Evaluating the Impacts of Supply Chain Management Practices on Performance of the Tea Sub Sector in Developing Country

Abstract

Effective supply chain management is essential for boosting competitive production in industries like the tea subsector. However, overlooking certain practices has been shown to have negative consequences for the performance of the subsector. Therefore, it is vital for stakeholders to understand the implications of these practices. This study utilizes a FullEX approach to examine how supply chain management practices (SCMP) impact the performance of Kenya’s tea subsector. By conducting a thorough review of existing literature, a two-level criteria framework for these practices is established including 5 criteria in level-1 and 15 criteria in level-2. Comparative analysis is then conducted to gauge the strength of our approach. The results indicate that while customer relationship management is the primary driver of performance in Kenya’s tea subsector, additional factors include coordinating resource-sharing initiatives, managing product processes, ensuring customer satisfaction with product value, optimizing distribution channel networks, and enhancing internal integration. The study delivers comprehensive implications and insights relevant to managers and suppliers in tea manufacturing, scholars, researchers, policymakers in Kenya’s tea subsector, the wider community, and tea farmers engaged in the industry.