From protracted labour disputes to natural disasters, organisations’ supply chains can be undermined by any number of risk factors. “Managing Supply Chains and Risk in Volatile Times” is thus the apt theme of an upcoming workshop hosted by the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and IMPERIAL Logistics, as part of this year’s “Supply Chain and Logistics Management Programme”. Cobus Rossouw, IMPERIAL Logistics’ chief integration officer, stresses that in today’s increasingly competitive business environment, a company’s success rests on its ability to be more responsive to customer needs than its competitors. “Supply chain risk management is therefore critical for any organisation aiming to sustain competitive advantage,” he states. Leading the workshop is Dr Richard Wilding, professor in Supply Chain Strategy at the Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Cranfield School of Management in the UK. In 2005, Wilding was appointed as the first ever Full Professor and Chair of Supply Chain Risk Management in the world.

“This was in recognition of his significant contribution to this subject area,” Rossouw explains. “Supply chain risk management - which enables companies to create sustainable and resilient competitive advantage within their overall supply chain strategy - is a key focus of his research.” Wilding’s achievements include winning the "Individual Contribution Award" at the 2010 European Supply Chain Excellence Awards. This is presented to the individual who has made an outstanding contribution to supply chain excellence. At the 2008 European Supply Chain Distinction Awards, he received the “Distinguished Service Award for Thought Leadership and Service to Supply Chain Management”. “This workshop is aimed at giving South African professionals the opportunity to learn from, and interact with, a world leader in the field of strategic supply chain and risk management. They will gain insight into the latest trends and best practices shaping supply chain risk management in the global marketplace,” Rossouw concludes. The workshop takes place at GIBS at the University of Pretoria on 16 April.