Coal, fertilizer, salt, grain, and other valuable commodities depend on the Mississippi River for transport, but the nation’s largest waterway may soon be inaccessible to the barges that move these products. Recent drought conditions have diminished the water level of the Mississippi to the lowest its seen in more than a decade, with some experts…
The ninth annual PwC Global Supply Chain Survey shows that strategy is everything when it comes to supply chain success. Businesses that realize the strategic importance of their supply chain achieve 70% higher performance and are more profitable. In 2013, PwC surveyed more than 500 supply chain experts around the world, representing a range of…
The apparel industry is under fire for their hazardous use of chemicals during the manufacturing process. In July, 2011, Greenpeace International launched the Detox campaign “to expose the direct links between global clothing brands, their suppliers and toxic water pollution around the world.” Along with a global network of consumers, Greenpeace is urging clothing brands…
One of the biggest challenges in public procurement is getting the best value for the dollar. In many cases, large companies get most contracts, leaving small and medium-sized businesses without a fair chance to compete. In February 2011, the UK Prime Minister and Minster for the Cabinet launched a ‘mystery shopper’ initiative to give small…
Supply chain experts and business analysts use many different models to forecast supply and demand. When it comes to forecast accuracy, no single technique gets it right every time, but the tips below can help you improve your projections.
Coconut farming is a source of livelihood for millions of farming families throughout India, but over the past decade, the coconut market has sharply declined. The Chief Minister is working on new initiatives to change their plight.
In a highly competitive market like the retail industry, collaboration may seem like a big risk that isn’t worth the effort. More companies are realizing, however, that when they work together and share information through their suppliers, the end results are extremely beneficial.
In the quest for a more sustainable supply chain, many companies are looking at their suppliers’ practices and making necessary changes. Animal welfare is one of the biggest concerns for the food industry.
Electronic procurement systems are in place around the world in both the public and private sectors, but have proven especially beneficial in government settings. E-government procurement systems are already functional throughout the US, Australia, and the UK, as well as Singapore, Malaysia, and the EU. Bangladesh has recently launched an e-procurement system as well.
Effective supply chain management is the best way to cut costs and increase profits, but there are some issues that do more harm than good if they’re not handled correctly.