September 07, 2022 | Supply Chain Strategy read
Rising inflation is hitting enterprises hard. It is increasing costs and impacting the bottom lines on corporate balance sheets across industries and sectors.
To counter it, the U.S. Federal Reserve, Bank of Canada and Bank of England have all raised interest rates significantly, and the European Central Bank just raised rates for the first time in more than 10 years.
With uncertainty remaining about the outlook for inflation, central banks must walk a fine line of aggressively raising rates without slowing the world economy into a recession.
September 01, 2022 | Supply Chain Strategy read
Not so long ago, businesses did not see much value in implementing a supplier diversity program. They doubted if there was any real benefit associated with the program.
Not surprisingly, the program often remained on the sidelines.
Things have changed quickly in recent times.
Growing awareness of social issues and increasing pressure from customers and governments have once again put a spotlight on this program.
Often, supplier diversity is understood as working with a variety of different types of suppliers.
August 30, 2022 | Supply Chain read
Earlier in August, China conducted a major military exercise around Taiwan in response to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the self-ruled island, which China claims to be part of its territory.
The Chinese government chose six zones near the Taiwan island to carry out the live-fire and submarine exercises. During this time, ships and aircraft could not enter the waters and airspaces where the military drills were on.
This affected the international shipping route of Taiwan Strait.
August 26, 2022 | Supply Chain Strategy read
Efficient supply chain management is a critical element of any business, and companies must implement the right supply chain strategy to improve their operational efficiency. The current fluctuating global business environment necessitates an agile, efficient, and resilient supply chain, and businesses need greater end-to-end supply chain visibility that can provide actionable insights.
August 26, 2022 | Supply Chain Strategy read
The push towards greater sustainability is transforming supply chain management as companies collaborate with their suppliers to reduce their environmental impact and act with greater social responsibility. Aiding them in achieving this social responsibility are technologies such as end-to-end visibility and blockchain, which allow for transparent and accurate tracking and traceability of specific items in the supply chain.
August 25, 2022 | Automotives read
The rising popularity of electric vehicles (EV) is not only reducing the consumption of diesel and gasoline in the transportation sector but also impacting oil and gas exploration and production activities.
The sales of EVs increased exponentially throughout 2021 and are projected to experience the same trajectory in 2022, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Around 2 million EVs were sold in Q1 2022 -- an increase of 75% compared to Q1 2021.
August 23, 2022 | Supply Chain Strategy read
With over 42,000 cases worldwide, the World Health Organization has recognized monkeypox as a public health emergency.
Complicating the efforts to curb the spread is the fact that only one manufacturer, Bavarian Nordic, has an approved vaccine called Jynneos for it.
August 22, 2022 | M&A read
A merger brings together two companies that are expected to work together seamlessly for the new entity to succeed.
Not surprisingly, almost all mergers are rife with risk.
Will the companies be able to retain focus when working together? Will the employees stay on? How will it impact operations and financial performance? How can you achieve synergy and manage spend better?
Before negotiations must become serious and the deal is finalized, the synergies from the merger, attendant risks, the value drivers and the integration plan are seriously thought out.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed flaws and gaps in supply chain and procurement operations, and two years in, organizations are still trying to find ways to overcome them. How can they make the necessary changes to mend the disconnects and build resilient supply chains? The answer is convergence.