Flexibility in the Supply Chain as a Means of Achieving Delivery Reliability: The Case of Perishables Supply Chain from Ghana to the International Market

Abstract

This study analyses the extent to which the presence of flexibility in the supply chain can act as a mitigating factor in achieving reliable delivery to the international market, particularly of perishable products (i.e. fruit), which are time critical in nature. This study employs the qualitative research methodology, whereby a case study involving the supply chain for the export of perishables from Ghana to the international market was conducted. The evidence from the findings shows that, among other factors, poor transport infrastructure, delays in ship/plane arrivals, high fuel prices, financial obstacles, power imbalance between the supply chain actors, bureaucratic documentation processes and natural calamities hinder the attainment of flexibility in the supply chain. This in turn means that the supply chain for the export of perishables from Ghana to the international market cannot cope with changes in demand, leading to greater delivery unreliability. The study recommends that actors should work together in the supply chain to overcome these risks/problems in order to achieve flexibility in the supply chain, which could result in reliable delivery to the international market. The study informs policy makers and implementers, academicians and practitioners.