The influence of COVID-19 on production operations planning
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7595/management.fon.2022.0008Keywords:
Production operations planning, COVID-19, supply chain, survey interview, literature reviewAbstract
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.