Integrated information technology and firm performance: mediating and moderating effects in supply chain management context

Abstract

This thesis extends the developing body of literature on supply chain integration (SCI). We develop hypotheses proposing positive relationships between integrated IT, supplier integration, customer integration, internal integration, and financial performance. Also, we investigate the complementary roles of IT department size and top management support. CFA and SEM analysis of a survey of 205 firms in Egypt indicates that integrated IT, supplier integration, customer integration, and internal integration can improve financial performance. In addition, integrated IT has a direct positive effect on SCI dimensions. Also, it is confirmed that IT department size and top management support are significantly related to integrated IT. Finally, we found direct and moderating effects of trust, relationship commitment, and hierarchical organizational culture on SCI dimensions, and on the relationship between integrated IT and SCI dimensions. This finding suggests that firms should focus on the important roles of IT technology to improve financial performance through SCI.