Beating the rain with a sophisticated information system

Unexpected events are a constant challenge to managers. While good leaders can mitigate the effects of any sudden changes on business operations, the ability to do so is often maimed by complexity, particularly in the case of globalized supply chains. But with the development of information systems for business, the challenge has become more conquerable for managers around the globe.

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Today’s globalized supply chains operate amidst various factors that can affect them both positively and negatively. Many of these factors are foreseeable, but some occur without warning. Sudden events, such as earthquakes and other calamities, political upheavals, and epidemics, among others, often have adverse effects on the supply chain.

Primarily, these factors can disrupt logistics and interrupt the smooth flow of products and services from manufacturers to customers. Distance—a common hindrance in any globalized operations—can reduce the manager’s capacity to mitigate the damage done. Products lost to unexpected events translate to wasted resources and unattainable profits.

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Companies nowadays utilize information systems to reduce the losses incurred due to unexpected occurrences. Using them, managers have better access to information on the state of business operations, this regardless of distance. They are also able to make more accurate predictions based on logic and probability.

Moreover, managers can devise solutions using information systems. In the case of disrupted logistics, they can find alternative routes and methods to transport goods within the deadline without exerting too much effort. This can also serve to even out inconsistencies and inefficiencies across the entire supply chain.

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Information systems have multiple uses in today’s organizations. Indeed, they have become indispensable components of any company’s preparation for sudden changes, and one of the best investments in avoiding loss.

During his stint as CIO of Levi Strauss, David Bergen used his expertise in information systems to effect changes that enhanced the company’s supply chain. Learn more by visiting this Facebook page.

Gained a few pounds? Here's how to return (almost) anything

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While many of your friends have known you well enough to give appropriate presents, some become overexcited at bulk sales or simply expect you will love their radical gift idea. Whatever the reason, most holiday celebrators can expect to receive a gift or two they simply wouldn’t keep. Returning the present to the giver is considered rude, while returning it to the store for cash is impossible. Assuming the giver did not include a gift receipt, here are two other ways you can get something you like out of the present you don’t:


Swap it for an item of the same price


You may not have liked the piece you were given, but chances are you’ll find something that suits you in the store’s other collections. Have the cashier determine the cost of your present and find an item you like that costs the same or a little bit more. If there’s an item you’ve been eyeing, now is the time to give it to yourself on behalf of a friend.

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Ask for store credit


If you receive a gift from a store you would simply never shop at, have the value of your item exchanged for store credit. Most major retail outlets allow this and replace the item with a plastic store card. So many shoppers have been in this predicament that third-party gift card websites actually exist to swap or sell store credit. You might want to save the card for a time you’ll need to buy something new– like when you lose all your holiday weight from jogging all summer.


Gift giving can be a tricky process, but it doesn’t have to bog you down. If you’re thinking about returning or replacing an unwanted gift, ConsumerWorld.org has published a list of major store policies to help you get started.

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While working at Levi Strauss, David Bergen made sure customers could shop and return their purchases with ease. Read more about his innovative ideas on this blog.