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This research investigates the strategic management of pharmaceutical supply chains in South Africa, with a focus on responses to disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The study explores how supply chain professionals navigated unprecedented challenges and implemented resilience strategies during this crisis. A qualitative, exploratory phenomenological approach was employed using semi-structured interviews with 25 pharmaceutical supply chain professionals selected through purposive sampling. Participants represented diverse segments of the pharmaceutical supply chain, including manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. Data were analysed using thematic analysis with Atlas.ti software to identify patterns and relationships within participant experiences. Four major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) disruptions in supply chains due to COVID-19, characterised by panic buying, logistical challenges, and inconsistent supply; (2) impact on strategic decision-making and operational performance, including implementation of skeleton staffing and increased operational costs; (3) resilience and responsiveness strategies, focusing on supplier relationships, enhanced demand forecasting, and increased local production; and (4) lessons learned and future preparedness, emphasising disaster management frameworks and technological advancements. The study highlights the importance of developing balanced strategic approaches that address immediate disruptions and long-term resilience in pharmaceutical supply chains. Key findings reveal that effective strategic management during crises requires simultaneous attention to operational adjustments (skeleton staffing, remote work) and strategic initiatives (local production, technological investment). These insights contribute to understanding how pharmaceutical supply chains in developing economies can enhance resilience against future disruptions through strategic management practices that balance reactive and proactive approaches.

The study investigated the impact of supply chain management (SCM) practices on supply chain robustness (SCR) and financial performance (FP) in the freight logistics sector in South Africa post-COVID-19 era. Employing a survey research design and quantitative methodology, the research utilised a purposive sampling technique to recruit 500 professionals specialising in supply chain, operations, and finance from freight logistics firms across the Gauteng, North-West, and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. The study assessed various SCM practices, specifically focusing on capacity and skills management (CSM), customer relationship management (CRM), and supplier relationship management (SRM) as independent variables. The mediating variable was SCR, with FP being the outcome variable. Hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).  In the findings, both CRM and SRM demonstrated significant positive impacts on SCR, while CSM was statistically insignificant.  Furthermore, SCR was found to have a significant positive effect on FP. A significant mediating effect of SCR on the association of CRM and SRM on FP was observed. The study is a groundbreaking attempt to provide insights into which SCM factors deserve attention when attempting to strengthen the robustness and FP of freight logistics supply chains.

Crises are inevitable in the business environment, and the effects can vary widely across small and large businesses. Depending on its severity, crisis can threaten the continuity of businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs). For instance, the recent COVID-19 pandemic saw the discontinuation of several businesses. Thus, it is essential to investigate the survival strategies that can be adopted to facilitate business continuity. This study performs a literature review to investigate the strategies that can be adopted by SMEs to foster business continuity amidst crises. Considering SMEs crucial contribution to global economic development, employment creation and poverty alleviation, it is crucial to identify strategies that facilitate business continuity among SMEs. The findings of this literature review indicate that technological innovation, business agility, organizational resilience, innovative marketing strategies and the retrenchment strategy can facilitate business continuity among SMEs. This research contributes to the literature on crisis management in business and highlight strategies that can be implemented for business continuity in SMEs. Future research should empirically investigate the adoption of these strategies in SMEs, and ways to overcome the challenges hindering their adoption and implementation for sustainable business continuity.

Efficient risk management within the supply chain is essential for municipal success. This study assesses the supply chain risk management procedures of the Thulamela Municipality to guarantee service delivery. The main objectives were to evaluate the municipality's risk management structure and recommend enhancements in accordance with the MFMA and King IV requirements. The study question examined the implementation of a risk management system by Thulamela to guarantee service delivery. Utilising risk management and institutional theory, the study adopted a mixed-methods approach, applying deductive thematic analysis and SPSS software to examine data regarding the municipality's risk management procedures, team expertise, and framework suitability. The findings reveal that although Thulamela possesses a supply chain risk management framework, enhancements are necessary, specifically in (i) empowering the risk management team, (ii) incorporating technology and maintaining a record of suppliers with a history of non-compliance, and (iii) augmenting staff's risk management expertise. A favourable correlation was observed among effective risk management, institutional theory, supply chain procedures, and service delivery. This report provides essential information for policymakers to improve municipal supply chain risk management. Future research may investigate the impact of technology on mitigating risks such as non-compliance, corruption, and supplier failures, and also analyse the risk management frameworks among South African municipalities.

This study analyzes the role of supply chain resilience in relationships supply chain risk management culture and firm performance during the disruption SME Batik clothing business in the Wedi sub-district, Klaten, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This study is designed as a quantitative study with primary data obtained through the distribution of questionnaires. Purposive sampling was conducted, and a sample of 87 respondents was selected from SME Batik in Klaten, Yogyakarta that members of the batik SME cooperative. This study limits the sample to two positions: owner and manager. The data collected were analyzed using the structural equation model method using SmartPLS software. The results show that SCRM has a positive and significant effect on Firm Performance. This research also shows that SCRMC has a positive and significant effect on Re-engineering, Agility, and Collaboration. Testing the effect of mediating variables found the significant value of the influence of Re-engineering, agility, and collaboration in mediating the relationship between SCRMC (Supply chain management culture) and firm performance.