Notes from the field

Journal

Practical, data-driven notes — on quality, compliance and sourcing in Asia, and on the questions families and small businesses face.

Quality & Sourcing

Sep 28, 2026 · 1 min read · Factory audit · Supplier quality Before your first factory audit: 7 things to prepare A factory audit is only as useful as the preparation behind it. Here is the checklist I use before sending anyone to a new supplier in Asia. Read

Family & Education

Oct 1, 2026 · 6 min read · For parents · College admissions When a scandal hits a dream school: what the data tells parents A high-profile case at Cornell University has many families asking whether a campus scandal should change their child's application plans. Two decades of similar cases — Penn State, Michigan State, Dartmouth, Baylor — offer a surprisingly clear answer. Read

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Roles, collaborations or a conversation about quality programs — all welcome.

Get in touch steve@nysteve.com