Research on World Agricultural Economy

An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Food Quality and Safety Management Systems in Oman’s Food Supply Chain

Reason Masengu

Department of Management Studies, Middle East College, Muscat 124, Oman

Mohamed Salah El Din

Business Management, Majan University College, Muscat 117, Oman

Benson Ruzive

Department of Business and Economics, Modern College of Business and Science, Muscat 133, Oman

Jouhara Sultan Al Habsi

College of Economics and Business Administration, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Muscat 133, Oman

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i1.1274

Received: 17 August 2024 | Revised: 22 October 2024 | Accepted: 11 November 2024 | Published Online: 20 February 2025

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Abstract

The study examined the impact of information technology, food traceability, and safety regulations on supply chain performance. It also highlights the critical role of risk management. The study focused on the complex relationships among information technology, food traceability, supply chain risks, performance measures, and food safety regulations, exploring how these elements jointly shape the efficiency of the food supply chain. The study adopted a positivist research paradigm in the data collection, analysis, and discussion. Data analysis was undertaken by Smart PLS software to conduct structural equation modeling (SEM). Adopting information technology is critical for improving Oman’s food supply chain. The research findings indicate that traceability and risk management, while significant factors, do not independently demonstrate a statistically significant enhancement of performance. Additionally, the study suggests that performance measures are detrimental to improving supply chain performance and traceability in the food industry. The study also reveals that while food traceability enhances the adoption of information technology, its effect on the overall supply chain performance is not statistically significant. Managing risks within Oman’s food industry is closely related to adopting and using information technology, which is critical in establishing effective and robust risk management strategies. The study recommends that the Oman food industry should invest in advanced information technology and strengthen regulatory compliance to guarantee food safety—continuous improvement in food measures, comprehensive performance metrics, and proactive risk management strategies.

Keywords: Food Quality; Safety Management Systems; Regulatory Compliance; Traceability

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