Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2022

Keywords

International business, Supply chain management, COVID-19 pandemic, New normal

DOI

10.1108/FS-04-2022-0035

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 SCMin response to the new normal.

Source Publication

Foresight

Volume Number

25

Issue Number

4

ISSN

1463-6689

First Page

578

Last Page

596

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