The influence of COVID-19 on production operations planning

Zoran Rakićević; Ognjen Anđelić; Goran Popović; Bojana Branković

doi:10.7595/management.fon.2022.0008

Zoran Rakićević University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Belgrade, Serbia http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8114-7762
Ognjen Anđelić University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Belgrade, Serbia
Goran Popović Koncern Bambi a.d., Požarevac, Serbia
Bojana Branković Beorol d.o.o., Belgrade, Serbia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.7595/management.fon.2022.0008

Abstract

Research Question: This paper investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on production operations planning. Motivation: Due to the prevalence of the coronavirus pandemic, a disturbance has occurred in the global production and supply chain systems. By disturbing transportation and distribution mechanisms, the COVID-19 pandemic has directly influenced value chain participants, which makes the planning process more difficult. The current crisis caused by the virus has revealed the fragility, vulnerability and low resilience of systems that were previously considered to be best practices in global value chains. Idea: The paper provides new ideas to researchers and practitioners in the field of operations management, that can improve business practices in the current business environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Data: In order to identify problems and expose potential solutions, we conduct a contemporary literature review combined with interviews with experts from supply chain operations. Findings: Experts from supply chain practice, as well as scholars and researchers identified mostly the same issues in planning business operations, that occur as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic disruption. Contribution: This paper outlines the main issues and challenges that arise as a result of the pandemic. The paper also provides guidance to improvements in operations planning with the purpose to increase sustainability and resilience in future emergencies.

Author Biographies

Zoran Rakićević, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Belgrade, Serbia

Zoran Rakićević is an assistant professor at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade, Department for Production and Services Management. He got his PhD degree in Information systems and quantitative management at the same University. Zoran published more than 10 scientific papers in international journals and 30 papers in proceedings of international conferences. He is an active member of the Serbian Supply Chain Professionals’ Association. His research interests are Operations management, Production planning and Management of SMEs.

Ognjen Anđelić, University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences, Belgrade, Serbia

Ognjen Anđelić is a teaching associate at the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Belgrade, Department for Production and Services Management. He got his Master’s degree in business analytics at the same University. His research interests are in the fields of Production and services planning, with a focus on quantitative approach, as well as Entrepreneurship and Management of SMEs.

Goran Popović, Koncern Bambi a.d., Požarevac, Serbia

Goran Popović is a graduate engineer at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Belgrade. After 25 years of dynamic and intensive work experience in different industries he is inspired by and passionate about the continuous implementation of global innovations, standards and sustainable business and operational models in Serbia and the region. Goran is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the Packaging, FMCG, Agriculture and Automotive industry. He also possesses strong professional skills in Change Management, People and Talent development, Business Planning, Supply Chain Set Up and Optimization, Operations Management, S&OP, Negotiation.

Bojana Branković, Beorol d.o.o., Belgrade, Serbia

Bojana Branković is a Logistic Director at Beorol LLC, where she handles production and distribution of painting tools. She previously worked as a supply chain manager in food production at Neoplanta, and as a supply planning and purchasing manager in a distribution company at Nelt. She is skilled in Inventory Management, Material Requirements Planning (MRP), Production Planning, Process Optimization, Forecasting, as well as continuous process improvement. Bojana is also a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt holder.