Management of inventories – the stock a business holds to sell in future – is a crucial art for most businesses. The exception being pure tech businesses that don’t sell hardware and financial services companies that generally have cash and use capital adequacy ratios as a sort of inventory measure.
But traditional retailers, manufacturers and miners will have inventory on hand. In these days of global supply chains and just-in-time inventory holdings, it can be a competitive edge if they manage their inventory effectively.
Tim Cook’s rise at Apple under Steve Jobs was in part due to his mastery of supply chains, producing tens of millions of iPhones in China from multiple parts suppliers scattered across Europe and Asia and then ensuring that each iPhone was at the right store when a customer walked in to buy that model.
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SO, WHAT NOW?
AS WE PUT 2020 BEHIND US, 2021 ISN’T EXPECTED TO LOOK MUCH BETTER (THOUGH A LITTLE).
The outlook for SA's four popular investment instruments
As 2020 draws to its bitter close, some respite may lay ahead for local stocks and bonds. The drive to list a diversified basket of offshore-focused exchange-traded funds will likely continue unabated. And the rand? Lest we burn our fingers in ever predicting our volatile currency.
MAKING BAD (INVESTMENT) DECISIONS IN A PANDEMIC
Many investors fell into the trap of either selling stocks at depressed prices during the March market rout, or cashing in their pensions.
Goodbye 2020 ... Hello 2021
Schalk Louw shares his outlook for the largest asset classes available to local investors.
How Has The Covid-19 Pandemic Affected The Inflation Outlook?
Due to deglobalisation and higher commodity prices, inflationary risks are increasing worldwide.
How Technology Influences Politics
Advances in how we communicate will continue to create opportunities for those who want to sow division.
On margin
The curious case of the US elections
Introducing Refined Ruggedness
The Ford Ranger Thunder exhibits double-duty dexterity off- and on-road.
Medical Schemes' Healthy Reserves Underpin Lower Premium Increases
The medical aid scheme industry is faced by stagnant membership as South Africans suffer from economic headwinds. Nevertheless, schemes are well positioned to buffer the effect of Covid-19.
Emerging Markets … And Trends
As developing nations navigate their way through the worldwide pandemic, there just might be some investment opportunities starting to emerge, writes Jaco Visser.
APPLE ANNOUNCES NEW PROJECTS AS PART OF ITS RACIAL EQUITY AND JUSTICE INITIATIVE (REJI)
IT’S ALL PART OF THE COMPANY’S $100 MILLION PLEDGE
WHATSAPP GROWTH SLUMPS AS RIVALS SIGNAL, TELEGRAM RISE
Encrypted messaging apps Signal and Telegram are seeing huge upticks in downloads from Apple and Google’s app stores.
SPOTIFY'S PODCAST POWER PLAY
The company is staking its future on converting music listeners to podcast fans and has become the favorite to own the industry—for better or worse
ATHLEISURE LIST: EQUIPMENT + STREAMING CITYROW
Founded by Helaine Knapp,'s CITY ROW Signature-class format combines rowing intervals with strength training for a total body HIIT-style workout.
STM ChargeTree 3–in–1 wireless charger
Space–conscious wireless charging
YOU: PRO NEW GENERATION POWERS UP YOUR TECH
As iPhone and iPad sales begin to fall, Apple is focusing its attention on professional users, introducing a bunch of new hardware to compete in an increasingly crowded - but lucrative - market. With the launch of Pro Mode for macOS, the company could be onto a winner…
BACK TO SCHOOL: RETURNING TO THE CLASSROOM SAFELY
Five months on from the start of the coronavirus pandemic, and policymakers and public health officials have decided it’s time to return to the classroom. Around the world, schools and colleges are preparing for a new semester, and though environments may be different, one thing is clear: teachers and students will be depending on technology more than ever.
Apple unveils new iPad Pro with trackpad support
APPLE TAKES THE iPAD PRO TO THE NEXT LEVEL
SEARCH: APPLE COULD RIVAL GOOGLE WITH NEW INDEXING SERVICE
As antitrust battles continue to dominate Silicon Valley, Apple is using its initiative, planning for a future where multibillion-dollar tie-ups aren’t acceptable. In a perhaps surprising move, the Cupertino company has reportedly begun ramping up efforts to launch its own search engine tech to rival that of Google’s, a course of action that could change the face of search.
REMOTE WORKING: VIRUS ENCOURAGES BUSINESSES TO THINK DIFFERENTLY
With the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak forcing governments to close schools, sporting events, communal spaces and more, businesses are taking the situation into their own hands, encouraging their staff to work from home.