Supply Chain Economics

Apr 22, 2018

Relational Contracting Part II: Four Numbers to Be Concerned About in Global Economics

Jason Schenker, a worldwide leader in global economic forecasting, brought a spirit of levity and predictive insights to a subject that is often mired in gloom:  economics!  Jason, who founded… 

Mar 5, 2018

Get Ready for the Electronification of Everything …and More Global Component Shortages!

I had an opportunity to speak with some executives this week that are frequently in Asia, negotiating with suppliers of everything from memory, semiconductors, and multiple other types of electronic… 

Jan 31, 2018

Thoughts on Supply Chain Impacts (After Listening to Trump’s State of the Union)

I listened to all one and a half hours of Trump’s State of the Union address last night, and while it was certainly very positive in terms of the economy,… 

Jan 25, 2018

Resin prices vary a lot more than you think! RTi helps you understand why..

I had a great opportunity to meet with CEO Pete Suerken from Resin Technologies Inc. (RTi), yesterday, and share thoughts on how should-cost models are being actively used to drive improved… 

Sep 18, 2017

Procurement Must Contribute to Competitiveness to Become Relevant!

Procurement is always thinking about cost savings, year over year.  But is this really a true measure of competitiveness? So procurement will have a budgeted amount for, say 4.5 cents… 

Jul 23, 2017

The Supply Chain Team's Impact on Capital Projects

In industries that are going through a lot of Capital Expenditure investments, including construction of pipelines, LNG facilities, and mining operations, the role of procurement on the success of the… 

Jun 27, 2017

Assessing the True Return of Procurement Transformation on Total Shareholder Return: A Tough Proposition

In my earlier book with Gerard Chick on “The Procurement Value Proposition“, we advance the notion that buildoing a business case for investing in people, process, and technology improvement in… 

May 23, 2017

The Strength of the Pack is the Wolf… The Strength of the Wolf is the Pack!

In a recent article in Supply Chain Navigator, I spend some time discussing the interesting relationship between the introduction of wolves in Yellowstone Park, and the evolution of digital supply… 

Apr 22, 2017

Navigating the Future in an Uncertain Political and Regulatory Environment

The Supply Chain Resource Cooperative held its bi-annual Industry Partner Meeting in the Talley Student Center at North Carolina State University this past week.   The theme, Navigating the Future… 

Apr 13, 2017

Executive Panel on "Navigating the Road Ahead in Uncertain Times" Coming Up!

Based on the deluge of news coming from the press on Trump, Russia, China, trade talks, tax reform, healthcare reform, and a multitude of topics, it’s enough to make your…