The Impact of COVID-19 on Supply Chains and E-commerce Logistics

Abstract

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, supply, demand, and logistics have all been affected. Due to its unpredictable severity, the pandemic has highlighted the need to modify the existing supply chain model, the consumer structure model, and the digitization of markets. At the same time, the situation under COVID-19 offers increasing opportunities for e-commerce, including new business models and online commercial activities.

This master's thesis aims to analyze how COVID-19 will affect global supply chains and e-commerce. Moreover, it will try to analyze the practices of major e-commerce platforms during the pandemic to determine whether there are opportunities for innovation and development in the future. The study will examine how retailers adapted to supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic from a practical perspective and highlight the critical role of technology in these processes. The research provides insights into how companies are coping with long-term disruptions.

The study we conducted used a qualitative approach, which included a case study and a SWOT analysis. In addition, we analyzed quantitative operational data from public financial reports released by JD.com.Our study examines the effects of a pandemic on supply chains. It also summarises the challenges faced by the retail sector and the strategies used by JD.com during the challenging period. During the pandemic, JD.com was able to handle the various aspects of its supply chain management through an integrated supply chain and intelligence platform.

This study presents a supply chain resilience analysis by using actual operational data. Moreover, It suggests that companies should consider operational flexibility and collaboration outside the supply chain to adapt to significant supply chain disruptions like COVID-19.