arl612's Profile

Given the difference between KGHM’s underground mines in Poland vs. open pit operations worldwide, why do you think the company decided to pilot in the former vs. the latter? Very interesting article about the mining industry and steps they’ve taken to improve technology in the field. Am curious to understand what the timeline would look like to implement a full-chain digitalization program. In an industry that may already be considered slow to adopt new technology, is there any risk in implementing too late?

Great post RR! The advancements in the autonomous vehicle space continue to accelerate– it will only be a matter of time until more self-driving cars hit the road! This post also made me think about other individuals impacted by the shift to self-driving vehicles. In addition to the auto repair shops and truck drivers BZ mentioned, do we know what will happen to taxi or uber drivers? How will employees at toll-roads be impacted? Although I am pro-technology and change, I am concerned our society is not taking enough steps to mitigate some of the potential economic and employment consequences that will arise from this.

Great article! This was a concept we discussed a lot at CVS. One of the major pain-points customers expressed was around wait-times. Wait-times itself is a bit of a generality– there are several factors that can contribute a long wait time (i.e. pharmacy labor, peak hours, seasonality)– however, we found that most customers were more understanding of longer wait times when their expectations were appropriately set. It seems like the Sáltala tries to reset consumers expectations and provide means for them to get real-time updates on their position in line. I’d be curious how effective this app would be for consumers who don’t use a smartphone or are not as digitally engaged. I can imagine my mom needing to take a lesson on how to use the app — I just spent 20 minutes teaching her Uber!

Thanks for sharing Kelly– It was interesting to learn how the MagicBand works within the theme parks and the impact big data has on driving increased value for the Disney guests. I am curious to understand how Disney can leverage this data in the broader media distribution channel. Outside of creating a unique Disney ID, could there be value in expanding the functionality of the MagicBand? I wonder if there would ever be consideration to integrate the band or myMagic app to drive DTC purchases for TV shows or enhanced game-day experiences on ESPN

Is it bad that I’m not surprised or necessarily concerned about how the EZ Pass location data is being used? Big picture, of the myriad of ways personal data can be captured, it seems that EZ pass is fairly limited in terms of the value it could provide to information-seeking hackers. That said, I totally agree that the lack of transparency and reporting of this from EZ Pass to its users are a bit disconcerting. Even cell-phone apps disclose that a substantial amount of personal data is (or may be) stored and used by others. It also makes me wonder if states like Illinois who have their own EZ Pass device — the IPASSS– disclose how the data they retrieve is being used.

Great post AS — After reading your post, I was shocked to learn the statistic that “one child died every minute due to a water-related disease.” I think our society takes for granted how easy we access to basic amenities, like clean water, and wish there was more focus on improving living conditions for those in developing countries. One additional recommendation I thought could be impactful would be for WaterAid or similar NGOs to developed meaningful owned media content, hopefully creating earned media, that could help drive the advocacy and fundraising efforts to the masses. Additionally, are there additional partnerships the NGOs could leverage to raise awareness for their causes– for example, Smile.Amazon?

Could you imagine if there was a rose shortage?! Seriously great post– I think you do a great job highlighting how Starbucks is making strides to create more sustainable coffee production, but also address the fact that Starbucks continues to increase its footprint in GHG emissions. I can’t help but wonder if Starbucks is helping the coffee supply chain purely on self-serving interests or because they really care about the environment. Given their lack of commitment to address GHG emissions, it makes me cautious to trust their motives.

Thanks for sharing Gabby! You brought up a great point that CS’s scale allows them to have sufficient capital to invest in sustainable growing initiatives while it may be more difficult for smaller, independent wineries. Outside of CS acquiring these smaller operations, I keep wondering if there are other ways for these independent shops to get the resourcing they need to develop their own sustainable practices, especially if the savings reap long-term benefits (both financially and environmentally).

Great read! I am honestly surprised by how proactive Mars has been to be a key leader in combating the cocoa crisis…likely because the cynic in me wonders if change could have happened earlier. When Mars enacted its “Sustainable Cocoa Initiative”, do you think they had prior knowledge about the potential risks to cocoa production? How long do you think they waited to develop a strategy and publicize the strategy?

Another question I had was on the use of alternative ingredients. Without having much knowledge, what are the risks (if any) associated with procuring carob? Are there other substitutes that could be tested as well?

Claire, thanks for sharing this with us! As someone keenly aware of the environmental costs and impacts caused by the apparel industry, I find it interesting how Everlane takes lots of strides to be “radically” transparent most parts of the supply chain but does not share the “input” or environmental costs associated with making their clothes. In line with Michaels comment, I wonder how Everlane could share that message to their consumers and engage consumers in the conversation around responsible sourcing.