Journals
Corporate Governance
In volume 12, issue 3, “Information technology, an enabler in corporate governance” by Sherly Abraham looks at ways to use new IT mechanisms to tap in to the values and beliefs of corporate executives. Abraham suggests information technology can be used to inform links between executives and stakeholders. In the same issue, Tin-yan Lam and Shu‑kam Lee’s article “Family ownership, board committees and firm performance: evidence from Hong Kong” surveys data and annual reports from 346 public companies, finding links between a remuneration committee and company performance, and that family ownership has an adverse effect on the relationship between board committees, specifically the remuneration committee, and the performance of public companies in Hong Kong. Other articles look at social responsibility and corporate governance in Malaysian Government-linked companies.
Strategy & Leadership
In volume 40, issue 4 business analyst Stephen Denning’s conceptual paper “The battle to counter disruptive competition” examines an existential question that all old firms need to face: is there an effective competitive response to counter disruptive innovation and if so, what is it? He concludes that the most reliable strategy is continuous innovation, suggesting most large organisations must make fundamental changes if they wish to survive. Other important articles are “Getting back to what matters – creating long-term economic and social value” by Brian Leavy; and “How cloud computing enables process and business model innovation” by Saul Berman, Lynn Kesterson-Townes, Anthony Marshall and Rohini Srivathsa.
strategy+business
In its recent issue (Summer 2012, issue 67) strategy+business looks to the issues raised by the emerging recovery in the cover article “Fit for Growth?”. Deniz Caglar, Jaya Pandrangi and John Plansky argue that a company can come out of the downturn in better shape than before with a strategic approach to costs and clear priorities. They suggest a method for evaluating expenses and linking them to business capabilities. As case studies, the authors look at Ikea, Aetna and Pitney Bowes and develop the metaphor of a person trying to lose weight: the key is to not return to old habits, but to follow an ethic of continuous improvement.
In the same issue Ken Favaro, Per‑Ola Karlsson and Gary Neilson review Booz & Company’s annual study on global CEO appointments. Despite a rise in the number of outside appointments to the post, the survey indicates insiders deliver better results over time.
The issue’s Thought Leader Interview is a discussion with Dov Seidman, CEO of LRN, citing research showing a firm link between good values and good performance
strategy+business, the journal of global consultants Booz & Company, can be purchased in hard copy form or accessed at www.strategy-business.com.
Blogs
Money Morning
There is so much finance-related information around that staying in touch can be a major task. This blog helps to sort things out, providing up-to-date information and opinion on the stock market, corporate moves and personal finance news. The small team knows its stuff and often injects a welcome sense of humour into content that can be on the dry side. A free subscription to a daily financial markets newsletter is available.
Guide Me Singapore
This blog from Guide Me Singapore, a Singapore company, offers information on incorporation, accounting, tax, immigration and related compliance services. The company has talented people working in specialised fields and recent posts deal with the outlook for Singapore’s job market, opportunities for social businesses and the relationship between Singapore and India, plus plenty of technical information.
Decoding the new economy
This is an interesting, somewhat eccentric blog by Paul Wallbank, who describes himself as “a recovering entrepreneur, writer and broadcaster”. The stated aim is to look at how Australian business and society is changing in the 21st century. Recent posts ask if the small business sector is worrying about the right issues, the reasons underlying poor productivity and why so many businesses are fleeing the online space.
Web
Columbia Business School
Based in New York, the Columbia Business School has a host of heavy hitters on its academic staff but also offers guest positions to successful executives from around the globe. This underpins the quality of the work undertaken: for example, the Columbia Ideas at Work group showcases research that offers business insights; Columbia CaseWorks examines real-world problems through innovative business theory; and Chazen Global Insights offers opinion and analysis on international business issues.
Insight & Influence
Sydney consulting firm Insight & Influence specialises in organisational transformation and change leadership. Its site offers interesting essays and research on this theme and there is a downloadable newsletter, Leading Change. There is also an examination of leadership training, setting out the traits needed for successful programs. The company hosts events that attract top talent.
IBISWorld
www.ibisworld.com.au
IBISWorld claims to have data on more than 500 industries and 2000 Australian companies. There are statistics, analyses and forecasts on everything from buying trends to emerging technologies – mostly about Australia, but with links to an international network.
This article is from the October 2012 issue of INTHEBLACK magazine.
