Globalization, Technology & Logistics

Alexandre Linhares

Course Objectives:  

 
(i)    to have a better understanding of the transformations of our time, and how they relate to our companies and societies
(ii)    to review models of logistics excelence and evaluate new technological standards's ability to create wealth
(iii)    to understand, and prepare for, the sweeping changes provoked by technological standards and global competition
 

Classes

1. "We'll fix that" ppt file

Introduction.  The 5 themes  of the course.  

2. Michael Dell & Henry Ford. ppt file

Producing goods.

3. "Productivity is not profitability"

A critical look at the theory of constraints

4. "So what if it's a bubble?"

Some of Friedman's world flatteners.

5. "Your crazy paper does not deserve a B"

Synchronizing a planet

6. "Black cat, White cat; as long as it can catch mice"

Mighty Wal-Mart, Monumental China, Electrifying India

7. "Next industrial revolutions?"

Nanotechnology & AI

8. Asymmetric globe: the historical lesson from logistics

Why did some people get on boats and go bother other people?

9. Test

10. Group seminars #1

11. Group seminars #2

12. Group seminars #3

13. Group seminars #4

Literature

Friedman, T, (2005) The world is flat; new york.

Kennedy, P, (1993) Preparing for the XXI Century

Meadows et al, (2003) Limits to growth

Diamond, J, (1997) Guns, Germs, & Steel 

Selected articles from The Economist

Scientific articles by Linhares and others, downloadable here (a rather large file).