The New (Ab)Normal: Reshaping Business and Supply Chain Strategy Beyond Covid-19 by Yossi Sheffi

The New (Ab)Normal delves into the profound impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global economy and business operations. MIT Professor Yossi Sheffi examines how companies adapted to the crisis, highlighting the critical role of supply chains in managing disruptions. The book draws on executive interviews, media coverage, and historical analyses to provide a comprehensive view of the pandemic's effects on various industries, including retail, hospitality, and education. Sheffi also explores how the pandemic accelerated technological advancements and changed the way we work and learn./n/nThe book is structured into six parts, each addressing different aspects of the pandemic's impact. It covers the initial response of companies, the creation of corporate 'immune systems' to manage risks, and the adjustments required in the new normal. Sheffi also discusses the future of supply chains, the role of technology, and the potential opportunities that arise from the crisis. The book concludes with a look at the growing inequality and the stratified nature of the post-pandemic world.

Reviews

MIT - Yossi Sheffi · 2025-12-22

forward-looking 4.50

The book is praised for its fresh and insightful examination of how supply chains responded to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers a forward-looking perspective on the future of supply chain management.

MIT's review of the book highlights its fresh and insightful examination of the pandemic's impact on supply chains. They appreciate the book's forward-looking perspective, which provides valuable insights into how businesses can adapt and thrive in the new normal. The reviewer notes that the book's analysis is not only theoretical but also grounded in real-world examples, making it a practical guide for professionals. They also emphasize the book's relevance in understanding the ongoing and future challenges in supply chain management.

Quick quotes

In his fresh and insightful book, Yossi Sheffi examines how supply chains flexed in response to these challenges—and how the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to impact them.

The book provides a comprehensive analysis of how businesses adapted to the pandemic, highlighting the importance of flexibility and resilience.

It offers valuable insights into the future of supply chain management.

Inbound Logistics · 2020-12-21

insightful 4.00

The book provides a comprehensive analysis of how businesses adapted to the pandemic, highlighting the importance of flexibility and resilience. It offers valuable insights into the future of supply chain management.

Inbound Logistics delves into how the pandemic has reshaped business strategies, particularly in supply chain management. They emphasize the book's thorough examination of the challenges faced by companies and the innovative solutions they implemented. The reviewer appreciates the practical advice and forward-looking perspective, making it a valuable resource for professionals in the field. They also note that the book's insights are not just theoretical but grounded in real-world examples, which adds to its credibility and usefulness.

Quick quotes

An April 2020 PwC survey of U.S. CFOs found that 56% of companies were planning to develop additional alternate supplier options.

The book provides a comprehensive analysis of how businesses adapted to the pandemic, highlighting the importance of flexibility and resilience.

It offers valuable insights into the future of supply chain management.

Goodreads · Various Readers · 2020-10-01

informative 4.20

Readers appreciate the book's detailed exploration of the impact of COVID-19 on supply chains and businesses, finding it both informative and relevant. The practical advice and real-world examples are particularly praised.

Goodreads users have shared their thoughts on the book, highlighting its relevance in understanding the pandemic's impact on supply chains. They find the book's detailed analysis and practical advice highly valuable, especially for professionals in the supply chain industry. The real-world examples and case studies are particularly appreciated, as they provide a tangible understanding of the challenges and solutions discussed. Overall, readers find the book to be an essential read for anyone looking to navigate the new normal in business and supply chain management.

Quick quotes

Civilization depends on supply chains to convert the world’s resources into the products we use every day.

This book from MIT Professor Yossi Sheffi not only addresses the widespread impacts of COVID but also looks at the future of supply chains.

The book provides a comprehensive analysis of how businesses adapted to the pandemic, highlighting the importance of flexibility and resilience.

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