The purpose of this activity is to consider the effect that an unexpected environmental event can have on SCM.

The purpose of this activity is to consider the effect that an unexpected environmental event can have on SCM.

The 2020 crisis resulting from the coronavirus pandemic created significant problems for SCM. Pressure on distribution channels (air, sea, and road freight distribution) and governmental factors (regulations, population control measures, and border security) led to a mismatch in supply and demand. While it is too early to say what will be the long-term effect on SCM, several vulnerabilities were made evident.

What do you think will be the long-term effect of the pandemic for industries reliant on Lean/JIT supply chains? What might this mean for globalization? Do you think this is good - why or why not?