Key Directions for Transforming Supply Chain Management in Emerging Markets during the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Abstract

This research aimed to identify the main directions for transforming supply chains in emerging markets to enable timely managerial responses to the challenges and opportunities during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period. The analysis of theoretical sources resulted in the formulation of the following research hypotheses: (H1) Sustainable development of supply chains in emerging markets during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period can be achieved through the digital transformation of supply chains; (H2) The most promising direction for transforming supply chain management in emerging markets during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period is ensuring digital readiness of supply chains. The research employs a quantitative approach, and its methodological design is based on this approach. Primary data for the study was collected through a structured online survey using Google Forms as the survey tool. During the analysis of the primary data, a combination of general scientific and specialized methods of cognition was applied, including econometric and economic-statistical methods, as well as a graphical representation of data. The developed methodology was validated through its application to the case of BRICS countries. The results of the validation allowed us to establish that the primary direction for the transformation of supply chains during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period should be considered digital transformation. The findings of this research may be of interest to supply chain management professionals in emerging markets and also hold relevance for academic researchers, particularly in terms of identifying promising directions for future investigations.