The Significance of Digital Transformation in the Supply Chain Management for Facilitating International Businesses : Cases from Emerging Markets

Abstract: Technological advancements have altered all aspects of human life, undeniably impacting all domains of commercial entities. Current digital technologies have the most pre-eminent influence on the supply chain management of corporations, irrespective of their diverse industry and operations. Remarkably, emerging markets with rapid economic growth, becoming appealing for foreign investments, are transmuting their supply chains with innovative hi-tech for smooth, effective, and efficient business processes and operations.The commencement of supply chain alterations in developed countries for facilitating international business has been part of various erstwhile studies that need more information on emerging markets. This thesis contributes to the prevailing research concerning the cited phenomenon by pursuing and expounding the answers to the research questions; "Considering the challenges and opportunities, how do digital technologies (blockchain, Cloud, IoT, AI) affect supply chain management and logistics in emerging markets?" and "What role does the supply chain's digital transformation play for businesses operating in emerging markets engaged in international business?".Fundamentally, the prime purpose of this research is to provide in-depth comprehension regarding the impending gratuities of supply chain revolutions availed by emergent markets expediting their international business with significant hindrances in the process. Also, this study uses a modified theoretical framework created under the idea of dynamic capabilities theory by Teece (2007) to illustrate the pertinent concepts. Furthermore, qualitative case studies of the syndicates from countries Iran, Pakistan and Bangladesh were conducted through semistructured interviews using an inductive approach under the interpretive methodology concept.The study demonstrates that despite market and industry, human errors and manual processes resulting in extra cost, time and energy limiting a firm's overall capacity have been the crucial challenges optimised by supply chain renovations. Lastly, the research provides the theoretical and managerial implications to define the topic in future regarding comparative analysis across industries and mitigating risks in international supply chains due to hi-tech, along with future recommendations.