Tag Archives: Survival

Testing alternate modes to get California Salmon to the ocean and back

Posted on April 19, 2014 by

An article in the New York Times (April 19, 2014) titled “Swim to Sea ? These Salmon Are Catching a Lift”, describes two alternate paths to move salmon from drought stricken areas to the ocean. With priority being for California … Continue reading →

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Should Europe ban the “beaching” of old ships flying the European flag?

Posted on June 15, 2013 by

An article in the Wall Street Journal (June 13,2013) describes a move to ban the beaching of old ships (flying European flags), a method used in India and Bangladesh to recycle old ships. Instead, recycling will require use of dry … Continue reading →

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Shortage of TB drugs in India – a major producer of these drugs

Posted on June 11, 2013 by

An article in the Wall Street Journal (June 6,2013) describes severe shortages of tuberculosis (TB) drugs in India, a country that is a major producer of TB drugs. TB kills a significant number of Indians and the government has been … Continue reading →

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Steel manufacturer’s competitive response to falling steel prices

Posted on April 27, 2013 by

An article in the Wall Street Journal (April 27, 2013) describes the decline in steel prices and the response by steel manufacturers. ThyssenKrupp is claimed to offer to pay freight costs to maintain market share. Further price discounts of 5 … Continue reading →

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The impact of sequestration on US supply chains

Posted on March 10, 2013 by

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (March 11, 2013) describes the impact of the US government sequester on food and transport. Food inspector cutbacks means that meat, poultry and egg processors may have to cut back operations as the inspectors are required … Continue reading →

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Manufacturing in Italy – choices made by the 300 year old Richard Ginori porcelain factory

Posted on February 10, 2013 by

An article in the New York Times (February 9,2013) describes the travails of the Richard Ginori porcelain factory in Sesto Fiorentino, Italy and its recent bankruptcy and closure. Once a high end porcelain tableware manufacturer, the trends in Italy away … Continue reading →

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Workshare programs to retain skilled workers during downturns and impact

Posted on January 27, 2013 by

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (January 28, 2013) describes the impact of work share programs that enable access to Federal funds to support a fraction (70 % or so) of a worker’s wages when the employee works at least 40 % … Continue reading →

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How should the excess steel capacity problem be solved ?

Posted on November 28, 2012 by

An article in the Wall Street Journal (November 28, 2012) describes the glut in steel capacity -an estimated 1.8 billion tons, compared to demand which is 1.5 billion tons. The reason, fragmented capacity with the top five companies comprising 18.2 … Continue reading →

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Private Equity ownership and bulk purchasing savings

Posted on September 2, 2012 by

An article in the New York Times(July 12,2012) describes the private equity firm, the Blackstone Group, which owns 74 companies with a combined 700,000 employees. Across its companies, the firm buys 15 million reams of paper, 35 million FedEx shipments … Continue reading →

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Samsung and Sony attempt to enforce their prices at retailers

Posted on May 24, 2012 by

A Wall Street Journal article (May 23, 2012) describes a move by Samsung and Sony to force retailers to sell at manufacturer recommended prices or risk consequences. These might include loss of financing to market new products or restricted supply. … Continue reading →

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