INVESTIGATING FIRM’S LOGISTICS PERFORMANCE IN THE PALESTINIAN OCCUPIED TERRITORIES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
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Date
2022-05-16
Authors
Saja Aziz Asad Khalili
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Abstract
Abstract
Theoretical Background: Logistics is considered as a complex business and one of the dynamic activities that is increasingly seen as an essence competency of the firm, and plays a major role in the competitiveness and economic growth of firms. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak that caused two global crises; the health and the economic crises; and therefore has an effect on logistics performance that is a crucial for any firm to sustain its competitive advantage. An occupied territory in general lacks stability and security, in addition to lack authority and control over their own resources and revenues. In regard to logistics, occupying power imposes movement restrictions on the movement of goods, along with an overarching stranglehold over infrastructure; that leading to create disruptions for trade and the weakening of the economy. More importantly, these consequences were also increased simultaneously with the outbreak COVID-19 pandemic.
Aims: The aim of this thesis is to study the critical factors affecting firm’s logistic performance in Palestinian occupied territories and the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on it. A conceptual model was designed to investigate the relationship between five constructs: logistics efficiency, political environment, logistics effectiveness, logistics performance, and firm’s performance.
Methodology: The research model was analyzed by using partial least squares structural equation modeling by using SmartPLS software. The quantitative data were collected via e-mailing a questionnaire, in total 51 responses were received from four different sectors firms: trade, industry, service, and logistic sector in West Bank.
Results and conclusions: The findings revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between factors, where the relationship between “logistics performance” and “logistics effectiveness” has strongest influence, followed by the relationship between “firm’s performance” and “logistics performance”, while the relationship between “logistics effectiveness” and “logistics efficiency” and between “logistics effectiveness” and “political environment” have almost the same relationship and the least influence. Also, the findings revealed that the spread of COVID-19 pandemic was caused a negative impact of firm’s logistics performance in Palestine, especially the economic growth.
Keywords: COVID-19, logistics, firm performance, political environment, PLS-SEM.