Investigating Supply Chain Resilience to Support the Transition from Fragility to Flexibility

About the Project

Globalization has encouraged firms to offshore production, resulting in extensive supply networks that deliver notable economic advantages. This expansion has also increased structural complexity and heightened vulnerability to disruptions that interrupt the movement of materials and goods. As economic volatility intensifies and the limitations of traditional risk management become more apparent, strengthening supply chain resilience is increasingly essential for sustaining business continuity.

Supply chain resilience has gained further prominence as geopolitical tensions, climate change, trade tariffs, and fluctuating demand continue to place pressure on global operations. These challenges are particularly pronounced in internationally connected networks, where exposure to shocks is high and adaptive capabilities differ across partners. Although academic and industry interest in resilience has grown, empirical evidence on the effectiveness of specific resilience practices remains limited.

This PhD project will investigate how resilience practices are developed and implemented within a selected group of industries or supply networks. The study will employ quantitative empirical methods, drawing on survey data to identify adoption patterns, challenges across disruption stages, and the influence of resilience practices on operational continuity. Optional analytical or simulation techniques may be incorporated to complement the empirical findings. The anticipated results will offer insights to help organizations and policymakers improve preparedness, reduce vulnerability, and foster more flexible and reliable supply chains.

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Ir. Taher Ahmadi

Duration: 5 years, depending on progress

Investment: Year 1 € 4,250, Years 2 & 3 € 9,750 per year, Years 4 & 5 and possible subsequent years € 3,500 per year. Fees are subject to change, no rights can be derived from this information, visit our website listed below for the latest fee information.

To apply:

This project is only available within our Self-Funded Part-Time PhD program. Application is only possible via our website https://www.nyenrode.nl/en/programs/p/phd-program-(part-time), which also provides further details around the application package, which includes:

• Application essay form (our fillable application essay form)
• Title
• Proposed research question
• Research background & rationale
• Methodology
• Suggested supervisors at Nyenrode
• Personal motivation
• Certified copy of your Master's degree or equivalent
• Copy of corresponding transcript/grade list(s) from your Masters or equivalent
• Curriculum vitae
• Reference letter(s)
• Photo

Contact:

For further information, please visit our website https://www.nyenrode.nl/en/programs/p/phd-program-(part-time) or contact Nyenrode’s PhD School at phd@nyenrode.nl