A FACTOR ANALYSIS OF SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS: EVIDENCE FROM MANUFACTURING COMPANIES

Supply chain vulnerability has become an issue of significance for many companies. This study conducted a factor analysis of supply chain disruptions faced by bottled water manufacturing companies in Ethiopia. Descriptive and explanatory research designs were employed. The data were collected from 347 employees of manufacturing companies using structured questionnaires. Exploratory and confirmatory analyses were employed. The exploratory factor analysis revealed a clear factors structure with supply chain disruption factors. The factor loadings were substantial and in alignment with the theoretical constructs, with minimal cross-loading issues. The reliability analysis showed that each factor had acceptable internal consistency, supporting the validity of the constructs. The confirmatory factor analysis results confirmed a good model fit, supporting the structural validity of the model. The standardised factor loadings were all significant, indicating strong item-construct relationships. The reliability and validity assessments confirmed that each factor was reliable and valid, with evidence for both convergent and discriminant validity. The measurement model, hence, is robust and reflects the underlying constructs effectively. The analyses have also provided evidence of the measurement models validity and reliability, suggesting the use of the constructs for further analysis such as path analysis.