Three strikes in less than a year have interrupted the just-in-time supply chains on which modern car plants rely.

BBC: Australian steel strike over

But as time marches on, supply-chain technology is sure to get cheaper, as technology always does.

FORBES: Your Product's a Hit

The First Minister says there is a strain on first-time buyers and says he is trying to expand the supply of affordable housing.

BBC: NEWS | Programmes | BBC Parliament | Wales: First Minister's Questions (27/04/04)

At the same time, Wal-Mart may be failing on the supply-side.

FORBES: Why the World's Biggest Retailer is Doomed

In response, leaders in manufacturing must place greater importance on transparency in the demand and supply chain gaining a real-time view of global operations, and engaging their entire workforce in improved decision making.

FORBES: Building Visibility, One Person At A Time

Many sophisticated supply chains now stretch across continents and rely on just-in-time delivery.

ECONOMIST: Managing in the downturn

Brent Crude even went into backwardation, a market structure in which near-term delivery contracts trade at higher prices than longer-termed contracts on fears that supply will be disrupted for an extended amount of time.

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This would avoid the need to find supply teachers to replace staff being trained - but has prompted concerns about further pressures on teachers' time.

BBC: Secondary schools Morris's priority