The vision of the benefits of globalisation, wherein free trade is a seen as a positive-sum game, very much in vogue in the 1980s and 1990s, has now given way to that of the potential dangers of global trade, a source of dependence and weakness. For the United States, with its chronic trade deficit, trade surpluses are something to be suspected; in this zero-sum mercantile world, they serve to legitimise…
On September 16, the Valdai Club hosted a presentation of the analytical paper titled “Maritime Geopolitics of the Pacific and Indian Oceans: A View from Moscow”, prepared ahead of the Russian-Indonesian Seminar in Jakarta. The moderator was Oleg Barabanov, Programme Director of the Valdai Club. Lyudmila Vorobyova, Director of the Third Asian Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, briefly spoke about Russian-Indonesian cooperation, describing Indonesia as a time-tested partner for…
The global metals and mining industry is entering a new era. Historically, the industry has been driven by economic growth and the development of the middle class, resulting in major demand growth for materials such as steel, aluminum, and coal. While 80 percent of the industry today primarily consists of five materials—steel, coal, gold, copper, and aluminum—the landscape is rapidly changing as a result of the energy transition. Indeed, the…
Leaders building cyber resilience often overlook the need to develop a crisis communications plan. Here’s how to construct and practice a strong response before a hack. Kelly Miller and Keri Pearlson September 16, 2024 Reading Time: 18 min Carolyn Geason-Beissel/MIT SMR | Getty Images Business and IT leaders have made large efforts to build cyber resilience, or the ability to respond to and bounce back after a cyber crisis such…
Quick Hits Germany’s Federal Labor Court held that posting a termination letter in a mailbox constitutes receipt as soon as the subsequent removal is expected, which the court said would be the day of posting. Employers that use registered mail for delivering employment termination notices may want to obtain proof of delivery immediately and routinely. Personal delivery, accompanied by thorough documentation of the entire process, provides greater legal certainty. Receipt…
There are only a handful of people who have taken a start-up from zero to $88 billion in revenue and continue to lead it today. Michael Dell is one of them. The founder, CEO, and chairman of Dell Technologies has steered his company through four decades of change and wave after wave of technology trends. The company that he founded in his college dorm room in 1984 has become a…
This commentary originally appeared in Fortune. The news that the International Monetary Fund will become the first major international financial body to officially return to Russia since Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 underscores the systemic pro-authoritarian impulses of the IMF and its tolerance to blunt violations of international law by Russia under its current managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, who needs to be replaced urgently. With the U.S. presidential…
Since the first astronauts spent time in space, scientists have known that space travel affects the human body in strange ways. Muscle and bone mass decrease; telomeres, the protective end caps on chromosomes, shorten; and the risk of conditions usually associated with old age, such as cancers, cataracts and cardiovascular disease, ticks up. Why the human body should decline faster in space is still largely a mystery, but one that…
A team lead by researchers at the University of Cambridge has developed a monoclonal antibody drug, using a technique involving genetically engineered mice, that may help prevent infection from Acinetobacter baumannii, a bacteria associated with hospital-acquired infections, which is particularly common in Asia.A. baumannii bacteria can cause life-threatening respiratory illness and sepsis in vulnerable individuals, particularly in newborn babies whose immune systems have not fully developed. It is usually spread…
There’s a famous quote from a 1982 Frank and Earnest cartoon that says a lot about gender equity in just a few words. Commenting on a poster for a Fred Astaire film festival, the woman in the cartoon says to her male companions, “Sure he was great, but don’t forget that Ginger Rogers did everything he did … backwards and in high heels.” The implication, which has been borne out…
In digitally disrupted business environments, having a solid strategy is not enough. The real challenge lies in successfully executing that strategy. Strategy execution is the bridge between brilliant ideas and tangible results. It involves a sequence of deliberate actions and processes that ensure your strategic plans are transformed into reality, driving organizational success. This guide […] The post What Are The Key Components of Strategy Execution? appeared first on Accelare.
While many of us enjoy the luxury of leaving the office or logging off at 5 p.m. on a weekday, fundamental to the functioning of our society are the little-mentioned, often-forgotten "third-shift" workers, otherwise known as the night shift. The majority of research focuses on the prototypical, 9 to 5 office dweller or assumes a similar lens when discussing front-line, healthcare, or blue-collar workers. The resulting analysis tends to focus…
The purpose of Bank Overground is to share our internal analysis. Each bite-sized post summarises a piece of analysis that supported a policy or operational decision.
Today, more than 95 percent of trucks on the road around the world run on diesel or gasoline. The traditional truck ownership model of combining purchasing or leasing with selected add-on services is a proven model for both OEMs and customers. Large-fleet customers have a strong understanding of vehicle life cycles, including the expected residual value when vehicles leave their fleets. They know how to arrange for emergency engine repairs…
Throughout his 19-year career at Boeing, Darren Hulst has seen the aerospace sector change in many ways. As the vice president of Boeing’s Commercial Marketing division, Hulst keeps his finger on the pulse of the industry to see how consumer demand, technology, and the global dynamics have evolved. Today, sustainability, affordability, and connectivity are top of mind for both consumers and stakeholders. At the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, McKinsey Senior…
Cyber regulation is changing in Australia. As governments globally grapple with the everchanging and increasingly challenging cyber landscape, Australia is poised to implement new laws and update existing regulation in order to enhance Australia’s cyber security and resilience. These changes fall within the framework established by the 2023-2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy, which aims to make Australia a world leader in cyber security by 2030. Scam Code Act In light…
MOLLY WOOD: Today, I’m excited to be talking to Kate Johnson, President and CEO of the telecommunications giant Lumen, who’s here to discuss how embracing the potential of AI tools is powering a cultural transformation there. Now, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has said that AI transformation requires not just technology, but that companies do the hard work of culturally changing how they adopt technology. Johnson is a former Microsoft executive…
Built for Apple Intelligence with the all-new A18 chip, both models feature Camera Control, powerful upgrades to the advanced camera system, the Action button to quickly access useful features, and a big boost in battery life CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, built for Apple Intelligence, the easy-to-use personal intelligence system that understands personal context to deliver intelligence that is helpful and relevant while protecting…
Restrictive covenants/post-termination restrictions play an essential role in protecting business interests such as confidential information and commercial connections. These protections are most commonly found in employment contracts and certain types of commercial agreements. When assessing the enforceability of post-termination restrictions in an employment contract, the starting point is that such restrictions will be considered void as a restraint of trade unless it can be shown that they go no further…
Research conducted over two decades has continually affirmed that organizational health (how you run the place) is a valuable, competitive differentiator across industries. Organizational health has been linked to value creation, profitability, resilience, and safety metrics (see sidebar “How to assess organizational health”). Organizations in the care delivery sector are no exception: those that prioritize and invest in building a healthy culture, even as they confront persistent internal and external…
As major trucking companies decarbonize their fleets, they are currently prioritizing lower-carbon fuels such as natural gas and biofuels over zero-emission trucks. Adopting these fuels marks a positive step toward sustainable commercial mobility but represents only an intermediate step toward zero-emission mobility in the commercial sector. Meanwhile, true zero-emission mobility in the form of electric or hydrogen-based trucking appears to be stuck in traffic as massive challenges delay adoption. The…
Determining the optimal ‘spans of control’ is crucial for maximising organisational effectiveness. This article explores how the ideal number of direct reports for managers varies based on factors like company culture, work complexity, and desired outcomes. It also offers best practices, potential pitfalls to avoid, and insights into customised span analysis. At Q5, we are often asked, “what spans of control should we have to maximise the effectiveness of our…
Magazine Fall 2024 Issue Research Feature Large organizations can move as fast as startups if leaders empower employees to act autonomously via well-defined constraints. Nick van der Meulen September 10, 2024 Reading Time: 17 min Anuj Shrestha What does it take for a large, established business to be as responsive to changing market conditions as the startups in its industry are? That question is a vital one for leaders seeking…
With a variety of AI solutions for educators, leaders, and IT staff, we can help you create efficiencies that give you more time to focus on what matters most: students. Are you looking for new ways to reenergize this school year? Microsoft can help you to save time, personalize learning, manage day-to-day tasks and responsibilities, and ensure safe and more streamlined operations. With a variety of AI solutions for educators,…
In 2020, we published a briefing considering the existing law enforcement requests regime. Since then, the final text of the anticipated e-Evidence Package, comprising Regulation (EU) 2023/1543 (“the e-Evidence Regulation”) and Directive (EU) 2023/1544 (“the e-Evidence Directive”) has been agreed. This briefing outlines key elements of the new regime, which is to apply in 2026. Legal Framework Parallel Application of Legislation The Law Enforcement Directive (the “LED”) applies specifically to…
The study, by researchers at the University of Cambridge’s Sainsbury Laboratory, also found that bees prefer larger bullseyes over small ones, and fly 25% faster between artificial flower discs with larger bullseyes – potentially boosting efficiency for both bees and blossoms.Using the hibiscus plant as a model, the researchers selected plants with three differently sized bullseye patterns – H. richardsonii (small bullseye covering 4% of flower disc), H. trionum (medium bullseye…
The study, by researchers at the University of Cambridge’s Sainsbury Laboratory also found that bees prefer larger bullseyes over smaller ones and fly 25% faster between artificial flower discs with larger bullseyes – potentially boosting efficiency for both bees and blossoms. Patterns on the flowers of plants guide insects, like bees, to the centre of the flower, where nectar and pollen await, enhancing the plant's chances of successful pollination. Despite their…
As generative AI (gen AI) grips the attention of business, corporate leadership can support their companies’ growth most by prioritizing the needs of their workers while simultaneously standardizing the use of cutting-edge tech. In this episode of the At the Edge podcast, economist and Stanford professor Erik Brynjolfsson speaks with McKinsey’s Lareina Yee about how gen AI differs from previous technological innovations, why it will likely augment more jobs than it…
The technology from Cancer Grand Challenges team IMAXT uses advanced spatial biology techniques to analyse tumours, some of which are based on technology originally developed to map the Milky Way and discover new planets. Now, other scientists will be able to access these technologies to create detailed tumour maps that could one day transform how we diagnose and treat cancer.Led by Professor Greg Hannon and Dr Dario Bressan at the…
The technology from Cancer Grand Challenges team IMAXT uses advanced spatial biology techniques to analyse tumours, some of which are based on technology originally developed to map the Milky Way and discover new planets. Now, other scientists will be able to access these technologies to create detailed tumour maps that could one day transform how we diagnose and treat cancer.Led by Professor Greg Hannon and Dr Dario Bressan at the…
The University of Oxford has announced the establishment of the Human-Centered AI Lab (HAI Lab), a pioneering research initiative supported by the Cosmos Institute. This ground-breaking lab will create a space for technologists and philosophers to collaborate on translating philosophical concepts into open-source software and AI systems, fostering a vibrant community for big-picture thinking about a future of AI that enhances human flourishing. The HAI Lab will be led…
Anuj Shrestha Leading organizational change according to the conventional management playbook is difficult and often frustrating, and such efforts rarely stay on track. Executives set out with the sound ambition to transform traditionally hierarchical and siloed organizations into more agile, collaborative, and innovative ones: They formulate a compelling vision, communicate it, and try to inspire employees to do what’s required to achieve it. But they often find that people resist…
Quick Hits The First Amendment generally applies to governmental actors, but private employers still must comply with the NLRA, which protects employees’ right to engage in concerted activity related to their working conditions. Several states, including California, Connecticut, Colorado, and New York, provide additional protections for speech, off-duty conduct, and political affiliations and beliefs for private-sector employees. Employer strategies for maintaining positive, productive workplaces include developing and updating workplace speech…
When asked about her single status in a 2014 interview, pop icon Taylor Swift commented: “Life can be romantic without a romance.” It appears many people share this opinion as the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports there were 8.4 million people living alone in the UK in 2023. Whether this is through circumstance or choice, many people are perfectly happy with single life and the independence it brings. However,…
Workplace culture is an uphill battle when the budget is tight or, worse, nonexistent. You’re expected to create a thriving, engaged workforce, but the reality is harsh: Gallup reports that only 32% of U.S. employees are engaged at work. Meanwhile, disengaged employees are costing companies a staggering $450 to $550 billion each year in lost productivity, absenteeism, and turnover. The pressure is intense. The stakes are high. But here’s the…
Ventas, Inc. is a real estate investment trust (REIT) and S&P 500 company that occupies an essential role in the longevity economy. With roughly 1,400 properties in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the company’s portfolio serves a large and growing aging population. Among its assets are senior housing communities, outpatient medical buildings, research centers, and healthcare facilities. In 2022, Ventas took a bold step toward its sustainability…
The presence of colossal stockpiles of nuclear weapons in two or three great military powers reduces the likelihood of a general war in its traditional sense. However, the state of “a world that will not be at peace” promised by George Orwell also looks like it is balancing on the edge of something that would render any theoretical constructions meaningless, writes Valdai Club Programme Director Timofei Bordachev. In the year…
Internationale Funkausstellung Berline (IFA) — Europe’s largest consumer electronics trade show held annually in Berlin, Germany — is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Launched in 1924 as a radio exhibition, IFA has transformed over a century into a stunning display of cutting-edge technology that shares a special bond with Samsung Electronics. Home appliances and electronics have followed this evolution. What were once large, bulky machines have since become highly…
After almost two years of infatuation with generative AI (gen AI), companies are moving past the honeymoon phase to embrace the work that matters most: creating value from this tantalizing technology. Expectations are high. A recent McKinsey Global Survey found that 65 percent of companies across sizes, geographies, and industries now use gen AI regularly, twice as many as last year. Investment in gen AI continues to rise amid the belief…
Quick Hits In answering a question certified from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court held that under Massachusetts law, certain business-to-business relationships in which franchisees have chosen to operate their independent businesses using a business format franchise, the franchisees are not employees of the franchisor. In so holding, the court determined that the plaintiff franchisees at issue were not employees because they…