Tag Archives: Suppliers

Gas shortages in New York following hurricane Sandy and reasons

An article in the New York Times (November 10,2012) describes the continued shortages of gas in New York. Should the solution be left to the free market (i.e., let prices rise), or should the government step in with odd even … Continue reading

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Fresh water with mobile payments in rural Kenya

An article in BBC news (http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20121102-mobiles-call-out-for-fresh-water) describes an initiative for rural residents to get an opportunity to pay for about 4 cents for a 20 liter jerry can of water, a price claimed to be affordable to all. The company, … Continue reading

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Can omni channel marketing help brick and mortar retailers compete this Christmas ?

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (November 5,2012) describes a decision by Target, Macy’s and Nordstrom to match online prices to compete gainst Amazon, Gilt and Ebay. Offering same day delivery from store inventory, choosing unique items only made for specific retailers … Continue reading

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Hurricane Sandy, New Jersey ports and retail supply chain impact

An article in the Wall Street Journal (November 3, 2012) describes power supply issues at the ports in New Jersey causing diversions of inbound ships to Norfolk and other locations. But shipping to Dubai from New York costs $ 3000 … Continue reading

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Drug shortages and Medicare role

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (October 29,2012) describes reasons for shortages of drugs to treat meningitis. While the branded version of the product made by Pfizer continues to be available, generic producers shut down production for several months. The associated shortage … Continue reading

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Same day delivery offered by Google in San Francisco

An article in the New York Times (October 26,2012) describes same day delivery offered by Google in San Francisco. The company coordinates with retailers to deliver products ordered following Google searches. Linking the search with purchase and physical delivery closes … Continue reading

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A novel solution to get pregnant women in Ghana, ready to deliver, to a hospital faster

An article in the New York Times (October 30, 2012) describes the benefit on women and children’s health if the mother delivers in a hospital. But getting the mother, who cannot afford to pay for a cab, to the closest … Continue reading

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Do increases in accounts receivable by Chinese firms suggest anything ?

An article in CNN (http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/30/business/china-corporations-slowdown/index.html?hpt=hp_t3) describes increases in accounts receivable by Chinese firms – 83 % increase for machinery manufacturer Sany Heavy, 169 % increase for First Tractor, and a 69% increase for Zoolion. Some reports suggest that firms are … Continue reading

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Intellectual property rights on visible car parts in France and rising repair costs

An article in the Wall Street Journal (October 9, 2012) describes a regulation in France that grants automakers intellectual property rights over the external looks of the car, thus guaranteeing that mirrors, bumpers, windshield wipers etc have to be purchased … Continue reading

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Global trade slows, but continues to be robust in pockets

An article in the Wall Street Journal (October 1, 2012) describes the slowing of global trade flows. The Los Angeles port claims a 10.5 % drop in US exports shipped, while the Shanghai port reports a 6 % slowdown. While … Continue reading

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