Monthly Archives: September 2012

Programmable NFC Tags and supply chain impact

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (July 16,2012) describes programmable tags using NFC (Near Field Communications) technology on physical objects. These tags can be read by NFC readers or smartphones with the read capability. Uses include tags on spice jars that can … Continue reading

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Legal copying, trends and demand generation

An article in the Wall Street Journal (August 11, 2012) describes how legal copying, permitted in fashion apparel, financial instruments, food etc, help those industries. By speeding up adoption of new ideas and designs, these industries benefit from the buzz … Continue reading

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The supply chain impact of shutting down the Federal Helium stockpile

An article in the Wall Street Journal (August 11, 2012) describes a plan to shut down crude helium reserves currently held by the US government that satisfy 33% of the world demand. Given that US pricing focuses on covering debt … Continue reading

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The interaction between the Renewable Fuel Standard, drought and hunger

An article in the Opinion section of the Wall Street Journal (August 11, 2012) describes the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS, which requires use of 13 billion gallons of ethanol based fuel this year and 36 billion gallons by 2022) and … Continue reading

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Boeing’s delivery delays, airline order cancellations and profit impact

An article in the Wall Street Journal (August 24, 2012) describes a decision by Quantas Airlines to cancel orders for 35 Dreamliner airplanes. Delivery delays meant that the promised 20% fuel efficiency and 30 % lower maintenance costs did not … Continue reading

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Boeing plans to ramp up production rates

An article in the Wall Street Journal (August 30,2012) describes plans by Boeing to add another production line in Washington, in addition to one in North Carolina, thus increasing production rate to 10 Dreamliners across locations per month from the … Continue reading

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