Questions:
1. Various product categories’ supply networks have been impacted by COVID-19. Describe some of the causes and effects for a certain product, product category, or firm (choose one). What are some long-term effects that you anticipate this to have? What are your suggestions for how businesses might better protect their supply networks in the future based on what you have discovered so far? Please be more precise. (25 pts.
2. Describe the distinctions between a push and a pull supply chain. Describe the factors that influence a company’s choice of strategy and when a blended approach of the two is appropriate. Exist any advantages to choosing one over the other? How would you recommend a company to go about choosing which strategy would work with their product? (25 points)
3. We are able to forecast a number of product attributes, including the type of demand, the anticipated product lifecycle, and probable customer behavior. Please provide a particular product example and describe the demand patterns for each of the following product attributes. Describe at least two difficulties that should be taken into account when making a forecast and how you would deal with any possible ambiguity or mistakes. (25 pts.
1. A product having a brief lifespan and erratic demand
ii. A long-lasting product with steady, predictable demand
4. Compare and contrast some of the risks and benefits of outsourcing to a non-domestic supplier versus a domestic supplier. What are some of the ethical sustainable business practices that must be considered? In your opinion, is there one choice (domestic or non-domestic) that would be considered the more sustainable choice? Why? (25 points)
Overview
Over the past 30 years, Covid-19 has had a significant influence on worldwide value chains, particularly those in the agricultural and industrial industries (12). The pandemic generated a significant scarcity in the supplies of commodities made in China, particularly the shortage of medical supplies, which had an impact on the health situation in many nations.
Many nations have implemented export bans due to rising nationalism and protectionism for industrial sovereignty, which has led to a scarcity of medical supplies such pharmaceutical medications, personal protective equipment (PPE kits), and other medical items. As a result, domestic value chains are under more stress, and de-globalization has returned. After the epidemic, the value chains will need to be reorganized in order to increase the amount and quality of jobs while ensuring sustainable transitions.
