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Trends expected to accelerate in the biopharma industry
Jane Marsh Waste Management & EnvironmentalAs eco-consumerism rises, individuals call for higher sustainability standards in the medical industry. Research and development are booming, and in the process, are generating surface-level and atmospheric waste. Fortunately, environmental researchers are developing sustainable procedures for biopharma companies to follow. Various trends are rising in the industry, decreasing the ecological degradation associated with production and distribution.
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Can predictive analytics future-proof supply chains?
Bambi Majumdar ManufacturingSupply chain is a foundational pillar for most industries, and while we may have taken it for granted in the past, the pandemic has shown us how vulnerable it is to disruption. Lockdowns, border restrictions and product shortfalls were harsh reminders for a world that was used to immediately meeting consumer demand anywhere. But once the shock passed, supply chains became a lifeline to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The question is, how do businesses avoid similar repercussions during the next shockwave?
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Is woodworking becoming more accessible for women?
Sheilamary Koch and Ayla Reguero Koch EducationWoodworking, like many other trades, has stereotypically been practiced by men while women have historically been discouraged from the field by society. Statistics on the construction trades show that in 2020 only 3.2% of carpenters in the United States were women. What happens in schools is part of the problem. Industrial arts teacher Tim Zavacki says students have shared stories of guidance counselors pushing female students towards art classes versus shop, trade or engineering classes.
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8 questions every aspiring business owner must ask
Patrick Burke Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementDo you have what it takes to own a business? Your first answer might be that it depends on the market, but that's only part of the story. So is thinking it depends on your product. The bottom line is it depends on you. If you don’t focus on your own drive, abilities, and tolerance for stress and uncertainty, you’re missing a key part of the equation. And if you start a business without really finding out if you should, you’re making a grave mistake. Say you've got a great idea. You've got a niche service. You've done the research and there’s space for you to grow a company. Before you start looking for a storefront, look in the mirror — by asking these eight simple but vital questions of yourself.
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4 steps to empower yourself to accomplish your goals
Rob and Steve Shallenberger Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementPeople who have a sense of direction and purpose feel empowered. Yet only 10% of people have written professional and personal goals. Imagine how great it would feel to take all your good intentions and make them a reality. In other words, to get laser-focused on the things that matter most — and have the motivation to actually do them! To set your own roles and goals, follow these four steps.
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Balancing compassion and performance in a pandemic world
Courtney Lynch Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementWhen I served in the Marines, we had a saying: Mission first, people always. Everything about leading Marines came down to achieving results in times of challenge, chaos, and uncertainty while taking care of your people. Now, as an executive coach, as I’ve helped my clients navigate pandemic times, often I’ve been guiding them in demonstrating service-based leadership. Leading with service is about acting selflessly on behalf of others to ensure their success. It’s about the simple actions you take to support others so they can thrive. The great news for leaders is that service can be demonstrated in the simplest ways.
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Pandemic-created challenges become corporate responsibility opportunities
Peggy Smedley Distribution & WarehousingUncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has plagued businesses around the globe — particularly those in the supply chain community — accentuating weaknesses never seen before. However, if considered from a different perspective, it has given rise to opportunities for these same companies to shine like beacons in the night. When the pandemic first hit, supply chains were disrupted — so much so that an everyday consumer quickly understood what the supply chain was and how it might impact being able to access goods in a timely manner.
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With succession planning, avoid the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ syndrome
Donald F. White Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementDo you remember Alice, the little girl who fell down a rabbit hole and ended up in Wonderland? As Alice wandered about Wonderland, she came upon a Cheshire Cat with a distinctive, mischievous grin. Too many people are on their way to somewhere, with little to no idea what or where somewhere is. They assure themselves that someday they’ll know what and where somewhere is because, well, aren’t they on their way there? Sadly, when it comes to business continuity and succession planning, most business owners are like Alice — on their way to somewhere, yet with little to no idea what or where somewhere is.
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5 ways to increase productivity in manufacturing
Stephanie Armstrong ManufacturingProductivity in the manufacturing process is critical as low work levels equate to money lost. If your company's production output isn't aligning with the business hours, examine how to improve efficiency. Not only does quickening and organizing the workflow save time, but it also allows you to produce more goods to increase profits. It's important not to cut corners as this will likely diminish the quality and lead to complaints or even recalls. Examining the current practices will help you discover what's slowing down the process. If you aren't sure what changes will enhance productivity, here are five factors to consider.
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Supply chain disruptions are causing havoc in the auto industry
Bambi Majumdar ManufacturingThe global semiconductor chip shortage has sent the auto world into a frenzy. The pandemic and stay-at-home lifestyles have created soaring demand for electronic devices, which has increased the demand for semiconductor chips. Semiconductors form the core of an increasing number of electronic devices, large and small. They help power large machines like space shuttles and automobiles as well as everyday devices like cameras, smartphones, vacuum cleaners, and refrigerators. Automobiles have relied heavily on semiconductors since the 1970s.
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