Tag Archives: Growth

Apple and supply chain capability

An article in CNN Money by David Goldman (http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/22/technology/apple_supply_chain/index.htm?hpt=T2) describes how Apple exercises its supply chain power. The author claims that since Apple has five main products (iPad, iPhone,iPod,Mac, AppleTv) and 15 variations total , and that these designs have … Continue reading

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Swatch sales growth and its component supply impact

A New York Times article (April 23,2011) describes the 42 % net profit increase and sales growth at Swatch, the Swiss watch company. The company is rushing to satisfy demand in Asia and expects to add over 2,000 employees in … Continue reading

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US Companies ramp up to fill Japanese supplier delivery issues

An article in BloombergBusinessweek (April 11-17, 2011, page 18) describes the impact of the Japanese tsunami and consequent supply disruptions. US suppliers such as Microchip Technology claim to be ready to ramp up production to meet demand, with a preference … Continue reading

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Rail Capacity shortages cause auto shipment delays

A Wall Street Journal article (April 13, 2011) describes the impact rail shipment delays on car manufacturer inventories. During the recession, railroads decreased their rail cars and cut their staff. The sudden expansion of car shipments has created a surge … Continue reading

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Recycled boxes, export growth and global supply chain impact

A Wall Street Journal article (March 30, 2011) describes exports of recycled cardboard boxes from the US to China.  With the increased use of online shopping – US consumers have a growing number of such boxes, with 15 % of … Continue reading

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Wal-Mart Assortment, gas prices and one stop shopping

A Wall Street Journal article (March 21, 2011) describes adjustments to Wal-Mart’s strategies to increase the number of shoppers who do one-stop shopping at the store. Wal-Mart’s US chief, William Simon, claims that as gas prices increase, shoppers will be … Continue reading

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Japanese Tsunami and Supply Chain Disruptions

A New York Times article (March 17, 2011) describes the Japanese earthquake and tsunami and its consequent impact on electricity supply, ports, manufacturing plants and the global supply chain.  It describes Texas Instruments as claiming that one of its Japanese … Continue reading

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Are Consumers using products longer ? What is the Impact ?

A New York Times article (February 26, 2011) provides data suggesting that consumers are waiting longer to replace products – 4.5 months longer for cars, 2 months longer for cellphones and one month longer for laptops.  Some of the reasons … Continue reading

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Is Apple more like Zara ? How can the ipad be sold for $ 500 ?

A article in WIRED magazine (February 21, 2011, Brian X. Chen) asks the question – how can the ipad be sold for $ 500 when other manufacturers cannot attain that price ? The answer suggested is that Apple is, for … Continue reading

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Adjusting Runway designs to new material cost realities

A Wall Street Journal article (February 17, 2011, D1) describes changes in runway designs to accommodate the rising prices of cotton, silk etc.  One designer describes changes in material (leather to crinkled satin), length of the dress, number of bows … Continue reading

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