Graduation Year
2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
D.B.A.
Degree Granting Department
Business Administration
Major Professor
James Stock, Ph.D.
Co-Major Professor
Jennifer Wolgemuth, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Uday Murthy, Ph.D.
Keywords
adaptive behavior, challenges, constraints, industrial buyer behavior, proactive strategies, risks
Abstract
The global fresh produce supply chain faces increasing uncertainty due to economic volatility, shifting trade policies, logistical constraints, and evolving consumer demand. In this dissertation, I examine industrial purchasing decision-making grounded in the Industrial Buyer Behavior (IBB) framework. The study explores how supply chain experts navigate uncertainty, mitigate risks, and implement adaptive strategies to maintain efficiency and profitability.
Using a qualitative approach, this research draws on in-depth interviews with industry professionals to identify key factors influencing purchasing decisions, including supply chain resilience, technological advancements, sustainability, and geopolitical risks. Findings indicate flexible sourcing strategies, real-time logistical adjustments, and predictive analytics are critical in managing market fluctuations. Interview data identifies that purchasing managers rely on diversified supplier networks and adaptive inventory models to navigate disruptions that trade policies, tariffs, and regulatory shifts cause. Cold chain logistics and just-in-time (JIT) inventory management surfaced as crucial for mitigating spoilage and maintaining quality. The study emphasizes that strategic collaborations with suppliers and regulatory adaptability are necessary for sustaining a competitive edge. This research contributes to the literature by integrating theory with practice and illustrating how supply chain experts respond to volatile market conditions. It offers strategic recommendations for improving supply chain stability and purchasing efficiency in the fresh produce sector. Findings suggest that adaptive strategies are essential to mitigate risk and uncertainty in an industry where perishability, logistical precision, and trade volatility dictate success.
Scholar Commons Citation
Kelly, Jacqueline, "Adapting to Uncertainty: Strategic Decision Making in the Fresh Produce Supply Chain Under Fluctuating Market Conditions" (2025). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/10969
