Impact of human factor on flexibility and supply chain agility of La Rioja wineries

Abstract

Human factors play an important role in the success of companies, especially in the performance of production systems. In this research paper, we propose a structural equation model that measures the impact of four human factors (knowledge, abilities, skills, and availability) on production process flexibility and supply chain agility in the wine industry of La Rioja, Spain. The results obtained indicate that these human factors have a direct and positive impact on production process flexibility and supply chain agility. Likewise, they can be indirectly linked to supply chain agility through production process flexibility. Based on these findings, this research encourages La Rioja wineries to jointly work with viticulture and enology programs of Spanish universities. This collaboration would enhance the impact of human factors on the wine industry, which would in turn allow wineries to rapidly and more effectively respond to customer needs. [Received 6 November 2015; Revised 15 October 2016; Revised 7 March 2017; Accepted 10 July 2017]