Scale Development for Supply Chain Management Self-Efficacy: The Role of Internship and Personal Experiences

This study addresses a critical gap in the supply chain management (SCM) literature by developing and validating a self-efficacy measurement scale for students pursuing careers in SCM. The research had three key objectives: (1) to develop a SCM Self-Efficacy scale, (2) to examine how internships and personal experiences influence SCM self-efficacy, and (3) to identify strategies for higher education institutions (HEIs) to enhance students’ self-efficacy in SCM activities. A case study design with a mixed-method approach was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 59 students in a quasi-private Ghanaian university using an online structured survey. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses revealed two dimensions of SCM self-efficacy: operational competencies and strategic leadership/relationship management. Internships and personal experiences significantly influenced SCM self-efficacy (R² = 0.737), with personal experiences having a larger effect. Thematic analysis of open-ended responses emphasized practical learning, mandatory internships, and industry collaboration as key enablers. The validated SCM self-efficacy scale introduced in this study provides a tool for educators and researchers. Also, the study introduces a new SCM Self-Efficacy scale for educational use and underscores the importance of internships and prior experiences in developing SCM self-efficacy. Future research should validate the scale across diverse contexts, investigate the optimal duration of internships, and explore the role of mentorship in building SCM capabilities among students.