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Read the Ikea Case Study in the Simchi-Levi et al. text. Submit a response to each of the end-of-chapter discussion questions. Each question must be answered thoroughly, and responses must be supported by the concepts introduced in the Learn materials. Each question/answer must be delineated under a heading in current APA format. Include a title page and reference page also in current APA format.

Incorporate a minimum of 5 peer-reviewed sources with at least 1 source per question. You must also read the Ikea case study and answer the discussion questions at the end of Chapter 14 in the eBook for the Case Study 4 Assignment. The Ikea case study is located at the beginning of Chap. 14. The three discussion questions for the Ikea Case Study are located at the end of the chapter.

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Introduction

The ongoing global disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic have significantly impacted supply chains, environmental factors, and business strategies worldwide. The pandemic's influence on carbon emissions, supply chain risk management, and waste reduction strategies presents unique challenges and opportunities for companies. Analyzing the Ikea case study within this context provides valuable insights into how organizations can adapt to these circumstances while aligning sustainability and operational resilience.

Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic on Carbon Emissions

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented disruptions in daily life and economic activities, resulting in notable effects on global carbon emissions. Initially, lockdown measures and reduced industrial activities caused a temporary decline in emissions, with some reports indicating a reduction of up to 17% in global CO2 output during strict lockdown periods (Le Quéré et al., 2020). This decline was primarily driven by decreased transportation, manufacturing, and energy consumption as countries enforced restrictions to curb the virus spread.

However, this temporary reduction is unlikely to lead to long-term decreases without structural changes in how energy and transportation are managed. The pandemic also accelerated trends such as remote working, which can potentially reduce commuting emissions, but increased reliance on digital technologies also increases electricity consumption. Furthermore, economic recovery efforts may lead to a rebound in emissions if measures favor traditional energy-intensive growth (Anderson & Bows, 2021). The long-term impact on carbon emissions hinges on sustainable policy reforms, technological advancements, and behavioral changes adopted by businesses and consumers.

Driving forces behind these impacts include government policies, corporate sustainability initiatives, technological innovation such as renewable energy adoption, and shifts in consumer behavior. For example, increased demand for electric vehicles or renewable energy sources can influence emission patterns significantly (Zhou et al., 2021). As companies like Ikea revisit their supply chain and sustainability strategies, they must consider these evolving environmental impacts and integrate them into their operational planning.

Coordination of Supply Chain Risk Management and Sustainability Strategies

It is essential for companies to align their supply chain risk management (SCRM) strategies with sustainability goals. This coordination ensures resilience against disruptions while reducing environmental impact, ultimately fostering long-term business viability and social responsibility. In the context of Ikea and similar organizations, integrating sustainability into risk management involves multiple approaches.

Firstly, transparency and supplier engagement are vital. Companies should assess the sustainability practices of their suppliers and incorporate standards that minimize environmental harm and social risks. For example, adopting sustainability criteria in supplier selection and monitoring can mitigate risks linked to environmental violations or labor issues (Christopher & Peck, 2004).

Secondly, diversification of suppliers and sourcing locations can reduce vulnerability to regional disruptions such as natural disasters or political instability, which may also have environmental implications. Investing in local and sustainable sourcing helps reduce transportation emissions and supports community resilience.

Thirdly, incorporating sustainable practices into contingency planning, such as designing supply chains that prioritize renewable energy sources or circular economy principles, enhances resilience. This strategic alignment encourages innovation and reduces dependency on fragile, non-sustainable resources (Sodhi & Tang, 2012).

Finally, companies need to develop metrics and reporting systems that integrate supply chain risk and sustainability performance, fostering accountability and continuous improvement. These integrations typically involve cross-functional teams and strategic leadership committed to both risk mitigation and environmental stewardship.

Reducing Food Waste in Retail: Identifying Drivers and Strategies

Food waste is a significant challenge in the retail sector, contributing to economic losses and environmental degradation. To effectively reduce waste, retailers must first identify its main drivers. These can include overordering, spoilage, packaging inefficiencies, and inaccurate demand forecasting (Gustavsson et al., 2016).

Data analytics plays a critical role in understanding waste drivers. Retailers should collect and analyze sales data, inventory levels, and spoilage rates to identify patterns and high-risk products. This helps in fine-tuning purchasing decisions, shelf space allocation, and expiration date management.

Implementing better demand forecasting techniques, such as machine learning algorithms or consumer behavior modeling, allows more accurate stock predictions, reducing excess inventory that leads to spoilage (ReFED, 2011). Additionally, collaborating with suppliers to improve supply chain visibility and responsiveness enables adjustments based on real-time demand signals.

Operational improvements, such as dynamic pricing, discounts on near-expiry products, and improved storage conditions, also contribute to waste reduction. Educating staff and consumers about food management and waste impact fosters a culture of sustainability within the retail environment.

Furthermore, adopting circular economy principles, such as donating surplus food or converting waste into compost or animal feed, provides sustainable outlets for unavoidable waste, aligning economic considerations with environmental responsibility. Overall, a holistic approach that combines data-driven insights, operational adjustments, and stakeholder engagement is crucial for successfully reducing food waste in retail settings (Parfitt et al., 2010).

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and operational factors in global supply chains. Companies like Ikea can leverage this awareness by integrating sustainability into risk management strategies and adopting innovative waste reduction practices. Ensuring resilient, sustainable supply chains and minimizing environmental impact require coordinated effort, technological integration, and proactive management. Addressing these challenges through comprehensive, evidence-based approaches not only mitigates risks but also promotes a greener, more sustainable future.

References

• Anderson, K., & Bows, A. (2021). Covid-19: The crisis and its implications for climate change. Environmental Research Letters, 16(7), 075003.
• Christopher, M., & Peck, H. (2004). Building the resilient supply chain. The International Journal of Logistics Management, 15(2), 1-13.
• Gustavsson, J., Cederberg, C., Sonesson, U., van Otterdijk, R., & Meybeck, A. (2016). Food Losses and Waste Accounting Guidelines. FAO.
• Le Quéré, C., et al. (2020). Temporary reduction in daily global CO2 emissions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nature Climate Change, 10, 647–653.
• Parfitt, J., Barthel, M., & Macnaughton, S. (2010). Food waste within food supply chains. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 365(1554), 3065–3078.
• ReFED. (2011). The food waste reduction roadmap. ReFED.
• Sodhi, M. S., & Tang, C. S. (2012). Managing Supply Chain Risk. Springer.
• Zhou, D., et al. (2021). Impact of COVID-19 on Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Evidence from the Global Perspective. One Earth, 4, 59-68.