It’s your OM in the News roundup! Follow the links to recent posts from our faculty contributors, including thoughtful questions for class discussion. This week’s posts highlight the fragility of supply chains, and the need for skilled sourcing specialists.

Procurement Specialists: Master Puzzlers
The procurement function requires skills beyond price negotiation and issuing purchase orders. Sourcing these days is like building a complex jigsaw, and it requires a master puzzler who can see how the pieces fit together in the bigger picture.  Read more…

Shortages at Tim Hortons in Canada
The case of Tim Hortons in Canada proves that even centralized purchasing doesn’t prevent supply shortages. Franchisees have been told to buy elsewhere on over 40 items, including from Walmart.  Read more…

End of the Great KFC Chicken Shortage of 2018?
It’s two months later, and the chicken hasn’t crossed the road. Logistics issues at KFC in the UK have left 500 of the chain’s restaurants with limited menus, and those shortages look to continue until mid-May.  Read more…

Image source: Shutterstock / garagestock.