Effect of supply chain visibility on flexibility performance. Evidence from disaster relief operations during cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The main purpose of this research was to find out the effect of supply chain visibility on improving flexibility performance in the disaster hit areas. It highlights the devastating impact of Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe and the subsequent challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in providing relief efforts. A simple linear regression is also used for quantitative data analysis. Qualitative data analysis was also employed. The findings indicate a positive and significant relationship between supply chain visibility and flexibility performance. Specifically technology infrastructure was found to have the biggest effect on flexibility performance. At 5 percent level of significance, technology infrastructurewas found to positively affect flexibility performance by around 25%. The results shows that is very important to improve flexibility performance by improving the technology infrastructure. One of the main policy recommendation is the need to invest more into transport infrastructure. As area for further study, the extension of this research could increase the sample size and include other regions which were affected by Cyclone Idai which are in Mozambique and Malawi. This will improve the reliability of the results.