Effect of supply chain agility, adaptability and alignment on operational performance: the mediating role of competitive advantage

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the triple-A supply chain (SC3A) and operational performance (OP) in the context of Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), during COVID-19 with competitive advantage (CA) serves as a mediator. A simple random sampling method and five-point Likert scale questionnaire is used to gather primary data collected from employees. Correlation, linear, and multiple regression analysis were utilized in order to test the hypotheses and proposed research model. The study shows that OP is linked to SC3A in a positive way, and that SC3A and CA have a direct effect on OP. The findings revealed three combinations of agility, adaptability, and alignment, result in high levels of operational proficiency with the support of the CA as mediation function. The Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company success not only depends on the agility, adaptability, and alignment of supply chains (SCs) directly but also through CA for enhancing the OP. It is recommended to the management to focus more on CA and company performance also apart from OP. This study is a novel contribution of CA mediation on the relationships between SC3A and OP in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. The findings can be used by managers to figure out what needs to be done to put triple-A capabilities into use and learn more about the potential OP benefits that come from doing so during COVID-19.