Tag: globalization

In part two of his BCTIM Operational Excellence seminar, Dana Hullinger, Director of Supply Chain Strategy, Architectures & Analytics at Boeing Defense, Space & Security, speaks about BDS Supplier Management’s role in supply chain strategy and using financial and operational risk reduction to affect a transformation from cost center to value creator.

Hullinger also explains how creating a strategic approach to supply chain management in the defense industry is instrumental to top-line growth and bottom-line profitability.  One strategy mentioned by Hullinger was the introduction of a third supplier for the landing gear on the Boeing 777X. This increased competition for Boeing’s business, he said, encouraged innovation, investment, and excitement in the company. Such strategies, Hullinger said, allow BDS to look further down the road and orchestrate supply chain solutions instead of simply negotiating in the existing supplier climate.

For part one of Hullinger’s presentation, click here.

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The Boeing Center was pleased to host Dana Hullinger, Director of Supply Chain Strategy, Architectures & Analytics at Boeing Defense, Space & Security for the second BCTIM Operational Excellence seminar of 2016. His presentation, titled “Transforming the Supply Chain Organization: Tackling the Biggest Supply Chain Risk of Them All,” focused on the challenges of supplier management in the aerospace and defense industry. Hullinger, responsible for supply chain architecture and investment, reduces operational and financial risk by analyzing the current supplier landscape and making strategic decisions about sourcing and procurement.

As one might expect, Boeing’s supply chain is amazingly complex. With over 5,000 suppliers in 30+ countries, handling more than 120,000 purchase contracts, efficient and organized supply chain management is essential.  Naturally, such complexity introduces risk when operating in a global market.  Some of the challenges highlighted by Hullinger regarding the globalization of Boeing’s supply chain are:

• ensuring that suppliers do not use conflict minerals in their manufacturing processes
• protecting against information theft by cyber criminals
• managing obsolescence due to technological innovation

These challenges are particularly important for Boeing as it strives to reduce risk and increase visibility across its entire supply chain.  Effective risk management and communication with suppliers, Hullinger claimed, are vital to the company’s future growth. A collaborative process will enhance Boeing’s ability to manage supply chain risk and maintain its position as the preeminent company in defense and aerospace.

We thank Mr. Hullinger for sharing his expert knowledge with the supply chain and logistics community. Also, we congratulate Boeing on 100 years of innovation and excellence, and look forward to the next 100.

By Evan Dalton

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“Africa”, as a concept, may evoke thoughts of starving children, uncomfortable living conditions, or social depravity. Within my own subconscious mind, and I believe the minds of most Americans, Africa represents the continent with too few natural resources to keep pace with the modernization of the rest of the world. As an emerging market, I had no clue of the natural wonders and significant benefit it will someday offer globalization beyond an additional middle class to purchase western goods.

Guest Blogger: Micah Northcutt was a member of the CEL Practicum team working with The Women’s Bakery consulting project in Rwanda.

After leaving Kigali with a complete about-face as to the global potential of the Rwandan work-force, the team chose to spend a week touring Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa.

On previous adventures, I toured the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls, I ate my way through most of Europe, and swam in the waters of the Caribbean. However, never had I felt the mist 100 meters above Victoria Falls. Never in my life had I slept on a safari in an open field as the world’s largest land animal passed a few feet behind my tent and the king of the jungle roared in the distance. On the southernmost tip of Africa I swam with the Great Whites, drank wine that rivals the grapes of Italy, and consumed some of the best seafood of my life.

It is true that (currently) visiting Africa requires some discomfort. Air conditioning is sparse, bottled water is typically required, and the mosquitoes can get pretty annoying. However, the thought that the African market is emerging purely as a beneficiary of the western world is silly. The touristic experiences following our work in Rwanda actually enlightened me to the personal benefit I as a global citizen will receive as Rwanda and the rest of Africa enter the modern markets. By helping to improve nutrition and the economic base within Africa, I am helping to open the doors of Africa to my children and grandchildren.

Africa is not a helpless continent of dirt and poverty. It is a jungle of natural wonders waiting to be embraced by the global markets. Work is required, but the entire world will benefit.

Related blog posts:

Why I created The Women’s Bakery

A visit to rural Rwanda