Monthly Archives: October 2012

Do increases in accounts receivable by Chinese firms suggest anything ?

Posted on October 31, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/30/business/china-corporations-slowdown/index.html?hpt=hp_t3) describes increases in accounts receivable by Chinese firms – 83 % increase for machinery manufacturer Sany Heavy, 169 % increase for First Tractor, and a 69% increase for Zoolion. Some reports suggest that firms are … Continue reading →

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Hospital payments linked to patient satisfaction scores a good idea ?

Posted on October 23, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (October 15,2012) describes a plan to hold back $1 billion in reimbursements that will be distributed based on patient satifaction survey scores. The scores measure whether patients were treated with courtesy, whether they … Continue reading →

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The economics of vertical farming in downtown locations in cities

Posted on October 23, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (October 15,2012) describes vertical farming – growing crops in greenhouses in cities – close to customers. A twelve floor vertical farm in Sweden is the largest such effort – claimed to save transport … Continue reading →

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Climate neutral products from Eosta

Posted on October 23, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in Sustainable Business newsletter describes Eosta (http://www.eosta.com/index.cfm?vid=64DD31DB-AB5A-D733-DF31869591EFD001), a Dutch company that sells fruits and vegetables claimed to be climate neutral. Use of organic fertilizer that does not release methane, avoiding mineral fertilizers and thus saving nitrous oxide and … Continue reading →

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Will shifting patients to retail clinics for minor treatments improve service and lower costs

Posted on October 10, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (October 10, 2012) describes the rise of retail clinics in Manhattan, with costs of care 30-40% below doctor’s offices and 80% lower than emergency care. The result of many retail locations is a … Continue reading →

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Intellectual property rights on visible car parts in France and rising repair costs

Posted on October 10, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (October 9, 2012) describes a regulation in France that grants automakers intellectual property rights over the external looks of the car, thus guaranteeing that mirrors, bumpers, windshield wipers etc have to be purchased … Continue reading →

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Auditing conflict materials free suppliers and cost impact

Posted on October 10, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (October 9, 2012) describes the number of conflict materials free smelters as 27 out of 200 to 400 worldwide. With the Dodd-Frank law demanding that companies declare the extent of use of tin, … Continue reading →

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Global trade slows, but continues to be robust in pockets

Posted on October 8, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (October 1, 2012) describes the slowing of global trade flows. The Los Angeles port claims a 10.5 % drop in US exports shipped, while the Shanghai port reports a 6 % slowdown. While … Continue reading →

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Ban plastic bags ? Or worry about unintended consumer costs ?

Posted on October 8, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (October 8, 2012) describes two sides of a decision to ban plastic bags. On the one hand, plastic bags clog up recycling equipment, create clean up costs and add up to $ 30 … Continue reading →

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Will passengers bear airline fuel risk for lower upfront fares ?

Posted on October 8, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (October 8,2012) describes an effort by Allegiant airlines, with ticket prices at $89, to share airplane fuel risk with passengers. The proposal – passengers pay a lower fare upfront and a fuel charge based on actual … Continue reading →

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