THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL SUPPLY CHAIN ON CYCLE-TIME EFFICIENCY: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF ECO-EFFICIENCY

Abstract

The research paper examines the effects of digital supply chain integration on the efficiency of cycle times with the need to focus on the impact of eco-efficiency as a mediating factor in learning institutions. With the continuous transformations of organizational activities tSCough digital technologies, the study explores the potential of digitalized processes in the supply chain to reduce operation delays, workflow execution, and environmentally friendly operations. The research hypothesizes that automation, analytics, and shared information of digital supply chain systems improve responsiveness, resource usage, and energy use, which all lead to a more efficient cycle-time.A cross-sectional survey will be utilized in the study; it will involve academic and administrative staffs in the institutions of higher learning. The relationships between the digital supply chain practices, eco-efficiency and cycle-time performance will be determined using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the data. The hypothesis is that digital supply chain practices have a positive effect on both direct and indirect impact on cycle-time efficiency via eco-efficiency. The institutions are predicted to attain quicker cycle times and sustainable operational excellence by incorporating environmental performance metrics into the digital operations.The work can add to the existing knowledge on digital transformation and sustainability by providing the concept of eco-efficiency as a mediating factor between digital supply chain systems and operational performance. Although the cross-sectional nature of the research can restrain causal inference, the study can provide useful information on how eco-efficient digital supply chains can enhance time-based competitiveness and sustainability in the education industry. Further studies can take a longitudinal or multi-level design midpoint to contrast efficiency performance between government and privated schools.