National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration infrared satellite shows Hurricane Katrina, Aug. 29, 2005
Business Lessons Story aired: Friday, September 09, 2005
Eleven days after Hurricane Katrina, many people are asking why so many private companies and businesses were prepared for the storm and its aftermath, when the government clearly was not? Wal-Mart even knew what items would be most in demand after the hurricane and sent those goods to the gulf region before the storm. Apparently, strawberry pop tarts are high on the list.
Dr Yossi Sheffi, a professor of engineering systems, explains the flexibility and resiliency of businesses in terms of their organizational structure. He also suggests how the government can learn from these business examples in order to improve its responsiveness to catastrophes.
Guests:
Dr Yossi Sheffi, a professor of engineering systems at MIT
