Supply Chain Risk Management and Resilience
Summary
Supply chain risk management encompasses the systematic identification, assessment and mitigation of threats that can disrupt the flow of goods, information and finances across global networks. These threats range from natural disasters and geopolitical tensions to pandemics and cyber-attacks. Resilience refers to the capacity of a supply chain to absorb shocks, adapt to changing conditions and recover its operational performance with minimal delay. Contemporary research stresses the need for a holistic approach that integrates risk governance, digital technologies, agile decision-making and sustainability objectives. Practical applications include diversified sourcing strategies, advanced analytics for early-warning systems, real-time visibility through Internet of Things (IoT) devices and scenario-based planning. Strengthening supply chain resilience not only protects corporate value but also underpins economic stability and societal well-being in an increasingly interconnected world.
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Supply Chain Risk Management and Resilience publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in supply chain risk management and resilience across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Resilience: Capacity of a supply chain to absorb disturbances, adapt to change and restore operational performance after disruptions.
Viability: Enduring ability of a supply chain to sustain itself and maintain functionality through continuous adaptation and structural redesign.
Agility: Ability of a supply chain to respond rapidly and flexibly to unanticipated shifts in demand or supply conditions.
Digital twin: Virtual replica of a supply chain used for real-time simulation, analysis and stress testing under various disruption scenarios.
References
- Viable supply chain model: integrating agility, resilience and sustainability perspectives—lessons from and thinking beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Annals of Operations Research (2020).
- Supply chain viability: conceptualization, measurement, and nomological validation. Annals of Operations Research (2021).
- Stress testing supply chains and creating viable ecosystems. Operations Management Research (2021).
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