Global Supply Chain Challenges under COVID-19
A special issue of Logistics (ISSN 2305-6290).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2021) | Viewed by 38730
Special Issue Editor
Interests: international supply chain and logistics networks; supply chain responsiveness; technological development and adaptation in supply chain and logistics; sustainable supply chain operations
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
One of the most prominent disruptions to global supply chain operations over the last year has been COVID-19. Prior to the pandemic, companies had been developing and adopting technologies that enabled enhanced efficiencies and increased customer responsiveness. The pandemic may prove to be an important factor in accelerating the digitalization of supply chain and logistics processes. For instance, the pandemic recently has heightened awareness of the need for “targeted and accurate” data to provide transparency and visibility in logistics and supply chain operations. Organizations are accelerating investments in technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and distributed ledger technology (e.g., blockchain) in the evolution towards developing and utilizing digitalization to enhance processes (Sheffi, 2020). Subsequently, the pandemic has influenced the way in which supply chain partners (suppliers, third party providers) work with each other, how organizations work with management and staff and ultimately, the way in which businesses ultimately deal with their customers. For example, obvious effects from the pandemic a notable in the dramatic decreases to in-person contact in organizations. Likewise, retailers and restaurants have had to adapt by restructuring to primarily external dining and take-out service to minimize exposure to COVID-19.
Although challenging, the COVID-19 pandemic also provides opportunities for increased supply chain and logistics efficiencies and responsiveness. If pandemics become more likely, how will logistics and supply chain networks build resilient and responsiveness structures and operations? Logistics connects global markets evidenced by the impact of the pandemic on global supply chains as the virus spread. For example, tighter border processes and increased inspections may hinder transportation due to concerns over disease transmission. Perceived vulnerability to global circumstances and events may lead to “shortened” supply chains and logistics as companies reconfigure to nearshoring or local sourcing as more viable alternatives.
How have logistics and supply chain networks responded to the global pandemic? The purpose of this Special Issue is to contribute to and expand upon the discussion related to how major global disruptions (e.g., COVID-19) impact supply chain and logistics operations and networks. Moreover, as technology evolves to address the challenge, the Special Issue calls for exploring the interaction of technology and human resources as technology evolves and/or accelerates in response to these disruptions. Authors are cordially invited to contribute to the discussion by submitting original research papers, review, empirical and case studies for the Special Issue to Logistics until August 31 2021. Manuscripts can be submitted on the following topics:
- Investigation and development of new business models in reaction to COVID-19;
- The disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic influence on global LSCM structure and operations;
- Technologies have responded to fill some of the void from decreased worker interaction; investigation would call for the role of human resources in more enhanced technological environments as a result of reactions to COVID-19;
- Impact of the pandemic on the ability to collect, interpret and disseminate data;
- COVID-19’s effects on last mile delivery;
- COVID-19’s influence on the role of LSCM in ensuring responsiveness and resilience;
- COVID-19’s potential influence on the development of sustainable LSCM;
- Case studies for teaching.
This list is certainly not exhaustive. It is designed to highlight the broad areas in logistics and supply chain management which COVID-19 influences. Other articles examining COVID-19 and its impact on logistics and supply chain networks are highly welcome. I look forward to your submissions
Dr. Anthony Roath
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Logistics is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- COVID-19
- supply chain network
- logistics
- digitization
- technology
- disruptions
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