Supply
Chain
Reprinted
from International
Journal of Logistics Management
– May 2002
Abstract:
On
the morning of September 11th, 2001,
the United States and the Western
world entered into a new era - one
in which large scale terrorist acts
are to be expected. The impacts of
the new era will challenge supply
chain managers to adjust relations
with suppliers and customers, contend
with transportation difficulties and
amend inventory management strategies.
This
paper looks at the twin corporate
challenges of (i) preparing to deal
with the aftermath of terrorist attacks
and (ii) operating under heightened
security. The first challenge involves
setting certain operational redundancies.
The second means less reliable lead
times and less certain demand scenarios.
In addition, the paper looks at how
companies should organize to meet
those challenges efficiently and suggests
a new public-private partnership.
While the paper is focused on the
US, it has worldwide implications.
About
the Author:
Yossi
Sheffi is a Professor at the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology where he leads
the School of Engineering's Center
for Transportation Studies as
well as the newly launched Masters
of Engineering in Logistics program.
He received his Ph.D. from MIT and
is an expert on logistics and supply
chain management, carrier management,
and electronic commerce. Dr. Sheffi
is the author of a textbook and over
50 technical publications. He also
founded five successful software,
logistics and electronic commerce
companies. In 1997, Dr. Sheffi was
awarded the Council of Logistics Management's
Distinguished Service Award.
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