The Impact of Supply Chain Concentration on Operational Efficiency: An Intermediary Analysis Based on Inventory Management

Yanning Zhang

doi:10.63313/EBM.9181

Authors

Yanning Zhang School of Management Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance & Economics, Nan Jing 210046, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63313/EBM.9181

Keywords:

Supply Chain Concentration, Corporate Operational Efficiency, Inventory Management, Inventory Turnover Rate, Mediating Effect, New-Quality Productive Forces

Abstract

This study uses non-financial A-share listed companies in China from 2020 to 2024 as its research sample. Based on resource dependence theory and operations management theory, and utilizing micro-level firm data from the Guotai-An CSMAR database, the study empirically examines the impact of supply chain concentration on firm operational efficiency and its underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, it explores the heterogeneous effects of ownership structure, regional characteristics, and industry type on this relationship. The findings reveal that supply chain concentration and firm operational efficiency exhibit a U-shaped relationship: moderate supply chain concentration enhances operational efficiency, whereas excessive concentration inhibits such improvements due to increased supply chain risks. Inventory management (measured by inventory turnover rate) plays a partial mediating role between supply chain concentration and operational efficiency; specifically, supply chain concentration influences operational efficiency by affecting a firm’s inventory turnover efficiency. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that these effects are more pronounced in non-state-owned enterprises. From the perspective of optimizing supply chain layout and enhancing inventory management capabilities, this paper provides empirical evidence and practical recommendations for enterprises to cultivate new-quality productive forces and improve operational efficiency through supply chain management.

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