Jim Crowell, director of the Supply Chain Management Research Center at the University of Arkansas, demonstrates why on-shelf availability is a critical metric for retailers.

As with a marriage, the success of 3PL partnership is largely determined before the union is sealed, says Harry Drajpuch, CEO of Weber Logistics. Clarity about mutual expectations and the nature of the relationship, whether tactical or strategic, are issues that need to be thrashed out well in advance of any commitments.

DHL partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to fulfill the wishes of two Cincinnati area children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. DHL employees who work at the DHL facility at Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky Airport raised more than $12,000 for Wish Child Sierra (an eight-year old with sickle cell) and Wish Child Daniel (an 11-year-old with the rare Desmoid tumors).

Anyone in the business of manufacturing automobiles, trucks and automotive components back in the tumultuous years of 2008 and 2009 might be tempted to put their metaphorical transmission into neutral, reveling just a little bit in the success that surrounds an industry that is experiencing something akin to a rebirth. But as sweet as that might seem in the short term, there are significant challenges facing automotive suppliers despite the improving production outlook.

After demonstrating significant success with lean manufacturing, Johnson & Johnson decided to apply lean principles for reducing waste to its supply chain.

An important first step in building a strategic supply management organization is developing solid business-unit relationships. But how many are taking the next steps and asking internal stakeholders pointed, detailed questions about how well the supply management team is meeting their needs?

By 2025, annual consumption in emerging markets will reach $30tr - the biggest growth opportunity in the history of capitalism. To compete for the prize, companies must be disciplined.