EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EFFICIENT SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AND FIRM INNOVATION: AN ARCHIVAL SEARCH AND ANALYSIS

This paper illustrates the use of secondary data for operations and supply chain management research by investigating the association between efficient supply chain management and innovation of firms. An empirical inquiry is conducted using archival financial statement information and patent citation data for firms in the manufacturing sector, over a 10-year period from 1987 to 1996. Longitudinal analysis, focusing on the influence of efficient supply chain management on a firm's innovation over time, is conducted. Results and limitations are discussed along with a summary of steps, which may be followed when using secondary data for operations and supply chain management research.