COVID-19 and Supply Chain Management: Analysis and Solutions for Industry Sectors

Impact of COVID-19 on Supply Chain Structures

“Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought to light the fact that supply chains function as the veins of our economy and society. Societies and businesses across the world have faced unprecedented challenges due to the disruptions that the coronavirus outbreak, and the consequent great lockdown, have caused. Individuals, for instance, have dealt with a range of changes in their lives, from self-isolation to difficulties stocking up on essentials.,” https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/MSCRA-05-2020-0011/full/html 

Based on the above statement, you are asked to choose a sector/industry (e.g., food, steel, healthcare, retail, services, automotive), and critically:

i.Appraise how the supply chain structure has been changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic situation. 
ii.Evaluate how the industry/sector has managed (or still manages) to tackle inventory management related issues that arose after the COVID-19 breakout.
iii.Discuss how advanced technologies (e.g., Big Data analytics, Internet of Things, Omnichannel) may help the industry/sector to recover and improve its overall supply chain performance. 

Knowledge and Understanding
1.Critically analyse the theory, concepts and models of global supply chain management to interpret and understand complex and ambiguous risks in global logistics and supply chain environments.
2.Synthesise facts and ideas in support of an argument when evolving alternative solutions and concepts such as lean and agile supply 
3.Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of global lead-time management and time-compression.
4.Critically evaluate the role of national and regional distribution centres (NDC/RDC) and warehouse management systems (WMS)in the strategic development of international supply chains
Demonstrate a sound understanding of the role and importance of an integrated and responsible approach  in  shaping managerial attitudes and actions, and in the establishment and maintenance of cross-functional teams and longer-term stakeholder relationships

Practical, Professional or Subject Specific Skills
1.Leads by example - as high levels of self-awareness, emotional and social intelligence, empathy and compassion, and able to identify mental well-being in others. Work collaboratively enabling empowerment and delegation - acts with humility and authenticity, is credible, confident and resilient.
2.Judgement and Challenge - Takes personal accountability aligned to clear values. Demonstrates flexibility and willingness to challenge when making decisions and solving problems - instils confidence demonstrating honesty, integrity, openness, and trust.
3.Courage & Curiosity - is confident and brave, willing to innovate, seeks new ideas and looks for contingencies. Manages complexity and ambiguity, comfortable in uncertainty, and is pragmatic.
4.Valuing Difference - engaging with all, is ethical and demonstrates inclusivity, recognising diversity, championing, and enabling cultural inclusion. Empowers and motivates to inspire and support others.
5.Professional Reflects on own performance, demonstrates professional standards in relation behaviour and ongoing development. Advocates the use of good practice within and outside the organisation.
Transferable Skills and other Attributes 
1.Identify and utilise appropriate methods for collecting and analysing data related to global supply chain management issues.
2.Locate, summarise and synthesise a range of information from published literature and electronic sources on global supply chain management.
3.Work on their own and with others in analysing and presenting solutions to complex supply chain issues in a range of diverse environments.
Manage their time to meet deadlines in both group discussions and in preparation of in-class activities