Impact of supply chain related factors on lead time of small scale super markets in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study delves into the intricate that influence supply chain lead time in Sri Lankan small-scale supermarkets. It highlights the critical impact of these factors on supply chain efficiency, focusing on areas such as facilities and infrastructure, documentation and internal processes, inventory management, and supplier-related issues. Additional factors—such as payment and financial considerations, technology and automation, and broader economic and political influences—are also analyzed for their role in shaping supply chain performance. The research adopts an Explanatory Sequential Design, beginning with a quantitative phase that surveyed 150 employees across various small-scale supermarkets. This phase helped identify statistically significant relationships between specific factors and supply chain lead time. In the qualitative phase, in-depth interviews were conducted with supermarket managers, supervisors, and operational-level staff to gain contextual insights and validate the quantitative findings. The integration of both methods provided a robust understanding of the challenges faced by small-scale supermarkets in managing supply chains effectively. Findings demonstrate a strong association between the identified factors and prolonged lead times. The study recommends improvements in infrastructure, documentation accuracy, inventory optimization, and supplier management. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of financial stability, technological advancement, and resilience to economic and political changes for minimizing lead times. Despite its contributions, the study acknowledges limitations such as a relatively small sample size and potential bias due to mixed-method data collection. Future research is encouraged to include broader ethnic representation, multicounty comparisons, and sustainable supply chain practices for a more comprehensive understanding.