The impact of internet of things technologies on supply chain performance: The mediating role of competitive strategy

Abstract

Recent advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has invoked tremendous attention from both academics and industries. The emerging IoT technologies not only serve as possible new tools for enterprise operation, but also trigger impacts in the management arena such as supply chain management (SCM). This study investigates the role of competitive strategy underlying the link between IoT technologies and supply chain performance. By referring to the resource?strategy?performance model, this study builds a research framework in which three strategic positions of firms-low cost, differentiation and market focus-mediate the effect of IoT technologies on supply chain performance. Empirical survey and analysis of enterprise data are conducted to test the hypotheses. The test results support the mediation effects of competitive strategies. Research contributions and managerial implications are elaborated in the conclusions.