A new shape of the supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic
ISSN: 1463-6689
Article publication date: 30 November 2022
Issue publication date: 29 June 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new normal for international business (IB) activities, leaving them pondering their next steps. The decreasing effectiveness of current vaccines to protect individuals against new variants have created uncertainty on how to respond to the new waves of the COVID-19 infection. This study aims to empirically assesses how IBs perceive the unfolding challenges in the supply chain due to the pandemic and the solutions.
Design/methodology/approach
The survey data is obtained from 166 logistics professionals in Hong Kong and India.
Findings
The results reveal that returns on investment, logistics, delays and imports are the most affected areas. The most often recommended solutions for supply chain management (SCM) include using local manufacturing capabilities, analytics and automation, offering better customer service, providing more effective transportation means, ensuring diligence around optimization and focusing on sustainability.
Originality/value
The findings of this study help to improve supply chain operations. This study also provides recommendations for changes to SCM in response to the new normal.
Keywords
Citation
Lau, Y.-y., P.V., R., Man Hin, C.E., Kanrak, M. and Varma, A.J. (2023), "A new shape of the supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic", Foresight, Vol. 25 No. 4, pp. 578-596. https://doi.org/10.1108/FS-04-2022-0035
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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