The Impact of Strategic Flexibility, Manufacturing Flexibility, and Supply Chain Agility on Manufacturing Performance: Evidence from South Africa

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of strategic flexibility, manufacturing flexibility, and supply chain agility on the performance of South African manufacturing firms. Using a structured survey of 350 respondents across various sub-sectors, the research employs structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the relationships between these key variables. The results reveal that both strategic and manufacturing flexibilities significantly enhance supply chain agility, which in turn positively influences overall manufacturing performance. Strategic flexibility allows firms to rapidly realign strategies in response to external market conditions, while manufacturing flexibility facilitates the adaptation of production processes. Moreover, supply chain agility is shown to mediate the relationship between these flexibilities and performance, emphasizing its critical role in sustaining operational efficiency and competitiveness in a volatile business environment. The findings offer practical insights for managers and policymakers, advocating for investments in flexible and agile practices to bolster the resilience and adaptability of the South African manufacturing sector. Keywords: Strategic flexibility, Manufacturing flexibility, Supply chain agility, Manufacturing performance, South Africa. Title: The Impact of Strategic Flexibility, Manufacturing Flexibility, and Supply Chain Agility on Manufacturing Performance: Evidence from South Africa Author: Charles Mawuena Gates, Wu Mengyun International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations ISSN 2348-7585 (Online) Vol. 12, Issue 2, October 2024 - March 2025 Page No: 1-14 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 09-October-2024 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13907248 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/the-impact-of-strategic-flexibility-manufacturing-flexibility-and-supply-chain-agility-on-manufacturing-performance-evidence-from-south-africa