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Supply Chain Tsunamis: Research on Low†Probability, High†Impact Disruptions

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  • Henk Akkermans
  • Luk N. Van Wassenhove

Abstract

This study introduces supply chain tsunamis as a major strategic supply chain phenomenon. Like their ecological counterparts, supply chain tsunamis occur at relatively long intervals and are therefore easily mistaken for unique events, rather than recurring phenomena. In contrast to ocean tsunamis, they can in principle be prevented through timely and adequate managerial action. However, their immediate impact is just as sudden and disruptive, and their ability to reshape supply chains of companies and even industries equally long lasting. They are fundamentally different from phenomena like the bullwhip effect and black swan events. This study further explores a preliminary typology of supply chain tsunamis by Akkermans and Van Wassenhove (2013). Each type of tsunami focuses on a very different part of the supply chain periphery where the first signals of a developing tsunami can be observed. In this study, we use a detailed example from the high†tech electronics industry to describe how a supply chain tsunami unfolds over time. This is done both from an external and an internal perspective. The external perspective shows the sequence of events visible to the outside observer. The internal perspective focuses on the managerial decision†making processes that cause and (sometimes) resolve supply chain tsunamis. We link the notion of supply chain tsunamis to the broader need to revive strategic operations and supply chain management research. Supply chain tsunamis affect corporate strategy and have a profound impact on business and management. Therefore, we argue that business tsunamis deserve deeper research and suggest avenues for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Henk Akkermans & Luk N. Van Wassenhove, 2018. "Supply Chain Tsunamis: Research on Low†Probability, High†Impact Disruptions," Journal of Supply Chain Management, Institute for Supply Management, vol. 54(1), pages 64-76, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:jscmgt:v:54:y:2018:i:1:p:64-76
    DOI: 10.1111/jscm.12162
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    Cited by:

    1. Robert Wiedmer & Judith M. Whipple & Stanley E. Griffis & Clay M. Voorhees, 2020. "Resource Scarcity Perceptions in Supply Chains: The Effect of Buyer Altruism on the Propensity for Collaboration," Journal of Supply Chain Management, Institute for Supply Management, vol. 56(4), pages 45-64, October.
    2. Weili Yin & Wenxue Ran, 2021. "Theoretical Exploration of Supply Chain Viability Utilizing Blockchain Technology," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-25, July.
    3. Lutz Kaufmann & Jens Esslinger & Craig R. Carter, 2018. "Toward Relationship Resilience: Managing Buyer‐Induced Breaches of Psychological Contracts During Joint Buyer–Supplier Projects," Journal of Supply Chain Management, Institute for Supply Management, vol. 54(4), pages 62-85, October.
    4. Raktim Pal & Nezih Altay, 2023. "The missing link in disruption management research: coping," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 16(1), pages 433-449, March.
    5. Rongfang Yan & Dejun Kou & Bin Lu, 2019. "Optimal Order Policies for Dual-Sourcing Supply Chains under Random Supply Disruption," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-14, January.
    6. Jessica Olivares-Aguila & Alejandro Vital-Soto, 2021. "Supply Chain Resilience Roadmaps for Major Disruptions," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 5(4), pages 1-18, November.
    7. Lorena Reyes-Rubiano & Jana Voegl & Klaus-Dieter Rest & Javier Faulin & Patrick Hirsch, 2021. "Exploration of a disrupted road network after a disaster with an online routing algorithm," OR Spectrum: Quantitative Approaches in Management, Springer;Gesellschaft für Operations Research e.V., vol. 43(1), pages 289-326, March.
    8. Maureen S. Golan & Laura H. Jernegan & Igor Linkov, 2020. "Trends and applications of resilience analytics in supply chain modeling: systematic literature review in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 40(2), pages 222-243, June.
    9. Jingfu Huang & Gaoke Wu & Yiju Wang, 2021. "Retailer’s Emergency Ordering Policy When Facing an Impending Supply Disruption," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-21, June.
    10. Sinha, Priyank & Kumar, Sameer & Prakash, Surya, 2020. "Measuring and mitigating the effects of cost disturbance propagation in multi-echelon apparel supply chains," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 282(1), pages 148-160.
    11. Rafael Teixeira & Renato Przyczynski & Jeff Shockley, 2022. "B2B buyer operational capability for the effective delivery of technology-enabled services in a multi-facility context," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 16(3), pages 645-679, September.

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