Category Archives: Operations Management

Boeing production rampup and the role of supply chain examiners

Posted on December 30, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (Dec 30, 2011) describes Boeing’s backlog of 3,500 airplanes, worth $ 270 billion, and the need to rampup production by 60 % in the next three years to maintain delivery commitments. Competition from … Continue reading →

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Lower wages, greater employment and capital investment in the US – a wise choice ?

Posted on December 29, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (Dec 29, 20110 describes wage decreases of $ 10 to $ 15 per hour for manufacturing jobs in Kentucky – a prerequisite “competitive wage” at which General Electric moved production to Kentucty and … Continue reading →

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Indian Reverse Auctions for Solar Power and Impact

Posted on December 29, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (Dec 29, 2011) describes the reverse auctions run by the Indian government, with solar power providers bidding to win the contract, that decreased costs 30 % compared to the previous year. These lower … Continue reading →

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Mumbai slums and supply chain efficiency

Posted on December 29, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (Dec 29, 2011) describes the Dharavi slum in Mumbai, India, home to a million people and generating an economic output of close to $ 1 billion. Admist the grime are thriving supply chains … Continue reading →

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Biofuel Use Mandates, regulation across time and Industry Impact

Posted on December 28, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (Dec 28, 2011) describes the Congressional mandate to have 500 million gallons of cellulosic fuel by 2012, the EPA volume set at  8.65 million for 2012, and a plan to reach 16 billion … Continue reading →

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New Chinese rare earth quotas for 2012 and consequences

Posted on December 28, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (Dec 28, 2011) describes China’s announcement of separate rare earth metals export quotas for 2012 – light rare earths (used in magnets) will have quotas separate from heavy rare earths (used in high … Continue reading →

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Yuan currency swaps and trade with Pakistan, Thailand and Argentina

Posted on December 28, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in the Sourcing Journal (Dec 28, 2011 news@sourcingjournalonline.com) describes a decision by the Chinese govt to permit yuan currency swaps with Pakistan, Thailand and Argentina. For example, 10 billion yuan were exchanged for 140 billion Pakistan rupees. Thus … Continue reading →

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The “hourglass economy”, WalMart and “fishing equipment” assortments

Posted on December 25, 2011 by aviyer2010

An interview with Stephen Quinn, Chief Marketing Officer at Walmart, in Fortune (Dec 26,2011) describes the “hourglass economy” in the US in 2011, with a decrease in the size of the middle class, lowered spending capability for the lower percentiles … Continue reading →

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The impact of HR 2245 “Preserving Access to Life Saving Medications Act 2011”

Posted on December 25, 2011 by aviyer2010

Bill HR 2245 plans to require drug manufacturers to notify the Federal govt, 6 months in advance, of potential shortages. Shortages are defined as situations where the total supply is less than observed demand. The Federal govt is then required … Continue reading →

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The global supply chain for Michael Kors and impact

Posted on December 24, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in the New York Times (Dec 20, 2011) describes Michael Kors Holding, an apparel company that generates 95 % of its revenues in the US and Canada, makes its apparel in Asia, and is incorporated in the British … Continue reading →

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