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The Impact of Automating Procurement Tasks on the Resilience of Supply Chains
Linder, Frederik (2025) The Impact of Automating Procurement Tasks on the Resilience of Supply Chains.
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| Abstract: | Industry 4.0 and task automation can have a huge influence on supply chain performance. While automation is widely recognized for its profound effects on operational efficiency, its specific implications on various areas of supply chain resilience are not explored. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining how the automation of procurement tasks influences the defining elements of supply chain resilience. Using A mixed-methods approach is used that combines literature review with primary data collected through a survey administered to procurement professionals. The literature review establishes a comprehensive theoretical framework by defining procurement, detailing task automation, and the concept of supply chain resilience. This framework then informs the formulation of specific hypotheses that guide the subsequent data analysis. The research categorizes procurement tasks into four key disciplines: Risk Management, Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Relationship Management, and Operational Efficiency. For each of these disciplines, distinct hypotheses are tested to ascertain which supply chain resilience factors are most significantly affected by automation. The findings suggest that automating tasks within Risk Management and Strategic Sourcing can positively enhance supply chain resilience. The impact on Supplier Relationship Management and Operational Efficiency is weaker but still suggests that benefits can be gained from automation but also indicating areas that warrant further in-depth investigation. This study offers valuable practical contributions by providing actionable insights for organizations aiming to leverage automation in procurement to strengthen their supply chain resilience, thereby preparing procurement professionals for the evolving landscape of Industry 4.0. Despite certain limitations, primarily related to the sample size, this research contributes to a better understanding of the intricate relationship between task automation in procurement and contributes to existing literature |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | International Business Administration BSc (50952) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/108037 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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