Supply Chain Resiliency in Post- COVID-19 Times: Evaluating the Inhibitors Using a Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process Approach

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the way supply chains function and operate. Supply chain resiliency (SCR) has become increasingly more relevant to the pandemic, with corporations and governments realising that their supply chains were not as resilient leading to shortages/delays of many consumer products. Delays in the delivery of essential items, including medicines, food supplies and healthcare equipment, have exposed the challenges that a supply chain might face during a major disruption such as the global pandemic, regional conflicts and natural disasters. The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate some of the critical inhibitors associated with SCR during COVID-19. The study employs multi-criteria decision-making utilising the fuzzy analytical hierarchy process. This research was conducted in the context of the Indian pharmaceutical supply chains. The research showed that there are seven major inhibitors to SCR. The findings of the current study are expected to aid the pharmaceutical supply chain managers in identifying and evaluating the critical inhibitors to achieving SCR and designing strategies to mitigate any future catastrophe like a global pandemic.