A sales and operations planning approach can yield big benefits to the organization, says Karen LaBombarda, principal at TMG Associates. But first, companies must overcome people's natural resistance to change.

Every company needs the kind of people who handle day-to-day management tasks, says Joe DeSantis of Office Depot. But there's also a critical need for true leaders, who can inspire an organization to achieve more.

Emerson, a global technology giant, has a complex supply chain with multiple vendors. Andre White, division manager of performance excellence, reveals how the company manages product quality from both ends.