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Challenges in the Era of Globalization - iaabd

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Proceed<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 12th Annual Conference © 2011 IAABD<br />

Manag<strong>in</strong>g and Mitigat<strong>in</strong>g Supply Cha<strong>in</strong> Bl<strong>in</strong>d Spots and Vulnerabilities <strong>in</strong> Nigerian Elections<br />

Abstract<br />

Chris I. Eny<strong>in</strong>da, Chris.eny<strong>in</strong>da@aamu.edu<br />

Alabama A & M University, USA<br />

Indy C. Eny<strong>in</strong>dah, ice_eny<strong>in</strong>dah@yahoo.com<br />

Rivers State College <strong>of</strong> Arts and Science, Port Harcourt, Nigeria<br />

Emmanuel Obuah, Emmanuel.obuah@aamu.edu<br />

Alabama A & M University, USA<br />

Organizations have ga<strong>in</strong>ed competitive advantage through <strong>the</strong>ir logistics competencies or failed because <strong>of</strong> lack <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong>m. Throughout history strategic logistics has been acknowledged to play prom<strong>in</strong>ent role <strong>in</strong> major world events<br />

such as military operations, peace time operations, World Cup, and Olympic Games. However, <strong>the</strong> logistics<br />

operations that support <strong>the</strong>se events are <strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>gly subject to unpredictable and predictable disruptions. The<br />

Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) supply cha<strong>in</strong> logistics is not immune to disruptions.<br />

The recent disruptions <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Nigerian elections due to predictable and unpredictable supply cha<strong>in</strong> bl<strong>in</strong>d spots<br />

generated significant media attention and o<strong>the</strong>r stakeholders’ criticism. Supply cha<strong>in</strong> bl<strong>in</strong>d spots represent events<br />

that can disrupt flows <strong>of</strong> physical products/materials and <strong>in</strong>formation. The success <strong>of</strong> any electoral process depends<br />

on sound strategic supply cha<strong>in</strong> logistics plann<strong>in</strong>g that takes <strong>in</strong>to account <strong>the</strong> prevalence <strong>of</strong> today’s disruptive bl<strong>in</strong>d<br />

spots and vulnerabilities. The ability <strong>of</strong> C-Level executives to manage and mitigate supply cha<strong>in</strong> bl<strong>in</strong>d spots<br />

effectively and efficiently can improve operational performance and stakeholders’ confidence. It is only those<br />

organizations that can identify bl<strong>in</strong>d spots sources and vulnerabilities and have developed predictive supply cha<strong>in</strong><br />

risk management and bus<strong>in</strong>ess cont<strong>in</strong>uity strategies will be successful. Organizations that neglect <strong>the</strong>se imperatives<br />

do so at <strong>the</strong>ir peril.<br />

Introduction<br />

The INEC is an election management body created by <strong>the</strong> Nigerian Constitution to organize<br />

federal and state elections <strong>the</strong> country. Recently, INEC supply cha<strong>in</strong> suffered a number <strong>of</strong><br />

disruptions associated with such events as supply failure (suppliers’ failure to supply electoral<br />

materials and o<strong>the</strong>r logistics assets), supplier material quality failure, supply cha<strong>in</strong> logistics<br />

breaches, hijack<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> ballot papers, violence and terrorism <strong>in</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Nigeria. These supply<br />

cha<strong>in</strong> bl<strong>in</strong>d spots or events that led to <strong>the</strong> postponement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> elections made front-page news.<br />

The follow<strong>in</strong>g are some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> front-page headl<strong>in</strong>es. “…Jega’s logistics failure” (Akalugo,<br />

2011). “Nigeria's elections postponed over logistical 'chaos” (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12944373).<br />

“Saturday polls shaky … Fears <strong>of</strong> possible shift loom over logistics problem” (Daily Sun,<br />

Wednesday, April 6, 2011); “refresh crisis brews over rescheduled elections…” (Nigerian<br />

Tribune, Wednesday, April 7, 2011); “Election suspended <strong>in</strong> 13 senatorial districts [and] 45<br />

constituencies too” (Daily Sun, Friday, April 7, 2011) as a result <strong>of</strong> logistical challenges and<br />

shortsighted supply cha<strong>in</strong> logistics plann<strong>in</strong>g. “Nigeria’s Parliamentary elections postponed due<br />

to massive logistics failure” (Sahara Reporters, April 2, 2011). “Nigeria: logistics problems –<br />

INEC postpones elections…” (Vanguard, April 2, 2011). “Nigerian elections suffers<br />

574

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