From Chains to Systems: Managing Supply Chains as Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS)
In an era of unprecedented global disruption, the traditional understanding of a supply chain as a linear chain, is no longer sufficient to ensure long-term viability. This session, presented by Kimberly Tholl, CSCP, PMP, challenges practitioners to shift their mindset from managing chains to navigating Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS). As both a seasoned industry leader and a doctoral researcher, Kimberly bridges the gap between theoretical systems thinking and practical supply chain operations. Attendees will explore the core characteristics of a CAS, including emergence, adaptation, feedback loops, and non-linearity, where small, localized changes can trigger massive, delayed effects across an entire network. Through real-world examples, ranging from pandemic-era pivots in the textile industry to the systemic impacts of labor subcontracting, the webinar illustrates how individual firm actions shape the broader networks that sustain them. Key Takeaways for Practitioners:1. Map Your Supply Network: Move beyond Tier 1 visibility to identify critical nodes and interdependencies across suppliers, logistics providers, and regulators.2. Bridge, Don't Just Buffer: Transition from purely protective strategies (safety stock) to collaborative "bridging" through information sharing among industry players.3. Identify Network "Tipping Points": Learn to recognize when a critical mass of industry change
