INTEGRATING SUPPLY CHAIN DIGITALIZATION INTO PROJECT MANAGEMENT: EFFECTS ON OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE AND THE ROLE OF ORGANIZATIONAL AGILITY IN PAKISTANI MANUFACTURING FIRMS

Abstract

This study examines how supply chain digitalization (SCD) is embedded in project management practices and affects operational performance in Pakistani manufacturing organizations. As innovations in technology continue to move faster through supply chains, companies are relying on digital solutions to automate operations, enhance efficiency, and support decision-making in real-time. Even so, the degree to which these solutions enhance performance tends to hinge on internal characteristics—most importantly, the responsiveness of the organization. This research is based on the quantitative approach, collecting information from 310 professionals working in project and supply chain jobs in the manufacturing industry of Pakistan. The research assesses the interlinkage between SCD, operational performance, and organizational agility through structural equation modeling. The findings indicate that SCD has a strong and positive correlation with operational performance measures like efficiency, responsiveness, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, organizational agility reinforces this effect appreciably, serving as a key catalyst in bringing digital capabilities into real-life benefits. These findings complement the increasing volume of literature on digital transformation and project implementation, particularly in the context of emerging markets. For practitioners, the study underscores the need to develop agile cultures in parallel with digital investments in order to maximally leverage technological achievements in supply chain management. This alignment is vital for achieving sustainable competitive advantage in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Key words: Supply Chain Integration, Project Management, Organization Agility