Whether you’re listening to it while at the gym, in the car, or lounging by the pool, an ipod or mp3 player can be a wonderful little device to have on hand. Sure you can use it to listen to your favorite songs but what about podcasts?

Podcasts are audio “episodes” or programs that you listen to over the internet or by downloading and playing on an mp3 player, like an ipod. Think of podcasts as talk shows without the tv screen. They’re free, easy to access, and available for thousands of topics.

If you’re looking to dip a toe or two into better, smarter international business practices, listening to a few podcasts can be a relatively painless way to up your logistics knowledge.

To get you on your way to better global trade, here are five must-listen global trade podcasts.

1) Logistics & Supply Chain Management at Cranfield School of Management
Delve into the Cranfield School of Management’s introductory course on logistics and supply chain management. Notable podcasts:

What is Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Developing a Supply Chain Strategy
Operating in China

2) Peterson Institute for International Economics Event Audio Podcast
Peterson is a nonprofit research institution that studies international economic policy. Your brain will appreciate the deliciously interesting analysis of the world’s economic problems. Your ears will appreciate the neutral or nonpartisan stance the Institute prides itself on. Notable podcasts:

EU International Trade & Investment Policy in the Next Decade  |  Dec 15, 2010
What to do about the Doha Round  |  May 24, 2011
Logistics Reforms for Low-Value Shipments  |  Jun 15, 2011

3) Global Supply Chain Podcast
For logistics aficionados that want to take their supply chain operations knowledge to the next level, give a listen to the Global Supply Chain podcast. Gain valuable insight on managing supplier relationships, benchmarking your supply chain, and developing strategies for your global business. Notable podcasts:

Risk Management Tools and Techniques  |  Sep 2, 2010
How Procurement Connects to Every Supply Chain Link  |  Nov 2, 2010
Replacing Myths with Facts: Understanding Globalism in China  |  Jul 5, 2011

4) Next Level Purchasing Association Podcast
Learn about purchasing and supply management. Notable podcasts:

Sourcing Problems In A Slow Economy  |  Mar 09, 2010
Supplier Insurance Best Practices  |  Feb 02, 2011
Supplier Management: Make It Strategic  |  May 31, 2011

5) Technomic Asia: China Business Blog and Podcast
Analyzing the potential opportunities and risks associated with markets in China. Notable Podcasts:

Building a Sales Pipeline in China  |  Oct 08, 2010
Three Sectors that Will Benefit from the China Five Year Plan  |  Feb 02, 2011
China Auto Parts Market Ripe For Right Strategy  |  Jul 09, 2011

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