How to mitigate supply chain disruptions at selected retailers in the Cape Metropole

The purpose of the research study is to investigate strategies for mitigating ordinary supply chain disruptions across various retailers in the Cape Metropole. To achieve success in supply chain risk management, retailers in the Cape Metropole should proactively identify and mitigate potential risks before they develop into significant disruptions.The main objectives were to investigate strategies that can be implemented to mitigate ordinary supply chain disruptions in multiple retail stores across the Cape Metropole.To reach the objectives of the research study, a qualitative methodology was use to gathering insights from a purposive sample of 11 supply chain experts. A semi-structured interview guide was utilised to question these experts, who included senior buyers, executive managers, logistic managers, planners, and general managers. The primary objective of the research was achieved successfully through these interviews, which provided valuable insight into the subject matter.The findings indicated that numerous factors can lead to ordinary supply chain disruption, including raw material shortages, packaging acquiring challenges, product damage, time constraints for rework, production challenges, inadequate collaboration among internal teams, misinterpretation of supply chain management, stockouts, delivery delays, planning errors, system malfunctions, difficulties with financial and credit applications, and insufficient communication. All these concerns can exacerbate the company's existing supply chain disruptions. The collected data were analysed using ATLAS.ti software to discover significant patterns and reveal emergent themes.The identification of these crucial factors in ordinary supply chain disruptions underscores the necessity for strategy development to assist retail managers in mitigating risks and enhancing supply chain resilience. Based on the research findings, the researcher highly recommends that retailers prioritise implementing robust supply chain and supply chain risk management strategies. Additionally, the findings identify the need to conduct a comprehensive review of existing methods to identify areas of improvement. By restructuring current strategies, businesses can prevent frequent supply chain disruptions and ensure smoother operation.

本研究旨在探究开普敦都会区（Cape Metropole）多家零售商应对常规供应链中断的缓解策略。为达成供应链风险管理的目标，开普敦都会区的零售商应在潜在风险演变为重大中断前主动识别并加以缓解。
本研究的核心目标为，针对开普敦都会区多家零售门店可用于缓解常规供应链中断的策略展开调研。
为达成本研究目标，本研究采用定性研究方法，通过目的性抽样选取11名供应链专家开展调研，以获取相关洞见。本次调研采用半结构化访谈指南对上述专家进行访谈，访谈对象涵盖资深采购专员、执行经理、物流经理、计划员及总经理。通过本次访谈，本研究成功达成核心目标，为该主题提供了极具价值的洞见。
调研结果显示，诸多因素均可引发常规供应链中断，包括原材料短缺、包装采购难题、产品损毁、返工时限紧张、生产困境、内部团队协作不足、对供应链管理的误解、缺货、交付延迟、计划失误、系统故障、财务与信贷申请困难以及沟通不畅。上述所有问题均会加剧企业现有供应链中断状况。本研究借助ATLAS.ti软件对采集的数据开展分析，以挖掘显著模式并揭示新兴研究主题。
对常规供应链中断关键诱因的识别，凸显了制定相关策略的必要性，以助力零售管理者规避风险、提升供应链韧性。基于本研究结果，研究者强烈建议零售商优先落实健全的供应链及供应链风险管理策略。此外，研究结果还指出，需对现有方法开展全面复盘，以识别可优化的领域。通过重构现行策略，企业可避免频繁发生供应链中断，保障运营更加顺畅。