Intro to OM

Chinese Auto Exports Strain Shipping Capacity

China’s vehicle exports strain global shipping industry capacity.

Despite a 40% expansion of global car-carrier fleet and a 65% increase in charter rates, global shipping capacity falls short of China’s export supply of 10 million vehicles this year. Some Chinese automakers are shipping cars in standard containers.

Video Spotlight:

Robust Auto Export Drives Demand for Car Carriers in China (Jun 23, 2026, CCTV Video News Agency)

This post is based on the investingLive […]

By Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.|2026-09-01T17:26:21+00:00September 2, 2026|Tags: global supply chains, globalization, international shipping, scope of operations, supply chain management|

Wawa Charging a Premium for Gasoline

In some locations, Wawa gas is priced about 25 cents per gallon higher than its competitors, including South Jersey.

Such a price difference can add up quickly.

Video Spotlight:

Wawa: Food, Fuel and So Much More (Jun 25, 2026, WKRN News 2)

This post is based on the SNJ Today article, The Wawa Gas Premium: What South Jersey Drivers Are Really Paying For, by Victoria Sharp, July 22, 2026, and […]

By Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.|2026-08-16T08:43:39+00:00August 16, 2026|Tags: AI activity, commodities, customer service|

Making Fireworks in a Job Shop

The fireworks we watch today were first made during the Renaissance and are still crafted by hand.

Though orchestration and operation of the fireworks displays can be handled via modern technology, the production process remains relatively unchanged.

Video Spotlight:

How It’s Made: Fireworks (Jul 4, 2020, Science Channel)
This Machine Designs Fireworks (Oct 28, 2025, @MEKRA-RB)
How handcrafted fireworks are made in Japan (Apr 14 […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2026-08-14T07:36:59+00:00August 14, 2026|Tags: Job shops, productivity, workplace safety|

Regulations May Restrict Pricing Tactics and Technology

Various technologies now enable retailers to change product pricing in ways that have raised questions about ethics and legality.

Many states have enacted, or are in the process of enacting, legislation to address the use of technology in changing prices. In 2025, over 100 price transparency bills were introduced across 33 states. Several states enacted laws requiring firms to disclose when prices are adjusted using real-time data or algorithms.

Specific pricing tactics include dynamic, algorithmic, and surveillance pricing. Dynamic pricing involves real-time […]

By Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.|2026-05-10T09:47:30+00:00May 10, 2026|Tags: artificial intelligence, dynamic pricing, ethics, inventory management, process design, surge pricing, technology|