In a fast-paced consumer market, the delay in restocking products can lead to lost sales, customer frustration, and supply chain disruptions. Whether it’s the latest electronics, popular toys during the holiday season, or essential food items during a crisis, the time it takes to restock products is often determined by the elasticity of supply. This project challenges students to explore why some products take longer to restock than others by comparing different sources of information and analyzing the factors affecting supply elasticity.

Students will investigate the underlying reasons behind supply delays, such as limited production capacity, dependence on raw materials, global supply chain issues, and labor shortages. They should compare sources that discuss restocking challenges across different industries, such as technology, agriculture, and retail. By evaluating the credibility and perspectives of different sources, students will gain insights into how supply constraints can impact the speed at which products return to shelves.

A key component of this project is understanding how elasticity of supply varies between products. For example, why can digital products like software be restocked instantly, while physical products like cars or clothing may take weeks or months? Students should explore how factors like production lead times, inventory management, and just-in-time (JIT) supply chains affect restocking speeds. Additionally, they should consider how external shocks—such as pandemics, natural disasters, or geopolitical events—can disrupt supply chains and cause extended delays.

The final output will be a comparative analysis where students evaluate the reasons provided in different sources for restocking delays and determine which explanations are most credible. The goal is to help students understand how supply elasticity theory connects to real-world supply chain management and why businesses often struggle to meet changing consumer demands.