Tag Archives: Capacity

A shortage of jute bags hurts storage of a bumper wheat crop in India

An article in the Wall Street Journal (June 23, 2012) describes the large wheat harvest in India, but a shortage of jute bags. Indian law specifies that 100% of the wheat should use jute bags, to protect the industry and … Continue reading

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Should broadband providers be permitted to charge by usage?

An article in the New York Times (June 26, 2012) describes plans by some internet providers to use usage based pricing. Under this model usage for regular subscriptions will be capped or discounts provided for lighter usage. But content providers … Continue reading

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Topshops within Nordstrom stores – a beneficial alliance for both ?

An article in the New York Times (July 12, 2012) describes a decision to open Topshop stores within Nordstrom’s stores. The limited line of Topshop fashion apparel, with new items delivered weekly, will enable Nordstrom to increase the speed of … Continue reading

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Private Equity ownership and bulk purchasing savings

An article in the New York Times(July 12,2012) describes the private equity firm, the Blackstone Group, which owns 74 companies with a combined 700,000 employees. Across its companies, the firm buys 15 million reams of paper, 35 million FedEx shipments … Continue reading

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Fracking in the US and guar seed farmer impact in India

An article in the New York Times (July 16,2012) describes how growth in fracking for oil has resulted in increased demand for guar, a water absorbing seed grown primarily in India. With prices rising dramatically amidst growing oil company demand, … Continue reading

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The interaction between the Renewable Fuel Standard, drought and hunger

An article in the Opinion section of the Wall Street Journal (August 11, 2012) describes the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS, which requires use of 13 billion gallons of ethanol based fuel this year and 36 billion gallons by 2022) and … Continue reading

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Boeing’s delivery delays, airline order cancellations and profit impact

An article in the Wall Street Journal (August 24, 2012) describes a decision by Quantas Airlines to cancel orders for 35 Dreamliner airplanes. Delivery delays meant that the promised 20% fuel efficiency and 30 % lower maintenance costs did not … Continue reading

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Boeing plans to ramp up production rates

An article in the Wall Street Journal (August 30,2012) describes plans by Boeing to add another production line in Washington, in addition to one in North Carolina, thus increasing production rate to 10 Dreamliners across locations per month from the … Continue reading

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India’s large grain stockpiles, yet 21% undernourished

An article in the New York Times (June 8, 2012), describes the 71 million tons of grain stockpiles in India, the world’s second largest invenory. But distribution to its poor citizens through ration shops is inefficient and corrupt, leaving 21% … Continue reading

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Pipeline flow direction in Canada to accomodate tar sands output growth

A article in the Economist (May 26, 2012) describes the increased oil production from the tar sands in Alberta, Canada, estimated to gow to 72 % of Canada’s output by 2020 (from 58 % now). But getting that oil, which … Continue reading

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