Category Archives: Operations Management

The growing Supply Chain impact of an Intel Chip Flaw

An article in the New York Times (February 7,2011, B10) describes the growing impact of a flaw in the Series 6 chipset called Cougar Point which had been shipped in early January.  Once Intel announced the problem – that about … Continue reading

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“Great Green Fleet” from the US Navy and EO 13514

An article in the Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/apr/20/us-navy-green 20 April 2010) states that fuel costs for the military in war zones is $ 400 per gallon. The Navy will launch its “Great Green Fleet” – a collection of ships, planes and submarines … Continue reading

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Retailer Barneys and Designer brand Prada Disagree

A Wall Street Journal article (5 February 2011) describes a proposal by Prada to lease space from the Barney’s retail store and manage its inventory and pricing.  This proposal was rejected by the retailer, that prefers to attract customers to … Continue reading

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European Commission Report on Commodities and Raw Materials

A recent report from the European Commission on “Tackling the Challenges in Commodity Markets and on Raw Materials” describes a variety of tactics including (a) increasing transparency across the supply chain and coordination with partners to monitor use of mining … Continue reading

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Sustainability in an Indian tea cup

The BBC has  story (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/9385244.stm) that focuses on the clay tea disposable tea cups used to serve tea (chai) for 1 rupee in India.  Once a customer drinks tea, the cup is thrown on the ground. With rain and sun, … Continue reading

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AML, CCC and supply chain competitiveness

A report published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce titled “China’s Drive for Indigenous Innovation” by James McGregor, describes rules regarding the Chinese Compulsory Certification or CCC mark and the Anti-Monopoly  Law or AML in China.  About 20 % of … Continue reading

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Strong Yen causes Nissan to shift global production

A Wall Street Journal article (1 February 2011) reports that given the strong yen, Nissan will consider shifting production out of Japan to the US and other markets.  The article claims that a move of one yen (against the dollar) … Continue reading

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Drug Shortages and Senate Response

A Wall Street Journal article (1 February 2011) cites 178 drugs in short supply in 2010, requiring hospitals to scramble to find alternate drugs, new sources of supply etc.  These alternative treatments that ncrease costs or require approvals of untested … Continue reading

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Egypt Unrest and Supply Chain Impact

A Wall Street Journal article (January 31, 2011) analyzes the potential impact of the unrest in Egypt on the global supply chain for oil and cotton.  If the Suez Canal were closed, oil from the Middle East would take 10 … Continue reading

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Rising prices in China and Global Supply Chain Impact

An article in the International Herald Tribune (30 January 2011) tracks the impact of rising prices in China (“20 to 50 % increases for leather shoes and polo shirts” according to the article) on sourcing decisions and shipping. Wage increases … Continue reading

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