Category Archives: Operations Management

Can Instacart’s no inventory solution to grocery delivery work ?

Posted on September 21, 2013 by aviyer2010

An article in AllThingsD (http://allthingsd.com/20130917/with-webvans-implosion-as-cautionary-tale-instacart-slowly-begins-to-expand-starting-with-chicago/) describes a grocery delivery in San Francisco and Chicago offered by Instacart (https://www.instacart.com/faq), with no warehouses but with delivery from existing grocery retail stores. The company charges $3.99 for orders exceeding $35 with delivery in … Continue reading →

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Resurgence of US textile manufacturing – an automation driven solution

Posted on September 21, 2013 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times on September 19, 2013 (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/20/business/us-textile-factories-return.html?_r=0) describes a textile plant, Parkdale Mills, that makes 2.5 millions pounds of yarn using 140 workers now, compared to 2000 workers in 1980. The new plant uses automation, … Continue reading →

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Will modular smartphones help reduce e-waste ?

Posted on September 21, 2013 by aviyer2010

An article in CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/19/tech/innovation/phonebloks-the-smartphone-for-life/index.html?hpt=hp_bn5) describes a proposal by the company Phonebloks (www.phonebloks.com) to create smartphones with a modular design that enables individual phone owners to customize the phone. With individual units such as the camera, battery, storage etc that … Continue reading →

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Is P&G’s plan to cut package contents to increase prices a winner ?

Posted on September 16, 2013 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (September 8, 2013) describes a plan by Proctor and Gamble (P&G) to reduce 8 diapers from a box of 140 while maintaining the price, thus raising prices by 6%. This policy follows the … Continue reading →

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Lulemon’s CEO’s blame on supply chain issues for poor performance a stretch ?

Posted on September 16, 2013 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (September 12, 2013) describes a conference call in which Lululemon’s CEO blamed supply problems associated with Luon, a stretch fabric that was the cause of see through black yoga pants that had to … Continue reading →

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Sarin antidote stockpiles, supply problems and extension of expired drugs

Posted on September 16, 2013 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (September 13, 2013) describes supply problems for antidotes for Sarin due to manufacturing issues, that result in less than the stated dosage, in prefilled syringes made by Pfizer. The impact is possible erroneous … Continue reading →

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Will a flat-fee model by publishers for ebook access work ?

Posted on September 3, 2013 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (September 3, 2013) describes a proposal by two companies, eReatah and Oyster, to provide a flat-fee access to ebooks. eReatah plans to offer 80,000 titles and offers a $16.99/month for two books or … Continue reading →

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Auto supply shortages in the US and impact

Posted on September 3, 2013 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (September 3,2013) describes supply constraints faced by US auto dealers for cars made by Nissan, Ford, Toyota and Honda. Dealers report having significantly lower inventories, one car instead of the normal 15 in … Continue reading →

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Will consumers pay a premium for ethical transparent supply chains ?

Posted on August 26, 2013 by aviyer2010

An article in CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/26/living/aj-zady-ethical-fashion/index.html?hpt=hp_c3) describes two companies, Small Trades and Zady.com, who focus on providing all details of their supply chain – from the factory location to the employee sewing the apparel. The hope is that fashion conscious consumers … Continue reading →

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Growing food in the backyard to combat the rising cost of imports in Jamaica

Posted on August 3, 2013 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (August 3, 2013) describes the growing cost of food imports, exceeding a billion dollars for Jamaica, and the response. The local population is encouraged to grow in their backyard, including grocery stores and … Continue reading →

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