Featured Article

Trump’s Tariffs

By Tim J. Smith, PhD March 12, 2025

Trump initiated tariffs with major U.S. trading partners on 1 February, then retracted them on 3 February. Executives across the North American continent expressed uncertainty regarding their preparedness for the possible supply chain and economic shocks. For executives at manufacturing and distribution companies with supply chains that stretch across borders, pricing decisions must be made at a highly accelerated pace to manage the economic shocks associated with new tariffs. Today, more than…

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In This Issue

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Economic Price Optimization Part 5: Useful, Not Perfect

By Tim J. Smith, PhD May 30, 2013

Since childhood, we have heard about economics. Now that we are adults with jobs, it seems like using an economics for pricing would be wise. But, as grown-ups, we also know that things are never as simple as they appeared when we were kids.

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Top 6 – April 2013

By Tim J. Smith, PhD April 30, 2013

“Selling a product at a loss for market share is not a good business decision.” Jeff Fettig, Chief Executive, Whirlpool Costs and…

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Procter & Gamble Trumps Church & Dwight: An Example of the Customer Orientation Overtaking a Medieval Business Strategy

By Tim J. Smith, PhD April 30, 2013

CEOs Robert McDonald of P&G and James Craigie of Church & Dwight are facing off in the laundry soap business, and one of them is slinging mud. Recent executive comments and division performance reports highlight that the battle in the soap aisle isn’t just about soap, it’s about the fundamental purpose of businesses in competitive markets.

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J.C. Penney’s Demise Recalls Other Major Modern Retail Failures

By James T. Berger April 30, 2013

Ron Johnson’s flawed strategy and his subsequent ouster as CEO of J.C. Penney recalls other major retail failures due to fatal marketing, strategy, and operational mistakes. Consider E.J. Korvette, F.W. Woolworth, or W.T. Grant.

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