Analysis of Risk Factors in the Channels of Drug Distribution: Professional Perspectives

Jelena Grujić, Slobodan Morača and Angela Fajsi
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Jelena Grujić: Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Slobodan Morača: Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
Angela Fajsi: Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 11, 1-20

Abstract: The subject of this paper is pharmaceutical companies and the risk factors that occur in the distribution of drugs. The paper will present guidelines for the risk management of changes in the environment of pharmaceutical distribution channels. To identify, analyse, and prioritise risks, we used a systematic literature review and the Delphi method. Identification and assessment of important risk factors in drug distribution channels were conducted based on opinions of experts from 10 international pharmaceutical companies operating in Southeast Europe. The purpose of the research was to get opinions from experts about the impacts of the risk factors on the distribution of drugs, which was accomplished through interviews and questionnaires that were conducted. Our study demonstrated a total of 78 risk factors in the distribution channels of drugs and pharmaceutical services. The results of the research combined separate evaluations for risk factors in all categories for easier data analysis. After data were obtained, results were arranged to show which risk factors had the biggest influence upon the distribution of drugs and to determine the negative effects they can produce. The research of risks was done primarily to help the representatives of distribution channels gain better insight into drug distribution.

Keywords: drug distribution; risk factor; pharmaceutical; identification; health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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