Tag Archives: Trends

Adhoc social networks to assist during hurricane Sandy in NJ and lessons learned

An article published in the CNN.com website (http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/20/us/new-jersey-sandy-social-media/index.html?hpt=hp_c1) describes the use of facebook and street signs to create volunteer groups to assist people impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Providing food, cleaning supplies, clothing etc and helping clean out flood affected rooms … Continue reading

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The internet of things and supply chain impact

An article in Wired magazine (December 2012) describes the low price points to make physical objects wen enabled. A WeMo switch enables an outlet to be controlled through the internet, thus enabling a temperature triggered adjustment of cooling. Decentralized Geiger … Continue reading

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The elections, toy introduction delays and preorders this holiday season

An article in the New York Times ( November 20, 2012) describes the increased media buys by candidates this election and thus delays in advertising toys. The focus on detecting hits by manufacturers and retailers is thus claimed to require … 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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The economics of vertical farming in downtown locations in cities

An article in the Wall Street Journal (October 15,2012) describes vertical farming – growing crops in greenhouses in cities – close to customers. A twelve floor vertical farm in Sweden is the largest such effort – claimed to save transport … Continue reading

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Will shifting patients to retail clinics for minor treatments improve service and lower costs

An article in the New York Times (October 10, 2012) describes the rise of retail clinics in Manhattan, with costs of care 30-40% below doctor’s offices and 80% lower than emergency care. The result of many retail locations is a … 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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Will passengers bear airline fuel risk for lower upfront fares ?

An article in Bloombergbusinessweek (October 8,2012) describes an effort by Allegiant airlines, with ticket prices at $89, to share airplane fuel risk with passengers. The proposal – passengers pay a lower fare upfront and a fuel charge based on actual … Continue reading

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Topshops within Nordstrom stores – a beneficial alliance for both ?

An article in the New York Times (July 12, 2012) describes a decision to open Topshop stores within Nordstrom’s stores. The limited line of Topshop fashion apparel, with new items delivered weekly, will enable Nordstrom to increase the speed of … Continue reading

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Amazon requesting some of its sales tax back from California cities

An article in the Wall Street Journal (May 31, 2012) describes a request by Amazon, which recently agreed to collect sales taxes for purchases soon, to get back some of the sales tax as an incentive. The company claims that … Continue reading

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