Tennessee on Supply Chain Management

For the May 2025 episode, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby spoke with Stephanie Pierce, director of warehouse foods planning for PepsiCo, about wide range of relevant business topics, including the changing work modalities that have impacted talent retention and recruitment, leading hybrid teams, and adapting planning for shifting customer habits in snacking. Pierce, a 2011 alumna of UT's supply chain management program, has spent more than a decade with PepsiCo, where she's climbed the ladder from project analyst to her current role director-level role in planning. She represents the company on the GSCI Advisory Board, which consists of senior leaders from many of the globe's leading public and private companies who gather to help UT chart the course for providing relevant, high-quality SCM education, research, and talent development opportunities. Listen in for insights on how young and high-potential talent can gain visibility into new areas of their company, recruiting top talent in a competitive market, moving to align product offerings quickly to keep customers happy, and perspectives on leadership for hybrid teams spread across numerous sites.  Plus, Ted and Tom dig into the latest news about tariffs, regionalizing supply chains, and more. You don't want to miss it! The episode was recorded virtually on May 12, 2025. Related links:  Markets rise as US and China agree to slash tariffs India expects multi-phase trade deal with US as talks proceed Read Ted Stank's book, Global Supply Chains, which provides a framework for measuring the supply chain potential of geographic regions US exporters rethink supply chains amid trade war Save the date for the fall Supply Chain Forum, November 4–6 in Knoxville Downloaded our latest (free) white paper, “Future-Ready Procurement” Join the Advanced Supply Chain Collaborative to explore advanced concepts in SCM with top industry experts and scholars Learn about our SCM Academy programs, including virtual courses on Leadership (Aug. 18–Nov. 23), Finance (Sept. 15-Nov. 16), and Procurement (Sept. 15–Nov. 16). Become a Supply Chain Forum partner Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter Read the Text the Tennessee on Supply Chain Management team!

For the April 2025 episode, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby were live at the Spring 2025 Supply Chain Forum with Colin Yankee chief supply chain officer for Tractor Supply Company, to discuss the supply chain strategies and operational efficiencies that help companies thrive in uncertain times. Their in-depth conversation explored Tractor Supply's transportation and distribution center operations, how to leverage extensive store networks for final-mile delivery strategies, and featured insights into leading large teams of supply chain professionals to deliver customer value from top to bottom.  Prior to joining Tractor Supply in 2015, Yankee served in senior roles in supply chain operations for Neiman Marcus and Target. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and served as an Army officer before beginning his corporate career. The episode was recorded live at the Marriott Knoxville Downtown on April 9, 2025. Watch a video of the episode. Related links:  Save the date for the fall Supply Chain Forum, November 4–6 in Knoxville Downloaded our latest (free) white paper, “Future-Ready Procurement” Join the Advanced Supply Chain Collaborative to explore advanced concepts in SCM with top industry experts and scholars Learn about our SCM Academy programs, including virtual courses on Leadership (Aug. 18–Nov. 23), Finance (Sept. 15-Nov. 16), and Procurement (Sept. 15–Nov. 16). Become a Supply Chain Forum partner Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter Read the latest news and insights from GSCI Text the Tennessee on Supply Chain Management team!

For the March 2025 episode, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby are joined by guest host Thomas Deakins, managing director of the Global Supply Chain Institute, and Jason Murray, CEO and co-founder at Shipium to explore how data-driven decision-making fuels modern supply chain success. Their in-depth conversation touches on the power of predictive technology and Agentic AI, the complexities of integrating products and software, and the critical role of data in solving today's most pressing supply chain challenges. With 19 years at Amazon in VP roles over retail systems and services and forecasting and supply chain, Murray brings deep expertise to the discussion. At Shipium, which he founded after leaving Amazon in 2019, he's focused on bridging the gap between pre-purchase delivery promises and post-purchase fulfillment—ensuring better outcomes for both retailers and consumers. Listen in as our hosts also break down the strategic use of tariffs in trade negotiations, shifting consumer sentiment amid recession fears, and how the stock market reacts to supply chain uncertainty and policy shifts. The episode was recorded virtually on March 6, 2025. Related links:  Tom Goldsby shares insights on the effects of a trade war on supply chains Consumer outlook sinks as recession fears take hold Stock market continues its slide after Trump ups the ante in trade war Trump doubles planned tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum U.S. employers add 151,000 jobs in February, unemploment up to 4.1% Jack Daniel's producer claims Canada's empty shelves ‘worse than tariffs' Register for the Supply Chain Forum, April 8–10 in Knoxville Join the Advanced Supply Chain Collaborative to explore advanced concepts in SCM with experts Read our latest white paper, “Unlocking the Potential of the Gen XYZ Labor Force” Become a Supply Chain Forum member Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter Read the latest news and insights from GSCI Text the Tennessee on Supply Chain Management team!

For the February 2025 episode, host Ted Stank and guest host Josh King speak with Barbara Melvin, CEO and president of the South Carolina Ports about everything from U.S. trade and tariffs to the impact of labor and economic development on port operations. A member of the GSCI Advisory Board Melvin runs one of the fastest-growing ports in the country, and the fourth-busiest gateway on the East Coast in Charleston, South Carolina. Previously serving as the organization's COO, she was named to her position in July 2022, becoming the first woman to lead a top 10 U.S. operating container port. In 2023, she was recognized as an Outstanding Woman in Supply Chain by student leaders at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.  Listen in as our hosts also delve into the state of the U.S. economy, talent development in the industry, applied research opportunities with UT, and the challenges leaders like Melvin are tasked with overcoming to benefit American businesses and consumers. The interview with Barbara Melvin starts at 8:23.The episode was recorded on February 13, 2025, during the Winter GSCI Advisory Board meeting at the Haslam College of Business. Related links:Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs shake up supply chains U.S. consumer inflation increases at fastest pace in nearly 1.5 years. Register for SCM Academies in Finance, and Planning Register for the Supply Chain Forum, April 8–10 in Knoxville Join the Advanced Supply Chain Collaborative to explore advanced concepts in SCM with top experts in the discipline. Read our latest white paper, “Unlocking the Potential of the Gen XYZ Labor Force” Become a Supply Chain Forum member Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter Read the latest news and insights from GSCI Text the Tennessee on Supply Chain Management team!

For the first episode of 2025, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby spoke with UT Knoxville experts Huseyn Abdulla and Seongkyoon Jeong about their research in the areas of returns management and supply chain cybersecurity. Assistant professors and esteemed scholars in their disciplines, Abdulla and Jeong's insights are a deep dive into the challenges and innovations shaping supply chain management. Among other points, Abdulla explains how retailers balance the growing demand for customer-friendly return policies with environmental and financial sustainability, while Jeong discusses the rising risk of cyberattacks in an increasingly data-driven world. Listen in as our hosts also delve into consumer sentiment, holiday spending, the trade implications of the new Trump administration, collaborations between Hyundai and Amazon, and much more. The episode was recorded virtually on January 17, 2025. Related links:  U.S. shoppers set record for holiday spending in 2024 Logistics industry growth slowed in December, per Logistics Managers Index report Trump orders trade review ahead of potential tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China Hyundai begins selling vehicles on Amazon Autos U.S. consumers ‘resilient and strong' in face of high prices and interest rates Read Huseyn Abdulla's article in The Conversation about consumer backlash when retailers change their return policies, and his study published in the Journal of Operations Management Read Seongkyoon Jeong's blogs on cybersecurity risks and three types of cyberattacks affecting supply chains  Register for SCM Academies in Leadership, Finance, and Planning Read our latest white paper, “Unlocking the Potential of the Gen XYZ Labor Force” Register for the Supply Chain Forum, April 8–10 in Knoxville Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter Read the latest news and insights from GSCIText the Tennessee on Supply Chain Management team!

For our December episode, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby spoke with Marianne Wanamaker, dean of UT's Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs and a professor of economics and public policy.  Wanamaker, who served as the chief domestic economist for the White House Council of Economic Advisors during the first Trump administration, is a recurring guest on the podcast and at meetings of the GSCI Advisory Board, where executives look to her for insights into the U.S. labor market.  In our final recording of 2024, she addressed the U.S. presidential election, the threat of tariffs and inflation, the negotiating tactics of president-elect Donald Trump, business relationships with Mexico and China, immigration, and much more.   The episode was recorded virtually on December 3, 2024. Related links: November Logistics Manager's Index shows continued growth Discounts and deals led to a Black Friday and Cyber Monday that exceeded expectations Farm industry warns Trump's deportation plans could upend food supply What the last Trump tariffs did per experts Is the U.S. national debt of $35 trillion putting global economy at risk? Read our latest white paper, "Unlocking the Potential of the Gen XYZ Labor Force," released at the forum. Listen to previous episodes featuring Wanamaker in December 2021, March 2022, and July 2022.  Wanamaker on the future of the supply chain workforce for Zero100 podcast Save the Date for the April 2025 Supply Chain Forum, April 8–10 in Knoxville Become a Supply Chain Forum member Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter Read the latest news and insights from GSCI Text the Tennessee on Supply Chain Management team!

For our November episode, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby were live at the Fall 2024 Supply Chain Forum, where they spoke with Robert Martichenko, board chair for TrailPath Workplace Solutions, and Sunland Logistics Solutions' CEO Arch Thomason and VP of Human Resources Diane Lowman.With fundamental forces, from population demographics to shifting societal attitudes, shifting the nature of work and the relationships between people and their employers, the challenge of attracting, recruiting, developing, and retaining talent is greater than ever. Our guests provide an in-depth case study for how they've partnered to build a Meaningful Employment Environment where trust has been established, fundamental needs are being met, the environment is participative, and the work is meaningful.These are the kinds of relevant projects being tackled by University of Tennessee partners and shared through our extensive networks. Learn more about becoming a member of our renowned Supply Chain Forum today.The episode was recorded live at the Marriott Knoxville Downtown on November 13, 2024. Watch a video of the episode.Related links: Listen to our Season 1 episode featuring Robert Martichenko, "Is Lean Dead?"Read our latest white paper, "Unlocking the Potential of the Gen XYZ Labor Force," released at the forum.Listen to our Season 2 episode with Sunland's Chief Customer Officer Elijah Ray, "It's All About People."Become a Supply Chain Forum member Learn about SCM Academy programs, including upcoming virtual courses on Leadership (Jan. 29–May 6), Finance (March 3–April 27), and Planning (March 17–May 11)Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter Read the latest news and insights from GSCI Text the Tennessee on Supply Chain Management team!

For the first episode of our third season, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby speak with Haslam College of Business lecturer Paul Fortunato and partners from his Supply Chain Project Management (SCM 430) course at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Fortunato, a former executive with Dow Chemical Company, invited Lori Maurer, director of the center for supply chain excellence, and Riley Clayton, logistics and supply chain manager, from Albemarle to talk with Ted and Tom about the corporation's three-year involvement in his course.UT's top-ranked supply chain management programs are held up by their real-world relevance and the close work with corporate partners such as Albemarle, a leading provider of lithium, bromine, and other essential chemical elements.Don't miss this exciting discussion on talent identification, university and business collaborations, and real-world supply chain challenges addressed by UT students. To open the episode, our hosts also talk about the impact of U.S. port strikes, economic growth numbers, the upcoming presidential election, and more! Is your company interested in partnering with the University of Tennessee? Learn more about becoming a member of our renowned Supply Chain Forum. The episode was recorded virtually on October 28. Related links: The U.S. economy remains engine of global growth in latest IMF forecasts Election-year effect: scenarios that could impact the supply chain Don Maier on understanding the impact of organized labor on the U.S. supply chain For the fifth year, UT ranked No. 1 in the SEC and No. 4 nationally for SCM programs by U.S. News and World Report Register for the Fall 2024 Supply Chain Forum, Nov. 12–14 in Knoxville Become a Supply Chain Forum member Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter Read the latest news and insights from GSCI Text the Tennessee on Supply Chain Management team!

In between Seasons 2 and 3, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby were at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Conference, where they caught up with Kate Vitasek, a GSCI Fellow and internationally renowned business leader, educator, and founder of Vested, a model for creating highly collaborative business relationships in which both parties are equally committed to each other's success. Vitasek and her Vested model were nominated for the CSCMP Supply Chain Innovation and Teaching Innovation awards. Later this month, she will operate back-to-back courses on UT's campus: Vested Executive Education (Oct. 28-30) and Collaborative Contracting (Oct. 31-Nov. 1). She also offers virtual courses and opportunities worldwide. You won't want to miss out! ***Vitasek is offering a full scholarship to Ports and their management to send a group to Knoxville to attend either course*** The episode was recorded live on September 30, 2024, during the CSCMP Edge Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Related links:  Learn more about Kate Vitasek and the Vested business model Download Vitasek's full library of white papers and case studies in English, Spanish, French, Swedish, Dutch, and Portuguese Dockworkers go on strike, snarling traffic at East and Gulf Coast ports Hurricane Helene may devastate tech and health supply chains Register for the Fall 2024 Supply Chain Forum, Nov. 12–14 in Knoxville  Become a Supply Chain Forum member  Download GSCI's latest white papers for free  Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter  Read the latest news and insights from GSCI Text the Tennessee on Supply Chain Management team!

In the final episode of Season 2, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby speak with Elijah Ray, chief customer officer of Sunland Logistics Solutions about the evolution of third-party logistics, the importance of company culture, employee retention, and creating trust with clients. With nearly four decades of experience in logistics and supply chain management, Ray has contributed to a culture of continuous improvement and big-name brand engagement at Sunland. He is a member-at-large and former president of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. Don't miss this exciting discussion on great workplace environments, thriving business partnerships, creating value for both parties, leading with care, and more. The interview with Elijah Ray starts at 5:40.The episode was recorded on August 15, 2024, during the GSCI Advisory Board meeting at the Haslam College of Business. Related links: US unemployment claims fall in sign of resiliency in job market Inflation dipped in July, Fed expected to cut interest rates Canada rail strike, lockouts slated to start this week Register for the Fall 2024 Supply Chain Forum, Nov. 12–14 in Knoxville Become a Supply Chain Forum member Download our latest white papers for free Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter Read the latest news and insights from GSCI Text the Tennessee on Supply Chain Management team!

For our July episode, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby speak with Dave Clark, former CEO of worldwide consumer business for Amazon. In two decades at Amazon, Clark, a graduate of UT's MBA program, helped build one of the most extensive supply chain operations in the world, with hundreds of fulfillment centers and transportation facilities, a fleet of several dozen dedicated aircraft, 100,000 delivery vans, and more than 1.5 million employees. Clark is a member of the American Red Cross Board of Governors and served as CEO of Flexport from 2022 to 2023. He is regularly sought out for his expertise in tackling logistics issues related to national security and global affairs. Don't miss this exciting discussion on the evolution of Amazon's consumer business as well as current warehousing trends, the state of the economy, retail consumer habits and expectations, and much more. The episode was recorded virtually on July 8, 2024. Related links: How consumer demands drive warehousing trends Ocean freight rates are spiking again Inflation continues to slow in the U.S. opening door to Fed rate cut U.S. labor market adds 206,000 jobs, unemployment rises to 4.1% Amazon plans to launch discount store to fend off Temu and Shein Gartner ranks UT's graduate SCM programs No. 1 in North America Read/watch Dave Clark's fireside chat at UT's Haslam College in April Become a Supply Chain Forum member Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter Read the latest news and insights from GSCI 

For our June episode, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby speak with University of Tennessee colleagues Joe Buckley executive education director for supply chain management, and Dan Pellathy, assistant professor of practice for SCM.  Buckley, who spent three decades in industry (including seven years as director of materials management and transportation for the Tennessee Valley Authority), is the mastermind behind UT's highly acclaimed virtual learning academies. After the success of the Leadership and Finance academies, he and Pellathy collaborated on the Planning academy launching Fall 2024 and are working on a Procurement academy for 2025. More than 1,500 students, ranging from managers to VPs, across every industry have participated since the first Leadership academy was launched three years ago. In this conversation, they discuss talent development efforts, the mid-level manager crunch, pairing hard- and soft-skill development for emerging leaders, delivering education flexibly and in digestible forms for busy professionals, and more.  Ted and Tom also talk about the reopening of the Port of Baltimore, the Container Port Performance Index Global Ranking of Container Ports, labor scarcity and automation, and more.  The episode was recorded virtually on June 11, 2024. Related links: Baltimore's busy port fully reopens after bridge collapse The Port of Charleston (53) is the top U.S.-ranked port, ahead of Philadelphia (55), Miami (74), and Boston (75), in CPPI's 2023 rankings Potential strikes at East Coast and Gulf ports threaten further disruption Sudden container crunch sends ocean freight rates soaring Understanding America's labor shortage: state-by-state analysis Tom Goldsby on the Dynamo Future of Supply Chain podcast discussing the complexities of global trade and logistics Learn more about SCM Talent Development programs at UT Download (free) Dan Pellathy's white paper on supply chain planning talent development and leadership Become a Supply Chain Forum member Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter Read the latest news and insights from GSCI 

For our May episode, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby speak with Martha Buffington, chief procurement officer for SC Johnson, about all aspects of effective business leadership. They touch on company culture in global organizations, advancing your career and finding success during times of transition, the importance of empowerment over delegation to drive team achievement, balancing double standards for female leaders, and more. A member of the GSCI Advisory Board, Buffington spent more than two decades with Coca-Cola, rising to the position of chief procurement officer for its Bottling Investments Group before transitioning into senior procurement positions with DSM in the Netherlands. She joined SC Johnson, a Supply Chain Forum member, in 2022. Listen in as our hosts discuss current consumer sentiment, import numbers and new tariffs, the latest in rail transportation in North America, the Port of Baltimore's removal of the cargo ship Dali, and much more. The episode was recorded virtually on May 13, 2024. Related links: US consumer sentiment at six-month low, inflation expectations rise Cargo ship Dali that struck Port of Baltimore being removed Canada seeks ruling on mandatory shipments during potential rail strike US plans to impose major tariffs on EVs, other Chinese green energy imports Container import volumes rise in rebound after China's Lunar New Year How women manage the gendered forms of leadership Become a Supply Chain Forum member Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter Read the latest news and insights from GSCI 

For our April episode, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby were live at the Spring 2024 Supply Chain Forum speaking with Peter Anderson, chief supply chain officer for WestRock, and Jeff DiLullo, chief region leader for Philips North America.Both Anderson and DiLullo are senior industry leaders and members of the GSCI Advisory Board. Together with our hosts, they discuss all aspects of sustainability in the supply chain, including carbon footprint, scope emissions, regulatory practices and their influence, technological innovations, and more. The episode was recorded live at the Marriott Knoxville Downtown on April 10, 2024. Watch the video of the episode. Related links: U.S. economy adds 303,000 jobs in March, unemployment down to 3.8% Inventory expansion, more efficient us of warehousing and transportation drive economic activity in logistics sector Inflation remains a concern as March consumer prices come in above expectations Manufacturing activity contracts in February following 2.5 years of growth Sustainability at WestRock Sustainability at Philips Professor Alex Scott talks sustainable logistics and future-proofing supply chains on the Sustainable Supply Chain podcast Become a Supply Chain Forum member Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter Read the latest news and insights from GSCI 

For our March episode, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby spoke with father-and-son supply chain researchers Dale Rogers and Zac Rogers, the proprietors of the Logistics Managers' Index, about diversifying supply chains, global redesign, friendshoring, and much more. Dale is the ON Semiconductor Professor of Business at Arizona State University, where he directs the Frontier Economies Logistics Lab and the Internet Edge Supply Chain Lab. Like Ted, he is a member of the Supply Chain Hall of Fame and the recipient of numerous awards and grants. He is a leading researcher in reverse logistics, sustainable supply chain management, supply chain finance, and secondary markets. Zac is an associate professor of operations and supply chain management at Colorado State University. His primary research areas include the financial impact of supply chain sustainability, emerging logistics technologies, and supply chain cybersecurity. To start the episode, Ted and Tom discussed the positive February jobs report, consumer sentiment, the impact of the election cycle, manufacturing activity, international trade, and more. The episode was recorded remotely on March 8, 2024.Related links: U.S. added 275,000 jobs in February but unemployment rate climbs Inflation rate ticks up to 3.2%, hotter than expected Consumer sentiment retreats slightly in FebruarySEC approves rule requiring companies to report greenhouse gas emissions No end in sight to Red Sea shipping diversions Manufacturing activity contracts in February following 2.5 years of growth Attend the 2024 Spring Supply Chain Forum in Knoxville (partners only)Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter Read the latest news and insights from GSCI 

For our February episode, co-host Ted Stank was joined by guest host Lance Saunders, associate professor of supply chain management. They spoke with Jen Kelly, vice president of planning for North America at Schneider Electric, about shortening supply chains, nearshoring and supplier capacity challenges, adding visibility into planning, generative AI for forecasting, and standardizing practice across a global organization. Kelly was in town for a meeting of the GSCI Advisory Board. Schneider Electric, ranked by Gartner as No. 1 for best supply chain in 2023, is a longtime partner of the Supply Chain Forum and a member of the Advanced Supply Chain Collaborative, which brings together industry professionals and UT faculty to tackle issues of critical importance to the discipline. To start the episode, Ted and Lance discussed U.S. job growth, freight surges, disruption of global trade, regulatory constraints, tensions with China, and much more. The episode was recorded on February 8, 2024. Related links:Job growth surges in the U.S., 353,00 jobs added in January US container import volumes surge amid global supply chain challenges Mortgage rates jump back over 7 percent Consumer sentiment races to two-and-a-half year high Why are the Houthis attacking Red Sea ships Walmart growing, adding 150 stores across US China's 17-year run as top source of US imports ends Mexico rises Download our latest white paper on Advanced Supply Chain PlanningRegister for the SCM Finance Academy Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletter Read the latest news and insights from GSCI

In our January episode, Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby speak with maritime expert Don Maier about the state of international shipping, including shifts in trade lanes, the challenges of forecasting and capital planning, and the industry impact of issues from the Panama Canal to bubbling international conflicts.Before joining UT's faculty as an associate professor of practice, Maier served as dean for the Maine Maritime and Cal Maritime Academies. As the founding dean of the School of Maritime Transportation, Logistics, & Management at California State University-Maritime Academy, he oversaw programs in marine transportation, international logistics, and naval science. He serves on advisory boards for the International Association of Maritime and Port Executives and the Containerization & Intermodal Institute.In their opening recap, Ted and Tom also discuss holiday season spending, reports on U.S. jobs and manufacturing, and more.This episode was recorded on January 5, 2024.Related links:Americans spent a record $222 billion shopping online this holiday seasonMajor retailers offering returnless refunds this holiday seasonU.S. employers add 216,000 jobs in a sign of continued economic growthManufacturing increased in December while warehouse availability surges to highest levels since pandemic Congressional leaders reach a deal to avert shutdownRed Sea attacks pose another threat to global economyPanama Canal enmeshed in a crisis disrupting global tradeDon Maier writes in The Conversation about global shipping climate strategyProgress on U.S.-Mexico rail-ferry serviceChina names a new naval chief as maritime tensions climbSubscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletterRead the latest news and insights from GSCIRegister for the 2024 SCM Leadership Academy or SC

In this month's episode, Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby speak with three business leaders who recently graduated from the Executive MBA for Global Supply Chain (EMBA-GSC) in UT's Haslam College of Business. They discuss their paths into the industry and the fine details of the program, including how it has brought value to their current roles at their companies and developed both their supply chain knowledge and leadership skills in just 11 months.Guests featured in this episode:Hans von Steiger, Director and Team Leader of Clinical Supply Strategy and ManagementPatricia Covington, Executive Director of Global Integrated AftermarketRebecca Ann Perreault, Director of Global Capabilities and ComplianceTed and Tom also discuss holiday inventory and spending, consumer confidence, the state of the labor market, inflation and housing, backlogs at the Panama Canal, and more.The episode was recorded at the Haslam College of Business on December 11, 2023.Related links:By the numbers: Black Friday and Cyber Monday achieved record salesHoliday inventory is balanced, no concern over stockouts or overstocks, per NRFConsumer confidence ticks up in November after months of declineQ3 growth rate for GDP was fastest since fourth quarter of 2021Solid US job growth, drop in unemployment underscore labor market resilienceConsumer return fraud a growing concern for retailersLogistics Manager's Index Report for November 2023Panama Canal drought to delay shipments into 2024Watch: Why the EMBA-GSC makes sense for senior supply chain leadersLearn about the Executive MBA for Global Supply Chain (EMBA-GSC)Register for the 2024 SCM Leadership Academy or SCM Finance Academy Subscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletterRead the latest news and insights from GSCI

In this month's episode, Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby speak with Jim Newsome, former president and CEO of the South Carolina Ports Authority, at the 27th Supply Chain Forum.The episode was recorded in front of a live audience on November 7, 2023, in Knoxville, Tennessee.Newsome (‘76, ‘77) earned both a bachelor's and MBA in transportation and logistics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, before embarking on a more than 40-year career in container ships, ports, and international transportation. He was recently named the 2023 Distinguished Alum by the Haslam College of Business. At the forum, the Global Supply Chain Institute also recognized him as a Distinguished Fellow.Listen as our co-hots speak with Newsome about his work as an executive at South Carolina Ports, cast a vision for the future of supply chain management, and discuss visibility, sourcing, the labor market, and the evolution of UT's business education from transportation to today's highly regarded end-to-end supply chain management model.Related links:U.S. economic growth accelerated to 4.9% last quarterDomestic manufacturing output rose in September.Container imports continue rising, outpacing pre-pandemic levelsLabor market added 150,000 jobs in October, shows signs of coolingHoliday spending outlook is sluggish across retailersUnited Auto Workers secure historic contractsAlan Amling in FreightWaves on the unintended consequences of the UPS-Teamsters agreementWhat is hydrogen energy, and can it help fight climate change?Jim Newsome honored with the 2023 Distinguished Alum Award from the Haslam College of BusinessSC Ports' record numbers in 2020 and 2021Drought saps the Panama Canal, disrupting global tradeChina exports decline, takeaways from September dataSC Ports handle record cargo at Inland Port GreerSubscribe to GSCI's mo

For the second episode of Season 2, Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby speak with Terry Esper, professor of logistics at Ohio State University and Chair Elect for CSCMP, and Tom Nightingale, CEO of AFS Logistics and chairman of the board for CSCMP. They discuss professional development in the supply chain industry and highlight the paradigm shifts in organizational structures and talent acquisition strategies. Listen as Nightingale shares the latest initiatives by CSCMP, the growing trend of corporate memberships, the importance of local round tables, and the future of supply chain education. From the changing dynamics of professional organizations to the strategic engagement of CSCMP members, this episode is loaded with actionable insights that will redefine your understanding of the industry.Beyond the interview, listen in as our co-hosts discuss the near government shutdown, UAW strike, low water levels in the Panama Canal and Mississippi river, the Iran oil agreements, and more.Related LinksUAW strike newsLMI high-water markLow water levels in the Panama CanalTom Goldsby on the United Auto Workers strike's roots in AI and ramifications for auto logisticsUT Haslam's Ted Stank Honored with Supply Chain Hall of Fame InductionLearn more about ASF LogisticsYellow Logistics files for bankruptcy Learn more about CSCMP's roundtablesUT's Executive MBA for Global Supply Chain degree programUT's Masters in Supply Chain Management Online degree programSubscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletterLatest news and insights from the GSCI team

For the first episode of Season 2, Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby speak with Denis Reilly, president and CEO of Kenco Group, a logistics provider based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They discuss innovating, automating, and driving productivity even in the midst of a labor shortage. Denis, a member of the GSCI Advisory Board, also shared his approach to developing talent and what it'll take to succeed as a senior leader in the future.Beyond the interview, listen in as Ted and Tom discuss consumer confidence reports, unemployment figures, the state of the current job market, economic projections for the remainder of 2023, and more. Related links:Consumer confidence wanes with high prices and a cooling job marketFed, economists make course correction on US recession predictionsWhat holiday shopping could look like in 2023Hiring settles into low gear as August unemployment rose to 3.8%Labor unions pushing for raises and better hoursTom Goldsby on the United Auto Workers strike's roots in AI and ramifications for auto logisticsGen Z reconsidering the value of college degreesRead about Kenco's Innovation Test LabListen to the Season 2 trailer and most popular episodes from the first seasonSubscribe to GSCI's monthly newsletterLatest news and insights from the GSCI team

Hosted by the dynamic duo of Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby, Tennessee on Supply Chain Management will launch its second season later this month with a high-level discussion on innovation, automation, and driving productivity with Kenco Group President and CEO Denis Reilly. Prepare for a new slate of informative, insightful, and entertaining episodes with this teaser episode and relive the best from our first season below.Most popular episodes from Season 1:Delivering Hope for the Supply Chain Marathon with Pfizer VP Dr. Michael Ku (Ep. 13)Is LEAN Dead? (Ep. 4)How to Build a More Sustainable Supply Chain with Philips' Jeff DiLullo (Ep. 15)Growing into Leadership with Caterpillar VP Wendi Gentry-Stuenkel (Ep. 19)Will the Port Snarl Affect Santa's Deliveries? (Ep. 1)Learn more about GSCI and how our academic and talent development programs can benefit supply chain professionals and business leaders from early career to the C-suite at our website. Latest articles and insights explaining what's trending in the industry:The implications of the Teamsters Union contract with UPSThe importance of companies building agile relationships with external stakeholdersMaking sense of the latest sustainability reporting requirements for the transportation industry.

For the final episode of the podcast's first season, our co-hosts split responsibilities in light of Ted Stank being named the winner of this year's Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Distinguished Service Award, earning him a place in the Supply Chain Hall of Fame.Tom Goldsby interviews Ted about the two decades he has spent pioneering supply chain management education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, setting the standard for how universities can collaborate with industry to reap maximum benefits. Ted shares his journey into logistics and supply chain management from his time as an operations officer in the United States Navy, how he's seen the field evolve, and the most significant achievements of his long and storied career. Ted currently serves as the co-executive director of the Global Supply Chain Institute and leads the Advanced Supply Chain Collaborative, a joint initiative between UT and leading Fortune 500 partner firms to explore advanced concepts in the discipline.Beyond the interview, Ted and Tom discuss the implications of the UPS-Teamsters agreement, Yellow Freight's closure, record-sitting e-commerce numbers, global challenges to supply chains in China, Ukraine, India, and more.Related links:Alan Amling on the early takeaways from UPS-Teamsters Union's tentative agreement. UPS cuts 2023 forecasts, fights to regain business lost during US labor talksYellow Freight, third-largest small-freight trucking company in the U.S., ceases operations187,000 jobs added in July as unemployment falls to 3.5%Chinese imports down 24 percent; Mexico becomes U.S. top trading partnerAmazon touts ‘biggest ever' Prime Day, online sales surge to $12.7 billionWhat does Amazon's solid Q2 mean for Target and Walmart?Ukraine-Russia war disrupts shipments of grain and oil, threatens food and energy marketsIndia suspends rice exports, risking global food crisisTed discusses his career and the evolution of SCM education with European Business Review.Latest news and insights from the GSCI team.

In our July episode, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby are joined by professor John Bell, department head for supply chain management in the Haslam College of Business, to discuss economic competition between the United States and China, the sourcing of rare earth elements essential for producing electronics and other technologies, and the growth of the University of Tennessee's top-ranked supply chain programs. Bell, who was recently named the John “Red” Dove Professor of Supply Chain Management, was a career maintenance and logistics officer in the United States Air Force. As a supply chain researcher, he is considered an authority in the areas of supply chain strategy, resource scarcity, hazardous material transportation, and logistics with publications in prominent journals, including the Journal of Business Logistics, Transportation Journal, Advanced Engineering Informatics, and the International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management. This year, Bell has written a series of articles for GSCI exploring the understudied and misunderstood processes for sourcing natural resources used as raw materials by the industries that make the products we buy every day. Listen as Ted and Tom discuss slowing inflation, the delivery challenges posed by strikes and potential strikes in Canada and the U.S., nearshoring of manufacturing to Mexico, and more.Note: Ted was recently honored with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Distinguished Service Award, earning him a place in the Supply Chain Hall of Fame alongside such innovators as Jeff Bezos, Henry Ford, and former UT professor Tom Mentzer. Stay tuned for our next episode in which Tom interviews Ted to get his take on receiving the award.Related links:Inflation rose just 0.2% in June as consumers get a break from price increasesU.S. service sector picks up as inflation slows, ISM survey showsFederal Reserve closing in on end of rate hike cycleCarriers divert ships from Canada's strike-hit west coast portsGSCI Fellow Alan Amling's five key questions and answers from UPS-Teamsters negotiations New restrictions at the Panama Canal due threaten the future of the shipping routeUS nearshoring wave grows as Mexico exports jump close to recordTension between China, U.S., Russia and Ukraine threatens global economic growthWhat are germanium and gallium and why is C

In our June episode, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby are joined by professor Stephanie Eckerd and recent Ph.D. graduate Anne Dohmen to discuss the relationship between industry and academia at the University of Tennessee, the value of partnerships for research, and their own transitions from practitioners to professors.Eckerd, who was recently named the FedEx Chair of Supply Chain Management in the Haslam College of Business, is the director of UT's SCM Ph.D. program. Dohmen, who was an engineer by training and worked for both General Mills and Procter and Gamble before transitioning into academia, researches supply chain planning, agility, and disruptions. This fall, she will begin a job as an assistant professor at Michigan State University's Eli Broad College of Business.Listen as Ted and Tom discuss highlights of the Spring Supply Chain Forum, the current state of inventory and imports nationwide, the role academic research plays in company performance, and more. Related links:Everything you need to know from Spring SCF 2023Several GSCI SCF partners named in Gartner's Global Supply Chain Top 25, including Schneider Electric (1), Colgate-Palmolive (3), Johnson & Johnson (4), PepsiCo (5), and Pfizer (6)Listen to our May podcast episode with three leaders from Schneider Electric about how to cultivate supply chain talentRead a Q&A about the societal importance of UT's supply chain research with Eckerd and professor Chris CraigheadThe latest updates on the U.S. debt ceiling legislationUPS strike looms with big repercussions for consumersLaredo remains nation's No. 1 gateway for international trade.Rates decrease, volume falls, and new capacity comes online for ocean shippingTom, Ted, and Lance Saunders' 2021 article on the bullwhip effect in the Wall Street Journal

Recorded live at the 2023 Spring Supply Chain Forum, our May episode has co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby speaking with leaders from Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management and automation with operations in more than 100 countries and premium SCF partner .Guests featured in this episode:Kelly Britt, Global Supply Chain North America Talent ManagerLisa Waters, VP HR Global Supply Chain North AmericaSamia Kaci, VP Logistics Global Supply Chain North AmericaListen as Ted and Tom discuss the latest news and trends in global supply chain management. They then  speak with Kelly, Lisa, and Samia about talent management and development, including how to make employees feel a part of the team, buying into the company's larger mission, flexible working environments, managing diverse workforces, and providing tools and resources to help employees succeed.Related links:Where the trucking and rail recession shows up in logistics dataWith inflation rising, retailers need to prepare for excess inventoryOffice occupancy declines according to recent Collier's reportLabor shortage and retention among top supply chain concernsSchneider Electric ranked second in Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 for 2022

In our April 2023 episode, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby speak with Kevin O'Marah, co-founder of Zero100, a membership-based think tank and research company that works with some of the world's most notable businesses toward a zero carbon, 100% digital supply chain. Kevin has a long and storied career in the industry and is a member of the GSCI Advisory Board and a GSCI Fellow. Before Zero100, he was chief storyteller for Amazon's Last Mile Logistics organization, chief content officer for SCM World, and a VP at Gartner, where he created its Supply Chain Top 25 rankings.Listen as Ted, Tom, and Kevin discuss the latest news and trends in supply chain management, including digitalization, the evolution of supply chains, consumer influence, reducing carbon emissions, and more. Related links:Federal Reserve raises key interest rate 0.25% amid banking turmoilCollapse of Silicon Valley Bank sows fear over banking systemProposed merger of Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern railroads to connect United States, Mexico, and CanadaCould Mexico replace China as leader in global manufacturing exports?Gartner Supply Chain University Top 25 rankings for 2022The Seeing, Thinking, Acting decision-making process of supply chain managers, as described by Ted, Tom, and others in their paper, “Toward a Digitally Dominant Paradigm for Twenty-First Century Supply Chain Scholarship”  for the International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics ManagementKevin's Zero100 article, “Digital Transformation is 80% Strategy and 20% Technology”Kevin's Zero100 article, “Scope 3 Carbon Victory Needs Sector-Level Collaboration”Kevin's Forbes article, “Supply Chain Saves the World”Read Zero100's The Signal newsletter

In our March 2023 episode, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby speak with Wendi Gentry-Stuenkel, vice president of procurement for Caterpillar Inc., about leadership. A member of the GSCI Advisory Board and recognized industry leader, Wendi spent 20 years in the automotive industry with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles before moving to Caterpillar, where she oversees a large and dynamic team spread over 26 countries. Tune in as Wendi discusses the value of honesty, learning from experience, growth that leads to innovation, mentorship, and more. Related links:Chinese spy balloons and supply chainsConsumer confidence falls for the second straight monthMajor retailers see shifts in consumer spendingTarget and Sam's Club both announce big investments to speed up online deliveryUS petroleum exports at an all-time high amid war in UkraineAfter its derailment in Ohio, Norfolk Southern unveils safety plan as bipartisan bill makes its way through CongressLearn more about Caterpillar Inc. Wendi discusses learning, leading, and listening on The Caterpillar Podcast.

In this episode, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby are joined by a live audience and three UT Knoxville graduating seniors in supply chain management. They discuss their journeys to the university and the major, the value of getting involved in student orgs, attending industry events, and networking, and what they looked for in future employers.The three guests featured in this episode:Lillian Qin, president of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) student roundtable. She will start her career with KPMG in procurement and outsourcing consulting in ChicagoHalie Fairchild, president of NeXus Women in Supply Chain student group. She has accepted a rotational role, starting in internal audit, from HF Sinclair Corporation in DallasJack Parr, who is heading to Cincinnati to work for P&G's inventory team in a data analytics positionRelated links:Do massive layoffs in Big Tech suggestion an incoming recession?The Institute of Supply Management's manufacturing index report for January 2023GDP report shows fourth quarter growth of 2.8%GSCI Fellow Alan Amling discusses potential UPS workers strike with Supply Chain DriveResources, including internship information, certificate programs, and student groups, for undergraduates at UTHow companies can recruit UT's supply chain talentInformation and registration for students planning to attend the SCM Career Expo, Feb. 20Scholars of Distinction, an undergraduate honors program for top-performing SCM majorsListen to our previous episode with recent graduates at BP, Denso, and Eastman Chemical Company about transitioning from college to professional career

In the first episode of 2023, co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby discuss the holiday season, how supply chains held up, and offer some predictions for business and the economy in 2023. They are joined by GSCI Fellow Kate Vitasek, a business leader, educator, and speaker who founded Vested, a model for creating highly collaborative business relationships in which both parties are equally committed to each other's success.Related links:Learn more about the Vested approachTom and GSCI Fellow Alan Amling's commentary, "A New Year's Resolution for Stemming Retail's Returns Tsunami" for Wall Street Journals' Logistics ReportChina reverses COVID policy, surge could cripple supply chainsU.S. labor market ends 2022 strongTech sector announces big job cutsAfter supply challenges in 2022, demand is weakeningPrevious episode on future of retail with former Walmart CEO Bill SimonKate's articles for ForbesKate's keynote speech for Reuters' Supply Chain Execution eventVested executive education courses through UT

Listen as co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby discuss the origin and implications of the new University of Tennessee, Knoxville – project44 Fleet Sustainability Index with Alex Scott, assistant professor of supply chain management, and Thomas Deakins, SVP of global partnerships and alliances for project44.Related LinksBlack Friday: Record high 196.7 million in person shoppers, up from 179 million in 2021UPS and FedEx holiday shipping deadlinesNational unemployment rates at 3.5%-3.7%Inventory levels are highChinese market and COVID shutdownsApple iPhone Pro shipping delaysUS as world's top foreign direct investment in 2021Rail strike updateWest Coast Ports backlog, or lack thereofOPEC continuing production Lean more about the University of Tennessee's Executive MBA for Global Supply Chainproject44 and UT Knoxville Fleet Sustainability IndexCSCMP Edge article about the Fleet Sustainability IndexLearn more about the Global Supply Chain Institute's research on agilityRead more of the Global Supply Chain Institute's research on agile resiliencyHow much are supply chain disruptions costing your organization? GSCI blog article seriesBrowse GSCI's research on sustainabilityUniversity of Tennessee Research Foundation

Join co-hosts Tom Goldsby and Ted Stank as they chat with Jeff DiLullo, head of services and solutions delivery and field operations for Philips North America, about how to build a resilient, agile supply chain. Jeff, who graduated with an MBA in marketing, logistics, and supply chain from UT in 2001, shares sustainability efforts underway at Philips, from reducing the carbon footprint of its healthcare supply chain to creating value through science-based targets for suppliers in order to create a circular economy. Related LinksUPS and FedEx raise rates U.S. manufacturing purchasing managers index rose to 50.7 Earnings reports coming in Mixed bag with healthy top lines, challenging bottom lines, and income statements being weighed down by inflation.Highway diesel prices riseGeneral rate increases for parcel and LTL FedEx and UPS made headlines, 6.9% on average. Old Dominion in at 4.9%. Freight volumes are downPeloton's inventory issuesLearn more about University of Tennessee's Master's of Science in Supply Chain Management Online degree programLearn how to build resilient agile supply chainsRelated Links — Philips Philips signs health care sector pledgeSustainability at PhillipsPhillips went carbon neutral in 2020Philips' circular economyLargest telehelth E-ICU deployment

Joined by UT supply chain professor and information systems expert Randy Bradley, co-hosts Ted Stank and Thomas Goldsby discuss filling supply chain gaps and creating efficiency with automation, liberating data with insights, and the benefits of digitalization and digitization. Ted and Tom also discuss consumer spending, demand shaping, product shortages, and FedEx's announcement that it would fall short of its income numbers for the quarter.

Join co-hosts Tom Goldsby and Ted Stank for a supply chain discussion about consumer spending and sentiment, the West Coast labor situation, and a holiday supply chain forecast.They're joined on this episode by Pfizer Vice President of Global Clinical Supply Dr. Michael Ku, who explains the race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine and the mindsets that carried his team to the finish line.Related LinksSpecial Guest Dr. Michael KuPfizer, a GSCI Supply Chain Forum and Advanced Supply Chain Collaborative partnerDelivering Hope video by Dr. Michael Ku, required for students taking the Intro to Supply Chain course.More information about GSCI's Advisory Board Contextual Intelligence: the ability to understand the limits of our knowledge and to adapt that knowledge to an environment different from the one in which it was developed. Drive Innovation with Better Decision-MakingFDA coronavirus announcement (Aug 31, 2022) 

We're switching it up in this episode! GSCI's Executive Director Shay Scott joins Tom Goldsby as co-host and guest this week to discuss GSCI initiatives, executive education, SCM rankings and more.Show Notes and Resources:Special guest, Shay Scott - Executive Director, Global Supply Chain Institute; Professor of Practice; Benz Supply Chain Leadership Fellow.Shay Scott named one of DC Velocity's 2022 The RainmakersUT Haslam's Graduate Supply Chain Programs Climb to No. 1 in Premier RankingUT's Haslam Undergraduate Supply Chain Program Rises to No. 2 in Distinguished Gartner RankingMessage from Shay Scott - We're proud of our highly ranked programs. Still, we measure ourselves primarily through the practical and relevant impact we have on the hundreds of businesses and the thousands of individuals we interact with through GSCI.Compare Graduate Programs - Our classrooms are enriched by GSCI's network. Students have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and globally ranked faculty in our No. 1 graduate supply chain programs. Compare Talent Development Programs - A primary focus of GSCI is helping our corporate partners develop supply chain leadership internally. We take great pride in helping our partners foster supply chain knowledge and innovation.Supply Chain ForumBuilding Tomorrow's Supply Chain (The Purchaser, 2022)Theodore Stank and Thomas Goldsby, 1998, “Bridging the Gap Between Academic Responsibilities and Practical Application in Logistics,” Journal of Transportation Management, Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 1-9.

Inflation is here and a recession could be on the horizon. Co-hosts Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby are joined by Executive Director of the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy Dr. Marianne Wanamaker to discuss the business cycle of the U.S. and how the economy and supply chains could fare in the coming months.Topic #1: Beware the bullwhip effectTopic #2: Consumer spending trendsTopic #3: Is inflation tempering?Topic #4: Where is the labor and will there be a recession?Resources and Links:UT's Haslam Undergraduate Supply Chain Program Rises to No. 2 in Distinguished Gartner RankingCommentary: Caution - Bullwhip Effect Ahead (The Wall Street Journal, 2021)Special guest, Marianna Wanamaker

Our next episode is all about retail. Ted and Tom are joined by Wal-Mart's ex U.S. CEO Bill Simon to discuss retail demand and how the response to COVID is still affecting supply chains. What does a new normal look like in supply chains and what does the future hold for inventory planning and demand? 

Ted and Tom are joined this episode by UT Knoxville Ryder Professor in Supply Chain Yemisi Bolumole. They'll tackle tough transportation topics, all highly relevant to many of today's supply chain challenges.Topic #1: Trucking DemandTopic #2: Chinese COVID ShutdownsTopic #3: Russia-Ukraine Supply Chain Fallout

Recorded live at GSCI's spring Supply Chain Forum, Ted and Tom sit down with Forum Mega Session speakers Lance Saunders (UT Knoxville Professor), Todd Caywood (Eastman Chemical Company), Caroline Jones (BP) and Chris Qualls (DENSO) to discuss how prepared they felt when entering the supply chain industry, share advice on the transition and how to avoid pitfalls as a new employee. You won't want to miss our first ever in-person recording!

In this episode, Ted and Tom discuss the possibility of a new world order, domestic trucking trends, and Chinese manufacturing in response to covid variants. Special guest Dr. Andrea Sordi, UT Knoxville Professor and Director of the Executive MBA for Global Supply Chain, shares his perspective on risk management, diversity & inclusion efforts in supply chains and much more!

In our fifth full episode, Ted and Tom discuss good news in the world of supply chain,  provide a travel update, and an outlook on inflation and rising gas prices. Special guest GSCI Fellow Alan Amling provides insight into the latest developments in e-commerce and last mile delivery as well as a sneak peak of his new book.

In our first bonus episode, Marianne Wanamaker Professor of Economics and Executive Director of the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy at UT Knoxville and former member of the President's Economic Council, joins Ted and Tom again to discuss the economic impacts of the war in Ukraine and its affect on supply chain.

In our fourth episode, Ted and Tom discuss the current media spin on supply chain, supply chain planning and demand, and an update on the current bright spots in the future of supply chain. Special guest Robert Martichenko, author, speaker and strategic advisor, will have a lively discussion with Ted and Tom about criticism surrounding Lean, how supply chains can adjust to current realities, and why we need to make supply chain jobs more meaningful. Plus, find out if Ted got that car he ordered. 

In our next episode, Ted and Tom recap the holidays and their affect on supply chain. They'll discuss demand shaping, car manufacturing backlogs, and more. Special guests President and CEO Jim Newsome and COO Barbara Melvin, both of South Carolina Ports Authority, weigh in on the the current ports situation and what the future might hold for east coast ports.Topic #1: Demand Shaping and Holiday RecapTopic #2: Car Backlog and InflationTopic #3: Freight Rates and Port Congestion

In our second episode, Ted and Tom discuss transportation and labor shortages and the impact of the the Omicron variant on supply chains. Special guest, Marianne Wanamaker, Professor of Economics and Executive Director of the Howard H. Baker Jr Center for Public Policy at UT and former member of the President's Economic Council, weighs in on economic impact of covid.Topic #1: Update on Supply Chain BottlenecksTopic #2: Transportation ShortageTopic #3: Enhanced IT and Analytics ImpactTopic #4: Long-Term Impact of Covid Disruptions on the Economy

In our first episode, Ted and Tom discuss supply chain disruptions and what the upcoming holiday season might look like. Special guest, Wendy Tate, William J. Taylor Professor in Supply Chain Management and Ray and Joan Myatt Faculty Research Fellow, weighs in on the financial impact of business decisions across the supply chain.Topic #1: West Coast Port Snarl Will moving to 24/7 operations make a difference?  Will the National Guard be called in?Topic #2: Will Santa Deliver this Holiday Season?Hear Ted and Tom's holiday season supply chain predictions. Topic #3: Influence on PricesIt seems like everything is going up (wages, freight rates, warehouse rents, fuel, etc.). Are companies expected to absorb these costs?Topic #4: Long-Term ForecastThe long-term question is, "Will this have an impact on global network design and where we source from in the US?" Wendy Tate, Ted and Tom's good friend and colleague who spends a lot of time working with procurement executives, shares her insights. 

Welcome to Tennessee on Supply Chain Management with co-hosts, Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby, a podcast brought to you by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Global Supply Chain Institute. Listen in as Ted and Tom prepare to leap onto the ships of supply chain, crowd surf into the long lines of meeting holiday demand, and wade into the depths of warehouse inventory buildup. Subscribe to join us in our pursuit to prove that supply chain management is more fun than you'd think.LinksUT's Global Supply Chain Institute - A hub for supply chain management thought leadership and talent developmentUT's SCM Faculty Experts - Ted Stank and Tom Goldsby are two of Haslam's renowned SCM faculty, ranked No. 1 globally for academic research