Developing a framework for enhancing survivability of sustainable supply chains during and post-COVID-19 pandemic

TLDR

The COVID‑19 pandemic has forced firms into remote and flexible work arrangements, prompting a shift toward platform economies that can reduce unemployment and create job opportunities, while firms seek ways to enhance the survivability of sustainable supply chains. This study develops a framework to enhance the survivability of sustainable supply chains during and after the COVID‑19 pandemic. The authors applied Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) to identify key factors for strengthening SSC survivability in pandemic conditions. The framework identifies Supply Chain Network Viability (SCV) as the primary criterion for managing buyer–supplier relationships and improving SSC survivability, offering firms, suppliers, and stakeholders actionable factors for a healthier future.

Abstract

The pandemic has created a restrictive working system including remote working, and flexible hours for the firms and employees all around the globe, thus transforming into a platform economy may reduce unemployment and enhance job opportunities. Therefore, firms are now trying to identify the ways for enhancing survivability of Sustainable Supply Chains (SSCs). This study has made an effort to develop a framework for enhancing survivability of SSCs to survive in and post-COVID-19 pandemic. This study has utilised Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) method for identifying the significant factors for enhancing survivability of SSCs to be focused in pandemic situation. The study revealed that 'Supply Chain Network Viability (SCV)' is the main criterion for managing buyer–supplier relationship and enhancing survivability of SSCs during and post-COVID-19 situation. This study is helpful for firms, suppliers, and other stakeholders to focus on the identified factors for healthier future.