SERVICE SUPPLY CHAIN AND PERFORMANCE OF SERVICE FIRMS: A STUDY OF CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between service supply chain and performance of service firms: a study of construction firms in Port Harcourt. The study adopted a correlational survey research design. The population of the study consisted of 20 construction firm in Port Harcourt. 3 Managers were selected from each firm multiplied 20 firms give us a total of 60 respondents under study. Structured questionnaire instrument title “service supply chain and performance questionnaire” was developed on five-point likert scale. The result of the Cronbach's Alpha reliability test indicates .702 which is above .70 which implies that the items are reliable. The primary data for this study were generated through questionnaire. hypotheses were tested using spearman rank order correlation coefficient on SPSS. The study revealed that there is a significant relationship between hub-like and profitability of service firms in Port Harcourt. There is a significant relationship between short chain and market share of service firms in Port Harcourt. There is a significant relationship between flexible chains and efficiency of service firms in Port Harcourt. The study concluded that service supply chain reveals a significant relationship with the performance of service firms, particularly in the context of construction firms in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The findings indicate that effective management of the service supply chain enhances operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and overall firm performance. Key factors such as timely delivery of services, quality control, and collaboration among stakeholders within the supply chain contribute to improved outcomes for construction firms. This underscores the importance of strategic supply chain management practices in achieving competitive advantage in the service sector. The study recommended that service firms in Port Harcourt should focus on developing and enhancing their hub-like operations, service firms should aim to optimize their supply chains by reducing the number of intermediaries involved in delivering services or products to customers and service firms should adopt strategies that allow for adaptability in their operations.