The Lean Paradox: Navigating the Efficiency–Resilience Trade-Off in Modern Supply Chains Amid Disruptions

Abstract

Strategic Context: In the complex, non-linear business environment of 2026, the traditional paradigm of supply chain management faces a critical inflection point. For decades, 'Lean' methodologies—focused on waste elimination and just-in-time (JIT) efficiency—served as the blueprint for competitive advantage. However, the current marketplace, defined by persistent geopolitical volatility and logistical instability, has exposed the 'Lean Paradox': the very practices designed to maximise efficiency simultaneously create systemic fragility. This research, "The Lean Paradox: Navigating the Efficiency–Resilience Trade-Off in Modern Supply Chains Amid Disruptions," evaluates the strategic tension between the mandate for costminimisation and the emerging necessity for enterprise resilience.  Research Approach & Methodology: The study employed a primary, descriptive quantitative research design. To capture current industry sentiment, a structured survey was administered to a cross-sectional sample of 20+ professionals and academic experts across the Retail, FMCG, and Manufacturing sectors. The research utilised a 5-point Likert scale to measure specific operational trade-offs, providing a granular evaluation of how contemporary supply chain leaders perceive the relationship between JIT efficiency and system risk. The analysis integrates statistical rigour, employing hypothesis testing to ensure the findings are grounded in empirical evidence.  Hypothesis Framework: To determine whether lean practices fundamentally alter the risk profile of modern supply chains, the following hypothesis was tested: