Navigating Global Supply Chains in a Post-Pandemic World

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The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains that had long been ignored. As the world grappled with disruptions to manufacturing, transportation, and logistics, it became evident that rethinking and adapting supply chain strategies was imperative. In this blog, we’ll explore the evolution of global supply chains in a post-pandemic world and the key trends shaping their future.

Covid-19 exposed vulnerabilities of global supply chain
  1. Resilience Over Efficiency

One of the most significant shifts in post-pandemic supply chains is the emphasis on resilience over efficiency. Traditionally, many supply chains prioritized cost-cutting and just-in-time production. The pandemic demonstrated that a single disruption could cascade through the entire system, leading to severe consequences.

Companies are now reevaluating their sourcing strategies, adopting a more diversified approach. They’re considering dual-sourcing, nearshoring, and onshoring to mitigate risks. While efficiency remains important, it’s no longer the sole focus. Supply chain managers are building in redundancies, maintaining safety stock, and investing in risk management tools to be better prepared for future disruptions.

Companies are re-evaluating their sourcing strategies
  1. Digital Transformation

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital technologies across industries, including supply chain management. Digital transformation has become a critical enabler of agility and visibility in global supply chains.

Supply chains are using more tech and AI tools post pandemic
  • IoT and Sensors: The use of sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices provides real-time data on inventory, temperature, humidity, and more, ensuring the quality and condition of goods in transit.
  • Blockchain: Blockchain technology is being used to enhance transparency and traceability, reducing the risk of counterfeit goods and improving trust among supply chain partners.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI and machine learning algorithms are employed for demand forecasting, route optimization, and predictive maintenance, improving operational efficiency.
  • Cloud-Based Platforms: Cloud-based supply chain platforms enable real-time collaboration among partners, providing a shared source of truth and enhancing visibility.
  1. Sustainable Supply Chains

The pandemic brought attention to environmental and social sustainability in supply chain practices. Consumers, stakeholders, and governments are increasingly concerned about the carbon footprint, ethical labor practices, and the social impact of global supply chains.

Companies are making commitments to reduce their carbon emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and promote sustainable sourcing. Sustainable supply chain practices not only reduce environmental impact but also contribute to building brand reputation and resilience.

  1. Reshoring and Nearshoring

In response to the fragility exposed during the pandemic, companies are reconsidering their outsourcing strategies. Reshoring and nearshoring, the practice of bringing production closer to the end market, are gaining popularity.

These strategies reduce transportation lead times, minimize disruptions, and enhance supply chain control. While it may result in slightly higher production costs, the benefits of reduced risks and enhanced customer service often outweigh the added expenses.

  1. Enhanced Risk Management

The pandemic reminded businesses of the importance of risk management in supply chain operations. Companies are now investing in more robust risk assessment and mitigation strategies. This includes diversifying supplier networks, maintaining adequate safety stock, and developing contingency plans for different types of disruptions.

  1. Collaborative Supply Chains

Collaboration has taken on a new level of importance in supply chain management. As businesses grapple with increased complexity and uncertainty, collaboration with suppliers, customers, and even competitors has become crucial. By sharing information and resources, companies can collectively respond to challenges more effectively.

For instance, companies may collaborate on demand forecasting, sharing data that helps to align supply with actual demand. Partnerships can also be formed to address common challenges like transportation bottlenecks, ensuring that goods continue to flow smoothly. This collaborative approach not only enhances resilience but also helps reduce costs and increase efficiency.

  1. E-commerce and Last-Mile Logistics

The surge in e-commerce during the pandemic is here to stay. Online retail and direct-to-consumer sales have become integral parts of supply chains. This shift has had a significant impact on last-mile logistics—the final leg of a product’s journey to the consumer.

Companies are investing in advanced last-mile delivery solutions such as autonomous vehicles and drones, as well as micro-fulfillment centers strategically located in urban areas. The goal is to speed up deliveries, reduce costs, and meet customer expectations for fast, reliable service. This evolution in last-mile logistics is not only about convenience but also about sustainability, as reducing the environmental impact of deliveries becomes a priority.

  1. Talent and Workforce Adaptation

The supply chain workforce is undergoing a transformation as well. The pandemic highlighted the need for skilled professionals who can navigate the complexities of global supply chain management. There’s a growing demand for supply chain experts who understand digital technologies, sustainability practices, and risk management.

Companies are investing in training and development programs to upskill their existing workforce and attract new talent. Additionally, remote work and digital collaboration tools have made it possible for supply chain professionals to work more flexibly and efficiently, broadening the talent pool and increasing adaptability.

  1. Regulatory and Trade Considerations

Global supply chains are closely tied to international trade, and regulatory changes can have a significant impact. In a post-pandemic world, governments are reevaluating their trade policies, export controls, and safety regulations. This can result in shifts in trade routes, new tariffs, and changes in import/export requirements.

Companies must stay agile and closely monitor these regulatory changes to adjust their supply chain strategies accordingly. For example, the trade tensions between the United States and China have led many companies to diversify their sourcing to reduce dependence on a single market.

  1. Continuous Monitoring and Scenario Planning

Continuous monitoring of supply chain performance and scenario planning have become best practices for post-pandemic supply chain management. Businesses are investing in advanced analytics and monitoring tools to gain real-time visibility into their supply chain operations. This enables them to identify potential disruptions early and respond proactively.

Scenario planning involves considering multiple “what-if” scenarios, such as natural disasters, labor strikes, or geopolitical conflicts, and developing strategies to mitigate their impact. These exercises help companies stay prepared for unforeseen events and ensure business continuity.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call for global supply chains. It prompted a fundamental shift in the way businesses approach supply chain management. Resilience, digital transformation, sustainability, reshoring, and enhanced risk management have become the focal points of post-pandemic supply chain strategies. As companies adapt and evolve, they are better positioned to withstand future disruptions while delivering value to their customers. The global supply chain landscape is evolving, and those who adapt will thrive in this new era.

In conclusion, global supply chains are evolving rapidly in response to the lessons learned during the pandemic. Resilience, digitalization, sustainability, collaboration, and adaptability are the key driving forces shaping the future of supply chain management. By embracing these trends and staying attuned to emerging challenges and opportunities, businesses can build more agile, efficient, and sustainable supply chains that are better prepared for whatever the future may hold.

#DILO (A day in the life of) a master’s student – Paul

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Here’s presenting another gem of our #dilo -a day in the life of RKC student series. We asked some of our past and current students to share their thoughts and opinions, to give their feedback on how they handled the challenges of online learning. 

There is no better way but to learn from those who came before and see if what worked for them will help you become a better student! Hopefully, this will help you to make an informed decision..

An Introduction

Who are you, really?

I am a Supply Chain Officer(Procurement) and my brief involves acquisition of goods, works, services , consulting and non consulting services for a project funded by the World Bank in the energy sector.

Which programme did you choose and why?

MSc in Procurement,Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Having been in supply chain management for well over 20 years, I felt that by acquiring advanced qualifications would enhance my unique capabilities in supply chain management. My overall goal is to offer consulting services independently as a consultant or contractor.

The Study Plan

How did you plan to study each module, and what was the reality? How many hours did/do you have to put in each day/or in a week?

By allocating at least three hours daily for each unit in the morning and after finishing my day’s work. I spent weekends studying and sometimes reading up to midnight to catch up with the tutorial offered by UoS (University of Salford) and RKC (Robert Kennedy College). Strictly adhering to my study schedule, it really worked for me.

What part of the day did/do you find most suitable to study? (e.g. early mornings, lunch break, evenings, weekends?)  

Early mornings an hour and two hours in the evening. Saturday I spent the whole day studying and on Sundays half a day.

How much time did you devote to each assignment?  

I devoted at least a week fo revision, drafting and finalizing the assignment.

Photo credit: Canva.com

Travelling and Communication  

How did travelling impact your ability to study?  

Much of it positively. However, there was one instance that I was negatively impacted when in an overseas travel. I experienced network problems and unlucky fell unwell for a whole week in the final submission time.

How were you able to interact with peers and/or professors given the time differences?  

Ensuring that I respond to all posts and participate actively when I have time. Every time after work I had to go through all posts and submitted my posts too to any forum discussions.

A typical day as a master’s student  

What does a typical day as an Online Masters’ student look like for you?  

Extremely busy for me but very flexible given my tight work schedule.

Photo credit: Canva.com

Any advice?  

Any advice you have for students to better plan their studies.  

One has got to have interest in the studies.This is quite self motivating and gives one the impetus to keep studying despite challenges that come from busy work schedule.

I hope this blog has answered some of your questions, and please watch this place for similar blogs. So, if you have been thinking about doing a master’s degree and now understand how to study better for an online programme, look at our programmes and see if anything interests you.

You can also chat LIVE on WhatsApp with one of our Education Advisors for more information on all the programmes we offer, the application process, and answers to any questions you may have.

#DILO – A Day in the life of an RKC Student – Ms. Hall 

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Through the #DILO series of blog posts, we have been bringing you insights into our master’s students’ lives, sharing their thoughts and opinions, ups and downs, and key learning points during their online studies. The whole idea behind this series is to make you aware of the realities of online studies and help you in decision making.    

Here are a few insights and some words of wisdom that one of our online master’s students had to share from her own experience.  

Who you are, really?  

Nicola Hall, a full-time employed junior manager, with a small family, including a primary school child.  

Which Uni are you studying at?  

University of Salford  

University of Salford

Which programme did you choose and why?  

I chose Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management because of the growth in demand for skills in the field.  

How did you plan to study each module, and what was the reality? How many hours did/do you have to put in each day/or in a week?  

I had planned to devote five to six hours each evening for four days a week to the module, and 8 to 10 hours on the weekends spread conveniently. The reality was that I sometimes barely got 2 hours of work done after getting home from work. I had to get my time covered in patches during the night after resting for 3 or 4 hours. I got no work done most Sundays, so I ended up doing a great deal on Friday and Saturday nights. Coming closer to when my assignment was due, I had to take a few days of study leave away from work and give it 10 to 12 hours a day.  

The best time to study is night time or early mornings before going to work

What part of the day did/do you find most suitable to study? (e.g. early mornings, lunch break, evenings, weekends?)  

My best study time is at nights; the next option is early morning before getting ready for work. Friday nights were very good for me as well, as I didn’t have to get up for work on Saturdays.  

How did travelling impact your ability to study?  

The only travelling I did was my daily commute, which was 2 hours of driving time. After RKC launched their mobile app, I used my travel time to listen to lectures and go over to catch up on anything I may have missed.  

How were you able to interact with peers and/or professors given the time differences?  

Be mindful of the time difference while interacting with colleagues and professors

Being mindful of the time difference, I would send my email/queries in the evening and check my email early the next morning for a response. I had a few colleagues with whom I worked closely given our cultural background, and I kept a mental note of the time in their region if I needed to call or instant message. It worked out pretty well once the time difference got stuck in my mind.  

How much time did you devote for each assignment?  

I tried to start working on my assignment from the second week. And throughout each day, I may get ideas that contribute to the assignment, and I’ll make a note on my phone.  

What does a typical day as an Online Masters’ student look like for you?  

I get up at about 3 am and get some theory covered by 5:30 am. Then I will get an hour’s rest and begin getting ready for work. While I’m making breakfast, I may have Microsoft Edge read an article in PDF to me. Once at work, I don’t usually have any downtime; I’ll use my lunch break to really have a break and not rush my meal. But when work ends, I’ll spend the rush hour at my desk doing some schoolwork instead of sitting in traffic. After getting home and attending to any home affairs and kids homework, I would settle into my own studies at about 10 pm. I will go online, read through the forums, research for any weekly assignments given, then make my own contribution. I go to bed at about 1 am and go at it again the next day. On the weekend I’ll make sure to get time with the family and go to my schoolwork when they are asleep.  

Any advice you have for students to better plan their studies.  

It would be ideal to go on study leave to pursue your masters, but if that isn’t possible, the Robert Kennedy College online master’s degree program is such a flexible program. There is usually a break in-between modules, and this time should be utilized to get up to speed on theory ahead of classes beginning and assignments being posted. Always seek to defer a module if you feel pressured but do use the free weeks in between to focus on covering as much theory as possible.  

If you have been dreaming of joining a master’s programme or have had this personal goal to gain a higher degree, now is the time! Take the valuable advice from our current students, gain from their experience, add your own unique study strategies, and make your own success stories! I would love to feature you one day on our college blog.  

Chat LIVE on WhatsApp with one of our Education Advisors for more information on all the programmes we offer, application process, and for information on discounts we might be offering at this time. 

Challenges facing Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management professionals in Africa

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Once I started writing this blog, I realised my folly. The topic of my blog might sound simple, it was anything but, especially for me – (1) my knowledge of Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management (PLSCM) is entirely academic, and (2) I am not African, nor have I ever worked or even visited Africa.

But I do know that Africa is the future and has the potential for dramatic growth (if she is able to tap into that potential), and effective management of PLSCM will play a pivotal part in this future, given the resources in raw materials that Africa has.

And hence my topic, and my folly, and something I felt needed to be done.

What I didn’t realise when I picked this topic was the resources I had on hand. As of today, Robert Kennedy College (RKC) has a very large number of students from Africa who are doing or have successfully completed our 100% Online MSc programme in Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, and this is the resource I tapped into when writing this blog. 

I conducted an online survey of these students (of which about a hundred participated) and asked them about the challenges they face as PLSCM professionals in Africa, the image below indicates a country wise breakup of the response we received from our students to the survey.

Country wise breakup of the survey response received

The following are the top five responses I got back from the survey. Now, while this blog is Africa-centric, I find that these challenges are universal, and effect Africa as a whole, other developing nations, and even the developed or “first world” nations to some degree.

Top 5 challenges facing PLSCM professionals in Africa

Infrastructure – is the foundation on which a strong PLSCM function is built. The whole point of having a streamlined and efficient PLSCM department is to effectively purchase (at best costs) and move raw materials and finished products from point to point in a timely and less resource intensive manner. Efficiency also means having the products readily available, while at the same time not leaving them idling in a storehouse somewhere. To enable this, state of the art, physical infrastructure is needed – from roads and railways to airports, seaports, and safe and secure areas (such as industrial zones, etc.) for manufacturing and storage.

“A change in policy is required as there is a lack of willingness by African governments to invest in infrastructure development.”

Current student of our MSc programme in PLSCM

Corruption – the universal bane to businesses, and something that is global, encouraged and fostered by everyone involved, willingly or unwillingly. It is easy to blame a corrupt official for delays and holdups, until palms are greased to get thing moving without looking at the reasons why. Are you encouraging the behaviour by paying the bribe? Is your competitor paying bribes to hold you up? Why does the official need the money, is he paid enough? Are the laws strict enough to prevent corruption?

“Effective specially designed civic education programs at the grassroots level, to empower the people to make the right choice of leadership to drive the change that is needed.”

Graduate of our online MSc in PLCSM

Policy Change – As one of my former managers once told me “If you are comfortable then you are not growing”. And while this is true, who doesn’t like being comfortable? From our survey, this seems to hold especially true in Africa. For policy changes to take place, something big should have happened for the powers that be to even consider a change, and even then, comities have to be put in place to suggest the changes and then review the suggested changes, all this taking forever. By the time the policy change comes about, it will usually be outdated.

“A paradigm shift from traditional procurement method to e-procurement method. Also, government policies need to be critically reviewed across the board in order to encourage small and medium scale enterprises in Africa. Manufacturing sectors should not be left out as well as they are the process owners.”

A suggestion from one of our online MSc in PLSCM student

Stuck in time (Slow to incorporate modern methods) – A follow on to the previous point, it is not just the people in power who are slow to incorporate change, but also the people who do the work who are slow to embrace change as well. As the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. But what people don’t realise is, it is not about fixing it, it is about bettering it. People get comfortable and don’t want to change or learn new ways of doing things, and then complain about the people above them making life difficult by not embracing change and current best practices.

“Changes in technology are associated with high set-up costs. Financial constraints are a major drawback, especially in some developing economies, when it comes to capital projects. Modern procurement is now taking place online, but many companies still haven’t adopted to these technological changes. Most functions now and procurement is done online while in Africa most countries still do their procurement manually. This is basically because of poor infrastructure, weak strategic alliances and reluctance to change that makes people not adopt these changes.”

A thought from one of our MSc PLSCM students

Cutting corners to save time – another universal truth. After doing a job for a period of time, we begin to believe that we know best, and can make a process better by cutting corners. But what we fail to understand is that we are but a single, small cog in the machine, and a process is in place to help the whole machine run smoother. By cutting corners and not following the process, all that might be achieved is to throw a spanner in the works. If you believe there is a better way to do something, take it to the management and make you case, it might just increase the efficiency of the whole machine.  

“Build Collaborative supportive systems and structures that work for both governments and stakeholders.”

Suggestion from a graduate of our online MSc in PLCSM

These are just some of the most basis challenges that a PLSCM professional faces in Africa. I am sure there are a lot more complicated and technical challenges out there that will confound even the most seasoned PLSCM professional. Constantly learning and getting your knowledge up-to-date is required to stay ahead of the curve. Robert Kennedy College, through our exclusive partnership with the University of Salford, UK, offers a 100% Online MSc in Procurement, Logistics and Supply Chain Management to better prepare you for the challenges to come. Here’s what our students said about this in our survey:

This is what our students had to say when asked during our survey

You can also chat LIVE on WhatsApp with one of our Education Advisors for more information on the programmes offered, application process, and for more information on any discounts we might be running in this rather strange period of our lives.