Africa possesses vital natural and human resources that the rest of the world will desperately need this century. Sadly, these resources are being decimated by autocratic regimes, corruption, and conflicts. Profits from natural resources are pilfered by despots and their supporters, rather than being reinvested in African countries’ infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Global Economy
Big-picture, economy-wide topics
Scenario Planning for Supply Chain Risk Management – Part Two
We examine how to weigh and prioritize multiple supply chain risk mitigation options and the use of monitoring and triggers to guide level-headed decision making during a crisis, using the risk of a China-Taiwan-US war as an example. We also look at various other examples of high-uncertainty risks where our framework could be usefully applied.
Scenario Planning for Supply Chain Risk Management—Part One
The importance of effective supply chain risk management intensifies with each new wave of disruptions. A key strategy deserving more attention is Scenario Planning for Strategic Supply Chain Risk Management.
Space-Based Manufacturing and Logistics — Part Three: Mining and Logistics
In this final article of the series, we discuss current activities and future potential in space-based mining, as well as the various kinds of logistics that will be required for the emerging, diverse, space economy.
Space-Based Manufacturing and Logistics: Part Two – Examples of Types of Manufacturing Being Pursued Now
We explore examples of space-based manufacturing that are currently being considered or pursued, such as ZBLAN optical fibers, biomanufacturing, construction of large structures, space-based farming, drugs, microfabrication, carbon nanotubes, and perfect spheres.
It’s Late. Do You Know Where Your Supply Chain Is?
The Russo-Ukrainian war has put into focus the question of the proper role for responsible enterprises in response to abuses by authoritarian regimes. Here we look at some of the challenges and solutions to managing an ethical supply chain.
Thriving in the Age of Uncertainty – Part Two
We explain specific advanced tools and practices for dealing with demand-supply uncertainty, including probable forecasting, capacity and consumption commitment contracts, real options as risk mitigation strategies, and hedging strategies.
The Ethical Supply Chain Practitioner – Part Two: Labor and Ethical Business Practices
A look at how to ensure that suppliers are treating their workers fairly, paying living wages, not using forced labor, providing a safe working environment, allowing collective bargaining, have non-discriminatory hiring practices, and ethical business practices. These are required not only to minimize reputational risk, but to underpin a company’s purpose and identity as a force for good in the world.
Multifaceted Businesses: Part One – Evolving Business Models
Manufacturers and wholesale distributors are evolving from primarily or exclusively selling physical products, to more diverse business models, providing a variety of services and outcomes. Here we discuss what is driving this evolution, including the emergence of the Outcome Economy.
Reimagining Regulations: Ideas from a Non-Policy-Wonk – Part One
There is a perpetual battle between pro and anti-regulatory advocates. But that tug-of-war misses the point. We need efficient, effective regulation—or alternative mechanisms—that actually work, to ensure a well-functioning, non-abusive society. Here we explore some off-the-beaten-path ideas on how to achieve the (mostly) noble goals of regulation, without the (mostly) inadequate results and high expense of regulation.
Will AI Bring Another Gilded Age?
AI has the potential to make society better, but history has shown us the potential for these kinds of major economic transformations to cause society-wide upheaval and disruption as well. A lot will depend on the response of our governments in helping people make the transition to new skills and jobs.