EFFECTS OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT (SCM) ON THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OF SELECTED INDIGENOUS AUTOMOBILE COMPANIES IN NIGERIA

This study examined the effects of Supply Chain Management (SCM) on the competitive advantage of selected indigenous automobile companies in Nigeria, emphasizing the significance of raw material sourcing and product design on cost efficiency and consumer loyalty. The research employs a positivist philosophy with a descriptive and survey-based design, combining quantitative data from 50 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and staff from three indigenous automobile companies. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, and multiple regression and correlation analyses were conducted using SPSS to explore the relationships between raw material sourcing, product design, cost efficiency, and consumer loyalty. Findings from this research highlight the strategic importance of SCM in achieving cost efficiency through efficient raw material sourcing and in building stronger customer loyalty via sustainable product design. The study recommended that indigenous automobile companies should focus on establishing long-term partnerships with reliable suppliers to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality raw materials.