Integrated information and logistics management, quality management and firm performance of pork processing industry in China

Purpose – This paper seeks to discuss the interactions amongst integrated information technology (IT), integrated logistics management, quality management practices and firm performance of pork processors in China. Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual framework was developed by examining the relationship between pork processors and their customers. A stratified random sample of 229 pork processors in eastern China provided data for empirical testing with partial least squares analysis. Findings – Results revealed that integrated IT and integrated logistics management improved the quality management practices of the pork processors. The application of IT also facilitated integrated logistics management. While quality management practices had significant impact on firm performance, the findings indicated neither integrated IT nor integrated logistics management was significantly related to firm performance. However, integrated IT had an indirect impact on firm performance through quality management practices. Practical implications – This study sheds light on the critical role of integrated information and logistics management in pork quality management. For business managers, a high level of firm performance greatly depends on quality management practices. The issue of improving IT and logistics management remains a challenging task for managers in the pork processing sector in mainland China. Originality/value – Quantitative empirical study of the effects of integrated IT and logistics management on firm performance of the agrifood supply chain in China fills an important gap in researc