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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Globalization: A Smarter Supply Chain for the Future

(TEMPE, Arizona) November 3, 2010 — Globalization is a strategic imperative that is recognized as critical for growth and performance sustainability, but achieving such a model can be complex. This report, a synopsis of the main themes and insights from a CAPS Research Critical Issues program on the topic, defines globalization, identifies the challenges common to many firms, discusses how firms are trying to optimize the balance between centralized control and local autonomy, and highlights the struggle to place appropriate human resources in a global supply organization. The report also includes key points about sustainability, ethics, and laws/regulations that impact the organization and its supply network. A case study of IBM's journey to become a globally integrated enterprise is also provided in the report.

The critical issues report Globalization: A Smarter Supply Chain for the Future is available on the CAPS Research public website www.capsresearch.org. First time visitors will be prompted to register to access the benchmarking reports. For more information about this or other benchmarking reports, contact CAPS Research at research@capsresearch.org.

CAPS Research is a nonprofit research organization founded in 1986 to provide leading research to our strategic-minded corporate sponsors and to the public. Our mission is to work in partnership with a global network of executives and academics for the discovery and dissemination of strategic supply management knowledge and best practices. CAPS Research is jointly sponsored by the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, the Institute for Supply Management™, and Global 1000/Fortune 500-size organizations.

Media Contact:
Debbie Maciejewski
Marketing Manager
CAPS Research
800-888-6276 extension 3046
Email: dmaciejewski@capsresearch.org

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