Examining the Geographies of Supply Chains in Introductory Coursework

Abstract

Supply chains and other trade networks are of interest to geographers, due to their ability to connect economic processes at various scales. Relatively recent research, however, suggests that core concepts and topics in economic geography are not being fully and effectively engaged in the classroom environment. With such findings as a motivation, this article explores the integration of an online case study on the geographies of supply chains and their vulnerability to natural disasters into introductory human geography and world regional geography courses. Post-lesson survey results intimate that there are differences between the two courses with respect to understanding some economic geography concepts but relative agreement in interpreting how regionalized natural phenomena can disrupt international business networks.

Key Words:

• geography education
• economic geography
• higher education
• supply chains
• natural disasters

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ronald V. Kalafsky

Ronald V. Kalafsky is an associate professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. His teaching and research interests encompass economic and urban geographies, with an emphasis on the export performance and trade-related challenges of advanced manufacturers.

Neil Conner

Neil Conner is a Ph.D. student and graduate teaching associate in the Department of Geography at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. He is interested in cultural and political geography with a focus on contested notions of identity (nationalism, ethnicity, and religion).