Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of information technology (IT) on supply chain performance in the automotive industry. Prior studies that analyzed the impact of IT on supply chain performance report results representing the situation of the “average industry.” This research focuses on the automotive industry because of its major importance in many national economies and due to the fact that automotive supply chains do not represent the supply chain of the average industry. Design/methodology/approach A research model is proposed to examine the relationships between IT capabilities, supply chain capabilities, and supplier performance. The model divides IT capabilities into functional and data capabilities, and supply chain capabilities into internal process excellence and information sharing. Data have been collected from 343 automotive first-tier suppliers. Structural equation modeling with partial least squares is used to analyze the data. Findings The results suggest that functional capabilities have the greatest impact on internal process excellence, which in turn enhances supplier performance. However, frequent and adequate information sharing also contributes significantly to supplier performance. Data capabilities enable supply chain capabilities through their positive impact on functional capabilities. Practical implications The findings will help managers to understand the effect of IT implementation on company performance and to decide whether to invest in the expansion of IT capacities. Originality/value This research reports the impact of IT on supply chain performance in one of the most important industries in many industrialized countries, and it provides a new perspective on evaluating the contribution of IT on firm performance.

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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to propose a comprehensive methodology and a problem-specific model for the configuration of the optimal strategic supplier portfolio in terms of traditional, performance-related objectives and sustainability targets. Design/methodology/approach – To bridge the research gap, i.e., to align strategic supplier portfolio selection with corporate sustainability targets, a hybrid model of the analytic network process (ANP) and goal programming (GP) is developed. To validate the model, a case example is presented and managerial feedback is collected. Findings – By enabling the integration of sustainability targets into strategic supplier portfolio configuration, the hybrid ANP-GP model contributes to research in the area of sustainable supply chain management. Results indicate that simplifying the model by omitting one or more details may lead to unfortunate actions. Research limitations/implications – The model has been applied using a case example in the automotive industry. To strengthen the findings, it should be examined under other terms as well. Practical implications – Integrating economic, environmental, and social targets into strategic supplier portfolio configuration reduces supply risks and promotes the achievement of the sustainability goals of the purchasing company. Social implications – Strategic supplier selection counts among the decisions that have an impact on the environment and society for several years. Configuring economically rational, environmentally friendly, and socially responsible supplier bases supports worldwide efforts towards sustainable development. Originality/value – Although sustainable supplier selection has gained importance in recent years, this is the first time that a comprehensive model for the determination of the optimal strategic supplier portfolio in terms of performance-related objectives and sustainability targets has been proposed.

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