Supply Chain Resilienz in österreichischen Handelsunternehmen

Abstract

More and more supply chains (SC) are interconnected worldwide, resulting in a large network with many players involved. This poses ever greater challenges for global trade, which must be managed effectively. Goods are no longer only produced in the immediate vicinity. The procurement of goods from Asian countries plays a particularly important role for Europe. The sea route using container ships is a practical and cost-effective option for bringing goods to Europe. The trade route via the Suez Canal in particular has proven to be a fast transport route from Asian countries. The trade route via the Suez Canal is also of strategic importance for Austrian companies. However, due to the high susceptibility to disruption in the Suez Canal and the region, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the stability of the supply chain. Therefore, the topic of how Austrian companies can build their supply chains in a resilient manner in order to survive in times of crisis is very present. In the following master's thesis, three research questions are addressed based on the problems described above: The first research question examines events that have affected global trade along the trade route through the Suez Canal. The second question deals with the importance of supply chain resilience for Austrian trading companies along the global trade route of the Suez Canal. The third research question analyzes what measures Austrian trading companies can take in their supply chain to improve resilience along the Suez Canal. The research questions are answered on the basis of scientific literature and subsequent empirical research in the form of expert interviews. The thesis is divided into a total of six chapters, which build on each other. The introduction is followed by a theoretical discussion of the term supply chain resilience (SCRES) and selected theoretical approaches. The term is also clearly distinguished from supply chain risk management (SCRM). This is followed by an introduction to supply chain resilience in relation to trade routes, in particular the Suez Canal. The theoretical consideration then moves on to the empirical research by first explaining the methodological approach. This is followed by an analysis of the results of the expert interviews. Finally, the findings from theory and empirical research are brought together, the research questions are answered and a conclusion and outlook are given. The analysis of historical events that have disrupted Suez Canal operations can largely be traced back to the geopolitically tense situation in the region. In combination with acts of war, problems repeatedly arise that impede safe passage through the Suez Canal. Unexpected, long-term disruptions pose a particular threat to supply chains. The great importance of the Suez Canal for Austrian companies is reflected above all in the massive reduction in transportation time and the low costs. If the transit is disrupted, this disrupts the companies' planning. However, both proactive and reactive measures can be found that can strengthen resilience in the face of the high susceptibility to disruption in the Suez Canal. Proactive measures include building stable partnerships, anchoring resilience in the company, multi-level supplier strategies, data transparency and risk management. Reactively, measures must be agreed and implemented quickly with partners. It is important to learn from crises, to work continuously on improving resilience and to constantly monitor the delicate situation in the Suez Canal

Date of Award	2025
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Michael Herburger (Supervisor)