Final answer:
Supply chains consist of integrated organizations that facilitate the production and distribution of goods and services, which can be made more resilient with technology, transportation improvements, and labor policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Supply chains are comprised of organizations and activities that supply a firm with goods and services within a network that involves the production, handling, and distribution of products. The ongoing process of globalization has led to the development of global commodity chains, where integrated economic links connect workers and corporations globally for manufacture and marketing. For instance, in the production of certain goods such as garments in maquiladoras of northern Mexico, workers assemble imported pieces of fabric into final products. This international integration is facilitated by improvements in communication technology, transportation, and splitting up the value chain, which is the process where the production of goods occurs in stages across different geographic locations. Moreover, during national emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chains face challenges resulting in production slowdowns and increased prices. To ensure resilience, technological advancements alongside efficient transportation methods, policy implementations, and protection of labor rights are vital. Firms are encouraged to commit to changes in their labor policies and invest more in their labor forces to sustain their supply chains effectively.