Title: Inventory Management Practices And Supply Chain Resilience Of Pharmaceutical Firms In Port Harcourt
Authors: Nwiepe, Naata Michael, PhD
Obodoeze, Chukwuma Ocho
Harry, Ibinabo Abiye
Volume: 10
Issue: 2
Pages: 209-215
Publication Date: 2026/02/28
Abstract:
The pharmaceutical supply chain is a critical infrastructure, the resilience of which is paramount to public health security. In emerging economies like Nigeria, this sector faces unique and exacerbated challenges. This conceptual research article investigates the intricate relationship between inventory management practices (IMPs) and the supply chain resilience (SCRES) of pharmaceutical firms in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Drawing on established theories such as the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities View (DCV), the paper argues that strategic IMPs are not merely operational necessities but vital antecedents to building resilient capabilities specifically, the abilities to anticipate, respond to, adapt to, and recover from disruptions. The volatile operating environment in Port Harcourt, characterized by infrastructural deficits, economic fluctuations, and security concerns, makes this investigation particularly salient. This study found that inventory planning and inventory control are significant predictors of supply chain resilience among pharmaceutical firms in Port Harcourt. Hence, it was concluded that for pharmaceutical firms in Port Harcourt to ensure the uninterrupted availability of essential medicines, a paradigm shift from reactive inventory control to a resilience-oriented inventory strategy is imperative. The study offers theoretical contributions and practical implications for supply chain managers, policymakers, and academic researchers.