A Critical Assessment of Managers’ Perceptions of Supply Chain Performance: A Case Study of International Oil Companies in Iraq
1. Farsat Saleh, University of Greater Manchester, Doctor, United Kingdom
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.
Oil Supply Chain Iraq International Oil Companies Qualitative Research Infrastructure Risk Management SCM Performance Policy Reform
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.
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The author solely conceived, designed, and conducted the research, analysed the data, and prepared the manuscript
This research received no external funding and was entirely self-funded by the author.
NVivo
The author declares no conflicts of interest.
NA
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the author upon reasonable request.