Explaining the Impact of Artificial Intelligence Development on Supply Chain Diversity and Resilience in Iranian Manufacturing Industries: A Structural Equation Modeling (PLS) Approach
Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Diversity, Supply Chain Resilience, Structural Equation ModelingAbstract
This study aims to examine the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) development on supply chain diversity and resilience, considering the mediating roles of information transparency and coordination cost reduction, as well as the moderating role of organizational digitalization. This applied, descriptive–survey research was conducted among 280 supply chain managers and experts in manufacturing firms in Tehran, from which 160 participants were selected using stratified random sampling based on Cochran’s formula. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of 38 items measuring six main constructs. Reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability, while convergent validity was supported by acceptable AVE values. Data analysis was performed using Smart PLS and the PLS-SEM technique to examine direct, indirect (mediating), and moderating effects. AI development had a significant positive impact on supply chain diversity (β=0.42, p<0.001) and resilience (β=0.35, p<0.001). AI also significantly improved information transparency (β=0.63, p<0.001) and reduced coordination costs (β=0.59, p<0.001). Information transparency positively influenced supply chain diversity (β=0.38, p<0.001), while reduced coordination costs enhanced resilience (β=0.33, p=0.001). Organizational digitalization significantly strengthened the effect of AI on supply chain diversity (β=0.21, p=0.033) and resilience (β=0.19, p=0.041). The mediating role of information transparency was also confirmed (β=0.24, p=0.002). AI development effectively enhances supply chain diversity and resilience through improved information transparency, reduced coordination costs, and strengthened organizational digitalization, positioning AI as a strategic driver of supply chain performance in Iranian manufacturing industries.
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