Author Archives: aviyer2010

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About aviyer2010

Dean and H. William Lichtenberger Chair in Management at the School of Management, University at Buffalo, State University of New York.

Making shoes for the world in Ethiopia ?

Posted on September 2, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the Economist (June 9, 2012) describes demand for $2 shoes in Ethiopia, as protection against injuries, worms etc that affect bare feet. The population of Ethiopia is expect to double by 2040, chronic hunger impacts fewer Ethiopians … Continue reading →

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Manufacturing hubs with entire supply chains in Ohio to be competitive

Posted on September 2, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in Fortune (June 11, 2012) describes a plan proposed by Mark Kwamme to create Manufacturing hubs consisting of entire supply chains to compensate for higher labor costs. The goal is to reduce logistics costs and thus decrease overall … Continue reading →

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Moving production to the US despite lower Chinese manufacturing costs

Posted on September 2, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (June 25, 2012) describes several examples of companies that moved production to the US from China, despite up to 30% lower Chinese manufacturing costs. For Lightsaver, the 30% lower manufacturing costs were compensated by costs of … Continue reading →

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Should natural gas filling stations be subsidized ?

Posted on September 2, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (June 21, 2012) describes the abundant availability and low prices of natural gas, even though it could provide a cheaper, less polluting alternative to oil if available widely. A move to enable natural … Continue reading →

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A shortage of jute bags hurts storage of a bumper wheat crop in India

Posted on September 2, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (June 23, 2012) describes the large wheat harvest in India, but a shortage of jute bags. Indian law specifies that 100% of the wheat should use jute bags, to protect the industry and … Continue reading →

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Google’s “Made in the USA” media player

Posted on September 2, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (June 27, 2012) describes Google’s new media player assembled by a contract manufacturer in California, about a 15 minute drive from Google’s office. Rising wages in China, worries about intellectual property and an … Continue reading →

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Using UPS to outsource drug delivery

Posted on September 2, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (June 28,2012) describes pharmacists at UPS’s hub in Louisville filling prescriptions for insulin or other drugs for quick delivery to customers. The same supply chain allowed Walgreen to ship vaccines to Laos, with … Continue reading →

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Should broadband providers be permitted to charge by usage?

Posted on September 2, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (June 26, 2012) describes plans by some internet providers to use usage based pricing. Under this model usage for regular subscriptions will be capped or discounts provided for lighter usage. But content providers … Continue reading →

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WalMart’s supplier workplace allegations by third party activists and impact

Posted on September 2, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (June 29, 2012) describes allegations by the National Guestworker Alliance against WalMart’s seafood and vegetable suppliers regarding worker wages and working hours. But WalMart and the suppliers allege that the data was aggregated … Continue reading →

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Topshops within Nordstrom stores – a beneficial alliance for both ?

Posted on September 2, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (July 12, 2012) describes a decision to open Topshop stores within Nordstrom’s stores. The limited line of Topshop fashion apparel, with new items delivered weekly, will enable Nordstrom to increase the speed of … Continue reading →

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