The current research examined the key competencies of competent supply chain professionals
that are effective for them in supply chain organizations, particularly in SMEs. The research also
examined the relationship between different key competencies and also to examine the most and
less effective key competencies that are effective for supply chain success for competent people
in SMEs. The research also examined which key competencies of competent people impact their
perceived supply chain success in SMEs. This study utilized a quantitative cross-sectional
correlational research design to explore the key competencies of competent supply chain
professionals that are effective for them in supply chain organizations, particularly in SMEs. In
this study, the population consisted of the supply chain professionals from SMEs in United
Kingdom. The total 216 respondents filled the survey. An 11-item question survey was
developed and distributed to SMEs within the United Kingdom. The questionnaire was divided
into 3 major factors of key competencies which mainly explain key competencies important for
managers, operational employees, and organizational responsiveness in supply chain. The
findings confirmed that all eleven key competencies of supply chain professionals are effective
for them in SMEs. Majority of the participants rated all of these key competencies on higher
scale of seven-point likert scale indicating their relative importance in the supply chain in SMEs.
Among those key competencies, “delivery on the time” is the most effective key competency
while “lean practices” is the least effective key competency of supply chain professionals in
SMEs. While these key competencies are rated as most and least effective as per their mean
scores, none of the key competencies are rated low effective or non-effective for supply chain
professionals in SMEs. This suggested that there is some strong relationship between the key
competencies which may indicate that increase in the one key competency of supply chain
professionals increases their other key competency or competencies. The findings confirmed that
the greater the competence of supply chain manager to be ready to adopt new technologies, to
train and empower employees, to manage the risks, and to engage in multi-level communication,
the better the success of the SME will be. The findings also confirmed that the greater the
competence of operations management to implement of lean practices, to build teamwork, and to
have long-term relationship with suppliers and customers, the better the success of the SME will
be. Lastly, the findings confirmed that the greater the competence of supply chain professionals
to deliver on time, to ensure reliable service, and to provide pre and post-sale service to
customers, the better the success of the SME will be.