Which of the following is a common cause of supply chain disruptions?

Natural disasters are a well-documented and significant cause of supply chain disruptions. These events can occur suddenly and affect various aspects of the supply chain, from manufacturing to transportation and distribution. When a natural disaster strikes, it can damage facilities, halt production, disrupt logistics, and interfere with employee availability, leading to delays and supply shortages. Companies that experience such disruptions often face challenges in sourcing raw materials, fulfilling orders, and maintaining inventory levels.

While technological advancements can enhance supply chain efficiency, they do not typically cause disruptions. In fact, they often mitigate risks by improving processes. Employee training issues generally relate to operational inefficiencies rather than direct disruptions in the supply chain. Lastly, increasing customer demand can strain a supply chain but is not itself a disruptive event like a natural disaster. It may indicate a need for improvement in supply chain planning and capacity but does not inherently cause interruptions. Thus, the impact of natural disasters on logistics and operations is why they are recognized as common causes of disruptions in supply chains.