Integración de los sistemas de información para la gestión de la cadena de suministroun estudio empírico en grandes empresas

Abstract

Aims The general aim is to generate knowledge on the relationship between ICTs, considering specifically Information Systems, and firm's performance within the framework of large companies' supply chain management. Particularly, papers integrated in this PhD Thesis contribute to answer the following research questions: - Is there a direct relationship between ICTs for internal and external processes and better firm results? - Does firm size affect the type of information systems implemented by a company and their motivations to do so? - Do integrated information systems with suppliers and customers have a positive impact on firm performance? - Do integrated information systems along the supply chain, considered together with using ICTs within and beyond firm's boundaries, have a positive effect on firm performance? Methodology The target population consisted of 1000 largest companies by gross revenue in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) which had their primary business activity in one of the following business activities: manufacturing, commercial, services and construction. The key informant was the Chief Information Officer (CIO) or the IT manager. The final sample was made up of 102 companies, 59 from Portugal and 43 from Spain. Sample representativeness was guaranteed. Non-response bias and common method bias were assessed so that they had no impact in this study. Measurement model was developed on the basis of a comprehensive literature review and it was refined by conducting a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). More details on specific methodology is provided in each paper. Conclusions First, according to results, firms should redirect their investment efforts so that, apart from ensuring certain ICTs resources which are no longer the source of competitive advantage, they develop ICTs capabilities and implement collaborative technologies. Second, firm size has no significant impact on the adoption of the most widespread information systems, such as ERP, CRM and SCM. However, there are significant differences in terms of the implementation of business intelligence, workflow management systems and groupware. Moreover, according to results, the main motivations to invest in ICTs to improve firm's performance are linked to strategy rather than operations. Finally, regarding the adoption of information systems, it does not contribute directly to generate higher performance. On the other hand, integrated information systems with suppliers and customers has a positive moderating effect in the relationship between ICT capabilities, both internal and external, on firm performance. However, the integration for the whole management of the supply chain required a more intense development so that it may be a source of competitive advantage in the future.