Tag Archives: Cost

iPad 3 rumors, product transition and possible supply chain impact

An article by Louis Bedigian (Dec 29, 2011 http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/11/12/2231119/ipad-3s-most-significant-upgrade-will-be) describes rumors regarding a new iPad 3 and possible design choices. Will the new iPad 3 replace the older iPad 2 – as suggested by the Apple supply chain’s participants noticing … Continue reading

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Ad Free product cost and Supply Chain Impact

An article by Michael Schulder in CNN.com (Dec 29, 2011 http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/29/tech/gaming-gadgets/kindle-ads-schulder/index.html?hpt=hp_bn6) describes the choice between an ad free Kindle for $ 109 and one with ads for $ 79. Clearly Amazon is estimating the ad related revenues as $ 30 … Continue reading

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Boeing production rampup and the role of supply chain examiners

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 ?

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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Mumbai slums and supply chain efficiency

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

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

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

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

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”

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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