Why are the shelves bare? A look at what’s going on with the world’s supply chains

What’s with all the stockouts and empty shelves? Global disruptions mean we are talking about supply chains more than ever as we realise how important they are to our daily lives. New Zealand is at the edge of the world when it comes to freight distribution, making us vulnerable to any glitches in the system. Are things going to get better, or is this the new normal for New Zealand?

This talk will outline the basics of supply chain management for a general audience and explain why supply chains matter so much. Tava will draw on decades of teaching, research and advising on supply chains to discuss what she thinks has changed for good, and what has not. In addition, she will address some of the unique situations global logistics create for New Zealand, such as why we export so many raw logs rather than creating value-added products such as construction materials and furniture.

Bio

Dr Tava Olsen is Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management, Director of the Centre for Supply Chain Management and Head of two departments at the University of Auckland Business School. Prior to joining the University, she was Professor of Operations and Manufacturing Management in the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis. Tava received her PhD from Stanford University and holds a BSc Hons from the University of Auckland. Her research interests include supply chain management and the stochastic and economic modelling of manufacturing, service, agricultural, and healthcare systems. She has been awarded the Auckland Business School’s Research Excellence Award three times.

Event

8:00pm @La Zeppa, 33 Drake St, Freemans Bay

Also speaking at this location at 6:30pm is Matheson Russell