Effective supply chain management: Understanding the impact of complexity and mitigation strategies

Abstract

Purpose: Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach: This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings: As soon as the UK voted to leave the European Union (EU) in 2017, one of the key discussions among businesses throughout Europe centered on what the likely impact would be on supply chains involving UK companies. Whether you were a mainland European country with supply chain partners in the UK, or a UK manufacturer that depended on European companies for supplies, the uncertainty and potential disruption to well-grooved supply chain processes became a major headache. At first, it was the uncertainty that proved the major issue as governments played politics and refused to define the likely deal that would enable supply chain terms to be put in place. As the UK left the EU and the terms of the overall deal became clearer, firms then had to work out how whether any necessary changes to their supply chains were required. Practical implications: Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Original/value: The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.