Title: Digital Logistics Management and Logistics Resilience in the Food Industry:The Mediating Roles of Forecasting, Synchronization, and Logistics Visibility
Authors: Oday Zaid Alqudah,
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 74-88
Publication Date: 2026/01/28
Abstract:
Background: This study investigates the extent to which Digital Logistics Management (DLM) indirectly enhances Risk Resilience (RR) in the food industry, addressing the limited empirical evidence concerning the mechanisms underlying this relationship. Specifically, the study examines the Digital Logistics and Risk Resilience) DLM-RR (relationship through the mediating roles of logistics forecasting (LF), logistics synchronization (LS), and logistics visibility (LV). Methods: A quantitative research approach was employed using survey data collected from 300 respondents working in food industry companies operating in Saudi Arabia. Convenience sampling was applied, and the data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) via Smart-PLS 4 software. The conceptual framework was developed by integrating dynamic capabilities theory (DCT) and information processing theory (IPT). Results: The results reveal that Digital Logistics (ILM) does not have a direct effect on Risk Resilience (ILM). However, Digital Logistics (ILM) significantly enhances logistics forecasting (LF), logistics synchronization (LS), and logistics visibility. Among these mediators, logistics forecasting (LF) and logistics visibility (LV) demonstrate a direct positive impact on Risk Resilience (RR) and serve as significant mediators in the ILM-RIR relationship. In contrast, logistics synchronization (LS) neither directly affects Risk Resilience (RIR) nor mediates this relationship. These findings indicate that the positive influence of Digital Logistics (ILM) on Risk Resilience (RR) is primarily realized through forecasting and visibility rather than synchronization. Conclusions: This study contributes to the literature by empirically validating an integrated model that links Digital Logistics (ILM), logistics forecasting (LF), logistics synchronization (LS), logistics visibility (LV), and Risk Resilience (RR) within the context of the Saudi food industry. From a practical perspective, the findings highlight that Digital Logistics (ILM) enhances Risk Resilience indirectly through information-intensive and analytics-driven logistics capabilities.