Operational Readiness, Activation and Transition (ORAT) Risks in Global Food Supply Chains: Navigating Disruptions from Extreme Weather Events

Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. These events can directly damage or destroy infrastructure critical to supply chains, including ports, roads, railways, factories, and warehouses. This leads to delays, shortages, and increased costs.  

Extreme weather events can also impact the availability of natural resources essential to many supply chains. Changes in precipitation patterns and rising temperatures can disrupt agricultural production, leading to food shortages and price volatility. Water scarcity can affect industries dependent on water for production processes.

This research will examine the critical Operational Readiness, Activation and Transition (ORAT) risks at the supply chain level to enable successful restoration of supply chain operations following extreme climate change events.

Academic Qualifications:

A first degree (at least a 2.1) ideally in Business or Supply Chain Management with a good fundamental knowledge of Risk factors.

 

English Language Requirement:

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each of the four components), Ither equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential Attributes:

·       Experience of fundamental academic research project at the Postgraduate level

·       Competent in quantitative and/or mixed methods research

·       Knowledge of Supply Chain Management

·       Good written and oral communication skills

·       Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project

·       Good time management

Desirable Attributes:

Experience with case study methodology and secondary data analysis.

This research seeks to understand how various types of risk factors (specifically, those related to Operational Readiness, Activation and Transition or ORAT) influence the ability of global food supply chains to handle disruptions caused by extreme weather. The study will consider different contexts, such as the type of weather event, geographic location, specific industry, and the characteristics of the supply chain itself (like its resilience and visibility).

Part-time applicants are encouraged.