Supply chain impact – Some key challenges in Africa

With low projected growth in the US and EU, and the realization that the BRIC countries won’t be able to do it all on their own, there is renewed interested in Africa. It is a continent with enormous potential with some of the fastest growing economies on the planet. However, for any company new to [...]

Micro distribution in emerging markets– key issues to consider

There is increased interest in micro distributors and the potential they hold within an inclusive business model. Well documented micro distribution models include the Coca-Cola MDC (Micro-distribution centre) in Africa and Unilever’s Shakti model in India. Micro distributors can be found in emerging markets where markets are fragmented and modern trade (e.g. Walmart, Tesco) is [...]

Humanitarian Logistics and the Transformational Agenda after an Emergency

There is more to any Humanitarian disaster than an immediate RESPONSE. It is not earthquakes that kill people – it is buildings; and so, many countries make themselves more RESILIENT to disaster ensuring that building standards can withstand geo-meterological threats and, that logistics procedures are in place to deal with worst case scenarios and facilitate [...]

CIVETS and the transformational agenda

Mature markets are struggling and emerging and developing markets are becoming increasingly attractive to companies and investors looking for growth. Put this in perspective. Despite a 25% depreciation in sterling since 2007, only 4% of UK Exports go to the so called BRICs combined – this is less than the UK exports to Sweden! The [...]

The role of multi-nationals in building solutions in humanitarian logistics

Cynics may claim that traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives were about throwing money at a problem and being rewarded with a glossy brochure and a few great photo opportunities for the annual report. Whether or not this perspective is fair, today’s public private partnerships (PPPs) are far more engaging as companies play an active [...]

South Sudan – questions to ask prior to entry

South Sudan – questions to ask prior to entry I recently visited South Sudan as part of a Public Private Partnership project. For any private partnership, alliance or investment, entering an unknown country with limited or no experience can be a daunting undertaking. For example, in South Sudan the infrastructure is weak and there are [...]

Modern Warehousing: The transformation of the black box

In this battle for efficiency and profitability, the warehouse has taken centre stage. Companies are recognizing that what happens in the warehouse can make a big difference to the supply chain and to their bottom line. They are also starting to acknowledge that some of the biggest productivity gains are potentially within the walls of [...]

Simalarities and differences between consumer beverages and medicine supply chains

There is increased interest in the similarities and differences between consumer beverages (e.g. Coca-Cola) and medicine supply chains. There are are number of initiatives under way, specifically from a Public Private Partnership perspective. There is a lot to learn from the Coca-Cola system. However,  it is also important to take into consideration some of the [...]

Reasons distributors in emerging markets fail

Implementing a 3rd party distribution system in emerging markets can be a challenging undertaking.  Below are a number reasons why distributors in emerging markets fail, and warning sign to look for. Financial management – A few years back we ran a project in for a consumer packaged goods company in Sri Lanka. During our assessments [...]

Transformational Retail

In an exclusive interview with the London Times (17 June 2011), Kishore Biyani, the founder of the Future Group (India’s largest retailer with more than 1,000 stores in 83 Indian cities), highlighted the problems facing International Retailers such as Tesco entering the Indian market: “They won’t be able to find spaces and they will find [...]

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