Managing supply chains and equalising disruption in the post-pandemic era : The challenge of different stages of recovery levels across the globe

It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way we operate, both personally and professionally. With significant impacts in all facets of the business ecosystem across the globe and uncertain recovery timelines, the socioeconomic environment is facing an unprecedented situation measuring damages at local, national and global level. Business operational models have been tested and are still trying to recover from a situation the long-term impact of which is still vague. Systems such as lean and just-in-time (JIT) collapsed as a result of the lockdowns and whole cities were deserted, causing unprecedented levels of poverty among vulnerable populations, significantly increasing cases of trafficking and modern slavery. This paper analyses how rebuilding presents a challenge, but, at the same time, there are numerous opportunities to evaluate, improve and develop next actions, based on a different perspective. The lessons learned from the pandemic include risk mitigation and resilience, without overlooking the ethical face that is encapsulated by strategic business relationships.