Director’s Blog
Kairos Research, NC State, ASU Win IARPA Contract to Analyze Hidden Risks in Complex Supply Chains
If you look far enough back in history, you will find the literal definition of a linchpin to be an item which kept the wheels from falling off wooden carts. During the recent COVID-19 crisis, we have all experienced firsthand the consequences of […]
Building a Playbook for the Next Pandemic
Many organizations are seeking ways to prepare for the next wave of Delta variant, as well as other variants that may be in the pipeline. How should your organization prepare? What needs to be done today? In general, I don’t […]
Q: Why so many product shortages? A: The Perfect Storm
I have had a number of calls this past week with various media outlets, including the Associated Press, WRAL, Forbes, and even the New York Times! All of these reporters are asking the same question, which was best captured by […]
What Are Organizations Focused on Improving in Supply Chains in 2021?
The world we knew in 2019 has forever changed. Although global supply chains have grown more efficient through improvements in software technologies, cloud computing, mobilization, etc., many of the supply chains I’ve studied encountered are poorly equipped to operate a […]
Procurement Leadership is Needed for the New Era of Disruption Ahead
I recently spoke at the National Contract Management Association on the subject of human capital in supply chains, and the need for building leadership skills in our procurement and supply chain professionals. This subject has become of critical importance in […]
Human Resource Planning for Procurement, Contract Management and Supply Chain Management
I spoke recently on the subject of Strategic Human Capital, and the importance of developing human resource planning for supply chains with Dan Finkenstadt at the NCMA World Congress. Much of the material was developed by Dr. Ian George, who […]
Making Sense of the Post-Pandemic Economy… Will We Ever Return to “Normal”?
The first half of 2021 brought with it a wave of massive changes, as well as new disruptions that augmented the chaos surrounding the mass vaccinations in the United States. What is becoming increasingly clear is that the US economy […]
Behind the Numbers of the SCRC Supply Management Index
The SCRC’s Supply Management Maturity Index was highlighted in a recent Wall Street Journal article, that identified the companies best prepared to weather the storm ahead in terms of supply chain disruptions. In this blog, I’ll explain a bit more […]
Will Supply Chain Price Increases Result in Inflation? The Fed isn’t Worried…
As vaccination rates in the US, the UK, and Europe have risen, economies have shifted back and capital projects are beginning to resume. However, significant problems remain with respect to major shortages and price increases that exist in supply chains. […]
Can we re-shore and create a US semiconductor industry? Maybe…
I participated today in the National Academies of Engineering, Science, and Medicine’s “Logistics and Manufacturing under Attack Virtual” Workshop, that involved a number of Department of Defense, private sector companies (GE, Pratt & Whitney), and academic partners, to discuss the […]