The Impact of Lead-Time Variability on Supply Chain Operations of Retail Stores and Supermarkets in Karachi During the Pandemic Situation

Authors

  • Fatima Shahid Karachi University Business School, University of Karachi, Pakistan
  • Rohail A. Khan Business Ethics and Governance, University of Karachi, Pakistan
  • Sadia Anwar University of Punjab, Pakistan
  • Faraz A. Wajidi (Ph.D) Department of Public Administration, University of Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20028813

Abstract

The retail sector plays a vital role in Pakistan's economy, with numerous retail outlets and supermarkets operating in Karachi and across the country. Karachi's retail landscape is diverse, featuring many grocery stores and supermarkets that serve both local and international modern trade. This study examines how lead-time variability impacts supply chain operations in supermarkets and grocery stores in Karachi, particularly in the context of the challenges posed by the pandemic. Lead-time, a critical factor, exhibits variability that affects overall supply chain performance. The research aims to investigate how this variability influences supply chain operations, with a focus on the moderating effects of the pandemic. Data was gathered through surveys distributed to supply chain managers from various supermarkets and retail stores in Karachi, each employing different strategies during the pandemic. Statistical analysis, specifically regression techniques, was utilized to interpret the results. The findings indicate that lead-time variability (LTV) has a significant impact on supply chain operations (SCO), and that the pandemic substantially moderates the relationship between lead-time variability and supply chain performance.

Author Biography

Rohail A. Khan, Business Ethics and Governance, University of Karachi, Pakistan

Mr Rohail Khan is an MA Economics (Gold Medal) from University of Karachi, along with Professional Certifications from various International Institutions in Banking, Finance, Investments, Marketing, and Management. He is currently engaged in research for PhD in Business Ethics and Governance. With 25+ years’ multinational corporate experience as CEO / CFO, Mr Rohail Khan is Certified Board Director from KPMG and ICAEW. An accomplished Speaker and Writer, he graduated from the Yale Writers Workshop and pursued Advanced Diploma in Creative Writing from the Oxford University.

Keywords:

Lead-Time Variability, Pandemic Situation, Retail Stores, Supermarkets in Karachi, Supply Chain Operations

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Published

2026-03-31

How to Cite

Shahid, F., Khan, R. A., Anwar, S., & Wajidi, F. A. (2026). The Impact of Lead-Time Variability on Supply Chain Operations of Retail Stores and Supermarkets in Karachi During the Pandemic Situation. Siazga Research Journal, 5(1), 30–42. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20028813

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Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026)

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