Energy Supply Chain

May 11, 2023

Shining a Light on the EV Supply Chain: A Poor Environmental and Human Rights Record

For years, the public has been going around buying electric vehicles, claiming that they are promoting “clean energy” and contributing to less global warming, feeling very smug about themselves.  However,… 

Apr 22, 2022

The reality of green energy: “green metal” supply chains won’t be able to keep up

A recent set of investigations by the Economist provides a realistic view of the likelihood of a smooth transition to a green energy economy.  Big Picture Up Front:  it won’t… 

Oct 26, 2021

The Increasing Role of Climate Change in Supply Chain Disruptions

Major supply chain disruptions due to weather-related incidents are on the rise, and one can’t dismiss these as a “once-in-a-century” event any more.  The Texas freeze and Hurricane Ida severely… 

Jul 9, 2021

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. … 

May 11, 2021

State of Emergency: Rob Handfield Comments on Gas Shortage in North Carolina

Governor Roy Cooper issued a state of emergency on May 10 in response to the recent cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline causing a shutdown. Around North Carolina, many citizens are lining up at… 

Oct 3, 2016

Biobased Economy Continues to Grow: USDA Secretary Announces NC State-Duke Study Results on Monday

I’m writing to share an exciting new report released today entitled “An Economic Impact Analysis of the U.S. Biobased Products Industry: 2016 Update.” This new report shows how the U.S.… 

May 23, 2016

Biobased Product Market Growth is Tied to Performance…but Production Credits Will Help!

Unlocking growth in the biobased products sector is tied to the ability to unlock access to inexpensive sugar, derived from corn farming. The second element has to do with production… 

Feb 27, 2016

Academics share insights about sustainable supply chains at NC State Workshop

I had the opportunity to sit in on a number of academic presentations today, as part of the Environmentally Sustainable Supply Chain Management Workshop for Early-Career Faculty.  During the morning,… 

Dec 15, 2015

Poole COM to host the 2nd Annual Workshop on Sustainable Supply Chain Management February 26 – 28, 2016

I am excited to announce an academic conference being hosted by Professor Eda Kemahlioglu Ziya and myself on sustainable supply chain management strategies in February.  This is a follow-on session to… 

May 19, 2015

Utility Supply Management Association Notes

I had the opportunity to speak to a group of utility companies and many of their direct suppliers at the annual Utility Supply Management Association in Savannah, Georgia, on Monday.…