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The COVID-19 pandemic showed that preestablished contingency plans and resilience practices were insufficient to cope with long-term and global disruptions. Companies thus struggled to develop capabilities that ensure their survivability during similar crises. Building on the adaptation-based view (ABV) of supply chain resilience, this study aims to offer an in-depth perspective on survivability in supply chains (SCs).

The paper empirically tests related relationships between adaptation capabilities and practices that ensure operational continuity. Responses from 252 organisations were collected and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling.

The results empirically support the ABV’s theoretical propositions and assess the possibilities of intertwining, digitalisation, a circular economy and maturity for the survivability of SCs.

The derived insights are attractive for managers and researchers to foster supply chain survivability and contribute to the increasing efforts of middle-range theorising in logistics and supply chain management research.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first studies to define factors enhancing the survivability of SCs through the lens of the ABV.

The ripple effect (i.e. disruption propagation in networks) belongs to one of the central pillars in supply chain resilience and viability research, constituting a type of systemic disruption. A considerable body of knowledge has been developed for the last two decades to examine the ripple effect triggered by instantaneous disruptions, e.g. earthquakes or factory fires. In contrast, far less research has been devoted to study the ripple effect under long-term disruptions, such as in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study qualitatively analyses secondary data on the ripple effects incurred in automotive and electronics supply chains. Through the analysis of five distinct case studies illustrating operational practices used by companies to cope with the ripple effect, we uncover a disruption propagation mechanism through the supply chains during the semiconductor shortage in 2020–2022.

Applying a theory elaboration approach, we sequence the triggers for the ripple effects induced by the semiconductor shortage. Second, the measures to mitigate the ripple effect employed by automotive and electronics companies are delineated with a cost-effectiveness analysis. Finally, the results are summarised and generalised into a causal loop diagram providing a more complete conceptualisation of long-term disruption propagation.

The results add to the academic discourse on appropriate mitigation strategies. They can help build scenarios for simulation and analytical models to inform decision-making as well as incorporate systemic risks from ripple effects into a normal operations mode. In addition, the findings provide practical recommendations for implementing short- and long-term measures during long-term disruptions.

The study aims to provide a comprehensive review of digital twin (DT) literature and examine how various industrial sectors utilize the potential of DT.

This study’s systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis focus on utilizing DT in the supply chain (SC) and its applications across various industries between 2017 and 2024. The use of DT for information management and risk management in SCM, which have been investigated in many sectors, is the primary focus of this article. The article also examines the various digital technologies used in digital twin literature.

The following are the main conclusions drawn from the research on digital twins and their implementation: Digital twins have been studied to improve visibility, traceability, resilience, risk identification and assessment, information sharing and decision-making in SC of various sectors. According to the literature review, most research was conducted in the manufacturing industry. Also, the integration of DT with digital technologies (like AI, BD, AI, ML and CPS) in SC has been explored less.

A multisectoral examination has been done to identify any needs or requirements and unknown areas of study and make recommendations for future directions for study on the interface between SC and DT.

The literature has generally examined supply chain disruptions and mitigation, assuming that resilience capabilities are universal. This assumption undermines the productivity and competitiveness of manufacturing firms in developing economies due to differences in contextual attributes and challenges. In this study, we advance the current knowledge in the literature and explore context-driven disruptions in developing economies to provide a foundational step for disruption-mitigation fit to enhance operational efficiency and business continuity.

This study adopts a qualitative multi-case study approach and explores the operational environment of manufacturing firms in developing economies to unpack context-driven disruptions and strategies for managing disruptions. An in-depth exploratory multiple case study of 8 manufacturing firms was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 31 key informants across the case firms.

Findings indicate that manufacturing firms in developing economies face operational disruptions and challenges specific to their business environment, contrasting with those experienced in developed countries and documented in the literature. This contrast suggests that mitigation strategies designed for disruptions in developed economies may prove ineffective in addressing emergent and context-driven disruptions in developing countries.

Since this paper is based on an in-depth single case study, its findings may not be empirically generalisable to other sectors and countries beyond Africa.

Considering the interconnectivity of global supply chains, this study highlights the need for firms and managers in developed economies to be cognisant of context-specific disruptions affecting firms in developing economies. The study provides valuable insights into how manufacturing firms can build resilience by embedding context-specific planning practices into their strategic supply chain agenda.

With Africa’s lack of production contribution to the global manufacturing value-added, this study underscores the need for manufacturing firms in developing economies to be proactive, pragmatic, and strategic in devising planning consistent with their operations and the dynamic business environment.

The purpose of this study is to explore the integration of risk management and circular economy (CE) principles within the healthcare sector to promote sustainability and resilience. Specifically, the study aims to demonstrate how risk management can support the transition to a circular economy in healthcare supply chains. By integrating risk management practices with CE principles, healthcare organizations can identify potential risks and opportunities associated with circular initiatives.

This study adopts a qualitative research approach, using a case study methodology with semi-structured interviews conducted at primary care facilities to understand the application of CE principles in practice. The study uses fuzzy logic methods to assess and mitigate risks associated with strategies promoting CE principles. Additionally, key performance indicators are identified to evaluate the effectiveness and enhance the resilience of these strategies within healthcare supply chains.

The study highlights the critical role of robust risk management strategies in facilitating the transition to a circular economy within healthcare organizations. Primary care facilities, which are critical to frontline healthcare delivery, are particularly vulnerable to product shortages due to supply risks. This study focuses on critical protective equipment, specifically latex gloves and assesses operational risks, including supply, demand and environmental risks, using a fuzzy logic-based model. Import delays were found to be a moderate risk, typically occurring once a year. The research highlights critical KPIs for a successful CE transition within healthcare supply chains, such as on-time delivery and service quality, which are directly related to the risk of supply chain disruption. In addition, the study highlights the significant impact of other CE strategies on healthcare supply chains, including localized production and manufacturing, innovation in product development, reverse logistics, closed-loop supply chains and the adoption of lean principles.

This study provides valuable insights for healthcare organizations to optimize resource efficiency, reduce waste and promote circularity in their operations. By implementing the proposed solutions and focusing on the identified KPIs, organizations can develop strategies to achieve sustainability goals and enhance resilience in healthcare supply chains.

This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the application of risk management in facilitating the transition to a circular economy in the healthcare sector. The use of fuzzy logic methodology offers a novel approach to assessing and mitigating risks associated with critical product failures in supply chain activities. The study’s findings provide practical guidance for healthcare organizations seeking to integrate circular economy principles and improve sustainability performance.