Many of the key priorities of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum are "strikingly similar" to those of Walmart, executives of the retail giant's Asia Pacific arm say. That includes supporting the economic empowerment of women, increasing speed and efficiency in supply chain and sourcing operations, adding new stores and infrastructure, playing a leadership role in food security and sustainability - all shared goals not only critical to Walmart's success but to people, communities and entire economies alike.

According to one report, the manufacturing sector expanded in September at its fastest pace since early 2011, an indication that economic growth is picking up in the second half of the year. The Institute for Supply Management's closely watched purchasing managers index increased to 56.2 last month, from 55.7 in August, the group said.

Walmart has decided to offer products with fewer harmful chemicals, increase the use of recycled materials, reduce fertilizer use in agriculture, and increase energy efficiency in the products its stores carry. The new standards apply to Walmart stores in the United States and elsewhere around the world.

Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing as it's often called, is not about to replace mass manufacturing. Even though the technology is improving, the finish and durability of some printed items can still fall short of what producers require.

In promoting Troy Alstead from CFO and chief administrative officer to CFO and group president of global business service, Starbucks has elevated an officer with great experience in supply chain management as well as in finance.