The role of sourcing dynamics on B2B e-marketplaces in shaping business performance : a study of the US fashion industry
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[EMBARGOED UNTIL 08/01/2026] This dissertation examines the role of sourcing dynamics on B2B e-marketplaces in shaping competitive advantage and business performance within the U.S. fashion industry. As digital transformation continues to reshape supply chain structures, B2B e-marketplaces have emerged as critical resources for fashion firms striving for agility, efficiency, and global market access. However, the mechanisms through which sourcing activities on these platforms translate into firm-level outcomes remain insufficiently explored. Guided by the Knowledge-Based View (KBV) and Social Network Theory (SNT), this study examined two key factors: Supply Chain Network Capability, which includes Supply Chain Network Flexibility (SNF) and Supply Chain Network Fluidity Partnering Competence (SFR), and Information System Integration (ISI). It investigates their influence on perceived competitive advantage and business performance. Additionally, the study introduces the level of own-brand focus as a moderating factor, exploring how branding strategy affects the dynamics of B2B e-marketplace engagement. Data were collected through a structured online survey administered to U.S.-based fashion firms actively engaged in B2B e-marketplaces. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypothesized relationships. The results indicate that both SFR and ISI significantly enhance the perceived competitive advantage, which subsequently improves business performance. In contrast, SNF does not exhibit a significant effect. Importantly, own-brand focus moderates several of the relationships, suggesting that firms with high versus low own brand focus derive value from different e-marketplace mechanisms. Theoretically, this study extends KBV and SNT into the digital sourcing context, emphasizing the contingent nature of value creation on platforms. Managerially, it offers practical insights for fashion firms seeking to optimize sourcing strategies on B2B e-marketplaces and align them with branding strategies. Limitations and avenues for future research are also addressed.
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Ph. D