Pandora Closes the Box on Mined Diamonds

Pandora Closes the Box on Mined Diamonds

July 7, 2021
Lisa M. Spencer

The popular jewelry company, Pandora, will no longer source real diamonds and will exclusively use lab grown diamonds instead.

A combination of low cost and sustainability strategies are driving this change to make beautiful jewelry that is more affordable, accessible, and sustainable.  Pandora’s decision follows a larger market trend that has seen the production of lab-grown diamonds increase to approximately six or seven million carats in 2020, while mined diamonds saw demand drop.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the CNN article, Pandora says laboratory-made diamonds are forever, by Jonathan Josephs, May 4, 2021; CBS News article, Pandora, world’s largest jewelry marker, will no longer use mined diamonds, by Sophie Lewis, May 7, 2021; and the YouTube video in the Spotlight. Image source: Tetra Images/Alamy

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the move to lab-grown diamonds fit with Pandora’s operations strategies?

Guidance: CEO Alexander Lacik says that low cost is a prime driver of the move to using more lab-grown diamonds.  While Pandora’s jewelry is recognized for good quality and attractive design, its design and price point are Continue reading →

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Samsung Plans to Manufacture Semiconductors in the US

Samsung Plans to Manufacture Semiconductors in the US

March 1, 2021
Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.

Samsung is investing $13 billion in a chip-making factory in the US, which would employ 1,900 people by October 2022.

Three location alternatives are being considered: Texas, Arizona, and New York.

Samsung will be competing with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. for the top leadership position in the $400 billion chip-making industry in the US.

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This post is based on The Hill article, Samsung considering investing billions in US chip plant, by Lexi Lonas, January 23, 2021; the KVUE article and video, Samsung reportedly considering $10B chip-making plant in Austin, by KVUE News Staff, Jan 22, 2021; and the YouTube video in the Spotlight. Image source: MS Mikel/Shutterstock

Discussion Questions:

1.  How does Samsung compete operationally in the chip-making industry of the US?

Guidance: To achieve the goal of becoming the top chipmaker in the US by 2030, Samsung needs a local presence to catch up with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.. Having a chip-making factory based in the US is the first step towards that goal.

2.  What are the location factors being considered by Samsung in building Continue reading →

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The Case of the Disappearing Daigou

The Case of the Disappearing Daigou

January 10, 2021
Lisa M. Spencer

Disappearing daigou are causing sales in Australia to plummet in key industries like infant formula, personal care and beauty, and nutritional supplements.

Daigou in Australia are personal shoppers who ship products to China. In this multi-billion dollar industry, millions in revenue have been lost by dairy and supplement brands because of changes precipitated by the pandemic.  Australian baby formula companies like Bubs, Nuchev, and A2 join others in daigou-driven markets to find new distribution strategies to get their products into the hands of Chinese consumers.

Pandemic-related issues are causing major shifts in this dynamic market and how it operates.

Video Spotlight: 

This post is based on the ABC News Australia article, Chinese personal shoppers and Australian brands devastated by impact of coronavirus, by Bang Xiao, October 17, 2020; the Sydney Morning Herald article, A2 Milk to boost direct China sales as daigou market sours, by Dominic Powell, December 18, 2020; the AFR article, Disappearing daigou pull rug from Bubs and Nuchev (requires subscription), by Simon Evans, November 3, 2020; and the YouTube video in the Spotlight. Image source: Continue reading →

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