Pandemics and Supply Chain Management Research: Toward a Theoretical Toolbox

Area of Science:

• Supply Chain Management
• Pandemic Preparedness
• Disaster Resilience

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic exposed unprecedented global supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Pandemics represent unique disruptions, necessitating novel management strategies beyond typical crisis responses.
• The concept of 'transilience' is introduced, defining the dual capability to restore and radically adapt supply chain processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a research agenda for supply chain management (SCM) concerning pandemics.
• To identify theoretical lenses that can enhance understanding of pandemic impacts on supply chains.
• To aid scholars and managers in preparing for and responding to future pandemic disruptions.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of established and emergent SCM theories.
• Application of theoretical tenets to analyze pandemic-induced supply chain challenges.
• Development of a framework for future SCM research on pandemics.

Main Results:

• Ten distinct theories (Resource Dependence, Institutional, Resource Orchestration, Structural Inertia, Game Theory, Real Options, Event Systems, Awareness-Motivation-Capability, Prospect, and Tournament Theory) are identified as relevant.
• These theories offer insights into understanding pandemic effects and formulating managerial responses.
• The study outlines how these theories can illuminate specific challenges and guide adaptive strategies.

Conclusions:

• A theoretical framework is presented to guide future research on supply chain management during pandemics.
• The proposed agenda aims to build knowledge for enhanced supply chain resilience and transilience.
• Effective pandemic preparedness requires integrating diverse theoretical perspectives for robust supply chain strategies.