optimistic supply chain nerdery

Is the economy improving? At least for supply chains and manufacturing, signs point to yes.

Oh, did I say for manufacturing? Make that non-manufacturing, too.

It seems health care is finally starting to get the picture on supply management. Turns out better managed hospitals may actually improve patient care. Who'd've thought?!

Increasing public scrutiny of environmental practices means supply chains in the developing world are getting the shakedown. This is a good thing in the long run, though I'm sure business leaders are pretty unhappy with it right now.

On "shared value"

Michael Porter has become one of the greatest, most articulate advocates of business's increasing impetus to create shared value for the community as a means of competitive advantage. It's something that seems intuitive to us CSR/sustainability nerds, but has been thought anathema to good business by many for a long time. Porter also has some great publications on the subject, but I figured I'd link to the recent HBR interview, which sums up the articles nicely.

Rethinking Capitalism - Video - Harvard Business Review