Linking Supply Chain Collaboration, Collaborative Advantage, and Firm Performance in China: The Moderating Role of Government Subsidies

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This article claims it proposed ed a theoretical framework and deployed structural equation modeling to explore the relationships of collaborative advantage and government support within the context of supply chain collaboration. This topic is important and interesting, but it has the following questions:
1. The abstract should focus on the research motivation and innovation, i.e. it did not point a detail research question.

2. The authors should pointed the advantage and dis advantage by the Comparison.

3.  Add the simulation analysis to present the benefits of your model in the simulation results.

4.  Some sensitivity analysis can be added to better understand the proposed model.

 

The overall language of the article is acceptable

 

Author Response

Reviewer 1

 

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This article claims it proposed a theoretical framework and deployed structural equation modeling to explore the relationships of collaborative advantage and government support within the context of supply chain collaboration. This topic is important and interesting, but it has the following questions:

1. The abstract should focus on the research motivation and innovation, i.e. it did not point a detail research question.
2. The authors should point the advantage and disadvantage by the Comparison.

 

3. Add the simulation analysis to present the benefits of your model in the simulation results.
4. Some sensitivity analysis can be added to better understand the proposed model.

 

We appreciate your acknowledgment of our work and would like to extend our sincerest thanks for recognising our efforts. We have revised the corresponding parts in red colour based on the above opinions.

1. We appreciate your guidance and suggestions for improvement. we've enriched the abstract to highlight the research motivation and innovation as follows: “Thus, this study is driven by the pressing necessity to address the existing gap concerning the mediation effect of collaborative advantage. Especially, in the context of government interventions, this study addresses the question: 'To what extent do government subsidies influence the relationships among supply chain collaboration, collaborative advantage, and firm performance?' We formulated an innovative theoretical framework and utilized structural equation modeling to comprehensively examine these relationships, unlike the previous studies on trust, firm size and etc in a supply chain.” We believe that these changes strengthen the abstract's clarity and focus on the key aspects of our research.
2. Thank you for your feedback regarding the need to highlight both the advantages and disadvantages of Supply Chain Collaboration. we have incorporated your suggestions by adding references to previous studies. In our revised manuscript, we now explicitly mention that, in comparison to the advantages of Supply Chain Collaboration, there are indeed challenges faced by partners within the supply chain. These challenges include sharing sensitive data and making substantial investments, as indicated in previous studies [21,22]. This addition aims to provide a more comprehensive view of the topic, shedding light on both the positive and negative aspects of collaborative efforts in the supply chain.
3. Thank you for your suggestion to include simulation analysis in our paper. We completely agree that this would add significant value to our research. However, we are still in the process of structuring model, gathering relevant data and selecting critical parameters up to date. We acknowledge that this should be our focus for further work in this study, and we plan to display the results in a subsequent paper.
4. Thank you for your valuable insights. We have already incorporated a section on Sensitivity Analysis into our paper.

Reviewer 2 Report

Dear Author It’s a very good effort and the topic is interesting. However, I will suggest that in the Abstract needs to be improved theoretically. In the introduction Section it quite good to add new citations. It’s better to use citations from last five years only. Literature is acceptable except the writing style which should be more critical and I believe that add some latest studies like;

 

Shabbir, M. S., Sulaiman , M. A., Al-Kumaim, N. H., Mahmood , A., & Abbas, M. (2020). Green marketing approaches and their Impact on consumer behavior towards the environment—a study from the UAE. sustainability, 1-13. doi:10.3390/su12218977

Riphah, H. Z., Ali, S., Danish, M., & Sulaiman, M. A. (2022). Factors affecting consumers intentions to purchase dairy products in Pakistan: a cognitive affective-attitude approach. Journal of International Food & Agribusiness Marketing. doi:10.1080/08974438.2022.2125919

Asad, M., Asif, M. U., Bakar, L. J., & Altaf, N. (2021). Entrepreneurial orientation, big data analytics, and SMEs performance under the effects of environmental turbulence. 2021 International Conference on Data Analytics for Business and Industry (ICDABI) (pp. 144-148). Zallaq: IEEE. doi:10.1109/ICDABI53623.2021.9655870

Majali, T., Alkaraki, M., Asad, M., Aladwan, N., & Aledeinat, M. (2022). Green transformational leadership, green entrepreneurial orientation and performance of SMEs: The mediating role of green product innovation. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 8(191), 1-14. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/joitmc8040191.

 

In the Analysis and discussion, I will recommend that link your findings with the latest prior studies and give proper justifications for finding the similar results or having controversial results, justify the results.

Finally, in conclusions highlight the theoretical contribution by linking it with the underpinning theories to confirm theoretical soundness of the research.

 

Extensive editing of English language required

Author Response

We genuinely appreciate your recognition of our efforts and would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for acknowledging our work. We have diligently reviewed the relevant sections and made the necessary revisions, highlighting them in red as per the feedback provided above.

 

1. We've enriched the abstract to highlight the research motivation and innovation as follows: “Thus, this study is driven by the pressing necessity to address the existing gap concerning the mediation effect of collaborative advantage. Especially, in the context of government interventions, this study addresses the question: 'To what extent do government subsidies influence the relationships among supply chain collaboration, collaborative advantage, and firm performance?' We formulated an innovative theoretical framework and utilized structural equation modeling to comprehensively examine these relationships, unlike the previous studies on trust, firm size and etc in a supply chain.” We believe that these changes strengthen the abstract's clarity and focus on the key aspects of our research.
2. We appreciate your feedback regarding the acceptability of our literature. We acknowledge that our writing style may need further refinement to provide a more critical perspective. In response, we have revised the content of the Introduction section. We incorporate the aforementioned studies and emphasize our study's background, research objectives, primary hypothesis, and academic contributions to display the whole work of this paper. Thus, our main hypotheses are as follows:

SCC has a significant direct positive impact on FP.

CA has a significant positive influence on FP.

CA acts as a mediating factor between SCC and FP.

GS moderate the relationship among SCC, CA, and FP.

In this study, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), consisting of both a measurement model and a structural model, serves as a potent tool for elucidating the complex relationships among variables. The measure model can recognize the critical elements of SCC, CA, and FP, while the structure model can also provide a deeper understanding of findings of mediation effect of CA and moderation effect of GS by comparing path coefficients [17].

Our research stands out as one of the few studies that uncover the pathway from SCC to FP. Our findings suggest that GS play a role in enhancing the connection between SCC and FP through CA. These findings can help shape government policies for supply chain innovation and guide the traditional manufacturing industry toward innovation-driven growth. Therefore, this study is highly significant because it uncovers important connections between supply chain collaboration and firm profits. The practical insights from this research can inform policies, boost innovation-led expansion, and transform the traditional manufacturing sector. As a result, it provides valuable, timely insights for optimizing supply chain strategies to enhance profitability and sustainability.

3. We are grateful for your recommendation to establish connections between our findings and the most recent prior research and to provide comprehensive justifications for congruent as well as contentious outcomes within our Analysis and Discussion sections. In response to this valuable input, we have diligently included a Sensitivity Analysis section in our paper. Furthermore, we have enriched our Discussion by referencing additional studies, drawing on both theoretical and practical perspectives to bolster our arguments and interpretations.
4. Finally, in conclusion, we align our research findings with key theoretical frameworks, including the Resource-Based View, Transaction Cost Economics, Social Exchange Theory, and Dynamic Capabilities Theory, affirming the robust theoretical foundation of our study as follows:

In summary, our study underscores the strategic importance of both Supply Chain Collaboration (SCC) as an internal resource and Government Subsidies (GS) as an ex-ternal resource in driving overall business success. SCC enhances a firm's competitive edge, and when combined with GS, it positively impacts Firm Performance (FP). Mo-tivated by Transaction Cost Economics and Social Exchange Theory, firms engage in collaborative supply chain practices to reduce transaction costs and gain benefits like knowledge sharing and risk mitigation. Dynamic Capabilities Theory highlights how SCC and GS serve as critical dynamic capabilities, enabling firms to adapt and thrive in a dynamic business environment. By effectively utilizing both internal and external re-sources, firms can navigate challenges and seize opportunities, ultimately propelling their long-term success.

Reviewer 3 Report

Title:

Impacts of Supply Chain Collaboration and Collaborative Advantage on Firm Performance: The Moderation Effect of Government Subsidies in China

I have reviewed this interesting study. Thank you for the opportunity to review this paper. It was an insightful and well-written piece that provided a new perspective on the topic under consideration. It is a good research topic offered in this manuscript. The topic of this research study has a practical significance to the scientific knowledge. The authors have investigated a good research area. I will accept this article after some changes. Modify according to these suggestions.  

Before accepting this study for publication, I suggest changes to improve the quality. I need strong literature support. I suggest the authors cite all these studies to improve the quality. However, the authors need to revise it according to my minor suggestions. The title needs clarity with the design of the main study. I suggest authors revise the title with better and more suitable words. See the below-recommended studies to improve your TTLE and Abstract quality. Cite all the suggested studies below to improve the quality. I will accept this paper after these minor changes. 

Abstract

First, I have some suggestions for the authors to enhance the quality of this innovative study. Please write a high-quality abstract, as it is the main door of the study. I suggest authors add a Graphical Abstract meaningfully to reflect the whole idea. Remove minor grammar errors.

The authors need to improve the abstract. Therefore, the abstract should answer these questions about your manuscript: What was done? Why did you do it? What did you find? Why are these findings useful and important? Answering these questions lets readers know the most important points about your study and helps them decide whether they want to read the rest of the paper. Ensure you follow the proper journal manuscript formatting guidelines when preparing your abstract.

 The introduction section needs improvement. It is important to state the following aspects in the introduction clearly.

* The main research question

* Hypothesis, if applicable

* Main objective of the study

* Gap in the literature that this study aims to address

* Motivation behind the research

* Relevance and significance of the topic

* Innovations and novel contributions of the study compared to existing work

* Unique contribution of this study to the field of investigation.

On what theory this paper is based. Before reviewing the literature, the authors should provide theoretical formwork

 

Introduction section

This section needs improvement. Please read these studies, revise your abstract, and cite them in the introduction and literature part. Cite the suggested studies to improve the quality. The introduction is not well established with the support of the study objectives and fresh literature evidence. The introduction should benefit from executing further improvement in the organization and clarity of the study argument. I invite the author to define the topic's gap and indicate how the paper fills the gap. Cite these studies to strengthen the quality of this study.

 Khalid, A. S., Al Khulaifi, A., & Al Khatib, F. (2005). Banking services and customer's Satisfaction in Qatar: A statistical analysis. Studies in Business and Economics, 11(1).

Wang, S., Al-Sulaiti, K., & Shah, S. A. R. (2023). The Impact of Economic Corridor and Tourism on Local Community’s Quality of Life under One Belt One Road Context. Evaluation Review, 47(3), 445-454.

Literature review

This study review needs improvement with the latest support of the literature. Furthermore, I have found that the literature review used is old. Thus, updating the literature review part with fresh studies is necessary. Ideally, the literature review part after the introduction part will be added separately. At the end of the introduction part, please indicate a theoretical contribution of the paper and add the structure of the paper by sections. I recommend the author find the literature gap and indicate how the paper fills that gap. Cite these studies to strengthen the quality of this study.

Shah, S. A. R., Zhang, Q., Tang, H., & Al-Sulaiti, K. I. (2023). Waste management, quality of life and natural resources utilization matter for renewable electricity generation: The main and moderate role of environmental policy. Utilities Policy, 82, 101584. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jup.2023.101584

Micah, A. E., Bhangdia, K., Cogswell, I. E., Lasher, D., Lidral-Porter, B., Maddison, E. R., . . . Dieleman, J. L. (2023). Global investments in pandemic preparedness and COVID-19: development assistance and domestic spending on health between 1990 and 2026. The Lancet Global Health, 11(3), e385-e413. doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(23)00007-4

 

Methodology: The section could be more explicit about the specific research question or hypotheses being tested. Furthermore, the methodology could be more detailed about the statistical methods used to analyze the data. Additionally, the section could benefit from more information about how missing data was handled, what assumptions were made about the distribution of the outcome variables, and how the model fit was assessed. I recommend to include the data part inside the methodology and naming the section Data and Methodology. Cite these studies in the methodology to improve the study.

 Al-Sulaiti, K. I., Abaalzamat, K. H., Khawaldah, H., & Alzboun, N. (2021). Evaluation of Katara Cultural Village Events And Services: a Visitors' Perspective. Event Management, 25(6), 653-664. doi:10.3727/152599521x16106577965099

Schmidt, C. A., Cromwell, E. A., Hill, E., Donkers, K. M., Schipp, M. F., Johnson, K. B., . . . Hay, S. I. (2022). The prevalence of onchocerciasis in Africa and Yemen, 2000-2018: a geospatial analysis. BMC Med, 20(1), 293. doi:10.1186/s12916-022-02486-y

Discussion

Improve this discussion. Argue on the results and cite more studies to support the discussion.  The authors should include a comprehensive literature review section that delves into an in-depth discussion of existing research. They should also identify any literature gaps, which are areas where there is a lack of information or insufficient data. These gaps represent opportunities for further research, considering factors such as sample size, location, research methods, and variables or conditions. The authors should aim to explore these unexplored, under-explored, or outdated aspects to contribute to the field.

- The method section could benefit from further improvement. It is important to provide a clear justification for the methodology approach used, explaining why it was chosen and how it is appropriate for the research question at hand. Additionally, it would be helpful to reference prior studies that have successfully used this methodology approach to strengthen the argument for its use in this particular study.

- The data section requires improvement. The authors must address several key questions to provide a better understanding of their approach. Specifically, why were these variables selected for the model? What does the existing literature say about these variables? Additionally, it's important to provide information on previous authors who have used these variables. Without this information, readers may find it difficult to comprehend the approach and results presented in the study fully. Cite these studies.

Abaalzamat, K. H., Al-Sulaiti, K. I., Alzboun, N. M., and Khawaldah, H. A. (2021). "The Role of Katara Cultural Village in Enhancing and Marketing the Image of Qatar: Evidence From TripAdvisor." SAGE Open, 11(2), 21582440211022737.

 Result: I recommend the author add robustness test results to verify the results' correctness. Furthermore, it is necessary to add a discussion part to interpret the result obtained in detail.

Implications

Explain this section effectively.  It needs a better presentation related to the study topic.

Limitations

Discuss the study’s limitations with a separate heading and discuss it briefly.

Policy recommendations

Policy recommendations are not sufficient at this stage of the manuscript. The authors must add a separate section for policy recommendations in the conclusion section. Also, add some exciting limitations regarding political factors for future studies.

 

 

Conclusion: The conclusion provides a comprehensive summary of the findings; the conclusion could have been strengthened by acknowledging some limitations of the study, such as potential confounding variables that may have affected the results. The conclusion could have also provided some recommendations for future research. I recommend the author to compare the results obtained in the study with the findings of other authors and explain how the results relate to each other.

It needs improvement.

Author Response

We appreciate your acknowledgment of our work and would like to extend our sincerest thanks for recognising our efforts.

 

1. We have revised the title to: “Linking Supply Chain Collaboration, Collaborative Advantage, and Firm Performance in China: The Moderating Role of Government Subsidies”.
2. We have revised the abstract as follows and would be honoured to provide a graphical abstract if the editor of this journal agrees with our proposal.

  Supply chain collaboration is acknowledged for its benefits, but it can be challenging to realise these advantages. The role of government subsidies in supply chain collaboration, collaborative advantage, and firm performance remains unclear. Thus, this study is driven by the pressing necessity to address the existing gap concerning the mediation effect of collaborative advantage. Especially, in the context of government interventions, this study addresses the question: 'To what extent do government subsidies influence the relationships among supply chain collaboration, collaborative advantage, and firm performance?' We formulated an innovative theoretical framework and utilized structural equation modeling to comprehensively examine these relationships, unlike the previous studies on trust, firm size and etc in a supply chain. Our findings indicate that government subsidies have the potential to amplify the influence of supply chain collaboration on firm performance through the creation of collaborative advantage. Despite government intervention, supply chain collaboration positively affects both collaborative ad-vantage and firm performance. Thus, government support in the form of subsidies acts as a cat-alyst, further enhancing the positive outcomes of supply chain collaboration and ultimately benefiting firm performance. This research underscores the strategic significance of both supply chain collaboration and government subsidies in promoting overall business success. Under-standing how companies can leverage collaborative advantage and government support within the context of supply chain collaboration is crucial for enhancing performance. By illuminating the role of government subsidies in this context, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics involved in achieving improved firm performance through effective supply chain collaboration.

  

 

3. In the Introduction section, we have expanded our coverage of previous studies, elaborated on our research methodology, and provided a comprehensive explanation of how our study bridges the existing gap in understanding the relationship between supply chain collaboration and firm performance as follows.

  In this study, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), consisting of both a measurement model and a structural model, serves as a potent tool for elucidating the complex relationships among variables. The measure model can recognize the critical elements of SCC, CA, and FP, while the structure model can also provide a deeper understanding of findings of mediation effect of CA and moderation effect of GS by comparing path coefficients [17].

Our research stands out as one of the few studies that uncover the pathway from SCC to FP. Our findings suggest that GS play a role in enhancing the connection be-tween SCC and FP through CA. These findings can help shape government policies for supply chain innovation and guide the traditional manufacturing industry toward in-novation-driven growth. Therefore, this study is highly significant because it uncovers important connections between supply chain collaboration and firm profits. The practical insights from this research can inform policies, boost innovation-led expansion, and transform the traditional manufacturing sector. As a result, it provides valuable, timely insights for optimizing supply chain strategies to enhance profitability and sustainability.

 

4. In the Literature Review section, we have refreshed the content with the latest studies and research findings to ensure that our review reflects the most current state of knowledge in the field.

 

5. In the Data and Methodology section, we have incorporated relevant studies to provide a comprehensive background. Furthermore, we have provided a detailed explanation of our research methods, including our approach to handling missing data, ensuring transparency and rigor in our analytical procedures as follows.

To advance our research goal of improving our understanding of how to enhance FP through SCC, particularly in the context of government policies, we employed a quantitative approach. This approach allowed us to investigate the intricate relation-ships among SCC, CA, FP, and GS. Our analysis utilized SPSS version 26.0 and AMOS version 21.0 to assess the questionnaire's quality. A battery of statistical tests was then applied to assess model validity, including a normal distribution test, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), among others [50,51]. Initially, we conducted a pilot study with a sample size of 30 participants to gather feedback on the language, format, and content of the questionnaire items. Subsequently, we distributed the questionnaires through both online and offline channels. All data were diligently collected and prepared, with the calculated skewness and kurtosis values by SPSS falling below 2 and 5, respectively. This indicates that our sample data adheres to the characteristics of a normal distribution, providing a solid basis for further model testing. Also, we executed Cronbach's alpha tests to assess the reliability of the questionnaire items[50]. Finally, we conducted a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the robustness of our conclusions.

 

Furthermore, to address the issue of missing values, which cannot be overlooked in our survey, we proactively conducted follow-up visits with respondents who had a low response rate in the initial questionnaire phase. During these follow-up visits, we carefully addressed missing responses to the outcome variable, and any samples with missing data were subsequently eliminated from our analysis.

 

Sensitivity analysis has been incorporated to validate the accuracy and robustness of our results, further enhancing the reliability of our findings as follows. To further enhance the robustness of the results, we chose to utilize the stepwise regression analysis method. This approach involves a gradual removal of variables to assess the contribution of each sub-dimension to the model. As depicted in Table 15, concerning the association between SCC and CA, the regression results indicate an R2 value of 0.450, explaining 45.0% of the variance in the dependent variable. The F-statistic value is 64.830, indicating statistical significance in our regression model. The standardized coefficients for IA, GC, and CM stand at 0.354, 0.200, and 0.165, respectively. These values denote a significant influence of each variable on FP, albeit with decreasing effects. The p-value for the dimension IS is 0.443, indicating no significant impact. Turning to the relationship between CA and FP, the regression results yield an R2 of 0.429, accounting for 42.9% of the variance in the dependent variable. The F-statistic value is 79.559, confirming the statistical significance of our regression model. The standardized coefficients for PE, QL, and IN are 0.295, 0.234, and 0.224, respectively, af-firming their significant impact on firm performance, with diminishing effects. The p-value for the dimension BS is 0.069, suggesting no significant impact. Lastly, regarding the relationship between SCC and FP, the regression result shows an R2 of 0.574, ex-plaining 57.4% of the variance in the dependent variable. The F-statistic value is 106.473, affirming the statistical significance of our regression model. The standardized coefficients for IA, IS, CM, and GC are 0.330, 0.221, 0.183, and 0.143, respectively, indicating their significant influence on FP.

 

6. In the Discussion section, we have thoughtfully integrated relevant studies and comprehensively reworked the section on Practical Implications to provide a well-rounded perspective, encompassing both theoretical insights and practical considerations. We have identified the existing gap in the literature concerning the relationship between supply chain collaboration and firm performance, shedding light on areas for further exploration. Additionally, in the Limitation section, we have candidly addressed the shortcomings of our study, encompassing aspects related to data and methodology, to ensure transparency and provide a comprehensive understanding of our research's scope and boundaries. At the same time, to ensure the reliability and validity of our measurement instruments, we adopted well-established scales from previous literature (Xu et al., 2023; Cao & Zhang, 2011) as they have provided pivotal research in explaining the variables and addressing specific research questions. These milestones papers guided our measurement of key concepts, including Supply Chain Collaboration (SCC), Collaborative Advantage (CA), Government Subsidies (GS), and Firm Performance (FP).

 

7. In the Conclusion section, we have expanded our discussion to provide a more in-depth interpretation of the results obtained. Additionally, we have introduced policy recommendations based on our findings and offered a detailed explanation of the theoretical foundation, drawing from Resource-Based View (RBV), Transaction Cost Economics, Social Exchange Theory, and Dynamic Capabilities Theory. This enhanced conclusion aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the implications and theoretical underpinnings of our research.

To harness the benefits of SCC for improved business outcomes, policymakers should encourage the creation of collaborative networks where businesses can share knowledge and best practices, offer incentives such as tax breaks and grants for sustainable collaborations, provide training programs for effective partnership-building, and develop online platforms to streamline access to information about support pro-grams. Governments can strategically allocate resources to support innovative supply chain practices, promote diverse supplier relationships, and establish public-private partnerships. Recognizing outstanding collaboration through awards and fostering a culture of long-term planning for collaborations can further enhance the impact of these efforts on overall business success and economic growth.

In summary, our study underscores the strategic importance of both Supply Chain Collaboration (SCC) as an internal resource and Government Subsidies (GS) as an ex-ternal resource in driving overall business success. SCC enhances a firm's competitive edge, and when combined with GS, it positively impacts Firm Performance (FP). Mo-tivated by Transaction Cost Economics and Social Exchange Theory, firms engage in collaborative supply chain practices to reduce transaction costs and gain benefits like knowledge sharing and risk mitigation. Dynamic Capabilities Theory highlights how SCC and GS serve as critical dynamic capabilities, enabling firms to adapt and thrive in a dynamic business environment. By effectively utilizing both internal and external re-sources, firms can navigate challenges and seize opportunities, ultimately propelling their long-term success.

 

8. In the Limitations section, we acknowledge that while our study has contributed valuable insights, there are opportunities for further exploration. We recognize that other studies employing different methods and addressing diverse topics may provide additional perspectives and enrich our understanding in the future.

The study recognizes certain limitations that should be taken into account in future research endeavours. Firstly, the constrained sample size restricts the exploration of heterogeneity in the questionnaire data. Future research should prioritize expanding the sample size to ensure more robust outcomes. Secondly, while the questionnaire survey offers valuable insights, it may be susceptible to data quality issues due to subjective respondent perspectives. To enhance precision, upcoming studies could explore more robust data collection methods, such as content analysis[70]. Furthermore, concentrating on grass-roots managers and ordinary employees may leave some aspects of the results open to interpretation. Broadening the questionnaire scope or adopting grounded theory could enhance the clarity and reliability of interpretations.

Moreover, the study's focus solely on GS as a moderating variable overlooks other crucial factors such as trust, collaborative atmosphere, and external environment. To establish a more comprehensive and rigorous research model, future investigations should encompass these factors. Additionally, examining the relationship based on enterprise size and years of operation would offer a more nuanced understanding.

In essence, the research underscores the significance of nurturing collaborative relationships within supply chains and leveraging government subsidies to boost firm performance and achieve competitive advantages. It also lays the groundwork for intriguing avenues of exploration for both researchers and practitioners

 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the reviewer for their valuable feedback and insightful suggestions, which have significantly contributed to the refinement and enrichment of this paper.

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Accpet

Author Response

We would like to extend our sincerest thanks for recognising our efforts.

Reviewer 2 Report

Thank you for your efforts, I think the paper is ready to be published. 

Author Response

We genuinely appreciate your recognition of our efforts and would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for acknowledging our work.

Reviewer 3 Report

I have reviewed this revised version, Linking Supply Chain Collaboration, Collaborative Advantage, and Firm Performance in China: The Moderating Role of Government Subsidies.

The authors have done a great job improving this wor's quality. I have some suggestions to enhance the quality. I will accept it for publication after these changes.

Abstract

First, I have some suggestions for the authors to enhance the quality of this innovative study. Please write a high-quality abstract, as it is the main door of the study. I suggest authors add Graphical Abstract in a meaningful way to reflect the whole idea. Remove minor grammar errors.

 

Introduction section

The authors need to improve the abstract. Therefore, the abstract should answer these questions about your manuscript: What was done? Why did you do it? What did you find? Why are these findings useful and important? Answering these questions lets readers know the most important points about your study and helps them decide whether they want to read the rest of the paper. Make sure you follow the proper journal manuscript formatting guidelines when preparing your abstract.

 

The introduction section needs improvement. It is important to state the following aspects in the introduction clearly.

 

The main research question, Hypothesis, if applicable, Main objective of the study, Gap in the literature that this study aims to address, Motivation behind the research, Relevance and significance of the topic,  Innovations and novel contributions of the study compared to existing work, Unique contribution of this study to the field of investigation.

 

On what theory this paper is based. Before reviewing literature, the authors should provide theoretical formwork

 

This section needs improvement. Please read these studies, revise your abstract, and cite them in the introduction and literature part. Cite the suggested studies to improve the quality. The introduction is not well established with the support of the study objectives and fresh literature evidence. The introduction should benefit to execute further improvement in the organization and clarity of the study argument. I invite the author to define the topic's gap and indicate how the paper fills the gap. Cite these studies to strengthen the quality of this study.

Al-Sulaiti, K., & Al-Sulaiti, I. (2023). Tourists' Online Information Influences their Dine-out Behaviour: Country-of-origin Effects as a Moderator. In (1 ed., pp. 1-20). Qatar University Press.

Rehman, S., Aldereai, O., Al-Sulaiti, K. I., & Shah, S. A. R. (2023). Tourism management in financial crisis and industry 4.0 effects: Managers traits for technology adoption in reshaping, and reinventing human management systems. Human Systems Management, 42(5), 1-18. doi:10.3233/hsm-230

Meng, Q., Yan, Z., Shankar, A., & Subramanian, M. (2023). Human–Computer Interaction and Digital Literacy Promote Educational Learning in Pre-school Children: Mediating Role of Psychological Resilience for Kids’ Mental Well-Being and School Readiness. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2023.2248432

Al-Sulaiti, K., Abbas, J., Al-Sulaiti, I., & Shah, S. A. R. (2023). Resetting the hospitality redux through country-of-origin effects: Role of tourism, culture, transportation and restaurants selection in Arab countries. In (1st` ed., pp. 1-21): Qatar University Press.

Result: I recommend the author add robustness test results to verify the results' correctness. Furthermore, it is necessary to add a discussion part to interpret the result obtained in detail.

 

Implications

Explain this section effectively.  It needs a better presentation related to the study topic.

 

Limitations

Discuss the study’s limitations with a separate heading and discuss it briefly.

 

Policy recommendations

Policy recommendations are not sufficient at this stage of the manuscript. The authors must add a separate section for policy recommendations in the conclusion section. Also, add some exciting limitations regarding political factors for future studies.

 

 

Conclusion: The conclusion provides a comprehensive summary of the findings. The conclusion could have been strengthened by acknowledging some limitations of the study, such as potential confounding variables that may have affected the results. The conclusion could have also provided some recommendations for future research. I recommend the author compare the results obtained in the study with the findings of other authors and explain how the results relate.

 

 

Minor Changes. Remove typo errors.

Author Response

We appreciate your acknowledgment of our work and would like to extend our sincerest thanks for recognising our efforts.

 

1. We have incorporated a Graphical Abstract to encapsulate the overarching concept, addressing fundamental questions related to our research: What research was conducted? What motivated this research? What discoveries were made? Why are these findings both valuable and significant? Additionally, we have diligently rectified grammar errors within this paper.
2. We have made revisions to the section of Introduction, including the main research question (Line 65-66), hypotheses (Line 79-83), the primary objective of the study (Line 67-68), the identified gap in the literature that our study seeks to address (Line 90-92), the underlying motivation driving our research (Line 48-53), the relevance and significance of the chosen topic (Line 44-48), the innovative and novel contributions of our study when compared to existing work, and the unique contribution it makes to the field of investigation (Line 92-98), as well as the foundational theoretical framework (Line 61-62). The studies by Abbas, Rehman et al. (2023) and Meng et al. (2023) were originally cited in the introduction. However, we have added another related paper by Abbas, Al-Sulaiti et al. (2023) to replace the other two articles that could not be downloaded.
3. In the results section, we have included robustness test results to validate the accuracy of our findings. Additionally, we recognize the importance of providing a detailed discussion to interpret the results here comprehensively.
4. We have re-edited the implications section to enhance its alignment with the study's topic and provide a more coherent presentation.
5. We have addressed the study's limitations under a separate heading and provided a concise discussion of these limitations.
6. In the conclusion section, we have introduced a separate segment for policy recommendations. Additionally, we have incorporated intriguing limitations related to political factors that could serve as fertile ground for future research studies.
7. We have reinforced the conclusions by acknowledging specific study limitations, particularly the potential impact of confounding variables on the results. Furthermore, we have included recommendations for future research and conducted a comparative analysis with previous studies, providing valuable insights into the broader context and relevance of our findings.

 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the reviewer for their valuable feedback and insightful suggestions, which have significantly contributed to the refinement and enrichment of this paper.

Round 3

Reviewer 3 Report

Title:

Linking Supply Chain Collaboration, Collaborative Advantage, and Firm Performance in China: The Moderating Role of Government Subsidies

 

I am pleased to see the revised version. The authors have done a very good job to improve the quality. It is a good and Well-written study and shows a new perspective on the topic under consideration. The topic of this research study has a practical significance to the scientific knowledge. The authors have investigated a good research area. I will accept this article after some changes. Modify according to these suggestions.

 

Before accepting this study for publication, I suggest changes to imrove the quality. I need the strong suliterature support to reach merit for publication. I suggest the authors to cite these studies to improve the quality. See the below-recommended studies to improve your abstract quality. I suggest studies below to improve the quality. I will accept this paper after these changes. 

 

Decision:

Improve the quality and submit revised paper within 2 days. I will accept it for publication after changes.

 

Title

Remove spelling mistake from the title.

 

Abstract

First, I have some suggestions for the authors to enhance the quality of this innovative study. Please write a high-quality abstract, as it is the main door of the study. I suggest authors to remove some type errors and make it in a meaningful way to reflect the whole idea. Remove minor grammar errors.

 

Introduction section

This section needs improvement. Please read these studies, revise your abstract, and cite them in the introduction and literature part. Cite the suggested studies to improve the quality. The introduction is not well established with the support of the study objectives and fresh literature evidence. The introduction should benefit to execute further improvement in the organization and clarity of the study argument. I invite the author to define the topic's gap and indicate how the paper fills the gap. Cite these studies to strengthen the quality of this study.

 

 

Literature review

I sggest to remove some typo errors. This review of the study needs improvement with the latest support of the literature. Thus, it is necessary to update the literature review part with the fresh studies. At the end of the introduction, please indicate a theoretical contribution of the paper and add the structure of the paper by sections. I recommend the author to find the literature gap and indicate how the paper fills that gap. Cite these studies to strengthen the quality of this study.

 

Al-Sulaiti, K. I., & Fontenot, R. (2004). Country of origin [COO] influence on foreign vs. domestic products: Consumers’ perception and selection of airlines in the Arab Gulf Region. Global Business Research-Academy for Global Business Advancement, 1(1), 260-277. doi:10.48730/rjp6-8433

 

Methodology: The section could be more explicit about the specific research question or hypotheses being tested. Furthermore, the methodology could be more detailed about the statistical methods used to analyze the data. Additionally, the section could benefit from more information about how missing data was handled, what assumptions were made about the distribution of the outcome variables, and how the model fit was assessed. I recommend to include the data part inside the methodology and naming the section Data and Methodology. Cite more latest studies in the methodology to improve the study.

 

Zhang, X., Husnain, M., Yang, H., Ullah, S., & Zhang, R. (2022). Corporate Business Strategy and Tax Avoidance Culture: Moderating Role of Gender Diversity in an Emerging Economy. Front Psychol, 13, 827553. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.827553

 

Discussion

Remove typo errors from this section. Argue on the results and cite more studies to support the discussion. The gaps represent opportunities for further research, considering factors such as sample size, location, research methods, and variables or conditions. The authors should aim to explore these unexplored, under-explored, or outdated aspects to contribute to the field.

The method section could benefit from further improvement. It is important to provide a clear justification for the methodology approach used, explaining why it was chosen and how it is
appropriate for the research question at hand. Additionally, it would be helpful to reference prior studies that have successfully used this methodology approach to strengthen the argument for its use in this particular study.

The data section requires improvement. The authors must address several key questions to provide a better understanding of their approach. Specifically, why were these variables selected for the model? What does the existing literature say about these variables? Besides, it is vital to provide information on previous authors who have used these variables. Without this information, readers may find it difficult to fully comprehend the approach and results presented in the study.

 

Result: I recommend the author add robustness test results to verify the results' correctness. Besides, it is necessary to add a discussion part to interpret the result obtained in detail.

 

Implications: Explain this section effectively.  It needs a better presentation related to the study topic.

 

Limitations: Discuss the study’s limitations with a separate heading and discuss it briefly.

 

Policy recommendations

Policy recommendations are not sufficient at this stage of the manuscript. The authors must add a separate section for policy recommendations in the conclusion section. Also, add some exciting limitations regarding political factors for future studies.

 

 

Conclusion: The conclusion provides a comprehensive summary of the findings, the conclusion could have been strengthened by acknowledging some limitations of the study, such as potential confounding variables that may have affected the results. The conclusion could have also provided some recommendations for future research. I recommend the author to compare the results obtained in the study with the findings of other authors and explain how the results relate to each other.

Minor Changes

Author Response

We appreciate your acknowledgment of our work and would like to extend our sincerest thanks for recognising our efforts.

 

1. Title: Linking Supply Chain Collaboration, Collaborative Advantage, and Firm Performance in China: The Moderating Role of Government Subsidies.
2. We have made revisions to the section of Abstract to introduce our work, research motivation, analysis results, theoretical contributions and meaningful implications as follows.

 

Supply chain collaboration is acknowledged for its benefits, but realising these advantages can be challenging. And, the role of government subsidies in supply chain collaboration, collaborative advantage, and firm performance remains unclear. In this paper, we explored how can supply chain collaboration enhance firm performance and what are the roles of collaborative advantage and government subsidies in that process. Firstly, we reviewed the related literature and pro-posed our hypotheses. Secondly, we formulated an innovative theoretical framework and issued our questionnaire after a pilot study. After collecting and evaluating the sample data, we utilised structural equation modeling to comprehensively examine those relationships, unlike the previous studies on trust, firm size, etc., in a supply chain. At last, in the context of government interventions, this study addresses the question: “To what extent do government subsidies influence the relationships among supply chain collaboration, collaborative advantage, and firm performance?” Our findings indicate that supply chain collaboration is the fundamental component in shaping collaborative advantage and firm performance, while collaborative advantage is crucial in enhancing firm performance. Additionally, government support in the form of subsidies acts as a catalyst, further enhancing the positive outcomes of supply chain collaboration and ultimately benefiting firm performance. This research underscores the strategic significance of supply chain collaboration and government subsidies in promoting overall business success. By illuminating the roles of collaborative advantage and government subsidies in this context, this study con-tributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic capability involved in achieving improved firm performance through effective supply chain collaboration.

 

3. In the Introduction section, we have added previous studies to address the current gap, introducing our research background, concept definition, theoretical contribution, structure of the paper, etc.

 

Firms across various industries encounter unique challenges in the face of financial crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other disruptions [1-3]. Companies recognise sup-ply chain collaboration (SCC) can reduce expenses while simultaneously improving efficiency and sustainability [4,5]. This is especially true for Chinese manufacturing companies, which rely heavily on labour and struggle with open innovation and re-source integration [6,7]. To overcome these challenges, companies seek alliances with other companies in their supply chain to integrate resources and technology, seize market opportunities, and improve their competitive advantage [8]. China has acknowledged the significance of SCC and introduced the concept of "manufacturing synergy”, even providing government subsidies (GS), to foster collaborative advantage (CA) and enhance firm performance (FP).

 

Therefore, this study is highly significant because it uncovers meaningful connections between supply chain collaboration and firm profits. The practical insights from this research can inform policies, boost innovation-led expansion, and transform the traditional manufacturing sector. As a result, it provides valuable, timely insights for optimising supply chain strategies to enhance profitability and sustainability. The rest of the paper is organised as follows. The next section includes the main conceptions and related studies followed by the proposed hypotheses. We then introduce our methods for questionnaire design, data collection and evaluation. Further, we provide the analysis process, the results of SEM and sensitivity test. And, we explore a discussion high-lighting our theoretical contributions and practical implications of research findings. Finally, we draw a conclusion and indicate our limitations suggesting avenues for future research.

 

4. We have updated the fresh studies and incorporated them in the Introduction section to provide the comprehensive view on this topic, and just left the most closely related studies in the section of Literature Review to sketch the research framework.

 

While there are many studies focusing on the definition and outcome of SCC, the path from collaboration to performance is still unclear [9-11]. Dynamic Capabilities Theory underscores the significance of SCC as a critical dynamic capability, enabling firms to adapt and prosper within an ever-changing business landscape [12,13]. By harnessing a combination of internal and external resources, firms can adeptly navigate challenges and capitalise on opportunities, thereby fuelling their sustained long-term success [14]. Hence, we need to explore how SCC can enhance FP and what are the roles of CA and GS in that process.

 

5. Compared to traditional regression models, we deployed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in this study, consisting of both a measurement model and a structural model, as a potent tool for elucidating the complex relationships among variables [26-29]. We explicit our research question (measurement model) in the Data and Methodology section, while the hypotheses being tested (structural model) in the Analyses and Results section.
6. In the Data and Methodology section, we have incorporated more fresh studies [26-29], including the illustrative step-by-step applications of SEM with AMOS to provide more information on data processing methods in detail.
7. We introduced the key questions in the Literature Review section and explain our Latent Variable in the Instrument and Measures subsection. Especially, the following studies provide more information on those items and citations [53, 54, 63].

 

Supply chain collaboration, collaborative advantages, and firm performance are subject to the influence of moderating factors, including the size of the enterprise and environmental turbulence [53,54]

To guarantee the reliability and validity of the measurement instruments, this study adopted established scales in previous literature to measure concepts such as SCC, CA, GS, and FP [63],[53].

 

 

8. In the Discussion and Implications, we have improved our presentation related to the study by the subsection of Theoretical Contribution for the researchers, and the subsection of Practical Implications for the

 

The study contributes to the field of SCC, providing valuable insights for researchers to understand how collaboration leads to competitive advantages and improved performance.

The theoretical findings from this study assist entrepreneurs in strengthening their cooperation with supply chain partners and guiding the development of SCC.

 

 

9. We have edited the Limitations with a separate heading and discuss it briefly.

 

The study acknowledges limitations for future research: firstly, it highlights the need for a larger sample size to explore questionnaire data more thoroughly and suggests employing robust data collection methods like content analysis for greater precision [88]. Secondly, it suggests broadening the scope of respondents beyond grassroots managers and employees to enhance result clarity. Furthermore, the study recommends considering factors beyond government subsidies, like trust and external influences, to create a more comprehensive research model. Additionally, exploring relationships based on enterprise size and years of operation could offer more profound insights. In summary, the research underscores the importance of nurturing collaborative supply chain relationships and utilizing government support for improved firm performance and competitiveness, opening intriguing avenues for further exploration by both re-searchers and practitioners.

 

10. In the conclusion section, we have added a separate section for policy recommendations and related future studies.,

 

Policymakers can enhance the benefits of SCC through a comprehensive approach. They should facilitate cross-sector collaboration, forging connections between diverse industries to stimulate innovation and address global challenges[82]. Sustainability should be a top priority, with incentives and support for eco-friendly collaborations and the promotion of sustainable practices in supply chains[83,84]. Policymakers can pro-mote collaborative networks where businesses exchange knowledge and best practices, incentivize sustainability through tax breaks and grants, offer training programs to build effective partnerships and develop online platforms for streamlined access to support program information. Investing in training initiatives to bolster partner-ship-building skills and strategically allocate resources for innovative supply chain practices can boost competitiveness. Encouraging diverse supplier relationships and fostering public-private partnerships are vital for supply chain resilience. Recognising exemplary collaborations through awards can motivate excellence and nurture an innovative culture within supply chains. Moreover, fostering long-term planning for collaborations can amplify their impact on overall business success and economic growth. However, future studies should also consider the potential limitations intro-duced by political factors, such as differing regulatory environments, trade policies, and geopolitical tensions, which could impact the feasibility and success of cross-sector collaboration and sustainability initiatives [85].

 

11. We have reinforced the conclusions by acknowledging specific study limitations, and provided some recommendations for future research by comparing the recent studies.

 

While acknowledging the limitations posed by our research sample size and scope, this study highlights the pivotal role of government subsidies in establishing collaborative advantages and thus enhancing firm performance through supply chain collaboration. These findings gain heightened significance within a dynamically evolving business landscape characterized by trends such as digitalization and data sharing, predictive analytics, sustainability collaboration, resilience and risk management, e-commerce integration, circular economy initiatives, ethical and social responsibility, robotic pro-cess automation, supply chain visibility platforms, regulatory compliance, and the di-versification of partnerships. To address these limitations and build upon our insights, future research should consider more extensive and more diverse samples, delve deeper into the specific mechanisms underlying these collaborations, and explore innovative strategies for leveraging these trends to foster resilient and sustainable supply chains [78,86,87].

 

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the reviewer for their valuable feedback and insightful suggestions, which have significantly contributed to the refinement and enrichment of this paper.