Tag Archives: Global

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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Legal copying, trends and demand generation

An article in the Wall Street Journal (August 11, 2012) describes how legal copying, permitted in fashion apparel, financial instruments, food etc, help those industries. By speeding up adoption of new ideas and designs, these industries benefit from the buzz … 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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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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Nokia’s smartphone component costs vs Apple’s iphone component costs

An article in the Wall Street Journal (May 31, 2012) describes an estimate by iSuppli that components for the Nokia Lumia 900 cost $ 209 while those for the 16GB iPhone cost $ 190. But the Lumia sells for $ … Continue reading

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Battery manufacturing capacity rampup and short and long term impact

An article in the Wall Street Journal (May 31, 2012) describes the US government’s $ 1.26 billion investment in battery capacity, and demands for rapid ramp up and hiring to create 6400 jobs. The slow growth rate implied only 2000 … Continue reading

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The deceptive global supply chain for Mercury

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (May 28, 2012) describes the demand for mercury in Colombia, to extract small gold deposits, the lethal impact of vapors and errant disposal, and the global supply chain for its supply. Mercury exports were banned by … Continue reading

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From fashion show to web sales in a day

An article in the New York Times (May 23, 2012) titled “Trying to Click Online”  describes sales of Oscar de la Renta fashion items, immediately after the fashion show, in the website TheFancy.com, with five sweaters sold within 24 hours … Continue reading

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Making TVs in Detroit ?

An article in the Wall Street Journal (May 23, 2012) describes a decision by Element Electronics to assemble 46 inch flatscreen TVs, to be sold for $ 499 at Target, in a plant in Detroit. The company claims that the … Continue reading

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Uniqlo’s strategy for low priced apparel

An article in the New York Times (May 22, 2012) describes the Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo’s low price strategy for T-shirts ($ 9.90) and cashmere sweaters ($ 79.90). The company claims that it does not follow fashion fads but, instead, … Continue reading

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