge of upward social comparison emotions by reporting that upward contrastive emotions would partially mediate the relationship between expertise and intention to visit, and that upward assimilative emotions would fully mediate the relationship between attractiveness and intention to visit while partially mediating the relationship between trustworthiness and expertise and intention to visit.
Practical implications
The article adds new insights to tourism marketing as well as helps both destination marketers and travel influencers. For marketers, it is advised to collaborate with credible influencers known for expertise and trustworthiness, leveraging their perspectives to rebuild travel confidence and reassure tourists about safety measures. Travel influencers are recommended to convey their intrinsic passion and enthusiasm through their posts to create an inspiring connection with the audiences.
Originality/value
This paper is the first to address the relationship between travel influencers and intention to visit with the mediation role of both positive and negative emotions.