Yossi Sheffi’s The New (Ab)Normal: Reshaping Business and S…
Yossi Sheffi’s The New (Ab)Normal: Reshaping Business and Supply Chain Strategy Beyond COVID-19 offers a detailed analysis of how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped businesses, supply chains, and society. Dr. Sheffi discusses vulnerabilities exposed during the pandemic, the responses of different industries, and the long-term implications for supply chain strategies. For this exam, write a 5-paragraph essay that engages deeply with the book’s themes and examples while addressing the following prompts. In your essay, consider connections between the pandemic, supply chain decision-making, and broader societal impacts: Critical Weaknesses and Adaptations: Discuss one specific supply chain weakness highlighted during the pandemic and explain why this vulnerability had such far-reaching effects. Analyze a corresponding adaptation or innovation discussed in the book and evaluate its effectiveness in addressing the issue. Comparative Insights: Choose two examples of pandemic-era supply chain responses discussed in the book—one that you found particularly inspiring and another that you found unexpectedly flawed. Compare and contrast these examples, focusing on the specific strategies used, the challenges encountered, and the lessons learned. Personal Perspective and Broader Implications: Reflect on how the lessons in this book connect to broader societal or ethical issues related to supply chain management. Beyond logistics and efficiency, what larger questions does the pandemic raise about supply chains’ role in global resilience, equity, or sustainability? How have these insights influenced your perspective on supply chain management? Guidelines and Grading Criteria:Your essay will be evaluated based on the following: Depth and originality of analysis: Avoid summarizing the book; instead, focus on providing your own interpretation and critical evaluation of the material. Use of specific examples and details: Support your analysis with concrete examples from the book, supplemented by any relevant insights or connections you can draw. Clarity and coherence: Your essay should be well-organized, with a clear structure and strong transitions between points. Writing mechanics: Ensure proper grammar, spelling, and academic tone. Additional Notes: Use direct quotations sparingly and only when they strengthen your argument. Feel free to integrate your own experiences or observations if they are relevant to your analysis, but ensure they tie back to the book’s themes.