Competitive horizon

Article Type: Competitive horizon From: Strategic Direction, Volume 26, Issue 5

Global demand for nickel predicted to increase

A report published by Mineweb (www.mineweb.com) predicts that nickel production will rise in 2010 after three successive years of falling worldwide demand. Consumption of the metal is forecast to rise by 7 percent during this period. The report points out that the figure is based on an expected growth in demand for stainless steel, production of which is responsible for around two-thirds of nickel consumption. Falling production in developed countries has severely impacted on nickel consumption, although rising domestic output within emerging nations like China and India helped prevent an even bleaker scenario. Production in crude stainless steel is expected to grow by 8 percent in 2010 and touch 30 million tons a year later. Increased demand and production will see nickel prices remain stable between 2010 and 2012, and a market surplus of around 75,000 tons during the first year of this period is anticipated.

IBM help for retailers

Use of multiple technologies is empowering consumers and enabling them to make more informed purchase decisions, an IBM global survey has revealed. Over 32,000 consumers took part in the survey and expressed a clear wish for retailers to provide a more personalized service to better meet their needs. In this respect, 79 percent of the respondents indicated a willingness to collaborate with retailers in the design of new products and services. Similar percentages would like information about store locations sent to their mobile phones and an option to use the internet to access and print vouchers. Customized promotions and stock availability were identified as key issues and over three-fifths of respondents would favor retailers that excelled in these areas. Knowing beforehand what products a store currently had in stock was desired by 66 percent of those surveyed. According to a report published by www.domain-b.com,IBM has noted that the trend for consumers to interact with retailers using technology is greater within growth markets like China, India and Brazil. In response to the findings, the organization has announced plans for a new center of competency for the retail sector that will provide industry expertise in several areas. It is hoped that the initiative will make retailers better exploit technology so they can engage more effectively with consumers, reduce costs and improve product development.

Technology answer for dairy industry in Russia

Russia’s diary industry considers technology as providing the best way to boost production levels, a report published by Russia Today (www.rt.com) claims. The problem of declining cattle numbers is impeding performance in what is one of the fastest growing dairy markets in the world. Large producers have to date enjoyed the bulk of government support but attention is now turning to smaller concerns,where half of Russia’s milk is produced. According to the report, the nation is turning to advanced Swedish technology to improve efficiency by maximizing the amount of milk produced by each individual cow. High import prices further raises the profile of the industry and makes domestic production even more significant.

Tanzanian economy set for growth increase

CompaniesandMarkets has predicted that the economy in Tanzania will grow by 5.1 percent in 2010, as opposed to the 5.5 percent forecast by the Bank of Tanzania. The eminent market research organization predicts this figure will increase to 6.8 percent the following year as the economy continues its climb back towards the 7.7 percent average growth enjoyed between 2000 and 2008. According to a report published by All Africa (www.allafrica.com), increased business opportunities in 2011 will attract capital investments to drive stronger growth. The report points out that investor interest has been fueled by assurances given to businesses following the signing of the EAC Common Market Protocol. However,Tanzania is urged to continue its fight against corruption to make the domestic environment a more attractive proposition for foreign investors. As a reliable electricity supply is needed in order to exploit the country’s mineral resources, solving power generation issues is likewise noted as crucial.