Sho Shafiei's Profile

I share the same concern and if the big players don’t stop the change, it will certainly force many of the small players out of the business and the implications of that will be grand at a cumulative level. I read many articles on the topic of NAFTA and each highlighted a different risk and collectively, it is clear this is a critical enough topic to be discussed at a greater level by those who either have the power or ability to influence law makers. Appreciate the feedback.

Clearly they have shown innovation and similar to any other creation, competition will catch up, so I agree with the points made in that regard; however, it might also be highlighting the fact that Gotham has the opportunity to expand beyond New York and is leaving that opportunity on the table for others to grab. I’m left with this question: Does Gotham realize there is limited roof space available and they need to expand their footprint before they can expand their customer base? Is there a reason they didn’t consider places like DC and PA until the competitors did? Being a tier one supplier in this chain, they should focus both on the customer(s) at various levels as well as their asset supplier(s). Also, have they considered channels beyond just the direct channel to customers (Grocery stores & restaurants)? Are there opportunities to engage with wholesalers? They are ahead of the game at this point and with proper supply chain structure, they have the ability to shift that segment and not just have a profitable firm. Really innovative and a great place to start fighting the inevitable.

Very interesting article and the facts are overwhelming. This is certainly a topic that needs to be discussed further (beyond the word limit allowed on this assignment) and you have done a great job summarizing it. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on the greater impact it will have on the company as the market for commodity futures is also greatly impacted by the climate change. Does the price fluctuation for various grains and commodities impact where companies will invest in farming and producing? If so, how would that impact the future decisions such companies are making? If possible, I would greatly appreciate further discussion on the multi-layer impact of climate change.

Very unique and interesting article, yet the you have highlighted a very key social issue that is a hot topic globally. Is automation good for the world, the industry, the communities, job creation and so many other aspects? You have addressed part of the community impact and specially on the loss of job and change in the type of jobs needed. Similar to mining, many in the auto industry struggle with a similar concept. Is automation bad for the company? On the one hand it provides real time data and all the benefits that go along with it, it makes the job safer most of the times, improves quality and brings a level of consistency that cannot be expected of humans. On the other hand, it does shift the workforce platform. In some cases it simply reduces the number of roles needed and in some, it changes from one role to another. One practice some of the companies are considering is using the same workforce and investing in them by training them in the higher skills needed, paying for higher education and combining hands on experience with the new technology. Very interesting topic and if able to, would love to discuss further.

The article was very intriguing as it points out the weaknesses and risks associated with technology and supply chain. As more and more companies move towards higher tech platforms and supply chain systems integrations, it is critical that they consider the security aspect. It would be interesting to see what segment of the industry plans sufficiently for up front Capex to be spent on systems and securities vs. bet on middle of the road quality and plan for reactive solutions down the road if needed. As a consumer who has been victim to not only target, but others similar to it (i.e. Blue Cross Blue Shields, Home Depot, etc.), I appreciated the article very much and depending on where I end up post HBS, I will have this in mind if I can influence the firm/company to improve their systems and protect both self and consumers.

Great article and nice touch on the resilience. The auto market in Mexico has grown in the past 2-3 decades at an exponential rate and the US industry’s dependence on that market cannot be taken lightly. If NAFTA was to demolish, there will be more of a negative impact (dollar wise) on the US economy and OEM’s than Mexico by the simple fact that US OEM’s are the consumers and Mexico companies are the suppliers, so the lower cost material is being produced in Mexico (e.g. If cost of component sold by Nemak is $x, the OEM’s product using that component would be a multiple of x and therefore, a much larger portion of economy will be impacted).
I believe despite the administration’s efforts to remove NAFTA, there are more knowledgable economists and advisors in charge (even within the Trump administration) that have a better picture of this impact. The most intriguing part of the article was the quick reaction Nemak has had and their approach to diversify their customer base.

Incredible article and unique in a way that it is focusing on a product which is a necessity vs. a luxury item. You have highlighted the impact on both UK and Ireland as well as Norther Island, and I agree with both of the questions you pose at the end. It would be intriguing to follow this up in a year or so after post Brexit agreements have been put in place and its impact. Recently, there has been some articles in the news about the shortage of Butter in France and hence the huge burden on the backing good industry. I would be interested to find out if this shortage is in any way related to Kerry Group. Also, what is the short & long term impact on the tax systems as well as social programs in Ireland, if the Federal Government has to make massive capital investments to upgrade the ports.