SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND THEIR IMPACT ON OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY IN RETAIL ENTERPRISES

Effective supply chain management (SCM) is increasingly critical to the competitiveness and operational efficiency of retail enterprises. This study examines how SCM practices procurement processes, inventory management, supplier collaboration, logistics & distribution, and information systems influence operational efficiency in organized retail in Karnataka. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the study draws on a structured survey of 400 store managers/operations staff across five Karnataka cities (Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubli–Dharwad, Belagavi) and 15 in-depth interviews with supply-chain managers and suppliers. Quantitative analysis uses descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multiple regression; qualitative data were analysed by thematic coding. Results indicate that improved inventory management (higher inventory turnover, lower stockouts), integrated IT systems (real-time inventory visibility), and closer supplier collaboration (joint planning, vendor-managed inventory pilots) significantly predict higher operational efficiency (measured via order fulfilment rate, reduced lead time, and lower supply-chain cost per sale). Logistics infrastructure and state-level initiatives have supported improvements, but fragmentation in last-mile distribution and supplier heterogeneity remain constraints. The model explains about 52% of variance in operational efficiency (R² ≈ 0.52). Practical implications include prioritising investments in inventory analytics, supplier capacity-building, and regional consolidation centres; policy implications suggest targeted support for cold-chain and last-mile infrastructure in Karnataka. The study contributes state-level empirical evidence linking specific SCM practices to measurable efficiency outcomes in Indian organized retail and provides an instrument for future comparative research.