Title

A Critical Assessment of Managers’ Perceptions of Supply Chain Performance: A Case Study of International Oil Companies in Iraq

Author

1. Farsat Saleh, Doctor, University of Greater Manchester, United Kingdom

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates International Oil Companies (IOCs) managers' perceptions of supply chain performance barriers and enablers within Iraq's oil sector, addressing a critical research gap in existing literature.

Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative research methodology employing semi-structured interviews with IOCs managers operating in Iraq was adopted. Data were analysed using NVivo software through deductive thematic analysis.

Findings: Key barriers identified include transportation inefficiencies, inadequate management practices, political interference superseding technical decision-making, COVID-19 operational impacts, customs processing delays, and skilled labour shortages. Primary enablers comprise robust infrastructure capacity, low extraction costs, extensive oil reserves, and potential for rapid return on investment.

Practical implications: Strategic recommendations encompass digitalisation initiatives, political stability enhancement, corruption mitigation, pipeline infrastructure development, and workforce capacity building. The research underscores the necessity of developing resilient supply chains through proactive risk management.

Originality/value: This study provides the first systematic examination of IOCs managers' perspectives on Iraqi oil supply chain performance, contributing novel theoretical insights and practical frameworks for supply chain optimisation in politically complex, resource-abundant economies.                                                                                                                                                    

Keywords

Conclusion

This research demonstrates that Iraq's oil supply chain operates within a fundamental paradox where exceptional natural advantages coexist with systemic operational constraints primarily stemming from governance and institutional failures rather than resource limitations. The study confirms that whilst Iraq possesses massive oil reserves ranking among the world's largest and competitive extraction costs, realising full supply chain potential requires systematic efforts addressing governance reforms, infrastructure development, and human capacity building challenges.

IOCs managers perceive substantial potential for performance enhancement through coordinated attention to political interference reduction, infrastructure development, particularly comprehensive pipeline networks, and transparent regulatory framework establishment. However, the research reveals that conventional supply chain management approaches may be inadequate in politically fragmented contexts where basic institutional prerequisites for rational economic behaviour are compromised.

The findings provide evidence-based recommendations for stakeholders seeking supply chain performance optimisation within complex operational environments, contributing significant insights to both academic understanding and practical application in challenging resource-extraction contexts. Most importantly, the research fills a critical gap in academic literature by providing the first systematic examination of IOCs managers' perspectives on Iraqi oil supply chain performance, offering valuable insights for similar challenging operational environments globally.

Author Contrubution

The author solely conceived, designed, and conducted the research, analysed the data, and prepared the manuscript

Funding

This research received no external funding and was entirely self-funded by the author.

Conflict of Interest

The author declares no conflicts of interest.

Data Sharing Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the author upon reasonable request.

Software And Tools Use

NVivo

Acknowledgements

NA