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The Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Level of Transparency With Lower-Tier Suppliers in the Supply Chain

Domselaar, Max van (2022) The Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Level of Transparency With Lower-Tier Suppliers in the Supply Chain.

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Abstract:Transparency and information sharing between buyers and suppliers have not always been a high priority of organizations since business as usual did not require additional visibility. But the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic changed this perception. This thesis will research how organizations have improved their transparency with their suppliers beyond their direct, tier-1, suppliers as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. A multiple case study approach was used by interviewing several representatives of organizations who had deep knowledge and insights into their Supply Chain. Four main ways of improving the level of transparency with the lower-tier suppliers were found during this thesis. Firstly, organizations prescribe specific suppliers and quality demands towards tier-1 and tier-2 suppliers to ascertain quality and specifications. Secondly, organizations started to question their suppliers about the risks in their Supply Chain more actively. Thirdly, organizations demanded to be informed by tier-1 suppliers if relevant issues or risks occur with their tier-2 suppliers. Fourthly, organizations have increased their level of digitalization, now having more time and cost-efficient communication with lower-tier suppliers. To ensure continuity and minimization of the effects of future Supply Chain disruptions, organizations should review their level of transparency, discuss the associated disruption risks and make adjustments where required with their lower-tier suppliers. The four main ways of improving the level of transparency with lower-tier suppliers, as will be presented in this thesis, could most certainly help organizations in this process to improve their transparency.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:85 business administration, organizational science
Programme:International Business Administration BSc (50952)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/91218
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