Supply Chain Economics

Apr 11, 2021

Will the Port of Oakland Strike Out?

The Port of Oakland has recently found itself at the center of a short-term “economic boom,” thanks to US West Coast shippers sending goods to its facility to alleviate congestion… 

Feb 1, 2021

Thinking About a Recovery…Building Flexibility Into Your Supply Chain in 2021

In the thick of a crisis, it is difficult for many executives to think about a recovery. However, we all need to think about preparedness for emergencies, and ensuring a… 

Aug 9, 2020

Double Bullwhip Effect Impacted Trade in the First Half of 2020

Evolutionary design requires individuals to constantly look for emerging patterns in how material moves through their supply chains. Force or action must be taken to change the path of supply… 

Dec 20, 2019

Rob Handfield Discusses Burning Topics in Supply Chain on the Thomas Industry Update Podcast

By Carson Powell Rob Handfield, distinguished professor of operations and supply chain management and executive director of the Supply Chain Resource Cooperative (SCRC), recently sat down with Tony Uphoff, founder… 

Dec 11, 2019

Perspectives on the Global Trade Environment: A Panel Discussion

On December 5, 2019, we held a panel discussion that focused on different perspectives related to global trade.  As the global environment is shifting based on political debates, EU/British negotiations,… 

Nov 16, 2019

Decoding the Signals of the Global Tariff and Trade Wars

What will global trade and commerce look like in the coming years, and how will it influence the business landscape? This question has moved to the forefront of executives’ minds… 

Aug 2, 2019

Procurement’s Role in Managing the Tariff War

The news is in – in the form of more Tweets, of course. In a series of tweets on Thursday, Trump announced another round of tariffs on the roughly $300 billion of Chinese goods… 

Feb 23, 2019

KraftHeinz Procurement Bends to 3G Capital’s Policies: How’s it Working Out for You?

Several stories came out this week, related to KraftHeinz’s share price, its procurement department, and the fate of its parent company, 3G Capital. First, Fortune reported that the stock price… 

Oct 25, 2018

More Data is Not Better and Machine Learning is a Grind…. Just Ask Amazon

I had an opportunity to sit in on a lecture today by two experts on Machine Learning from Amazon, during a lecture at UNC.  Ed Banti is Director of Software… 

May 29, 2018

The Lowly Wooden Pallet is a Critical Conveyance in the Supply Chain

In a recent interview, discussions with Patrick Atagi, VP for Advocacy & External Affairs at the National Wooden Pallet and Contain Association (NWPCA)  helped to educate me on just how…