Hortense's Profile

Thanks for sharing!
The dilemma Bombardier is facing is complex indeed. If they are very serious about wanting to break into the U.S. aerospace market as a long term strategy, I wonder if it would make sense for them to invest in their own US-based manufacturing capabilities. This would of course not solve their current issues, but as long as their expected long-term share in the US market is sizeable enough to warrant their own standalone manufacturing facilities it would hedge them against future changes in US protectionist policies.

I really like your point that Walmart should not only encourage more-than-incremental advancements for its suppliers, but also invest, and participate in the R&D. Although some emissions-reduction strategy will be in line with Walmart’s core proposition of offering the lowest possible prices, they might not all. I hope that Walmart will realise that its corporate responsibilities extend further than its customer’s wallets, and that it is able to take a long term view of benefits when deciding on R&D investments.

Thanks for sharing!
Given that the automobile industry’s parts-makers are so fragmented, it is difficult to generalise what their reactions to any demand by JLR will be. But for those with whom JLR holds a large share of wallet, and who cannot realistically relocate their production to the UK, JLR could have significant negotiating power and share with them some of the tariffs cost increase.
On another note, further depreciation of the GBP as the Brexit negotiations unfold could actually provide positive tailwinds for UK exports to the rest of the world!

Thanks for sharing!
I’m worried that TAG might lose its authenticity as a “Swiss” matchmaker by moving too much towards smartwatches, thereby alienating its core customers, who could likely afford a different $400 smartwatch in addition to their original TAG.
I think that moving significant digital manufacturing capabilities to Switzerland will be expensive and risky for TAG, but as you highlight, if they don’t, they risk losing their “Swiss made” label and, more importantly, reputation. So despite their early success, it could quickly turn to a lose-lose situation for them. I’m curious to see how it turns out!

Super interesting post!
To me this solution sounds like a no brainer, I’m surprised it hasn’t been implemented earlier. I’m therefore curious to understand the arguments of the political opposition. Is it an issue of large upfront costs, versus benefits that are difficult to measure and quantify ? Are the schools unwilling to relinquish some of their decision-making to a “virtual black box”? Is it realistic to assume that parents and pupils’ preferences are static, and will the proposed solution provide adequate flexibility?
Addressing the opposition’s concerns will hopefully allow for a faster adoption, and development of a superior solution!

Another positive trend – that will hopefully contribute to increased sustainability for smallholder farmers – is growing collaboration and partnerships between sustainable cosmetic companies.
The Body Shop was sold by L’Oreal in September 2017 to Natura, a large Brazilian cosmetics manufacturer and marketer with a core strategy of being an eco-friendly and sustainable company.
Being part of a much larger group, representing c. $4 billion of revenue, will hopefully provide The Body Shop with increased supplier diversification, and provide additional resources for the company to have a larger voice and impact globally.