The Impact of Quality, Cost, and Lead Time on Competitive Advantage : Case of SMEs Operating in Iraq

The objective of the study is to identify the impact on sharing of quality, cost, and lead time on competitive advantage. Although previous studies have identified a range of elements affecting competitive advantage, further research is needed to understand the factors driving competitive advantage, particularly among SMEs in Iraq. In addition, a survey has been conducted to collect the required data and researchers received 118 valid questionnaire. In order to analyze the data, researchers used SMART PLS3. However, two steps of analysis have been done; the first step, measurement model to check the reliability and validity of questionnaire. While the second step was structural model, to find out the relations among constructs. The finding of the study concluded that quality, cost, and lead time significantly effect on competitive advantage. At the end researchers, recommended that companies have to improve their products or services quality as well as, companies have to manage to reduce costs in order to be able to provide the product with lower prices to the consumer. Lastly, companies should be able to control time in order to provide the required product to the consumer at the right time