The nominations for the third annual Supply Chain Management (SCM) Education Excellence Awards are open. Hosted by SAPICS (The Association for Operations Management of Southern Africa), with the participation of the Federation of Supply Chain Management Professionals, the awards will take place in April 2009. 31 Oct 2008

As companies evaluate their carbon footprints, supply chains are one area of business that have come under increased scrutiny. Making the complex network of manufacturers, packagers, shippers, wholesalers and retailers greener protects the environment, saves energy, and ultimately reduces costs. 29 Oct 2008

With the global demand for the production of bio-fuels growing, Africa's arable land once used for food production is increasingly being used to grow crops for the cleaner more sustainable alternative to oil. 28 Oct 2008

Consumers have been waiting months for deflation at the farm gate to appear on their grocery bills. 21 Oct 2008

The unavailability of seeds is threatening to hamper plans by the Zimbabawean government to promote the production of small grains this farming season. 9 Oct 2008

President Kgalema Motlanthe has urged several African scientists to come up with new technological advances in their field to tackle high food prices. 9 Oct 2008

Although the recent credit crunch and resulting economic uncertainty are affecting the growth potential of the European express industry, the main effects will be on the use of different modes of transport and profitability rather than on overall levels of parcel volumes. Indeed, supply chain rationalisation, internationalisation and business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce are continuing to drive industry growth. 3 Oct 2008