Tag Archives: Supply Chain

Nokia’s sharing of 3-D print files for cellphone cases and the future

An article in the BBC website (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21084430 describes plans by Nokia to make 3-D print files available to customers so they can print cases on demand on 3-D printers. The ease of access to customizable cases thus lowers the customer’s … Continue reading

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Using the new Silk Road for trade with China’s interior plants

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (December 20, 2012) describes plans by Hewlett-Packard to ship notebook computers by rail to Europe – the new Silk railroad, at 1/3 the cost of air transit, double the cost of shipment by sea, but taking … Continue reading

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Aravind Eye Hospital’s “maximize patients” to reduce costs strategy

An article in the New York Times (January 17, 2013) describes the Aravind Eye Hospital in India, where patients pay whatever they can afford but are provided high quality care regardless of payment. While a patient with no money might … Continue reading

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Regulate sulphur content of ship fuels or offer more incentives in Hong Kong?

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (January 14,2013) describes the low sulphur content fuel (0.5 percent sulphur), which is 14% of permissible limits, used by the Maersk shipping line. The Hong Kong port offers a 50% reduction in port costs, but that … Continue reading

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How can garment factory fires be prevented by retailers ?

An article in the New York Times (December 10,2012) describes the fires that have killed 400 people in two fires, one each in Bangladesh and Pakistan. The Bangladesh supplier was dropped by Walmart for not passing audits, but made the … Continue reading

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Who is responsible for preventing apparel factory fires in Bangladesh?

An article in the New York Times (December 29, 2012) describes the struggle between apparel retailers who outsource manufacturing to factories in Bangladesh, labor advocates and the government. While the $37 a month wage rate makes Bangladesh an attractive sourcing … Continue reading

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Same day delivery options, pricing and retail competition

An article in the New York Times (December 28,2012) describes same day delivery options offered by stores to compete with Amazon. For $ 5, Ebay Now offers delivery options to coffee shops, homes etc same day. Amazon offers same day … Continue reading

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Apple’s increased oversight of global supply chains and impact

An article in the New York Times (December 28,2012) describes Apple’s hiring of over 30 people in their social responsibility unit, alliances with employee advocacy groups like the Dutch Sustainability Trade Initiative and pressure on suppliers to comply with fair … Continue reading

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Planning Recommendations to the New York Governer following hurricane Sandy

An article in the New York Times (January 4,2013) describes recommendations by two committees examining planning before and improving performance after a disaster strikes. The recommendations include building local fuel stockpiles, requiring some gas stations have generators that can assist … Continue reading

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Achtar drug price rise from $50 to $28,000 and impact

An article in the New York Times (December 30, 2012) describes the rise in price for a vial of the anti-inflammatory drug Achtar from $50 to $28,000. But patients who cannot pay given the drug free. The drug is off … Continue reading

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