Operations Management and Research
The Loop You Can’t Get Out Of
A few words from the father of system dynamics on organizational decision making, human frailty and the reasons that managers trying to solve problems so often just make them worse.
Rethinking Procurement in the Era of Globalization
What used to be a matter of finding and purchasing goods and services at the most favorable price has changed. At some companies, procurement has become closely intertwined with strategic decision making and board policy at the highest levels of the organization.
Creating Value Together
In buyer-supplier relationships in which companies depend on one another, performance may improve.
The Downside of Real-Time Data
Receiving information more frequently isn't always helpful.
The Impact of Technological Innovation on Outsourcing Decisions
When technology changes rapidly, outsourcing looks more attractive.
Sharing Global Supply Chain Knowledge
Knowledge sharing between partners has more upsides than downsides, provided that the right kind of knowledge goes back and forth.
How to Manage Through Worse-Before-Better
Like most major change initiatives, going lean rarely looks good from the start. The operating efficiencies come quickly, yet sales and profits -- for a while -- get worse. The solution? Adopt a new financial reporting method that captures what's really happening in the business.
When Supplier Partnerships Aren’t
Dual accountability between a buyer and its strategic suppliers, through tools such as a Two-Way Scorecard, is a new and tangible approach to improving supply chain relationships.
The Trouble With Enterprise Software
Has enterprise software become too complex to be effective?
The Art of Managing New Product Transitions
New product launches are highly complex and can pose major challenges to companies. But managing the interplay between product generations can greatly increase the chances for success.