Hyderabad, 26th February 2025 – The Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Hyderabad, successfully hosted the fourth session of its Global Immersion Program, featuring Ms. Zera Zheng, Global Head of Business Resilience Consulting at A.P. Moller-Maersk, Netherlands. The session was titled "From Theory to Practice: Navigating Supply Chain Resilience in a Complex Global Environment".
Ms. Zheng opened the discussion by defining supply chain resilience through the lens of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) while also offering her own perspective on its significance. She then provided a structured overview detailing global standards and guidelines that shape resilience, including ISO, BCI, APICS, and CSCMP frameworks. She further introduced key theoretical foundations underpinning supply chain resilience, such as Complex Adaptive Systems, Risk Management, and Network Theory.
Transitioning to practical applications, Ms. Zheng outlined the six core components of a resilient supply chain—Visibility, Risk Management, Solutions, Disruption Handling, Supplier Relationships, and Technology & Innovation. Using the Panama Canal as a reference point, she contextualized these components before delving into each in depth.
Additionally, she addressed key regulations and emerging global trends, including rising geopolitical risks and the concept of "Polycrisis," before discussing practical strategies to strengthen and future-proof supply networks. She encouraged participants to analyse other scenarios where these principles could be applied critically.
The session concluded with a dynamic Q&A segment, where IMT Hyderabad students engaged with Ms. Zheng in thought-provoking discussions. Prof. (Dr.) Nitin Gupta wrapped up the event by expressing gratitude for Ms. Zheng’s valuable insights and impactful contributions to the students’ learning experience.