Abstract
Supply chain resilience has gained significant attention in recent years due to the growing complexity and interdependencies within global supply networks. Although much research has been carried out on disruption-mitigation strategies for supply-chain resilience, none of the work has focused much on the current disruptions in South Africa. The study’s main objective was to establish the disruption-mitigation strategies for supply-chain resilience in the FMCG and retail industry went further to propose a valuable framework which will go a long way to helping the sector bounce back from any sort of disruption. The synthesis of the findings has been underpinned by the Hau Lee matrix, called the uncertainty framework theory (UFT) for supply-chain resilience strategies. This was important because supply chains are challenged by unpredictability in two key uncertainties, in supply and demand. The study was a qualitative in nature, using interpretivism as a paradigm, as it was considered ideal for this multiple case study. Supply-chain disruptions are occurring on a scale never seen before in the business environment, both locally and globally. This study delved into the strategies employed in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector to enhance supply chain resilience. The FMCG sector faces unique challenges, such as fluctuating consumer demand, short product lifecycles, and the need for swift response to market changes. In light of these challenges, organizations in this sector have implemented multifaceted strategies to bolster their supply chain resilience. The study reviewed a spectrum of strategies adopted by FMCG companies to enhance resilience, including risk assessment and mitigation, supplier diversification, demand forecasting improvement, technology integration, collaboration, and agility enhancement. Through empirical examples and industry case studies, this abstract highlights the efficacy of these strategies in addressing supply chain vulnerabilities and disruptions. The use of advanced technologies such as IoT, blockchain, and predictive analytics is examined, illustrating how these tools contribute to real-time visibility, traceability, and risk mitigation. Furthermore, this abstract underscores the collaborative efforts within the FMCG sector, emphasizing the significance of information sharing and partnership development among stakeholders. The role of agile supply chain practices is explored, showcasing how flexibility, rapid decision-making, and dynamic adjustment of operations contribute to improved resilience. By synthesizing insights from academic literature, industry reports, and empirical studies,
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this study provided a comprehensive overview of the strategies that FMCG companies employ to enhance their supply chain resilience. The findings highlight the evolving nature of supply chain challenges in the FMCG sector and offer valuable insights for practitioners and researchers seeking to strengthen supply chain resilience in this context. This study provided a unique and original contribution, introducing novel insights to both theoretical understanding and practical application of disruption strategies for Supply Chain Resilience within the South African FMCG retail sector. Addressing a gap in the existing literature, a consensus and unified framework for such strategies remains elusive. Given South Africa's status as the second-largest economy on the continent, its findings hold potential for broader applicability across Africa. As one of the pioneering empirical investigations into disruption strategies for supply chain resilience in the FMCG sector, this study enriches the collective knowledge. Its implications extend to theory, research, academia, practitioners, policymakers, government, and regulators, while also serving as a valuable resource for higher education institutions seeking insights into enhancing organizational effectiveness through disruption strategies. A strategic framework was developed if firefighting takes precedence when any unprecedented disruption occurs. Future research on the subject could build on the solid basis provided by this thesis and carry out a longitudinal analysis using a replication of the study’s research protocol, which were outlined transparently.
Key Words: Supply chain, strategies, resilience, FMCG, sector.