Category Archives: Global Contexts

American flagged or American controlled ships to move military cargo globally?

Posted on November 23, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (November 19, 2012) describes decision by the US military to use US flagged ships to move military cargo, thus providing billions in fees for US ships. But 82% of the ships are controlled … Continue reading →

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Will shifting designs from ODMs to OEMs improve PC industry competitiveness ?

Posted on November 23, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (November 16,2012) describes slumping PC demand and a decision by OEMs such as HP and Acer to assume control of their product design details. In the past, ODMs (Original Design manufacturers) such as … Continue reading →

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How suppliers sometimes overestimate their power in a supply chain

Posted on November 23, 2012 by aviyer2010

The New York Times (November 21,2012) describes the role, in 1861, of Southern US cotton growers who supplied cotton to British mills and imported household furniture, thus serving as a source of supply and demand. In April 1861, when the … Continue reading →

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Argentina’s DJIA system for imports and supply chain impact

Posted on November 12, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (November 12, 2012) describes the DJIA system (initials of the Spanish law) that requires each importer to compensate with an equivalent amount of exports. Thus, a bicycle manufacturer who imports parts compensates with the export of … Continue reading →

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Fresh water with mobile payments in rural Kenya

Posted on November 7, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in BBC news (http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20121102-mobiles-call-out-for-fresh-water) describes an initiative for rural residents to get an opportunity to pay for about 4 cents for a 20 liter jerry can of water, a price claimed to be affordable to all. The company, … Continue reading →

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Green US navy and ocean fuel source impact

Posted on November 7, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in BBC news online (http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20121019-turning-the-oceans-into-jetfuel/2) describes plans by the US navy to get to 50 % of its fleet powered using alternate energy fuel sources by 2020. One approach is to use seawater as a source of fuel, … Continue reading →

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Hurricane Sandy, New Jersey ports and retail supply chain impact

Posted on November 4, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (November 3, 2012) describes power supply issues at the ports in New Jersey causing diversions of inbound ships to Norfolk and other locations. But shipping to Dubai from New York costs $ 3000 … Continue reading →

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The buy “Made in France” campaign and consumer impact

Posted on November 4, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (October 29, 2012) describes a campaign by the French Industry minister to encourage purchase of products made in France, though they are 15 to 25% more expensive. His goal is to use increased demand as a … Continue reading →

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A novel solution to get pregnant women in Ghana, ready to deliver, to a hospital faster

Posted on November 4, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (October 30, 2012) describes the benefit on women and children’s health if the mother delivers in a hospital. But getting the mother, who cannot afford to pay for a cab, to the closest … Continue reading →

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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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