A holistic approach for improving supply chain resilience by mitigating disruptions: prioritization of key enabling factors at the firm level

Purpose This study aims to identify, categorize and prioritize key enabling factors that enhance firm-level supply chain resilience (SCR) from a supply chain integration (SCI) perspective. By examining how internal, supplier and customer integration dimensions collectively shape SCR, the study addresses existing gaps in the literature regarding the systematic evaluation of resilience enablers. Design/methodology/approach A multi-stage methodology was adopted. First, a comprehensive literature review and analysis of four major global disruptions were conducted to compile a preliminary list of 28 SCR enablers. Second, the Q-sort technique was utilized with expert panels to refine and classify these enablers into three SCI dimensions. Third, the fuzzy DEMATEL approach was employed to reveal causal relationships and derive a final prioritization of the most impactful enablers under conditions of uncertainty. Findings The results highlight that internal integration is foundational for building supply chain resilience, particularly through real-time data visibility and cross-functional coordination. Information sharing with suppliers and collaboration with customers emerged as highly influential once internal capabilities were well established. The fuzzy DEMATEL analysis further demonstrates specific cause-and-effect relationships among enablers, enabling practitioners to identify the most critical factors and effective sequencing for enhancing SCR. Research limitations/implications The study’s generalizability may be constrained by context-specific data, as expert judgements largely reflect particular industries and geographic regions. Moreover, the cross-sectional design offers a snapshot rather than a longitudinal view of how resilience factors evolve over time. Practical implications Managers can use the findings to systematically strengthen SCR by first solidifying internal data integration, followed by supplier and customer collaboration. The prioritization framework guides resource allocation, technology adoption and partnership strategies to mitigate disruptions more effectively. Originality/value This research contributes a novel, integration-centric framework for SCR by combining Q-sort with fuzzy DEMATEL. It clarifies the interdependencies among internal, supplier and customer integration enablers, providing both theoretical insights and actionable guidelines for practitioners seeking to enhance supply chain resilience in an era of frequent and severe disruptions.