Analysing the risk in the supply chain of apparel industry during an epidemic outbreak

Abstract

Companies try to continue in business but struggle because of disruptions they face in the supply chain (SC)' In this research, it is explored the SC risks faced by th-e-apparel industry during an epidemic-outbreak' It aims to investigate what type of risks are associated during an epidemif^outbreak and ho* iihas affected the SC' Further, it is investigated which risks should be prioritized, hoi to develop a suitable model to identiff the SC risks and vulnerabilities' The data is collected from literature, interviews and surveys from leading personnel in the Sri Lankan apparel industry' It is then mapped in a vulnerability matrix, tested and vatidated. In this siudy, it is identified !!at lhe loss of international key supplieis and order canceliations are the riskiest. A generalized vulnerability model is developed in this study consiaeiing cost and time factors, however, it can be cusi=omized using different factors-and.risks depending on the experienceland needs of the company. The study can be further developed to identify the SC risk mitigation strategies that should be taken to mitigate the SC disruptions during an epidemic outbreak.