Question

The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has been occurring since January 2020. Lock down policies, social distancing, and the emergence of e-commerce have created the 'new normal' of freight transport and logistics sectors. As such, there is a need to re-examine freight transport and logistics in light of the new business context. The theme of this Research Topic focuses on exploring potential trends of freight transport and logistics and developing policies and strategies in the post COVID-19 world. As expected, submitted research papers will contribute to strengthening our knowledge on:- What preparedness alternatives are required and what lessons have been discovered?- What adaptation strategies and resilience management are needed to be developed and implemented? National closures and quarantines have been closing down producers and factories in global supply chains because of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Most global logistics firms have undergone collapses of global supply chain operations and management. To a certain extent, the pandemic has uncovered vulnerabilities rooted in the rise of globalization over recent decades. Despite the numerous academic research studies conducted into and during the COVID-19 pandemic, sustainable and innovative freight transport and logistics research remain under-researched. The consumer's relationship with retailers is no longer that of a person in need seeking something from a giant provider. Shifting trends have given consumers more power in the relationship, causing consumer activity to change and forcing retailers to adjust accordingly.

Evaluate how challenges will require companies to adapt and modify their supply chains to maintain profitability in this more complicated world.

Answer 1

The COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical factors such as the war in Ukraine have significantly disrupted supply chains, urging companies to build more resilient and adaptable logistics. This requires advanced technology, supplier diversification, and operational agility to withstand future global economic shocks and maintain competitiveness.

Step-by-step explanation:

Adapting Supply Chains in a Post-Pandemic World

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent supply chain disruptions have compelled companies to rethink their logistics strategies. To maintain profitability and adapt to a 'new normal,' companies must craft resilient supply chains capable of withstanding future shocks. This involves diversification of suppliers, investment in technology, and a re-evaluation of inventory management. Additionally, businesses need to foster transparency and collaboration within their supply chains to quickly respond to market changes.

Factors like the war in Ukraine and global trade tensions have further complicated the international supply landscape. Companies are now required to be more agile in response to geopolitical shifts that affect availability and costs of raw materials and goods. Building resilience may also include reshoring or nearshoring some operations to reduce dependency on volatile international markets.

Remaining competitive in this environment requires the integration of advanced technologies to streamline operations and increase visibility across the entire supply chain. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain are amongst the innovations that can enhance efficiency and reliability. In a world marked by pandemics and geopolitical tensions, sustaining supply chain adaptability will be the key to not just surviving, but thriving.