In Strait of Hormuz Disruption, Supply Chain Lecturer Sees Lasting Changes, Opportunity for Students

The war in Iran has put the complexities of supply chain management on full display, as cargo ships back up at the closed Strait of Hormuz, causing disruption to the global economy. A pronounced example of risk in the industry, one Metropolitan College instructor also sees potential reward for those with the know-how to capitalize on it.

Lecturer Peter Mayer, who teaches MS in Supply Chain Management students at BU MET, was recently interviewed by The Daily Free Press to lend his perspective on the trade crisis in the Middle East. As a practiced professional with deep experience leading supply chain organizations within industries such as aerospace, biotechnology, chemicals, and consumer packaged goods, Mayer’s is an informed perspective, and he thinks the impact of the war will outlast the conflict itself, particularly for supply chains.

“Supply chains are very resilient,” Mayer told The Daily Free Press. “But once [they] change, once the customer goes somewhere else . . . they may not go back so quickly.”

Mayer also believes, however, that the future leaders of the supply chain industry should be prepared to make the most of these significant changes in dynamics. He thinks students should keep their sights on the long game.

“These political, social things that we call ‘risk’ have actually created more opportunity,” Mayer suggested.