Inevitable, irreversible and irresistible. That's how some environmental experts view the coming of "the low-carbon economy."

Can playing a game help supply-chain managers cope with the uncertainties of the real world?

Blood diamonds. Conflict minerals. And now, conflict palm oil.

The typical procurement organization invests heavily in supplier compliance but rarely reaps the value rewards. Compliance can often feel like a revolving door, with procurement teams evaluating the same risks and under-performing suppliers over and over again and never identifying the root causes or making real progress toward sustainability. Eventually, after a multi-year investment into a responsible sourcing program, procurement finds itself past the point of diminishing returns.

With three different buying groups and their separate inventory systems, the Neiman Marcus Group was missing opportunities to offer its patrons a seamless shopping experience with a full line of merchandise.

A conversation with Noelle Walsh, corporate vice president of supply chain with The Dow Chemical Co.