SWOT-AHP-TOWS highlights priority digital strategies for Vietnamese SMEs

What the study found

The study identified twelve feasible digital transformation strategies for supply chain management in Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with five ranked as the top priorities. These top priorities were government policies and international funding, a skilled digital workforce, advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), organizational flexibility and financial efficiency, and system security and operational safety.
What the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the findings offer actionable guidance for SMEs planning digital transformation and provide evidence-based insights for policymakers. The study suggests these priorities may support sustainable and resilient digital supply chains.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used a hybrid SWOT-AHP-TOWS framework, which combines SWOT analysis with a method for weighting factors and a strategy formulation approach. They based the evaluation on input from 20 experts.
What worked and what didn't
Twelve strategies were identified as feasible, and five were ranked highest by weight: WO1, WT2, SO1, ST2, and ST3. The abstract does not report any strategies as unsuccessful; it only states the priority ordering and the weights for the top five strategies.
What to keep in mind
The study is limited to Vietnamese SMEs and to supply chain management, so the scope is specific. The abstract does not describe detailed limitations beyond the use of 20 experts and the stated framework.