This post was originally published on EBN. Packaging optimization is critical to supply chain optimization. To catch big advantages, change your mindset and make packaging a forethought rather than an afterthought. In a Packaging World article, Elisha Tropper, president and CEO of Cambridge Seals Security (CSS), describes how packaging is typically thought of by manufacturers: An afterthought…
Hiring: Why you should try before you buy I just finished reading a great post on hiring by Matt Mullenweg, founder of Automattic and the creator of open source WordPress software. The post focuses on the company’s “unorthodox hiring system” and how it has enabled Automattic to hire great talent and realize high employee retention
how to hire a leader Businesses don’t fail, leaders do – a lot. Studies have shown that the rate of failure of executives coming into new companies ranges from 30 to 40 percent after 18 months. The costs and implications of a poor leadership hire are enormous. Given the odds, how can you hire a
Kathryn Minshew, founder and CEO of The Muse and The Daily Muse, began a piece for the Harvard Business Blog Network with this sage advice: “Network Your Face Off.” The truth and value of this statement cannot be underestimated. Here are 5 reasons why networking is essential and why connections matter. 1. The larger the network the larger
CrossFitters recognize that good outcomes only come with hard work, and lots of it. For that reason, it generally attracts people who are willing to make sacrifices and go the extra mile to get results both in the gym and at work. If you want to hire top performers who have staying power hire people
A 2013 study conducted by Deloitte found that 64 percent of the global executives surveyed reported they had a risk management program in place that is specific to the supply chain. That being said, 45 percent of the respondents said their programs were somewhat effective or not effective at all. Respondents — especially those in
Companies within the logistics and supply chain industries are often built around a small number of clients because these clients generate 80 percent (or more) of revenue – The Pareto Principle aka the 80/20 rule. Some companies choose not to openly acknowledge this reality; I believe this is done at their peril. Rather than ignore
Red Sox fans are known for their loyalty, optimism, spirit, and patience. The Curse of the Bambino caused an 86 year championship drought. During these 86 years, and the equally long seeming gaps between the 2004, 2007 World Series wins and the upcoming 2013 victory (remember, Red Sox fans are ever optimistic) – Red Sox
Here are five things the supply chain industry can learn from Top Gear. 1. Speed is essential Jeremy Clarkson advises: “Speed has never killed anyone, suddenly becoming stationary… That’s what gets you.” For the supply chain industry speed and stagnation can be deadly. PwC’s Global Supply Chain Survey found that industry leaders (financially and operationally) have
Vacations are going the way of the dinosaur. I say – bring the vacation back. The Center for Economic and Policy and research released a report in May on vacations – or lack thereof. It turns out that the United States is the only advanced economy in the world that does not guarantee its employees
Breaking Bad, AMC’s award-winning drama, is dark, violent, gritty – and it offers 9 essential business lessons. 1. Don’t cut corners; quality is paramount Look, I like making cherry product, but let’s keep it real, alright? We make poison for people who don’t care. We probably have the most unpicky customers in the world. You
This post is written by our Marketing Analyst Intern, James Kane. James is a senior at the University of New Hampshire’s Whittemore School of Business and Economics. Truck drivers are in short supply. This has had, and will continue to have an impact the logistics and supply chain industry. Here’s how to leverage this challenging
