Abstract
Background: Supply chain operations in many organisations are becoming vulnerable to
increasing supply chain risks because of unforeseen events that can disrupt the flow of goods
and services across the value chain.
Objectives: The primary objectives of this study were to determine the most significant supply
chain risks in the South African manufacturing sector, to ascertain the effects of supply chain
risks in the South African manufacturing sector and to determine the risk mitigation measures
that the South African manufacturing sector employs to manage supply chain risks.
Method: A quantitative research design was used, and the philosophical paradigm for this
study was positivism, with empirical data collected using a self-administered online
questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis were
employed to analyse the research data.
Results: The study’s findings revealed that supply chain risks have a significant relationship
to supply chain operations. The correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between
logistics risk, supply risk, financial risk and supply chain operations. In contrast, the findings
suggested a weak relationship between environmental and demand risk in supply chain
operations.
Contribution: Findings suggest that logistical, supply and financial risks are the most
important supply chain risks affecting manufacturers in South Africa and should be
prominently featured in risk mitigation strategies.
Conclusion: The findings of this study provide supply chain managers with a better
understanding of supply chain risk and its effects on organisational operations.