Tag Archives: manufacturing

China rare earth exports policy and new plant location

Posted on August 25, 2011 by aviyer2010

A New York Times article (August 24, 2011) describes the impact of China’s policy to limit exports of rare earth metals on new plant location decisions by Showa Denko of Japan and Intematix of the United States. Showa produces alloys … Continue reading →

Posted in Global Contexts, Operations Management, Supply Chain Issues, Sustainability | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Triclosan antibacterial worries and supply chain impact

Posted on August 21, 2011 by aviyer2010

A New York Times artcile (August 20, 2011) describes an FDA investigation of triclosan – an antibacterial ingredient used in hand soaps, toothpaste and kitchen cutting boards. The FDA and EPA are investigating whether the chemical is safe – now … Continue reading →

Posted in Global Contexts, Operations Management, Supply Chain Issues | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Expand Capacity or shrink – a decision for Bremen Castings

Posted on August 15, 2011 by aviyer2010

A Wall Street Journal article (August 10, 2011) describes the choice made by Bremen Castings, a foundry in Indiana with $ 47.5 million in sales, that was choosing whether or not to undertake the largest capital project in their history … Continue reading →

Posted in Global Contexts, Operations Management, Supply Chain Issues | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Decreased US Federal government spending and private supply chain impact

Posted on August 9, 2011 by aviyer2010

An article in the Wall Street Journal (August 9, 2011) describes the impact of decreases in spending by the federal government ($ 917 billion in cuts over 10 years) and the impact of the loss of their consistency in spending … Continue reading →

Posted in Operations Management, Supply Chain Issues | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

China’s new products – high end pearls using high tech methods

Posted on August 2, 2011 by aviyer2010

A New York Times article (August 1, 2011) describes fine pearls being developed in China to compete with Tahitian pearls, but at 10-15 % of the price.   Using proprietary technology and custom equipment to sort pearls enables the Chinese firms … Continue reading →

Posted in Global Contexts, Operations Management, Supply Chain Issues | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Making the case for “cost effectiveness” of new drugs

Posted on August 1, 2011 by aviyer2010

A story in the Wall Street Journal (August 1, 2011) describes the challenges in launching new drugs, given the “cost effectiveness” concern by health authorities. This means that new drugs have to be effective in treatment, but also deliver sufficient … Continue reading →

Posted in Operations Management, Service Operations, Supply Chain Issues | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Piccolo bello” fims in Italy and regulation

Posted on July 30, 2011 by aviyer2010

A New York Times article (29 July 2011) describes the challenges faced by small Italian firms (“piccolo bello”) which form the backbone of the industry in Padua, Italy.  Firms face the need to work with 10 to 20 different government … Continue reading →

Posted in Global Contexts, Operations Management, Supply Chain Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Product package size and associated potential liability

Posted on July 29, 2011 by aviyer2010

A Wall Street Jorunal article (28 July 2011) describes a lawsuit in Las Vegas against generic manufacturers of propofol used in colonoscopy.  The manufacturers sold 50 milliliter bottles that could be used for at least two procedures.  However, labels on … Continue reading →

Posted in Operations Management, Service Operations | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

54.5 mpg by 2025

Posted on July 29, 2011 by aviyer2010

A Wall Street Journal (28 July 2011) describes an agreement between the auto manufacturers and the US government to double the average mileage from 27.3 mpg to 54.5 mpg. Attaining this mileage can involve use of solar panels, battery power, … Continue reading →

Posted in Operations Management, Supply Chain Issues, Sustainability | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

US Auto supply chain recovery from tsunami related glitches and growth impact

Posted on July 28, 2011 by aviyer2010

A Wall Street Journal article (July 27, 2011) links the impact of the tsunami, and part shortages, on US auto production (a drop of 5.9 %) and thus dampened growth of the US economy in the second quarter 2011 (1.9 … Continue reading →

Posted in Global Contexts, Operations Management, Supply Chain Issues | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment