A sign of the times in China
As a result of the Lenovo purchase of IBM’s x86 computer server business, over 1,000 workers at an IBM factory in Southeast China have gone on strike. An IBM statement commenting on the matter has revealed that following the purchase, employees either have the choice of continuing to work for Lenovo or leaving and taking a severance payment.
Protests in China are on the rise; there were 1,171 strikes from mid-2011 to the end of 2013. Such disruption naturally places further strain on companies relying on a China based workforce. These companies are also faced with the added pressure of a shrinking labor pool due to China’s one child policy, and a population increasing more interested in further education and a differing career path compared to factory work. The IBM strike is thought to be likely due to workers’ fears of being fired or not receiving adequate pay following the Lenovo take over.
To read more, click here.
The healthcare supply chain
A GHX survey of 75 hospital senior executives has revealed that inefficiencies in the operating room supply chain are stretching budgets and having a negative effect on patient care. 70 percent of those surveyed admitted the time used replenishing inventory presents a “very” or “somewhat significant” challenge to the operating room of their hospital. In terms of rising and currently not well managed costs, implantable devices are valued at around $50 billion as a market segment, due to however a lack of supply chain visibility over these devices, the healthcare industry is paying an unnecessary $5 billion per annum due to inefficient processes, and lost or expired products.
On a more promising note it would appear that hospital executives would be willing to embrace technology to make processes more efficient and cut down on waste. Nearly 80 per cent of senior hospital executives claim reducing supply chain costs is essential to addressing fiscal challenges.
To read more, click here.
Tesco in hot water with its tuna
Greenpeace has accused Tesco of selling unsustainably sourced tuna. The allegations follow Tesco’s commitment to ensure its own brand of tuna was entirely sourced using “pole and line” methods as opposed to large nets by 2012. Greenpeace however accuses Tesco of undermining any commitments it has made through selling an independent brand of Tuna named Oriental & Pacific, which according to the charitable organization is “the most unsustainable tuna on major supermarket shelves in the UK.”
Tesco has strongly refuted the claims, and called Greenpeace’s assessment into question. The supermarket giant was also placed last in Greenpeace’s “2014 tuna league table”. Competitors Sainsbury’s and Waitrose have however received praise for their sustainable methods and consistency and were placed near the top.
To read more, click here.
