Have you ever wondered what is behind the shortages consumers have been experiencing since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020? Today’s supply chains are quite complex and may extend internationally. Decision makers face conflicting pressures to keep costs low while at the same time keeping product quality excellent and supply chains robust, able to weather possible disruptions and recover quickly from disasters. Increasingly, companies are also expected to manage the performance of suppliers for sustainability goals and ethical compliance.

The first class session will focus on supply chain terminology and concepts, along with examples of common practices and strategies. In the second session we will identify various kinds of supply chain disruptions and strategies to help prevent them or minimize their impact. We will look at several case studies from pandemic-related and other kinds of disruptions. The third session will be devoted to case studies on supply chain sustainability challenges, from the sourcing of raw materials through manufacturing and transport and finally responsible end-of-life-cycle disposition. Time will also be allowed for participants to contribute examples.