Competitive horizons
Article Type: General review From: Strategic Direction, Volume 31, Issue 10
Positive outlook for UK chemicals sector
According to a survey carried out by the Chemical Industries Association (CIA), many chemical firms in the UK are optimistic about the next 12 months. In total, 60 per cent of companies polled anticipated growth in sales and exports. Plans to increase capital investment and the number of employees were also indicated by more than half of respondents. This follows a 10 per cent rise in productivity reported by CIA members between 2008 and 2014. Exports to the USA of chemical sector products have increased by 65 per cent, although figures reveal an 8.6 per cent fall in chemical products shipped to the European Union (EU). According to the CIA, this survey indicates the growing capacity of chemical and pharmaceutical firms in the UK to establish a global presence. But the report, as published by http://www.prw.com, points out that future prosperity in the sector depends on the government’s ability to facilitate innovation opportunities and establish a clear energy policy that also includes a role for shale gas.
How to make a smooth transition to cloud
The increasingly comprehensive nature of cloud services makes the shift to a remote infrastructure more appealing than ever. However, firms making the transition should be aware of some basic requirements, a report published by http://www.growthbusiness.co.uk points out. They must first identify the right provider for their needs, which will depend on the services they intend moving to the cloud. Reliability is a must. Providers that fail to keep IT services running can be costly in terms of lost sales and productivity. Smooth integration of different services is also important in terms of efficiency and cost control. It is likewise noted that cloud services should be organized in ways which enable better management of IT. Consequently, the move to cloud should be a gradual process. Start by shifting services and applications that can be integrated without difficulty, as this can facilitate swifter adaptation to the change. Evaluating existing IT infrastructure before moving anything will help to optimize the efficiencies that cloud enables. Security is clearly imperative and the key is to find providers that are able to offer comprehensive as opposed to limited protection. The report also notes how companies should consider future as well as current requirements when making the shift to cloud. The chosen strategy must therefore enable effective response to IT needs as they evolve.
Trade set to increase between BRICS nations
A report published by http://www.rt.com points out the growing economic power of the BRICS nations Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Collectively, gross domestic product (GDP) of BRICS nations now exceeds $32 trillion and is responsible for nearly 30 per cent of the world’s GDP. Half of all agricultural products around the globe are manufactured by BRICS countries, as are a third of industrial products. In 2014, these nations attracted 20.5 per cent of the world’s total direct investment. This figure reflects a five-year increase of 3.5 per cent. The report also claims that trade between BRICS nations has risen by 70 per cent since the association’s 2009 inception. Economic collaboration between members is set to rise further in a number of key industries. Among them are food production, tourism, transportation, trade, power generation, petrochemicals, renewable and nuclear energy, mining and communications and training.
Limiting the damaging effect of meetings
Recent research conducted by global workspace provider Regus indicated that meetings are the main gripe among over half of Australian workers. Time is precious in most offices and lengthy meetings are seen as especially harmful to productivity. The issue is becoming so serious that it has prompted many firms to look for creative solutions, a report published by http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au points out. Among these are limiting time allocated to meetings and sticking by it. Some companies have even gone as far as using technology to dim the lights and trigger alarms when time is up. For others, the emphasis is on efficiency such as having a clear agenda and not digressing from it. Holding the meeting at the site of the problem being addressed is considered another way of ensuring an appropriate focus. The report suggests that this makes it easier to find a solution and hold the right people accountable. Limiting the number of attendees is another popular approach, and one that is seen as helping to minimize disruption to productivity.
