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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 main aim was to determine how the supply chains of the FMCG industry may enhance their resilience through the adoption of digital technologies. Additionally, enhancing visibility and transparency through the augmentation of operational efficiency to elevate overall performance. This analysis utilised the Uncertainty Framework theory, which provides a systematic approach for identifying, categorising, and managing uncertainties within the supply chain. Organisations can formulate strategies to effectively manage and mitigate risks by understanding the many dimensions of uncertainty within the supply chain and their interrelations. The research utilised a qualitative methodology, gathering data via semi-structured interviews with 25 supply chain specialists and senior executives possessing extensive experience in the FMCG sector. The study's findings indicate that digital transformation enhances agility, transparency, and data-driven decision-making, which is crucial for bolstering the resilience of the FMCG supply chain. Six themes emerged from the findings: data-driven decision-making, supply chain visibility and transparency, automation and robots, collaborative platforms and ecosystems, predictive analytics and forecasting, and traceability and sustainability. The research will enhance our understanding of the implementation of digital transformation initiatives throughout FMCG supply chains. This involves analysing the application of digital technologies in supply chain operations. The study may ascertain the impact of these technologies on various resilience criteria, including flexibility, agility, visibility, and responsiveness, by analysing the role of digital transformation in FMCG supply chains. The research findings can assist supply chain managers in making educated decisions on investments and strategic planning for digital transformation initiatives.Research on digital transformation in the FMCG sector is limited, particularly on these unprecedented upheavals. Moreover, there is little study connecting digital transformation with sustainability and resilience in FMCG supply chains, which is essential for comprehending how these projects might collaboratively enhance robust supply systems.

This research aimed to identify the key drivers of the pharmaceutical supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic disruption, focusing on the South African pharmaceutical industry. The study aimed to unveil the dynamic strategies and challenges experienced during the pandemic and suggest recommendations for resilient supply chain operations. The study drew on established supply chain management theories and integrated them with the unique and novel circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. It mainly referred to theories regarding pricing, strategic sourcing, ICT usage, product availability, and logistics management contextualised within the pharmaceutical industry. An exploratory research approach was adopted to uncover the five overarching themes that function as pharmaceutical supply chain drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were used to acquire the primary data with industry supply chain professionals, supplemented with secondary data from industry reports and relevant literature. The findings revealed that the pricing of medications, strategic sourcing decisions, information and communication technology, the availability of pharmaceutical products, and logistics management played critical roles in the pharmaceutical industry's supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to challenges such as price hikes, supply shortages, and logistical complications. The study provides crucial insights into managing supply chain disruptions amid a global health crisis. Implementing dynamic pricing mechanisms, developing resilient sourcing strategies, using ICT effectively, improving inventory management, and enhancing logistics management are recommended for robust supply chain operations. The findings contribute to academia by enriching the existing body of knowledge and offering practical solutions for industry supply chain professionals. The research is original and timely, offering a unique perspective on the South African pharmaceutical industry's supply chain during an unprecedented global health crisis. The results are valuable for academia and industry, shedding light on the adaptive strategies, challenges encountered, and lessons learned from navigating the pharmaceutical supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic.