Industrial Market Trends

How Business Applications Waste Our Time

dbutcher — 2008-05-15T12:32:35-05:00

Enterprise usability issues are most common in big companies, but they're an issue for smaller businesses as well. Are user-inefficient business applications wasting your time?

Devastating China Quake's Economic Ripple Effect

tclark — 2008-05-14T12:28:47-05:00

The earthquake that wreaked havoc in China this week has killed nearly 15,000 people and dislocated thousands more, has crumpled roads, destroyed factories and disrupted the power and communication infrastructure in the area. Yet many analysts are predicting the disaster will be a "transitory jolt" to China's booming economy.

A Modest Proposal: 6 Supply Chain Improvements

dbutcher — 2008-05-13T09:27:41-05:00

There is no silver bullet for the challenges in today's global supply chain. Yet a higher degree of awareness and a prudent approach can go a long way in most areas of the supply chain.

Managing Spiking Metals Prices

fwhite — 2008-05-13T09:25:28-05:00

Scarce metals have become so expensive that thieves are literally dying to get their hands on them. To combat the effects of these prices, supply chain managers and purchasers should reassess their risk strategies.

Panic at the Pump

dbutcher — 2008-05-13T09:23:06-05:00

With fuel prices remaining at historical highs, truckers are faced with unprecedented challenges. Should the government intervene to bring some relief to truckers and the overall economy?

How to Protect Intellectual Property in China

dbutcher — 2008-05-13T09:21:14-05:00

Intellectual property theft has skyrocketed in the past decade, and counterfeiting continues to grow rapidly. Here are some preventative tips learned by those who have gone before.

Tips for a Greener Supply Chain

fwhite — 2008-05-13T09:19:23-05:00

There's no getting around it: The global supply chain is headed toward a more sustainable and more responsible future. The trick for business is to approach this inevitability as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.

Working for Employers Who Work with You

fwhite — 2008-05-13T09:17:27-05:00

Supporting employees' work/life balance goes a long way in creating a culture of flexibility. For employers of choice, job flexibility is more than a perk; it is a way to retain top talent by keeping them healthy and committed.

The Costs of Weight on Business

dbutcher — 2008-05-13T09:15:38-05:00

Epidemic or not, the rate of obesity in the U.S. has skyrocketed in recent decades. Those extra pounds can be as bad for an employer's bottom line as they are for a person's health and waistline.

How Much Anxiety is Too Much?

fwhite — 2008-05-13T09:13:47-05:00

Some anxiety is normal — a typical reaction to stress that helps us cope with tense situations. But excessive worrying may be a sign of anxiety disorder. When is it a problem?

Weekly Industry Crib Sheet: How Gas Prices Are Affecting Employees. . .

fwhite — 2008-05-12T12:24:03-05:00

. . . Dollar Sees Gains (Briefly), Container Traffic Declines; Consumers Borrowing More; N.J. May Build Wind Farm; Automotive Strikes, Buyouts and "Buy-Downs"; and MORE.

Light Friday: Mother's Day by the Numbers

dbutcher — 2008-05-09T12:12:15-05:00

It's that time of year again, when many of us buy Mom a mixed bouquet in the supermarket and extend an invitation to a mediocre brunch - and maybe even foot the bill - hoping it makes up for the other 364 days of the year when we fail to return her calls. Ungrateful progeny . . .

Airbus to Review A380 Delivery Schedule

dbutcher — 2008-05-08T12:18:00-05:00

Airbus customers are braced for more A380 delays. In a letter to customers this week, Airbus highlighted the "challenging" production schedule of its A380 and hinted at new delays. Meanwhile, labor unrest continues to jeopardize both Europe's troubled aircraft maker and rival Boeing's efforts to keep current production and delivery schedules.

A Brief History of Starting Up in a Down Economy

dbutcher — 2008-05-07T12:37:38-05:00

No doubt, things are gloomy and it's a lot easier to get down about an unstable economy and its job opportunities. Yet, as Inc.com recently pointed out, some of America's iconic companies began and flourished in gloomy times.