Director’s Blog
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 […]
Re-thinking the Strategic National Stockpile
I recently testified before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, along with three other witnesses. During this testimony, I shared some of the insights I developed working with the Joint Acquisition Task Force as a pro bono […]
Why the News from India is So Bad: A COVID Cycle that Will Continue
As the news rolls out that the vaccine rates are moving along here in the United States, it is easy for many people to become complacent. Restaurants and bars are opening up, and people are starting to return to markets […]
Managers Need to be Able to Interpret and Act on Flows of Data
Information flow (data) is critical to creating velocity of action and decision-making. Resistance layers often form between companies, which prevent information from flowing seamlessly to key managers. These layers may include firewalls to ensure cyber security mandates are followed, or […]