Crafting a Resilient andRobust Supply Chain : An Empirical Case study of Volvo CE & Kapsch

Abstract: Globalized markets, resources and means of communication reshaped the modern world. Today global supply chains are more agile and vulnerable to any crises. There is a need to have appropriate measures and strategies to dismantle and mitigate effects of any small or major disasters in the supply chains. Today supply chains are both directly and indirectly under influence of crises. The purpose is to study how companies assess and avoids risk in their supply chains and how they mitigate risks. Two cases have been used to explore the subject. Primary face-to-face interviews have been conducted with representatives from the two companies. Further secondary documentation from the companies has been analyzed. Managers are well aware of the risks embedded in their supply chains. They have processes to forecast and handle disruptions. Redundant resources are used in various extents to prepare for unforeseen events. To ensure uninterrupted supply different techniques such as dual-sourcing is used. Even though they see themselves as prepared companies are having problems mitigating the impact of uncertain events and these disruptions can have a big negative impact on their supply chains.