Abstract
Purpose – Geopolitical disruptions significantly impact the management of temporary healthcare supply chains (HSCs). Common across geopolitical disruptions is the interruption to the flow of supplies, calling for organizations to reconfigure their existing supply chains or set up temporary ones. We theoretically and empirically investigate how temporary HSCs are designed to ensure a resilient flow of vital healthcare products during a geopolitical disruption.
Design/methodology/approach – We investigated two different temporary HSCs – potable water and blood products - that experienced geopolitical disruptions. We purposefully sampled HSCs in deployed medical care where healthcare providers operate in resource austere, politically volatile environments, and timing and access to specialist expertise, medical equipment, and medicines are critical. We built on rich datasets including archival data, twelve expert workshops, and 41 interviews.
Findings – The nature of temporary HSCs (e.g., urgency of demand, time-limited need) and product characteristics (e.g., perishability, strict storage conditions) lead to complexity in designing resilience for temporary HSCs. In contrast to permanent supply chains, temporary HSCs have limited flexibility and redundancy. Collaboration and agility are predominant strategies for enhancing resilience for temporary HSCs.
Originality – This study addresses an under-researched area of investigation by theoretically combining and empirically investigating the supply chain strategies employed by organizations to build up resilience in temporary HSCs.
Practical implications –The study uncovers an urgent need for radical changes in how managers and policymakers responsible for HSC address resilience. During geopolitical disruptions managers and policymakers need to review healthcare regulations across nations and prioritize by activating high levels of information- and knowledge-sharing between nations.
Design/methodology/approach – We investigated two different temporary HSCs – potable water and blood products - that experienced geopolitical disruptions. We purposefully sampled HSCs in deployed medical care where healthcare providers operate in resource austere, politically volatile environments, and timing and access to specialist expertise, medical equipment, and medicines are critical. We built on rich datasets including archival data, twelve expert workshops, and 41 interviews.
Findings – The nature of temporary HSCs (e.g., urgency of demand, time-limited need) and product characteristics (e.g., perishability, strict storage conditions) lead to complexity in designing resilience for temporary HSCs. In contrast to permanent supply chains, temporary HSCs have limited flexibility and redundancy. Collaboration and agility are predominant strategies for enhancing resilience for temporary HSCs.
Originality – This study addresses an under-researched area of investigation by theoretically combining and empirically investigating the supply chain strategies employed by organizations to build up resilience in temporary HSCs.
Practical implications –The study uncovers an urgent need for radical changes in how managers and policymakers responsible for HSC address resilience. During geopolitical disruptions managers and policymakers need to review healthcare regulations across nations and prioritize by activating high levels of information- and knowledge-sharing between nations.
Original language | English |
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Journal | International Journal of Operations & Production Management |
Publication status | Acceptance date - 8 Oct 2024 |