Archives 2023

What if I told you that global economics isn't as dry as it sounds? Prepare to be enlightened as we dissect the impacts of steady interest rates in the US and UK, rising energy prices, and wage increments in the US economy. We also shed light on the continuous strikes, which are threatening to disrupt economic growth, and the launch of the first green methanol vessel by Maersk Let's not forget the end of strikes at Chevron's Australian LNG facilities and the potential ripple effects of ongoing strikes at Apple's France locations. 

Hold onto your seats because we're just getting started! We're also going to uncover the dark side of technology with the FBI's warning against public phone charging stations. Also on the table is the latest round of industrial action announced by the train driver's union and its potential ramifications. We'll delve into the nine-year contract awarded to West Coast Operators and the controversy surrounding the possible cancellation of the Birmingham to Manchester leg of the HS2 project. To cap it all off, we'll discuss China's electric vehicle subsidies, the Inflation Reduction Act introduced by the Biden administration, and what these could mean for the global supply chain. It's a rollercoaster ride of insights and analysis you won't want to miss!

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

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Prepare to be captivated as we navigate the complex webs connecting advertising to supply chains. Your host, Tony Hines, kicks off this journey by dissecting the recent seismic shifts in the advertising market and how they greatly influence the demand side of businesses. Picture this: your business's demand process often starts with an advertising project – interesting, right? That's just the tip of the iceberg.

Brace yourselves as the narrative takes a thrilling twist with the exploration of the demise of the third-party cookie. What implications does this have for advertising and, more importantly, for privacy? The climax of our journey involves a detailed analysis of programmatic advertising. Tony parallels this with transformation programs in supply chains, especially in the digital marketplace. Join Tony Hines on the Chain Reaction podcast and experience the unexpected ways advertising strategies intertwine with supply chain processes. You wouldn't want to miss it!

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

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Ever wondered if you should invest in an electric vehicle? We’ve got an episode that unravels the pros and cons of the EV market, and it just might be the deciding factor in your next big purchase. We also touch on the urgent issues of climate change, the need for cleaner energy, and the infrastructure necessary to instill consumer confidence in this rapidly evolving market. Stay tuned for our news episodes as well, where we dissect global happenings impacting supply chains from trade and economy, to climate change and technology. 

Prepare yourself for our special edition on artificial intelligence, a topic that’s setting the world ablaze. Dive into the nuances of service supply chains with our upcoming episodes in October, focusing on the crucial role of the service economy. This sector accounts for 80% of both the UK and the United States economy, and understanding its workings can give you a unique perspective on the disparities between the developed and the developing world. So, mark your calendars and join me, Tony Hines, in September for insightful discussions that promise to open up new perspectives. Until then, happy listening!

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

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News about forthcoming programmes click here

 Nestlé is raising the stakes, acquiring a significant share in Brazilian luxury chocolate maker, Grupo CRM. This episode uncovers the implications of this move on the global confectionery market. But it's not all sugar-coated – we'll grapple with the fluctuating prices of Brent Crude and West Texas Oil, and track Japan's economy, pulling itself painstakingly from the brink. The Indian rupee's record-breaking lows may seem troubling, yet we explore the various factors contributing to this. Kamatsu's strategic operations shift from China, coupled with increased US Treasury yields and other Asian currency weaknesses apply further pressure – join us as we break it all down.

Delays in post-Brexit checks and charges on food imports from the European Union. Will this mean a spike in food prices? The UK's reintegration into the Horizon programme is next on the menu, opening doors for collaborative research across European institutions. And then, brace yourselves for a climate change reality check, as we scrutinize Greece’s recent weather woes. We also tackle the unsettling issue of reinforced auto-claved aerated concrete crumbling in public buildings. Lastly, we delve into the digital world, examining Google's new requirements for political adverts on its platforms to disclose AI-generated content. Deep-dive into these global economic concerns and current events impacting global supply chains.

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

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News about forthcoming programmes click here

Are you ready to get electrified? We're not talking about your morning coffee. We're talking about the future of cars – Electric Vehicles (EVs). With the UK government ambitiously pushing for a complete switch to EVs by 2030, we're about to see rapid change in the way we drive. Together, we'll examine the competitive landscape of EV makers, debate the pros and cons of owning an EV, and discuss the necessary infrastructure to support this change. You'll also get a sneak peek into the market dynamics and the value proposition behind purchasing an EV.

But hold on, it doesn't stop there. We're delving deep into the heavyweight issue of EV batteries. How does the weight of a battery limit travel distance? What are the safety risks posed by these batteries and how are emergency services dealing with them? And of course, the big question on everyone's mind: What about recycling these lithium-ion batteries? We've got the answers. Moreover, we'll also discuss the potential threats an overcharged battery or one exposed to excessive sunlight can pose. So buckle up and join us on this electrifying journey of discovery. Let's help shape the future, one EV at a time.

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow like and share the Chain Reaction Podcast with colleagues and friends on social media.

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News about forthcoming programmes click here

Imagine the ramifications of a major walkout in Tokyo, the impact of soaring food prices in India, or the unveiling of China's new South China Sea map. This episode is a lively discussion deciphering the complex interplay of such global events on supply chains. Join us as we untangle the intricate web spun by recent happenings – from the G20 meet in New Delhi to the potential thawing of US-Iran relations. Strap in as we delve into the implications these events could have on global supply chain dynamics while keeping an eye on the ripple effects they might generate in the industry.

But that's not all. Curious about how your home can earn from reducing electricity consumption? We chat about the National Grid's innovative demand flexibility service in the UK. Marvel at the ways climate change is stirring up the waters of global shipping – from Panama Canal's falling water levels to congested German rivers. Plus, we have the latest on Huawei's new Mate 60 Pro 5G phone hindered by US sanctions and a global sighting of the Blue Moon to discuss. As we weave through these diverse topics, we promise not just to inform but to engage, challenge and enlighten. Join us in this riveting exploration of how global events are reshaping supply chains.

You can follow Chain Reaction on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow like and share the Chain Reaction Podcast with colleagues and friends on social media.

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News about forthcoming programmes click here

All things impacting global supply chains this week.

• Japan began pumping more than a million metric tons of treated water from the destroyed Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on Thursday, a process that will take decades to complete.
• Salt demand surges in China as a result of the Fukushima discharges into the ocean.
• Russia’s central bank raised interest rates.
• The UK Trade deal with India appears to be under threat.
• The German economy stagnates as it is official that the country was in recession in the winter. Industrial production is expected to remain weak according to the Bundesbank.
• India is expected to ban mills from exporting sugar in the next season beginning October.
•  China as the world’s second largest economy loses momentum.
•  Ford Motors is the latest of several top automakers, including Toyota  and Stellantis is planning to build and sell hundreds of thousands of hybrid vehicles in the U.S. over the next five years.
• The BRICS meeting taking place in South Africa is inviting new members and they want an international currency to compete with the US dollar.
• Housing supply chains build up inventories.
• P&O to close ferry service between Liverpool and Dublin.
• DEFRA seeks partial ban on micro plastics.
• Gas prices fall as Australian strike averted.
• UK Energy cap price likely to fall next week.
• Wilko administrators fail to sell the business with likely closures and significant job losses.
• OFGEM has set the Energy Price Cap for the next 3 months in the UK at £1923.
• This week we are reminded that Covid 19 is still lurking with the BA 2.86 variant of Covid 19 likely to infect people according to the US Center for Disease Conotrol.
• Oil prices falling this week. It is the second week in a row.

You can follow Chain Reaction on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow like and share the Chain Reaction Podcast with colleagues and friends on social media.

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News about forthcoming programmes click here

All things impacting global supply chains this week with Tony Hines.

• Oil prices have fallen this week as demand has fallen.
• Inflation in the UK falls as the latest CPI figure hits 6.8% a fall of 1.1% on the previous months. Gas price falls have underpinned the fall in the index.
• Consumer's in the UK are feeling the pinch as the cost of living crisis bites.
• An attitude survey in the UK showed that the majority of people polled thought that Railways and Utility Companies ought to be in public ownership to protect services.
• The US imposed import duties on solar panels finished in South East Asia to avoid tariffs on products coming directly from China.
• California automobile regulators investigate cause of crashes.
• Automobile Association UK said that EV's do break down more than combustion engine vehicles but not by as much as is often claimed according to their call logs.
• Chinese auto maker brands are not known in Europe and consumers are sceptical about purchasing Chinese brands.
• Government targets to increase wind-power targets look expensive and unrealistic. They would have to increase capacity fivefold with $27 billion  investment to get there. 
• The central bank in Russia raises interest rates by 3.5% to 12% in an attempt to defend the exchange rate of the rouble.

You can follow Chain Reaction on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow like and share the Chain Reaction Podcast with colleagues and friends on social media.

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News about forthcoming programmes click here

All things impacting global supply chains this week with Tony Hines.

• South Korea protesters angry that Japan has announced discharges of contaminated water from the Fukishama nuclear plant into the Ocean.
• Brent Crude hits $86 and West Texas $82. Oil prices are up because of limited supplies from OPEC+.
• GDP in the UK for July up to 0.02 per cent.
• Deflation not Inflation is China's problem as out put falls and other challenges ahead. Falling domestic demand is an issue along with an unstable world economy because of Russia's war in Ukraine.
• Pakistan faces its worst economic crisis since 1947. Interest rates hit an all time high.
• Britain has the oldest railways system in the world but it is broken as strikes continue and customer satisfaction is at an all time low.
• Big Tech petulance threatens future services. Privacy, security and personal saftey at the heart of the concerns. Is there too much interference from governments or is it necessary to protect citizens?
• Delays in the Panama Canal cause problems for shipping logistics. Water down, numbers down, cost up and time extended for carriers. 40% of containers travel from the US to Asia via this route. 
• Yellow files for bankruptcy in the US after 99 years in business with 30,000 jobs at stake.
• Moller Maersk loses market share since the pandemic.

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
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News about forthcoming programmes click here

Tony Hines takes a look at the benefits supply chain collaborations can bring to those collaborating. A good starting point he says is to take a look at the  research on the topic to see what is already known.

First up is an article in production planning and control looking at risk management under technology turbulence.
Shuting Li, Tongtong Xu, Kihyun Caleb Park & Mingu Kang (2023) The effect of supply chain collaboration on firms’ risk management under technology turbulence, Production Planning & Control, DOI: 10.1080/09537287.2023.2225474

Benefits claimed include:
On time deliveries, reductions in production delays, imprrovements in security if you trust your partners and many more.

Digital Transformation Is Changing Supply Chain Relationships

by  Maria Jesús Saénz,  Elena Revilla,  and Inma Borrella in the Harvard Business Review published in July 2022 discusses the benefits of developing relationships through digital transformation.

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow like and share the Chain Reaction Podcast with colleagues and friends on social media.

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News about forthcoming programmes click here