Ensuring quality control is an important issue when sourcing from China and other developing countries. There is no simple solution to this problem; therefore, addressing it takes multiple strategies.

The quality of Chinese and other Asian goods has improved in recent years as these firms gain more international experience and move up the manufacturing food chain to higher value products. However, differences remain in how quality is perceived. Developing countries, many of which have a legacy of planned, isolated economies, often do not have the same ideas about quality that are taken for granted in richer nations. (more…)

Does business marketing hold a high enough place in your list of priorities? Any business owner or corporate executive needs to understand the importance of marketing. Yet, too often this task is pushed to the bottom of the list, especially when economic times are tough.

The reverse is actually true. In an economic downturn, it is vital that a company spend more time and effort on marketing initiatives, not less. It’s all about priorities – what it is it you can do to directly impact the bottom line in a positive manner. (more…)