Next Generation Six Sigma: Capturing More Value with Less Effort (11/19/08)
The Crash of 2008 is compelling companies to look for fast and effective improvements in all areas of their business. We are seeing renewed interest in Six Sigma, a tested and proven methodology that can significantly improve top- and bottom-line performance … but only if it’s implemented in the right way. Patrick Van den Bossche talks with Susan Montgomery about how Six Sigma programs can go off the tracks and how A. T. Kearney’s Next Generation Six Sigma approach can re-invigorate and re-focus your Six Sigma efforts for maximum results.

Contract Manufacturing (11/05/08)
Almost every manufacturing company utilizes external contract manufacturing services for some part of their production process. In this podcast, we discuss the approach that A. T. Kearney has developed to help companies baseline their contract manufacturing activities, assess near and longer-term risks, and develop a robust contract strategy. We hear about recent engagement experiences working with a client with nearly 400 contract manufacturer relationships to identify and manage risks, insight into leading practice, and tools that Kearney uses to help clients maximize their value from contract manufacturing relationships.

Rolling Stock Components Sourcing in China (10/08/08)
In this Wave of the Future podcast, we discuss the Chinese market for railroad rolling stock. This is a rapidly growing market; the Chinese government is investing heavily in expanding both the national railway network and urban mass transit systems. A. T. Kearney recently conducted a market study and supplier search for rolling stock components, including machined parts for bogies. We learn more about this project and some of its surprising conclusions.

Socially Conscious Sourcing (08/20/08)
"In every deliberation we must consider the impact on the seventh generation... even if it requires having skin as thick as the bark of a pine." ~ Great Law of the Iroquois.
Garry Embleton, VP of Strategic Sourcing at Seventh Generation, talks to Helen Clegg about socially conscious sourcing. What are the benefits to companies for sourcing in a more socially conscious way, especially in the current business environment?

Personal Sustainability (07/23/08)
In this The Wave of the Future podcast, we hear about one family’s experience with solar energy, biodiesel and other technologies for living a sustainable lifestyle. Find out how they have offset at least 30,000 pounds of CO₂ in the air since 2005. We can all be the change that we want to see in the world.

Plastic Packaging (07/09/08)
The US supply market for rigid plastic food packaging (containers and closures) is a $20 billion industry and is expected to grow at about 6% per annum for the next three years. Although some might think that convenience still trumps sustainability, that's not the whole story. Listen to find out what's happening in this industry and how buyers can keep costs under control.

Practical Strategy and Tactics for Compressed Sourcing (05/21/08)
Two months to assess and source a pool of ten categories or four days to prepare and run an internet negotiation – that’s compressed sourcing. This podcast has plenty of practical tactics and pragmatic strategies that will help to make these “impossible” projects possible. Listen for good ideas that will help your sourcing projects to run more smoothly.

Metal Packaging in the U.S. Food & Beverage Industry (05/07/08)
The US market for metal cans is highly consolidated and competitive, with only three or four suppliers commanding most of the market share. With metal prices skyrocketing, what can buyers do to keep costs under control?

Rethinking U.S. - China Logistics (04/23/08)
Major issues are affecting Trans-Pacific trade, both in the US and in China. Supply chains in China are getting longer as manufacturing companies relocate away from the coastal regions, the rising cost of diesel fuel is biting into road transportation costs, and on top of that there’s the possibility of a West Coast port strike in the US this summer. We highlight tactics that companies can successfully use to save costs even in the current environment.

Accelerating Sourcing (03/26/08)
With pressures mounting on supply management organizations to have a greater impact on the bottom line, the need to achieve better results faster continues to build. In our this Wave of the Future  podcast, we discuss steps that procurement professionals can take to reduce sourcing cycle times even more.

Centers of Excellence(03/12/08)
Setting up a Sourcing Center of Excellence can yield real benefits for a sourcing organization, for relatively little investment.  This podcast will inform you about what a Center of Excellence does, what benefits can be gained, and the practicalities of setting one up.

Where Next for Low Cost Country Sourcing?(02/27/08)
Will Asia remain the sourcing powerhouse of the world? We consider whether other geographic regions might eclipse Asia, such as Eastern Europe, Latin America and perhaps even Africa.

Commidity Risk Management(11/21/07)
What strategies can companies use to protect themselves against recurring spikes in commodity prices and supply volatility? Can a company turn its exposure to risk into competitive advantage? We present an overview of the A.T. Kearney approach to commodity risk management and outline the benefits gained from proactively managing supply risk.