Lecture 10

Global Supply Chains in a Post-Pandemic World

The U.S.-China trade war and the supply and demand shocks brought on by the Covid-19 crisis are forcing manufacturers everywhere to reassess their supply chains. For the foreseeable future, they will face pressure to increase domestic production, grow employment in their home countries, reduce their dependence on risky sources, and rethink strategies of lean inventories and just-in-time replenishment, which can be crippling when material shortages arise. This article provides advice to make your supply chain more resilient without sacrificing competitiveness. Start by mapping the full extent of your supply network to identify both direct and indirect sources. Determine how quickly those that are most vital for you could either recover from a disruption or be replaced by an alternative. Address the vulnerabilities by diversifying your suppliers or stockpiling essential materials.
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E-Commerce To Hit $6.8 Trillion By 2028, Yet Physical Retail Will Prevail

A new study by research firm Forrester forecasts that e-commerce will grow from $4.4 trillion in 2023 to $6.8 trillion by 2028. This means online sales will capture 24% of global retail and be essential for brands, yet another sales channel will still prevail: physical stores. It is expected that $21.9 trillion of the $28.7 trillion in worldwide retail sales in 2028 will still happen offline, hinting at the everlasting importance of investing in physical retail.
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IKEA Retail unleashes AI revolution: empowering thousands to master the future of tech

IKEA is bringing forward a bold initiative to embed Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy across its organisation, embracing the future of technology and humanity, hand in hand. At a time where AI is transforming the business landscape, the IKEA comprehensive training programs aim to ensure that co-workers are not just prepared but empowered to lead into the new age of AI.  
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Fashion Supply Chain Transparency Takes Center Stage

Large fashion brands and retailers are requiring product chain-of-custody documentation from suppliers at every tier by collecting transactional data as raw materials are transformed into a finished product. Also, new laws are in the works to mandate greater environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures, documentation and tracking.

Faltering on the ESG front can result in shipment seizure, lost sales and damaged customer relationships. On the other hand, strong ESG compliance offers opportunities to build sales, profits and trust between trading partners and with consumers.
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