Ellery

The First Step is Always the Hardest

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” In building a supply chain, that single first step can be a doozy. When we construct a home or facility, the first thing we think we of doing is plan. Seek a site. Draft a layout. Determine our budget. Schedule the construction. But thatContinue reading “The First Step is Always the Hardest”

The Changing & Un-Changing Supply Chain

Since Keith Oliver and a Mr. Van ’t Hoff coined the phrase in the 1980s, supply chain management has evolved from an obscure middle-management responsibility to a high-echelon business priority. Supply chains had become hot topics in executive suites and business school lecture halls. At the same time, operations managers face endless enigmatic problems asContinue reading “The Changing & Un-Changing Supply Chain”

What’s the Big Deal About 300?

People celebrate milestones; I’m no exception. Birthdays, anniversaries, victories. We celebrate sentimental times and achievements. Sometimes, we play down some these things because whatever we’re celebrating doesn’t stand up to what others had done or had been awarded with. We compare notes; we look small; we decide not to make a big deal. I onceContinue reading “What’s the Big Deal About 300?”

Why the Yellow Line?

The yellow median on the street means traffic is two-way. When it’s white, traffic is one-way. It’s one of many standards written in land transportation manuals and taught in driving schools. In Philippine roads, however, white or yellow lines divide two-way highways. Motorists just know the lines divide the roads; it’s up to you toContinue reading “Why the Yellow Line?”

Beware the Fine Print

My sisters and I ate lunch at our favourite Japanese restaurant. When we got the bill, I presented my credit card and mentioned to the server we like to avail of the 50% discount the card-issuing-bank and the restaurant were advertising. “Sorry, sir, but you do not qualify for the discount,” the server replied. “OnlyContinue reading “Beware the Fine Print”

A Reason to be Grateful

A 77-year-old family friend was angry with God. He was born with only one (1) kidney, has congenital heart disease, and was hospitalised due to trouble breathing. He was angry at God for the sufferings his illnesses caused. We told our friend: “Should you not be grateful that you have lived 77 years despite yourContinue reading “A Reason to be Grateful”

No Such Thing as an Undignified Job

A well-dressed middle-aged Filipino man sat at the compartment of the train heading for Paris. A passenger, an American woman, sitting across, asked what he did for a living. Man: “I clean people’s houses.” Woman: “You’re a maid?” Man: “Yes.” Woman: “Why are you on this train?” Man: “I’m on vacation. I’m meeting my wifeContinue reading “No Such Thing as an Undignified Job”

Demand Fulfilment Means Keeping One’s Promises

The airport lounge no longer granted access via my platinum credit card. The credit card’s fine print did warn that perks may be withdrawn without notice. The bank dangled the lounge perk on top of other benefits. I took it and the bank succeeded in selling me the card. But I’m unhappy because I noContinue reading “Demand Fulfilment Means Keeping One’s Promises”

Knowing Your Inventory ABC’s

A business owner asked me: how can I manage my company’s inventories more efficiently? The business owner imported soap, luggage, and cell phones, in short: assorted merchandise. He shipped in and kept hundreds of items in inventory, in which he had trouble keeping track. Sometimes he had too many items in storage or had tooContinue reading “Knowing Your Inventory ABC’s”