Sustainable supply chain integration and operational performance of cocoa firms in Ghana

Abstract

Abstract This study examines the impact of supply chain integration (SCI) on operational performance within the Ghanaian cocoa processing sector, in addition to the moderating role of firm size and technology adoption. Quantitative research design was used, where 312 managerial and supervisory level personnel of three large cocoa processing companies, Cocoa Marketing Company Ghana Ltd, Cargill Ghana Ltd, and Olam Cocoa Processing Ghana Ltd, were used to collect primary data using structured questionnaires, which were analysed using hierarchical multiple regression and moderation analysis, using the PROCESS macro to test the hypothesised relationships. Findings indicate that supply chain integration has a significant and positive impact on operational performance (β = 0.547, p < 0.001), which explains 43.2% of the variation in operational performance, including cost efficiency, delivery reliability, quality performance and flexibility. Firm size shows that it has a significant positive moderating effect (β = 0.183, p < 0.01), where larger firms with strong resource endowments get better performance advantages of integration initiatives. The moderating effect of technology adoption is even stronger (β = 0.216, p < 0.001), and it indicates that technologically progressive companies attain a significantly improved functioning efficiency through integrated supply chain practices. The study recommends that cocoa companies need to focus on supply chain integration and, at the same time, invest in technology infrastructure, scale optimisation strategy to ensure they maximise performance gains, and remain competitive in the international markets.