Human-Centered Comparable to Technology-Driven Approaches in Reducing the Bullwhip Effect: A Cross-Industry Study

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of human-centered, technology-driven, and hybrid strategies in reducing the bullwhip effect (BWE) in Pakistan. The study examines whether the combination of both human and digital solutions leads to additional stability of the supply chain than independent methods. Methodology: The primary data was obtained through structured questionnaire given to 120 supply chain professionals using a quantitative research design. The Stata was used to analyze responses through Structural Equation Modeling and Ordered Logistic Regression. Multi-item Likert scales were used to operationalize variables and interaction terms were formed to determine the moderating effect of hybrid strategies. Findings: Findings support the reduction of the bullwhip effect by human-centered (HC) and technology-driven (TD) practices as a significant one. It is interesting to note that the hybrid model of HC and TD practices has shown greater and consistent effects. The multi-group analysis also shows that technology is dominant in every sector, whereas hybrid strategy is more influential in FMCG, which means that there are sector-specific dynamics. Originality/Value: The research adds to the scarce empirical literature on hybrid supply chain strategy in developing economies. It pays attention to the industrial environment in Pakistan, which makes it more compelling in terms of the practical applicability of integrating human and technological potentials to increase supply chain resiliency and predictive accuracy.

Implications: The results provide practical recommendations to practitioners and policymakers who want to modernize supply chains. It is important to focus on the digital maturity and maintain strategic human contribution to achieve the best performance of a supply chain.

Keywords: Bullwhip Effect, Human-Centered Practices, Technology-Driven Practices, Supply Chain Resilience