The effect of SCOR metrics on supply chain performance among SMEs in Mombasa County, Kenya: A focus on cycle time, cost, and flexibility

Purpose: This study examines how Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) metrics, specifically cycle time, cost, and flexibility metrics, influence the supply chain performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Mombasa County, Kenya. Methodology: A descriptive research design was employed with data collected from 397 SMEs in Mombasa County using questionnaires. The Taro Yamane formula was used to determine the sample size. Data analysis involved both descriptive statistics and inferential analysis through correlation and regression. Results: The findings reveal statistically significant positive relationships between cycle time metrics (r=0.811), cost metrics (r=0.788), and flexibility metrics (r=0.848) with supply chain performance. Multiple regression analysis indicates that flexibility metrics substantially impact supply chain performance, followed by cost and cycle time metrics. Theoretical contribution: This study extends the application of SCOR model metrics to the context of Kenyan SMEs, addressing a significant research gap in supply chain performance measurement in developing economies. It validates the relevance of the SCOR framework in enhancing operational efficiency in resource-constrained environments. Practical implications: SMEs in Kenya should prioritize flexibility in their supply chain operations while optimizing cost structures and cycle times. The findings suggest that strategic allocation of limited resources should emphasize adaptability to market changes, which significantly impacts overall supply chain performance. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure