FT Special Report on Supply Chain Management

NEW YORK, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The Financial Times, on Tuesday 18th December 2007, will publish its special report on "Supply Chain Management," which will be distributed globally as the latest in a series of supplements to the newspaper on the operational mechanics of modern business.

Complex, global supply chains have become the norm with strategies now involving several providers around the world. Businesses today depend on their ability to manage all supply chain activities in real time from a central location; allowing them to analyze the potential impact of unplanned events and to head off any problems they may cause. In addition to this, customers are now demanding even more information on how their purchases reach the retailer's shelf. To manage this complex web of relationships, businesses rely heavily on Information Technology, while also understanding that building a trusting relationship with their supplier network requires a human input too.

FT President of The Americas Stephen Howe said: "Supply chain management is a game being played to new rules. One recent survey shows that more than a quarter of companies with annual revenues exceeding $1bn review their supply network at least every six months. Times are changing fast and businesses need to stay one step ahead to satisfy their consumers."

    The report will include the following features:

     -- A look at China as the great expanding market and how businesses can
        ensure quality and timely arrival while doing business with China

     -- An examination of the changing type of professional needed to run
        global supply chains and a look at the skill set of the top business
        leaders

     -- The role of consumers in pressuring businesses to include
        sustainability and environmental awareness in their supply chain
        planning

     -- A piece reviewing emerging technologies and practices including the
        use of radio frequency identification and date sharing

     -- An evaluation of vendor-managed inventory, an old concept that is now
        gaining new attention

     -- A review of the software market

     -- An analyst from AMR Research addresses the question, what turns a
        company into a stellar supply chain performer?

     -- A focus piece on the different sectors of supply chain management,
        including retailing, food and electronics

     -- A prominent observer of the supply chain scene offers insightful
        commentary on some of the key issues facing business leaders today

For information on advertising, please contact Hope Kaye at 212-641-6548 or via email at hope.kaye@ft.com.

    For further information please contact:

    Emma Gilpin-Jacobs
    Director of Communications
    Financial Times
    T: +44 (0) 20 7873 4447
    M: +44 (0) 7802 955 243
    E: emma.gilpin-jacobs@ft.com

    Darcy Keller
    Communications Manager
    Financial Times - The Americas
    T: +1 212-641-6614
    M: +1 347-406-0047
    E: darcy.keller@ft.com

    Notes to Editors:
    About the Financial Times

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