Deploying IT for performance improvement: the roles of concurrent new product development and supply chain integration

Purpose In the current volatile business landscape, business success increasingly depends on how information technology (IT) capabilities are strategically leveraged via actions such as product development and inter-organizational collaboration. This paper empirically examines how IT capabilities influence firm performance through concurrent new product development (CNPD) and supply chain integration (SCI). Design/methodology/approach The resource–action–performance framework is utilized, and a survey-based quantitative approach is employed. A total of 205 valid responses from the Chinese manufacturing sector are collected and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling method. Findings Results indicate that IT capabilities have a positive association with CNPD, which contributes to enhanced performance. In addition, SCI mediates the relationship between IT capabilities and CNPD. Originality/value This study contributes to the new product development and supply chain management literature by integrating the role of IT capabilities and the strategic initiative of CNPD from a cooperative perspective. It provides new insights into how companies should best utilize their valuable IT capabilities through strategic actions.