Dr Gabriela Alvarez, Director at Latitude talks about her research, which focuses on sustainable value chains within Nestlé and its portfolio of very different brands. For example, Nespresso have developed a sustainability approach from the farmer, community and a quality perspective, whereas Nescafé and other, larger brands within the organisation have other considerations, such as mobility, securing raw materials, etc.

Dr Donna Samuel explains how SA Partners recognise extended enterprise, or supply chains, as one area of business with opportunities for major improvements. Customer value is one of the five principle factors within Lean and SA Partners has been engaging with Cranfield’s research around customer responsiveness in order to develop its Lean Business System, which supports organisations through their Lean transformation.

Emeritus Professor Martin Christopher examines some of the key challenges for supply chain management and why the supply chain is critical to business success.

Doug Rode, Managing Director of Procurement and Supply Chain at Michael Page talks about some of the misconceptions around the ease of recruiting over the past few years given the current economic climate. Whilst social media and the internet have facilitated easier access to the right candidates, Doug also points out that the recruitment process itself can have a big impact on keeping the right person engaged.

Odette Beattie, UK Manager for Resourcing in Marketing & Corporate Purchasing at Tesco talks about developing a consistent message for what 'good' recruitment looks like to your business. She also highlights some key points around the retention of good people.

This podcast was produced while Professor Richard Wilding was chairing a conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The all-too-frequent humanitarian disasters that occur each year need a carefully designed response. Since the Southeast Asia tsunami of 2004, the commercial and military disciplines of risk management, supply chain management and logistics have transformed how to speedily ensure resources reach the right place, in the right timescales. What are the required disciplines that need to be in place? How effectively are they applied in practice? What challenges must be confronted?

Deborah Simpson is looking at the balance of power in relation to performance and how positive empowerment can be created through collaboration and better use of partnerships.

The Cranfield Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain Management (CLSCM) based in the Cranfield School of Management, provides an international focal point for advanced teaching and research in the field of logistics, supply chain management and transportation management.

Some supply chains really are a matter of life and death. This fascinating article investigates the vital flow of our blood supply chain.