Category Archives: Operations Management

Drug shortages and Medicare role

Posted on November 4, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (October 29,2012) describes reasons for shortages of drugs to treat meningitis. While the branded version of the product made by Pfizer continues to be available, generic producers shut down production for several months. The associated shortage … 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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Same day delivery offered by Google in San Francisco

Posted on November 4, 2012 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (October 26,2012) describes same day delivery offered by Google in San Francisco. The company coordinates with retailers to deliver products ordered following Google searches. Linking the search with purchase and physical delivery closes … 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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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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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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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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