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The COVID-19 pandemic requires firms to adequately respond. In this study, we first explore in our empirical data how firms responded to the COVID-19 crisis and identify five tactical response types, operational, digitalization, financial, supportive, and organizational responses. Furthermore, our findings indicate that responses vary in scope; Some firms act on their own, while others engage in collaborations. Finally, we find that the response angle is different across firms, as some firms leverage potential and others primarily mitigate risk. Second, we follow an event study design to measure the financial implications of these responses. We find that responses to the COVID-19 pandemic generally entail a positive stock market reaction. Financial and digitalization responses, as well as risk mitigation responses, are consistently evaluated positively. We discuss our findings in context of different theoretical lenses, substantiating the emerging literature on the COVID-19 crisis, and the established literature on crisis response management., Journal of Business Research, 158, ISSN:0148-2963, ISSN:1873-7978

Environmental consciousness has become critical in the design and operation of globally integrated supply chain networks. This research examines the carbon footprint across supply chains and thus contributes to the knowledge and practice of green supply chain management. The analytical model uses the long-range Lagrangian and the Eulerian transport methods. Analytical and finite difference methods are used to approximate the three-dimensional infinite footprint model. A simplified numerical example validates and illustrates the proposed approach. The results show that carbon emissions across stages in a supply chain can constitute a significant threat that warrants careful attention in the design phase of supply chains.

This thesis uses the case study approach to present an analysis of the sourcing issues in the petrochemical (polyethylene) industry, introducing the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) logic as a feasible managerial leverage to tackle these issues. To perform this study, the Kraljic Portfolio Matrix logic is discussed, applied and validated by means of statistical regression, highlighting the importance of naphtha sourcing in the production of cable insulators. Subsequently, the framework for BSC implementation is utilized in order to develop a scorecard which assists the company’s cross-functional operation to minimize the impact of naphtha sourcing on the bottom line. Finally, analysis and critique of the techniques used and suggestions for future research are specified. Outgoing