Strategies to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on supply chain disruptions: a multiple case analysis of buyers and distributors
The International Journal of Logistics Management
ISSN: 0957-4093
Article publication date: 8 March 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores the steps/countermeasures taken by buying and distributing firms to address supply chain disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs a multiple case study methodology and conducts 36 semi-structured interviews with senior managers of nine different firms producing, procuring or distributing products from China and other highly impacted South Asian regions (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India).
Findings
Results reveal that buying firms are moving to agile production, focusing on tier-1 supplier risk, enhancing inbound material visibility and temporarily closing production facilities to respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19. Furthermore, distribution centres are modifying their inventory policies, evaluating alternative outbound routes and sources of supply to manage disruptions caused to their business operations amid COVID-19 outbreak.
Practical implications
Supply chain firms can use the countermeasures provided in this study to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and make the best out of this pandemic.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the supply chain literature by exploring the countermeasures taken by firms to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. In particular, this study explores such countermeasures from the perspective of two different entities (buyers and distributors) along the supply chain. Firms can use the countermeasures highlighted in this study to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Retraction notice: The publishers of The International Journal of Logistics Management wish to retract the article “Strategies to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on supply chain disruptions: a multiple case analysis of buyers and distributors” by A.S. Butt which appeared ahead of print. It has come to our attention that large portions of this article are taken, without attribution or disclosure, from an earlier article:Butt, A.S. (2021), “Understanding the implications of pandemic outbreaks on supply chains: an exploratory study of the effects caused by the COVID-19 across four South Asian countries and steps taken by firms to address the disruptions”, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPDLM-08-2020-0281 The International Journal of Logistics Management submission guidelines make it clear that articles must be original and must not infringe any existing copyright. The author would like to note that they agree with the retraction and that any wrongdoing was unintentional. The publishers of the journal and the author sincerely apologize to the readers.
Citation
Butt, A.S. (2021), "Strategies to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on supply chain disruptions: a multiple case analysis of buyers and distributors", The International Journal of Logistics Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLM-11-2020-0455
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited