The Mutual Interaction of Supply Chain Practices and Quality Management Principles as Drivers of Competitive Advantage: Case Study of Tunisian Agri-Food Companies

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript is well-designed, rigorous and adresses a topical and highly relevant topic in the specialized literature, regarding the integration of supply chain management practices (SCMP) and quality management (QMP) in the context of the competitiveness of agrifood companies. The study is based on a solid methodology, with the application of structural equation modeling, and offers an interesting perspective on the agri-food industry in Tunisia. However, in order to increase clarity, coherence and academic impact, some adjustments, additions and reformulation are necessary, especially regarding the delimitation of the theoretical contribution, the synthetic presentation of the results and the highlighting of the managerial implications. Below are my observations.

1. Introduction

The introduction is very solid, well documented and provides a broad theoretical framework on the synergies between supply chain management practices (SCMP) and quality management principles (QMP). The authors convincngly argue for the need to integrate them in the context of agrifood companies in Tunis. However, the introduction is dense and sometimes overloaded with references. It is recommended to condense the section to more clearly highlight the research gap and the study’s own contribution. The part dedicated to the Tunisian agri-food industry is very useful, but it would be beneficial if the research objectives were formulated more clearly and in a distinct paragraph, explicitly highlighting the theoretical and practical contributions.

2. Literature review and research framework

The literature review section is consistent, with an extensive coverage of relevant studies and a good structuring of the concepts of SCMP, QMP and CA. The authors explain each sub-construct in detail and provide clear tables (Table 1–3), which increases conceptual transparency. However, the section could be more analytical, so instead of a simple description, a critical discussion of the differences and similarities between previous models would be useful, highlighting what is new in the present study. The conceptual model is coherent, but a figure that visually integrates all the relationships between SCMP, QMP and CA would be useful, for a better understanding of the hypothesis structure.

3. Method

The methodology is detailed and rigorous, using complex statistical tools such as factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). The research design is solid, and the sample of 70 agri-food companies is justified. However, the explanation can be simplified to be easier to follow.Some technical descriptions (the model selection process, details of model modifications) could be summarized or moved to annexes/appendix. Also, a more explicit clarification on the validation of the hypotheses and the interpretation of fitt indices, as well as a clearer justification of the sample size in relation to the complexity of the model, would be useful.

4. Results of the measurement models

The results are presented in a detailed and coerent manner. The authors apply factor analyses for SCMP, QMP and CA, demonstrating a solid methodological approach. The identification of the five integrated groups (IDC, CCI, PMA, SNM, LWE) is one of the main contributions of the study. However, the section contains a lot of numericals details, which can make the reading difficult. A more synthetic presentation of the main results, possibly through a summary table and an integrating figure, would increase clarity. Also, the interpretation of the statistically significant results should be completed with a more applied analysis, which would explain the practical relevance of each identified group for agri-food companies.

4. Discussion

The discussion is one of the best executed sections. The authors manage to correlate the empirical results with the specialized literature, providing pertinent examples and comparisons. The structuring on the five groups is clear and well argued. However, for a stronger impact, a practical implications subsection would be useful, explaining how managers can apply the results in the design and implementation of SCQM strategies. The section could also include a brief discussion of the limitations of the study (sample size, self-reported nature of the data) and future research directions.

5. Conclusions

The conclusions are clear, coherent and well summarize the main results. They emphasize the importance of integrated analysis of SCMP and QMP and provide a classification applicable to other similar context. However, to increase the practical value, it would be useful for the authors to include explicit recommendations for decision-makers in the agri-food industry, as well as suggestions for future research in other regions or sectors. A clearer demarcation between theoretical and managerial conclusions would also be advisable.

Author Response

Manuscript ID: sustainability-3927271

Title: The Mutual Interaction of Supply Chain Practices and Quality Management Principles as Drivers of Competitive Advantage: Case Study of Tunisian Agri-Food Companies

Authors: Ahmed Ammeri, Sarra Selmi, Awad M. Aljuaid, Wafik Hachicha*

The authors would like to thank the editor and the three anonymous reviewers, whose insightful comments and constructive suggestions helped us to significantly improve the quality of this paper. Every change in the text is colored in red.

The summary is updated to be shorter, some references are updated according to the journal guidelines and the request of the editor.

Reviewer 1

The manuscript is well-designed, rigorous and adresses a topical and highly relevant topic in the specialized literature, regarding the integration of supply chain management practices (SCMP) and quality management (QMP) in the context of the competitiveness of agrifood companies. The study is based on a solid methodology, with the application of structural equation modeling, and offers an interesting perspective on the agri-food industry in Tunisia. However, in order to increase clarity, coherence and academic impact, some adjustments, additions and reformulation are necessary, especially regarding the delimitation of the theoretical contribution, the synthetic presentation of the results and the highlighting of the managerial implications. Below are my observations.

Good Suggestion: Very practical examples of managerial implication are added for each of the five group is added in Discussion section.  (see lines 615-620, 630-636, 649-654, 667-673, 689-694)

1. Introduction

The introduction is very solid, well documented and provides a broad theoretical framework on the synergies between supply chain management practices (SCMP) and quality management principles (QMP). The authors convincngly argue for the need to integrate them in the context of agrifood companies in Tunis. However, the introduction is dense and sometimes overloaded with references. It is recommended to condense the section to more clearly highlight the research gap and the study’s own contribution. The part dedicated to the Tunisian agri-food industry is very useful, but it would be beneficial if the research objectives were formulated more clearly and in a distinct paragraph, explicitly highlighting the theoretical and practical contributions.

Subsection 1.3. Objective and Contributions of the Study contains research objectives, theoretical and practical contributions. A new paragraph concerning contributions is added (lines 161-177)

2. Literature review and research framework

The literature review section is consistent, with an extensive coverage of relevant studies and a good structuring of the concepts of SCMP, QMP and CA. The authors explain each sub-construct in detail and provide clear tables (Table 1–3), which increases conceptual transparency. However, the section could be more analytical, so instead of a simple description, a critical discussion of the differences and similarities between previous models would be useful, highlighting what is new in the present study. The conceptual model is coherent, but a figure that visually integrates all the relationships between SCMP, QMP and CA would be useful, for a better understanding of the hypothesis structure.

To investigate the connections among SCMP, QMP, and CA, the study will independently employ two distinct methodological approaches: The Block-Based Modelling Approach (Figure 1) and the Grouped Criteria Selection Approach (Figure 2). The attempt to propose a new figure that includes the connection between all dimensions and principles will be very complicated and very dense.

3. Method

The methodology is detailed and rigorous, using complex statistical tools such as factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). The research design is solid, and the sample of 70 agri-food companies is justified. However, the explanation can be simplified to be easier to follow. Some technical descriptions (the model selection process, details of model modifications) could be summarized or moved to annexes/appendix. Also, a more explicit clarification on the validation of the hypotheses and the interpretation of fitt indices, as well as a clearer justification of the sample size in relation to the complexity of the model, would be useful.

Good Suggestion: Some technical descriptions are summarized. A new paragraph is added to explain hypotheses analysis  

All three hypotheses, H1, H2 and H3 (Figure 1)—were found to be no significant, suggesting that they may not have been adequately defined. This result indicates that conceptualizing SCMP, QMP, and CA as aggregated blocks does not provide meaningful explanatory power. Instead, a more granular approach is required, one that emphasizes inter-block relationships by examining how specific dimensions of SCMP interact with particular QMP principles and how these interactions subsequently shape selected dimensions of CA.

4. Results of the measurement models

The results are presented in a detailed and coerent manner. The authors apply factor analyses for SCMP, QMP and CA, demonstrating a solid methodological approach. The identification of the five integrated groups (IDC, CCI, PMA, SNM, LWE) is one of the main contributions of the study. However, the section contains a lot of numericals details, which can make the reading difficult. A more synthetic presentation of the main results, possibly through a summary table and an integrating figure, would increase clarity. Also, the interpretation of the statistically significant results should be completed with a more applied analysis, which would explain the practical relevance of each identified group for agri-food companies.

A real example is added to each group in the discussion section

5. Discussion

The discussion is one of the best executed sections. The authors manage to correlate the empirical results with the specialized literature, providing pertinent examples and comparisons. The structuring on the five groups is clear and well argued. However, for a stronger impact, a practical implications subsection would be useful, explaining how managers can apply the results in the design and implementation of SCQM strategies. The section could also include a brief discussion of the limitations of the study (sample size, self-reported nature of the data) and future research directions.

A real example is added to each group in the discussion section. Limits and perspectives are added and updated in the final conclusion section

6. Conclusions

The conclusions are clear, coherent and well summarize the main results. They emphasize the importance of integrated analysis of SCMP and QMP and provide a classification applicable to other similar context. However, to increase the practical value, it would be useful for the authors to include explicit recommendations for decision-makers in the agri-food industry, as well as suggestions for future research in other regions or sectors. A clearer demarcation between theoretical and managerial conclusions would also be advisable.

Good Suggestion: Some perspectives are added in the final conclusion. Theoretical Contributions and Managerial Implications are added in the conclusion

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The reviewed article is very well prepared in terms of content and methodology. The literature has been selected appropriately, the hypotheses are formulated in a clear and correct manner, and the research methods allow for their verification. What could be added is a justification for the choice of these particular sub-constructs to describe SCMP, QMP and CA, as well as a clearer reference to the hypotheses in the presentation of the results. After these minor corrections, I recommend the paper for publication. 

Author Response

Manuscript ID: sustainability-3927271

Title: The Mutual Interaction of Supply Chain Practices and Quality Management Principles as Drivers of Competitive Advantage: Case Study of Tunisian Agri-Food Companies

Authors: Ahmed Ammeri, Sarra Selmi, Awad M. Aljuaid, Wafik Hachicha*

The authors would like to thank the editor and the three anonymous reviewers, whose insightful comments and constructive suggestions helped us to significantly improve the quality of this paper. Every change in the text is colored in red.

The summary is updated to be shorter, some references are updated according to the journal guidelines and the request of the editor.

Reviewer 2

The reviewed article is very well prepared in terms of content and methodology. The literature has been selected appropriately, the hypotheses are formulated in a clear and correct manner, and the research methods allow for their verification. What could be added is a justification for the choice of these particular sub-constructs to describe SCMP, QMP and CA, as well as a clearer reference to the hypotheses in the presentation of the results. After these minor corrections, I recommend the paper for publication. 

Good Suggestion: A new paragraph is added at the beginning of the introduction (line 265 to 276)

The selection of measurement sub-constructs for this study prioritizes empirical validation and widely recognized standards. Recognizing the diversity and lack of a single universally accepted model for SCMP [29, 30] and another for CA [34–36], we adopt the comprehensive framework of Li et al. [28]. This model provides five validated dimensions for SCMP and five key areas for CA, providing a robust foundation for analysis. Furthermore, our approach to QMP is grounded in established consensus: various independent research efforts [32, 33] consistently identify core QMP that align precisely with the seven definitive principles outlined in the ISO 9001 standard [31]. Therefore, these seven principles constitute the QMP sub-constructs in our research.

The following section is dedicated to fully detailing the research design, including sampling and data collection methods, general research approaches, and the three logic hypotheses linking SCMP, QMP, and CA.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

- This study investigates the interrelationship between Supply Chain Management Practices (SCMP) and Quality Management Practices (QMP) and their collective impact on enhancing supply chain quality. Furthermore, it examines the link between Supply
Chain Quality Management (SCQM) practices and Competitive Advantage (CA).
- The subject paper belongs to the area that includes the journal.
- The paper is well methodologically structured.
- The paper is enriched with tables and pictures, which are simple but transparent.
- 3 working hypotheses were set and at the end of the work, based on the research results, their acceptance or rejection was determined.

Areas for improvement:
1. When talking about the quality of the supply chain (SC), it should be taken into account that the SC has numerous participating organizations. Each of these organizations has a certain achieved level of quality culture that affects the quality of SC. SC quality is made up of the synergy (or entropy) of the level of organization of the quality management system of all SC participant organizations, of which there are many in global SCs. This is a significant fact that should be emphasized in the paper.
2. At the end of the paper, the authors speak, in addition to ISO 9001, about ISO 22000 and ISO 31000, etc., talking about integrated management systems (IMS). And they mean certified management systems based on these standards. However, all management systems, in all organizations, are to a greater or lesser extent integrated, regardless of management awareness of this. All management systems in all organizations have elements of quality, environment, safety, risk, social responsibility, energy efficiency, etc. Regardless of whether they are certified or not. It is suggested that this be stated in the paper because it is an important fact, characteristic of numerous organizations, participants in SCs.
3. Of the 52 references listed at the end of the paper, 26 or 50% are older than 5 years. It is suggested that the list of references be supplemented with more recent scientific sources and thus enriched.

Author Response

Manuscript ID: sustainability-3927271

Title: The Mutual Interaction of Supply Chain Practices and Quality Management Principles as Drivers of Competitive Advantage: Case Study of Tunisian Agri-Food Companies

Authors: Ahmed Ammeri, Sarra Selmi, Awad M. Aljuaid, Wafik Hachicha*

The authors would like to thank the editor and the three anonymous reviewers, whose insightful comments and constructive suggestions helped us to significantly improve the quality of this paper. Every change in the text is colored in red.

The summary is updated to be shorter, some references are updated according to the journal guidelines and the request of the editor.

Reviewer 3

- This study investigates the interrelationship between Supply Chain Management Practices (SCMP) and Quality Management Practices (QMP) and their collective impact on enhancing supply chain quality. Furthermore, it examines the link between Supply
Chain Quality Management (SCQM) practices and Competitive Advantage (CA).
- The subject paper belongs to the area that includes the journal.
- The paper is well methodologically structured.
- The paper is enriched with tables and pictures, which are simple but transparent.
- 3 working hypotheses were set and at the end of the work, based on the research results, their acceptance or rejection was determined.

Areas for improvement:
1. When talking about the quality of the supply chain (SC), it should be taken into account that the SC has numerous participating organizations. Each of these organizations has a certain achieved level of quality culture that affects the quality of SC. SC quality is made up of the synergy (or entropy) of the level of organization of the quality management system of all SC participant organizations, of which there are many in global SCs. This is a significant fact that should be emphasized in the paper.

A new paragraph is added at the beginning of the introduction (line 38 to 45)

The integration of Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Quality Management (QM) is critical for firms, particularly those operating within global, multi-organizational net-works. While SCM provides the structural framework for flows, the ultimate performance of the network is shaped by the underlying quality culture of each participating entity. In such global supply chains, final quality emerges as the result of synergy—or, conversely, systemic entropy, arising from the degree of alignment among the individual Quality Management Systems (QMS) of the actors. Consequently, SCM and QM represent two fundamental strategic approaches in business and industrial management, widely regarded as essential prerequisites for organizational success and competitive advantage (CA). Although they address different dimensions of management, both approaches converge on common objectives, notably the improvement of organizational performance and the satisfaction of stakeholders [1].

2. At the end of the paper, the authors speak, in addition to ISO 9001, about ISO 22000 and ISO 31000, etc., talking about integrated management systems (IMS). And they mean certified management systems based on these standards. However, all management systems, in all organizations, are to a greater or lesser extent integrated, regardless of management awareness of this. All management systems in all organizations have elements of quality, environment, safety, risk, social responsibility, energy efficiency, etc. Regardless of whether they are certified or not. It is suggested that this be stated in the paper because it is an important fact, characteristic of numerous organizations, participants in SCs.

A new paragraph is added in the perspective in the final conclusion (line 783 to 797)

Beyond the scope of a singular standard such as ISO 9001, organizations commonly implement Integrated Management Systems (IMS) to unify multiple domain-specific standards, such as ISO 14001 (environmental), ISO 45001 (health and safety), and ISO 22000 (food safety), into a cohesive organizational framework. Fundamentally, all management systems within all organizations are, to a greater or lesser degree, Integrated Management Systems, regardless of formal certification or managerial recognition; they inevitably incorporate elements of quality, environment, safety, risk, energy efficiency, and social responsibility. This inherent integration introduces a methodological challenge: while all surveyed companies in the present study hold ISO 9001 certification, the variance in additional certifications (e.g., some are certified to ISO 22000 or are actively pursuing it) may affect the accuracy of results concerning the impact of SCMP and QMP on CA, and thus complicate the proposed five-group SCQM classification. Consequently, incorporating IMS practices, certifications, and related performance measures, including food safety, sustainability, and risk management, represents a crucial and important second avenue for future research.

3. Of the 52 references listed at the end of the paper, 26 or 50% are older than 5 years. It is suggested that the list of references be supplemented with more recent scientific sources and thus enriched.

Some references are updated. Articles published within the last 5 to 10 years can be also considered recent. These are often utilized to cite established trends, methodological advances, or consolidating research.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf