How to make fragile global supply chains stronger and more sustainable

Nov 2, 2021

Global supply chains have conventionally been focused on achieving financial efficiency above all else. The result is messy and fragile global supply chain systems. Image: Unsplash/William william

Mohammadreza Nematollahi

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Business, University of Victoria

Cynthia Waltho

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Victoria

Adel Guitouni

Associate Professor, International Business, University of Victoria

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Cargo container ships are seen anchored outside the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, Calif., in the fall of 2021. Image: AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu

Shelves are nearly empty in the paper towel section of a Target store in the U.S. in August 2021 due to COVID-19 supply chain issues.

Fragile global supply chains are exacerbated by the fragmentation of decision-making processes. Image: AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Have you read?

a chart showing how we can improve supply chains carbon footprint

Many companies can multiply their climate impact by decarbonizing supply chains. Image: WEF: Net-Zero Challenge: The supply chain opportunity

Former fishing slaves who were rescued by the Indonesian government from the remote island of Benjina are seen following a 2015 investigation into slavery in the seafood industry.

The world needs robust supply chains that are founded on sustainability, collaboration, trust, transparency, visibility and diversification of supply. Image: AP Photo/Margie Mason

A driver for Safecare B.C. secures a load of personal protective equipment in a truck in Surrey, B.C. in April 2020

Responsible decision-making within supply chains has the potential to contribute to economic progress Image: Then Canadian Press/Jonathan Hayward

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