SCM Topics

Jan 3, 2025

The Role of Centers of Excellence in Supply Chain Transformation

In 2025, we will likely see many supply chain organizations creating multi-purpose COEs that carry out several different processes. Organizations may begin with a COE focused on transactional work around…

Nov 6, 2021

Human-machine Tradeoffs in Supply Chain Decisions (and the LA Port)

The current set of supply chain disruptions is bringing increased focus on the need for digital transformation of our supply chains. Nowhere is digital transformation needed more than the Los…

Oct 30, 2021

Los Angeles Port Bottlenecks Don’t Have Any Short-term Fixes

There is no question that the LA port is one of the biggest economic bottlenecks facing the United States. The success of the port is undeniably tied to the success…

Mar 16, 2023

Using Spend Analysis to Understand Supply Chain Risks

A comprehensive understanding of spending patterns in the business is a function of the enterprise’s ability to capture data in a meaningful way. The importance of conducting a thorough analysis…

Jan 22, 2023

“All You Need Is Love”: Unpacking the book “Flow: How The Best Supply Chains Thrive”

A Guest Blog by Rajinder Bhandal Ph.D., University of Leeds My colleague Rajinder provides a thoughtful commentary on our most recent book publication: Flow: How The Best Supply Chains Thrive,…

Feb 22, 2022

Logistics journal sees jump in submissions and special issues

As the Editor in Chief of the Logistics journal, I am striving to continuously improve the scope and reach of the journal, and explore innovative new topics that we are…

Jan 16, 2024

Comparing the 2023 National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS): A Critique and Comparison to Supply Chain Immunity

The Department of Defense released four days ago its inaugural National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS), which is intended to guide the Department’s engagement, policy development, and investment in the industrial…

Apr 2, 2023

Supply Chain Executives are building “Centers of Excellence” – because they support business strategies!

The term “COE” is often a commonly heard term in supply managers’ vernacular, but it’s interesting to note that Centers of Excellence as an organizational entity have been around for…

Sep 23, 2021

Rob Handfield on Amazon’s Struggle with Bad Business Practices in China

Rob Handfield, professor of operations and supply chain management, explains why quality control has become Amazon’s logistical downside with its suppliers in China. “Amazon’s whole business model is about distribution,…

Feb 9, 2020

Coronavirus reminds us to review supply chain continuity plans

The rapid escalation of the Corona virus has now devastated China and other regions, resulting in more than 800 deaths and more than 37,000 cases worldwide. The most critical outcome…