IT Capabilities’ Impact on Postponement and Supply Chain Viability of Retail Manufacturers: A Dynamic Resource-Based View

It is commonly assumed that information technology capabilities (ITCs) are instrumental in supply chain viability (SCV), despite negligible empirical evidence. Based on the dynamic resource-based view, this study explores how the SCV competitive advantage is influenced by the heterogeneous resource ITC through the internal operating capability postponement (POST). A quantitative survey was administered to 298 senior managers from retail manufacturing firms, to test hypotheses using hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The SPSS PROCESS Macro was used to determine the mediation and interaction effects of the dual-stage moderated-mediation model, identifying a positive correlation between ITC and POST strategies, highlighting that modern real-time data synchronization and on-demand customization IT systems are needed. POST strategies greatly improve SCV by enhancing operational flexibility, reactivity, and adaptability to dynamic market conditions. The moderators “market orientation” and “demand uncertainty” shape these relationships, emphasizing the need for firms to align their strategies with market dynamics and uncertainties. The research emphasizes the importance of valuable, rare, and inimitable resources in driving sustained competitive advantage. Practical implications suggest strategic investments in advanced IT systems and collaborative efforts in retail manufacturing firms are essential for optimizing supply chain processes. The results, discussion, implications, limitations, and suggestions for additional studies are addressed.