Effects of COVID-19 on the glocal management in the orthopedic craft

Research background: The industrialized world is experiencing a far-reaching crisis situation due to the pandemic triggered by COVID-19. Economies with global value chains are particularly badly affected, including Germany. The associated glocal effects force the management of organizations, including SMEs in the healthcare sector, to place risk management on a strategic level. Purpose of the article: This research contribution is intended to provide organizations in times of crisis with a profitable outline of the intelligent use of business management tools in the Corona crisis. The focus is on the determination of significant value and risk drivers using SWOT analysis, communicative reporting and the creation of key figures for decision support. The results of the 2nd survey of the Federal Guild of Orthopedic Technology on the Corona effects show high sales and order drops due to a sharp decrease in the frequency of customers at orthopedic companies compared to grocery retailers. In the Corona crisis, both sectors are considered to be systemically relevant and are of major importance for the state community. Methods: The authors have analyzed pandemic-related secondary data in order to show the economic effects of COVID-19 for SMEs in the healthcare sector and to comprehensively record the problem. It was carried on already available data from WHO, DeSTATIS as well as specialist organs of technical orthopedics were used. Findings & Value added: In a crisis, managers are primarily challenged to evaluate and redefine their previous management philosophy. Proactive and cross-functional cost management across the entire value chain is essential to ensure the continued existence of the company.