INFORMATION SHARING AND STRATEGIC SUPPLIER PARTNERSHIP IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: A STUDY ON PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Purpose: Logistics has become the most important elements in growth and structuring of any business in today’s environment. The purpose ofthis research is to examine the impact of Information Sharing and Strategic Supplier Partnership in Supply Chain management of Pharmaceutical firm. Since, one major business unit depends on effective supply chain practice. Methodology & Design Study was carried out in pharmaceutical firm in Karachi. The research method adopted for the study is quantitative considering the aim ofstudy to examine the impact while the sample size ofthis study includes 150 respondents. The research design adopted for the study is causal research, however, the data for this research is gathered by distributing questionnaire among the respondents i.e. data is collected from primary sources. The research approach for this study is deductive, however, the analysis is carried out using statistical tests i.e. Regression to measure the impact of one variable on the other and, Cronbach Alpha to measure the internal consistency ofthe research variables. Findings The findings from the test claims that there exist a direct significant impact of information sharing and strategic partnership on logistic performance in pharmaceutical firms. The results also record a variation of 49.1% in the logistic performance due to the independent variables (information sharing & strategic partnership). The results also show that among the two independent variables the impact of strategic supplier partnership is higher as compared to information sharing among the firm. The findings, therefore, conclude that logistic performance can be improved due to these variables. Practical Implication The current research fills in gap in the existing research. Limitations Due to ongoing COVID -19 pandemic in the country, one cannot access different organizations physically to obtain data required for research, therefore, maximum data was obtained online or by making best use of cellular network. Recommendations Following are the recommendations for this research: Technology solutions can also be very helpful in standardizing the logistics department or improving logistic performance of the firm. These Technology solutions include: ERP implementations, Vendor and Inventory management systems, MIS tools etc. 1. Integration between departments be ensured in order to have achieve smooth and continuous flow ofinformation. 2. SLA & NDA’s be signed and agreed between participants entering into partnership of information sharing. These agreements would aid in safeguarding the interests of both parties in case of conflicts/ disputes.