Force majeure clauses are intended to protect parties to a legal contract from losses caused by disruptive events beyond their control. But supply-chain partners might be surprised to learn what such language doesn’t cover.

Does the term “external workforce” describe an essential element of the way businesses must operate today? Or is an just an excuse to avoid paying workers full-time salaries and benefits?

The old days of the Quality movement seem quaint in retrospect: the banners, the slogans, the prizes and team-building events. Today, quality management is all about information — or, more to the point, how to keep from getting buried in it.

Are manufacturers, retailers and brands serious about providing sourcing visibility to ensure ethical supply chains? And are consumers willing to pay for it?