Chain Reaction

Tony Hines

Chain Reaction is the podcast 'All About Supply Chain Advantage' containing regular audio snippets relevant to C suite executives, supply chain professionals, researchers, policy makers in government, students, media commentators and the wider public. New episodes each week discuss hot topics in the news and supply chain ideas relevant to everyone involved in supply chain management. There are special editions too.
Our goal is to keep our listeners updated and informed about the various factors that can influence the dynamics of supply chains. As the world continues to evolve, so too do the complexities of global supply chains. By keeping an eye on these global events, we can anticipate potential challenges and opportunities, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of supply chains with agility and insight.

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Top 10 Chain Reaction Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Chain Reaction episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Chain Reaction for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Chain Reaction episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

News Round Up: From Environmental Hazards to Industry Disruptions

Chain Reaction

04/20/24 • 28 min

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Prepare to be shocked as we expose the environmental crisis brewing beneath our feet. Sewage spills are more than just a waste management issue; they're a ticking time bomb for ecological disaster. We tackle the hard truths about water regulators' need for increased power, pushing for fines that make polluters pay and fund solutions to our water waste woes. Moreover, brace yourself as we uncover the unsettling prevalence of 'forever chemicals' in our agriculture and question the assurances from authorities that may not be as safe as they claim. This episode doesn't just skim the surface; we're holding water companies' feet to the fire with a candid discussion on accountability and the health risks lurking in our lands and waterways.
Shift gears with us as we navigate the turbulent waters of global economic challenges and industry updates. From Boeing's assembly line controversy to Tesla's massive layoffs, we dissect the upheaval and the strict German labor laws that complicate the picture. But that's not all; we also unravel the tangled aftermath of Brexit and the resulting medicine shortages that have left pharmacists and patients in a lurch. Citing a study from Imperial College London, we explore the far-reaching impact of these shortages on the entire pharmaceutical supply chain. Join us for this episode as we connect the dots between policy decisions and their real-world consequences, ensuring you stay informed and ready to engage in these critical conversations.
Key economic data for the first quarter of 2024 for the US, UK and China are also in this week's episode.

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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. The latest edition is published in 2024 available from Routledge, Amazon and all good book stores. 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...

Steering Through Global Trade Storms: Shipping Woes, Angola's OPEC Exit, and Tech Tensions

Chain Reaction

12/23/23 • 26 min

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Navigate the complex currents of global trade with us as we reveal the heavy consequences of shipping challenges on your everyday life. Stormy geopolitical seas have forced container ships to chart a course around the Cape of Good Hope, avoiding the Suez Canal's threats and the drought-stricken Panama Canal, and raising the stakes with a staggering need for 1.7 million TEUs in additional shipping capacity. The ripple effects are far-reaching: from a 40% hike in freight rates to heightened tensions around international waters, we dissect the issues with precision. We'll also unpack the layered response of nations to the formation of Operation Prosperity Guardian, and the financial strain on global trade that might just make your wallet lighter.
As we steer toward diverse horizons, we trace Angola's departure from OPEC and ponder the seismic shifts it could trigger in the oil market, amplifying Russia's fiscal woes under the weight of sanctions. Shifting gears, we'll consider the tech world with Microsoft's mixed signals on Windows 10 support—deciphering what it means for users worldwide. And because 'tis the season of mirth and cheer, we'll regale you with Christmas humor that's sure to light up your holiday spirits. So, buckle up and join us for a journey through the pressing issues of our times, punctuated with a dash of festive joy and the promise of more engaging conversations in the new year.

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In conversation with Frederico Crespo CEO of Valiot

Chain Reaction

02/22/23 • 26 min

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Tony Hines talks supply chains with Frederico Crespo CEO of Valiot an AI business that supports supply chain operations to create visibility and value in the system. FactoryOS captures data from a variety of internal inputs, such as IoT cameras and sensors. Once captured the data are applied to run simulations to optimize throughput.
Frederico Crespo is CEO at Valiot. He is a graduate of MIT and he grew up working in his Grandfather's paint manufacturing plant in Mexico. He says this background set him up for his future work. He talks about his work with Heineken to improve their supply chain performance in Mexico. He examined their system processes identifying 16 areas for improvement and focused on one that was most fruitful on which to focus scarce resources for maximum effect. He discusses Little's Law and how it helped his throughput analysis to compress cycle times.
L = λ x W where:

L is the average number of items in a queuing system
λ is the number of items arriving per unit of time
W is the average waiting time each item spends in a queuing system

Listen to how digital transformation can improve supply chain efficiencies. In a wide ranging discussion Frederico talks about how understanding system dynamics is important if you want to improve performance.
Frederico also offers advice for young people to enter supply chain work. Geopolitical change, pandemics and AI developments are changing the skill-sets needed. Challenging the status quo is essential to progress. Unlearning obsolete practices is important too.
Food processing supply chains can be wasteful because of supply chain inefficiencies. Simple miscommunications can be the source of many such problems. Listen to what Frederico says about this.
Read more about Valiot here:
Valiot Named Top Smart Factory Solutions Provider for 2022 by Manufacturing Technology Insights (einpresswire.com)

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News Roundup: Tariffs, Trade, and Turbulence Ahead

Chain Reaction

05/11/24 • 29 min

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Discover the intricate dance of global economics and environmental changes in our latest episode, where President Biden's fresh tariffs on Chinese imports take center stage. Get ready to navigate the potential impacts on everything from your next tech purchase to the broader implications for international trade relations. We're peering into China's response to the tariffs, consumer price hikes, and their quest to meet growth targets, all while Tesla makes a bold move in their charging team strategy. It's a high-stakes game of chess, and we're breaking down each play.
This episode also takes a sobering turn towards the environmental shifts shaking our world, from the buzzing invasion of mosquitoes in Scotland to the solemn silence of Venezuela's melting glaciers. Amid economic strides in service sectors, we gauge the uneven spread of prosperity, pointing to the need for a closer examination of the true beneficiaries. Plus, news of Josh Simon from JAS Worldwide , lending his expertise on global risk and the complexities of credit management in a future special edition coming your way. Strap in for a thought-provoking journey through the forces shaping our planet and pockets.

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Turmoil in Global Supply Chains: Leadership Shake-Ups, EU Challenges, and Energy Strategies

Chain Reaction

12/07/24 • 26 min

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Brace yourself for a deep dive into the seismic shifts shaking global supply chains. What happens when the leader of an automotive titan suddenly exits amid internal strife and external pressures? Discover how Stellantis grapples with Carlos Tavares’ abrupt departure and the high-stakes race against EU emissions targets, all while Intel undergoes its own leadership transformation with Pat Gelsinger stepping down. Plus, there's a provocative twist as Donald Trump threatens tariffs against BRIC nations, potentially rewriting the rules of global trade.
We also have a feature revisiting Baltimore to see developments since the collapse of the Key Bridge back in March.
Moving to the energy front, smaller British firms find themselves entangled in the web of the EU's General Product Safety Regulation. These complex regulations are forcing many to pull back from trading within the EU and Northern Ireland. As the clock ticks down on the Russian gas transit agreement through Ukraine, we explore its far-reaching consequences for energy prices and EU competitiveness. Tune in to learn about strategic moves like boosting gas storage and leveraging forward contracts to safeguard Europe's energy future. This episode is your guide to understanding the global currents reshaping supply chains and energy landscapes.

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Cracking the Code of Supply Chain Metrics

Chain Reaction

06/12/24 • 29 min

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Ever wondered why your supply chain metrics sometimes don't add up? Join us on the Chain Reaction Podcast as we uncover the mysteries behind fluctuating inventory turnover, return on assets, profit, cash flow, and accounts receivable. Learn how unexpected spikes in energy and labor costs, coupled with time lags in financial transactions, can create short-term financial hiccups. We'll show you how to analyze these metrics and manage cash flows effectively to sustain long-term financial stability in your business.
In our deep dive into the financial flows of a business, we'll examine the delicate balance between accounts payable and receivable. Discover the intricacies of purchasing cycles, invoice processing, and the importance of timely payments to maintain supplier trust. Additionally, we'll break down the significance of gross margins in supply chain profitability, shedding light on how to set prices and manage costs. Tune in to grasp the critical financial measures that underpin informed business decisions and drive organizational health.

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News Round Up 5th August

Chain Reaction

08/05/23 • 22 min

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All things impacting global supply chains this week with Tony Hines

The Freemantle Highway caught fire and is being towed to safety close to the Dutch coast. It has just under 4,000 cars on board.
Wilko a 90 year old brand is likely to go into administration. It is a much loved family business with 400 stores and 12,000 employees. It operates in a very competitive market segment and has competition from B&M, Home Bargains and the Range. B&M and the Range have more out of town stores which is convenient for consumers wanting to buy bulky items.
X marks the spot - the big X had to be removed from Twitters San Francisco HQ because the neighbours complained.
Hyundai and Kia recall more than 91,000 vehicles in the US
The Food Farming and Countryside Commission in the UK has started a national conversation about food and food security.
The Rhine river levels fall causing problems for water transport damaging trade.
Bank of England raises interest rates 0.25% to 5.25%.
Heatwaves, droughts and floods in Europe impacting crops and food supplies.

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Global Economic Forecast for 2025 and Today's Pressing Global Issues

Chain Reaction

01/01/25 • 26 min

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Unlock the future of global economics as we forecast the landscape of 2025, dissecting the intricate challenges and opportunities across Europe, the United States, Asia, and Australasia. Will Germany's production continue to slide, and how will France balance growth and fiscal reform? What impact will President Trump's policies have on the U.S. economy, and can India sustain its rapid growth fueled by domestic consumption and infrastructure investments? Explore the dynamics of China's trade tensions, Japan's innovation-driven stability, and Australasia's export strength. Join us as we analyze these regions and more, offering a panoramic view of the global economic stage.
But the world isn't just about economics – we also explore the critical issues of water regulation in the UK, questioning Ofwat's effectiveness amidst corporate violations. The episode sheds light on defense spending and escalating military tensions with Israel and the Houthis. Dive into the energy sector's soaring profits amid a crisis, alongside retail struggles due to low Christmas sales. We also assess Europe's response to possible Russian-linked infrastructure attacks in the Baltic Sea and the geopolitical ripples of Donald Trump's energy demands on the EU. Engage with us for an insightful journey through today's pressing global issues.

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SC News 19th November

Chain Reaction

11/19/22 • 21 min

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SC News Round Up - All things impacting global supply chains this week with Tony Hines

EU heads for recession and Germany is the worst affected country in the 27 country block. Shrinkage in Germany is forecast at 0.6%. Ireland looks to be the best performer.
Falling out of love with the tech sector as it unfriends employees.
Is China still a pro-business country? Covid lockdowns have forced many businesses away from China.
California ports ban diesel trucks by 2035.
Ports in New York and New Jersey lead the way at the expense of the troubled West Coast Ports.
End of life textiles you think you are recycling end up in Africa.
UK produced steel needs better policies to protect capacity.
Amazon warehouses employing more intelligent robots with AI.
COP 27 agrees loss and damage fund but most of the detail is deferred. There are too many big interests at play and politics is more important than the future.
China Covid 19 cases increase in Beijing forcing lockdowns.
Peak demand - Black Friday and Cyber Monday losing impact with consumers.
Listen to the episode on Peak Season.
FX insolvency poses questions about CEO moving funds to the Bahamas
Carvanna sheds labor with used car sales falling due to interest rate increases.
Tessla recalls 321000 cars because of a rear light problem.
FIFA under pressure as they renegue on beer sales having even though they have sponsorship from Budweiser.
Rail strikes could occur in the US.

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Mastering Supply Chain Strategy: Insights for Transforming Your Business

Chain Reaction

10/15/24 • 17 min

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What if mastering supply chain strategy could transform your business from good to great? On today's episode of the Chain Reaction Podcast, we break down the complexities of supply chain strategy into easily digestible insights. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting out, you'll find valuable tips on gathering data, brainstorming potential pathways, and keeping your strategy straightforward for effective execution. Discover how to assess the macro environment and understand the political, economic, and social conditions that could impact your supply chain.
Join us as we dive deep into the PESTEL analysis framework, covering the key external factors influencing global business operations. Learn about different supply chain strategies such as lean and agile approaches, and their roles in boosting efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction. In our wrap-up, we highlight essential concepts and practices that can significantly improve your supply chain management. Don't forget to tune in to our weekly news roundup every Saturday at noon for the latest updates in the field. I'm Tony Hines, and I appreciate your time and attention.
Further Reading: Supply Chain Strategies

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FAQ

How many episodes does Chain Reaction have?

Chain Reaction currently has 283 episodes available.

What topics does Chain Reaction cover?

The podcast is about News, Marketing, Business News, Podcasts, Economics, Business and Logistics.

What is the most popular episode on Chain Reaction?

The episode title 'News 19th August' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Chain Reaction?

The average episode length on Chain Reaction is 22 minutes.

How often are episodes of Chain Reaction released?

Episodes of Chain Reaction are typically released every 4 days, 1 hour.

When was the first episode of Chain Reaction?

The first episode of Chain Reaction was released on Feb 3, 2021.

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Chain Reaction

Tony Hines

Top 10 Chain Reaction Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Chain Reaction have?

What topics does Chain Reaction cover?

What is the most popular episode on Chain Reaction?

What is the average episode length on Chain Reaction?

How often are episodes of Chain Reaction released?

When was the first episode of Chain Reaction?

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