Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters/MBA)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37942

Browse

Filters

20221

Settings

Author: search.filters.author.Chishala, KapungweSubject: search.filters.subject.SMEs

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Buyer to supplier relationships and firm performance of retail SMEs in Johannesburg
    (2022) Chishala, Kapungwe
    In recent times, buyer and supplier relationships have become essential sources of sustainable competitive advantage for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) globally, and Johannesburg's retail industry has not been spared. However, the factors influencing these buyer-to-supplier relationships’ success and firm performance have not been given enough attention in the supply chain literature. This study thus sought to examine the factors influencing buyer-to-supplier relationships, supplier selection, buyer-to-supplier trust, buyer-to-supplier engagement, and supplier success, and their effect on the SMEs firm performances in Johannesburg. A quantitative research survey was conducted among 259 SME owners/managers and sales representatives. SPSS-26 and AMOS version 26 were utilized to assess the relationship and hypotheses to interpret the data obtained. Structural equation and path modelling was adopted to assess the model and hypotheses. The study found out that supplier success positively correlated to firm performance. Hence, the study concluded that factors that influence the relationship between buyer-to-supplier trust, engagement, and supplier selection are linked to supplier success and business performance. The relationship between supplier success and SME performance was confirmed, implying supplier success is an essential driver of firm performance. This finding also implies that the well managed buyer-supplier relationship in SMEs can apply the factors that influence the buyer-to supplier relationships to improve business practices within SMEs in the retail industry. This research study adds to the body of knowledge by providing a research framework and recommendations based on the research findings for SMEs. The study suggests collaboration between buyers and suppliers to meet each other’s needs more effectively. The study also recommends that firms inculcate the culture of selecting suitable suppliers; firms must adequately follow the supplier appraisal checklist in decision-making. In addition, it emerged that implementing the culture of selecting suitable suppliers is the most effective tool for enhancing procurement management. Further research is needed on the nine provinces in South Africa, and researchers could use a largersample size to get in-depth representative views. Future studies could try other methods such as the mixed-methods approach and focus on constructs that have not been discussed in this research.