Strategic sourcing and supplier selection in the United States textile-apparel-retail supply network

This dissertation investigated the impact of strategic sourcing and supplier selection on firm's competitive priorities and financial performance in the U.S. textile-apparel-retail supply network. The study reviewed the literature on strategic sourcing, supplier selection, firm's business performance (competitive priorities and financial performance) and the theoretical backgrounds (resource-based view and Porter's framework of competitive advantage and competitive strategy). Based on the literature review and the current dynamic situation of the U.S. textile-apparel-retail complex, a research model was developed and the resulting hypotheses were empirically tested.; The empirical survey-based research methodology was used to gather primary data and assess the research model and research hypotheses. A random sample of 660 firms was drawn from the U.S. textile-apparel-retail complex with domestic headquarters and more than 25 employees. Mail survey, phone call contacts and e-mail survey were used to enhance response rate for the survey. These collectively constituted a modified version of Dillman's (2000) The Tailored Design Method. The data collection resulted in 181 responses, representing a 38.2% adjusted response rate.; Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to assess the model and test the research hypotheses. A two-stage approach was used for the data analysis. In the first stage, the measurement model was tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to demonstrate adequate model fit and to ensure a satisfactory level of measurement reliability and validity for the underlying variables and their respective factors in the model. In the second stage, latent variable path analysis was used to test the hypothesized relationships in the structural model. The fit of the proposed model to the observed data was tested using LISREL 8.54 with covariance matrix input.; The research findings significantly support the hypothesized relationship between strategic sourcing and financial performance, and the hypothesized relationship between supplier selection and competitive priorities. Strategic sourcing has a significant direct effect on financial performance, and supplier selection has a significant direct effect on competitive priorities. The research concludes with implications, limitations, and directions for future research.