Tag Archives: Supply Chain

Ebooks, publishers and libraries – what is the coordinating contract ?

An article in the New York Times (Dec 25, 2011) describes worries by publishers reagrding ebooks sold to libraries. The ease of borrowing, and the absence of a return trip to the library for ebooks, makes the process frictionless and … Continue reading

Posted in Ecommerce, Supply Chain Issues | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The impact of HR 2245 “Preserving Access to Life Saving Medications Act 2011”

Bill HR 2245 plans to require drug manufacturers to notify the Federal govt, 6 months in advance, of potential shortages. Shortages are defined as situations where the total supply is less than observed demand. The Federal govt is then required … Continue reading

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

The global supply chain for Michael Kors and impact

An article in the New York Times (Dec 20, 2011) describes Michael Kors Holding, an apparel company that generates 95 % of its revenues in the US and Canada, makes its apparel in Asia, and is incorporated in the British … Continue reading

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

Business Class seat comfort based airline competition and supply chain impact

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (Dec 19,2011) describes airline competition to attract business class passengers, who pay 3 to 10 times the economy fare, are 15 % of the seats but 50% of the flight revenue.Business class seats, with new features, … Continue reading

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

Reverse Logistics – managing the US Army withdrawal from Iraq

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (Dec 19, 2011) describes the management of the ramp down in Iraq, with 2 million items to be accounted for removal. The choices (1) donate to Iraq,(2) ship back to the US Army for use, (3) … Continue reading

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

Reducing design elements to improve supply chain performance at Lego

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (Dec 19,2011) describes Lego’s decision to outsource themeparks, sell the entertainment division and decrease the number of design elements available to designers from 12,900 to 7,000. The company describes each new element as creating both mold … Continue reading

Posted in Global Contexts, Operations Management, Supply Chain Issues | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Industry Impact of Loss of funds for light bulb efficiency enforcement

An article in the New York Times (Dec 16, 2011) describes loss of funds for enforcement of new light bulb standards, requiring a 25%reduction in energy use for 100 watt bulbs. Thus, while the standards kick in as planned in … Continue reading

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

Ebooks more expensive than paper ?

An article in the Wall Street Journal ( Dec 15, 2011) describes a decision by book publishers to dictate retail prices for ebooks, with retailers requiring permission before discounting. Given that used paper book prices are set by market trends, … Continue reading

Posted in Ecommerce, Global Contexts, Service Operations, Supply Chain Issues | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Swatch’s plans to cut back component sales to competitors and supply chain impact

A New York Times article (Dec 10, 2011) describes a decision by the Swatch Group to cut back sales (to 85 % of 2010 levels and ultimately to zero) of components to competitors. Buying these components from Swatch had enabled … Continue reading

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

Balancing Wind, Water energy and salmon interests

An article in the New York Times (Dec 7, 2011) describes the coordinating role played by a Federal power agency, Bonneville Power Administration, that was faced with accepting power from hydroelectric and wind sources during stormy weather.  The agency dropped … Continue reading

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