"Link in the Global Chain"

Economist, June 2, 2001

Synopsis: The opening case in Chapter 16 describes how Li & Fung, an expert in supply-chain management, coordinates and controls globally dispersed product activities. This article explains the current status and future of Li & Fung. Finding the best suppliers at the global level is still a challenge even in the Internet era; a downturn in America and Europe forces western retailers to outsource more of their supply chains to save costs. As a result, Li & Fung that specializes in optimizing supply chains for other companies seems to have a bright future.

Full-text Article: http://www.economist.com/printedition/displayStory.cfm?Story_ID=639713&CFID=2344367&CFTOKEN=53809090

Case connection: "Li & Fung" in Chapter 16 (pp.502-503).