Supply chain learning practices and their impact on sustainability performance: insights from a manufacturing SMEs’ perspective

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of supply chain learning practices (SCLPs) on sustainability performance in the context of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Drawing on the practice-based view (PBV), the study examines both the explanatory variables (operational intellectual capital) and the intermediate outcomes (innovation) of SCLPs to gain a greater understanding of how manufacturing SMEs can leverage learning from their customers and suppliers to enhance sustainability performance.

Adopting a sequential explanatory mixed methods design, the quantitative phase analysed secondary survey data from 355 manufacturing SMEs through structural equation modelling to test direct, mediating, and moderating relationships among SCLPs, innovation, OIC, and the three dimensions of sustainability performance. Then, to further investigate and illustrate these findings the qualitative phase employed case research involving four SME firms from the metal fabrication industry through analysis of primary data collected via semi-structured interviews, site observations, and documents.

The integrated findings provide empirical evidence that SCLPs significantly enhance sustainability performance both directly and indirectly through innovation, confirming innovation’s mediating role. Furthermore, the findings revealed the moderating effects of OIC dimensions were mixed, with structural capital enhancing the efficacy of SCLPs on all three dimensions of sustainability performance, while human and social capital demonstrated moderation primarily for environmental outcomes.

This study contributes to theory by developing and empirically testing a practice-based model of SCLPs, providing a holistic view of the SCLPs phenomenon under investigation. This is important for the SCL literature as it extends the current understanding of the relationships between SCLPs, OIC, innovation, and sustainability performance in a manufacturing SME context, which also opens new opportunities for future research in this area. Practically, the study offers actionable guidance for SME owners and managers, showing how investments in human, structural, and social capital enhance the effectiveness of SCLPs, enabling firms to innovate and improve economic, environmental, and social performance in an increasingly sustainability-oriented economy.

Thesis embargoed until 31 January 2028

Date of Award	Jan 2026
Original language	English
Sponsors	VCRS
Supervisor	Aodheen McCartan (Supervisor) & Darryl Cummins (Supervisor)