In search of a suitable way to deploy Triple-A capabilities through assessment of AAA models’ competitive advantage predictive capacity

Abstract

Purpose – To determine how to best deploy the Triple-A supply chain (SC) capabilities (AAA-agility, adaptability and alignment) to improve competitive advantage (CA) by identifying the Triple-A SC model with the highest CA predictive capability. Design/methodology/approach – Assessment of in-sample and out-of-sample predictive capacity of Triple-ACA models (considering AAA as individual constructs) to find which has the highest CA predictive capacity. BIC, BIC-Akaike weights and PLSpredict are used in a multi-country, multi-informant, multi-sector 304 plant sample. Findings – Greater direct relationship model (DRM) in-sample and out-of-sample CA predictive capacity suggests DRM’s greater likelihood of achieving a higher CA predictive capacity than mediated relationship model (MRM). So, DRM can be considered a benchmark for research/practice and the Triple-A SC capabilities as independent levers of performance/CA. Research limitations/implications – DRM emerges as a reference for analysing how to trigger the three Triple-A SC levers for better performance/CA predictive capacity. Therefore, MRM proposals should be compared to DRM to determine whether their performance is significantly better considering the study’s aim. Practical implications – Results with our sample justify how managers can suitably deploy the Triple-A SC capabilities to improve CA by implementing AAA as independent levers. Single capability deployment does not require levels to be reached in others. Originality/value – First research considering Triple-A SC capability deployment to better improve performance/CA focusing on model’s predictive capability (essential for decision-making), further highlighting the lack of theory and contrasted models for Lee’s Triple-A framework.