THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY ADAPTATION IN OPTIMIZING SUPPLY CHAIN PRACTICES FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN PAKISTAN'S TEXTILE INDUSTRY

Abstract

This research paper investigates the impact of supply chain practices and technology adaptation on the competitive advantage of Pakistan's textile industry. Through a quantitative approach, data was collected from various textile companies in Pakistan using surveys and statistical analysis. Conducted over the course of one month in a natural setting without disrupting normal work processes, the study employed purposive sampling to select participants from the Pakistani textile manufacturing sector. Of the 600 questionnaires distributed, 165 responses were collected, with 40% from women and 60% from men, representing diverse roles within the textile sector. The survey included multiple-choice questions and Likert scale items to assess participants' experiences in achieving competitive advantages through technological adaptation. The findings from direct effect path analysis support hypotheses that customer relationship positively influences flexibility, quality, and technological adaptation. Similarly, information sharing positively impacts flexibility, quality, and technological adaptation. Moreover, technological adaptation positively influences flexibility and quality. The specific indirect effect path analysis reveals that technological adaptation mediates the relationships between customer relationship and flexibility, as well as between information sharing and flexibility. However, technological adaptation does not mediate the relationship between customer relationship and quality. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were used to assess and test the measurement model's reliability, rationality, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Bootstrapping in Smart PLS software was applied to examine the relationships between factors. The study underscores the critical role of technological adaptation in leveraging customer relationships and information sharing to improve flexibility, quality, and organizational performance, highlighting the importance of strategic alignment in driving competitive advantage in the textile industry of Pakistan.