Enhancing operational performance in the food industry: the role of supply chain quality management practices

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of supply chain quality management practices (SCQMPs) on quality safety performance (QSP) and supply chain quality management capabilities (SCQMCs) in the food industry and how these two dimensions ultimately influence operational performance (OP). This study uses survey data from 140 food industry firms, analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modelling. The research findings indicate that SCQMPs encompassing supplier quality management, internal quality management and customer quality management have a significant and positive impact on QSP and SCQMCs. However, SCQMPs alone do not directly enhance operational performance (OP). Moreover, this study reveals that both SCQMCs and QSP have a positive and significant effect on OP. This study addresses key knowledge gaps, emphasizing how SCQM practices serve as a cornerstone for advancing food quality safety and SCQMCs that ultimately improve operational performance in complex and globalized supply chains.