December 17, 2009
Mergers and Acquisitions -- Strategic Deals and 'Mergers of Productivity' to Drive M&A in 2010: PricewaterhouseCoopers
There have been signs of life in the deal market during the second half of 2009, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity is expected to pick up in 2010, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers' (PwC) Transaction Services practice.
While credit markets are easing for some participants, financing will remain the dominant challenge to M&A activity next year, increasing the pressure on middle market deals. Strategic buyers with strong balance sheets and robust cash reserves will be well-positioned for strategic M&A opportunities. As these strategic buyers take advantage of their ability to maneuver in the face of a challenging deal environment, PwC predicts they will pursue deals with a focus on synergies - including enhancing productivity, providing cost-savings and adding revenue volume to their businesses.
"Those who have built their balance sheets for a rainy day might come out of last year's storm to find the rainbow, and at the end of it, nicely-valued acquisition targets that provide opportunities for revenue growth and enhanced productivity," said Bob Filek, Partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers Transaction Services. "As a result, M&A activity in 2010 will be driven by strategic buyers who have access to capital and the strategic vision to capitalize on some of the best values we have seen in recent times."
"Companies have taken aggressive actions on costs; the low hanging fruit is gone, and to drive further efficiency they will look to combine with similar players to drive scale and enhance productivity. The 'merger of productivity' will be a driving force in 2010 as companies look to drive revenue growth and enhance margins," continued Filek.
Through the first eleven months of 2009, there were 6,772 deals worth a total of $614 billion, compared with 8,890 transactions worth a total of $1 trillion during the same period last year, according to financial data provider Thomson Reuters.
The credit freeze has impacted transactions across the board, including private equity (PE) and middle market transactions.
"There is still in excess of $1 trillion of capital committed to alternative investment funds sitting on the sidelines, waiting for the appropriate opportunities. The diversified private equity players have been bulking up their debt, hedge and distressed funds to take advantage of opportunities in distressed, reflecting their ability to evolve and successfully navigate choppy waters," said Greg Peterson, Partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers Transaction Services.
Regarding private equity exits, "we expect to see more IPOs coming to market in 2010 from private equity as the markets continue to firm up," noted Peterson. More the half of the IPOs completed during 2009 were by financial sponsor-backed (primarily private equity) companies, a trend expected to continue through the remainder of 2009 and 2010.
Sectors that continue to present opportunities include:
• Consumer Products:
As retailers continue to pressure margins and growth through private label strategies, consumer product companies are accelerating trade spend at the expense of margins. Watch for high-profile combinations as branded companies look to gain scale and negotiating leverage with retailers, while enhancing their scale to drive productivity. A focus on high-growth categories and emerging markets will also be in vogue in 2010.
• Technology:
The headline transactions of the past year - transformative deals - will continue as the battle over the data center and end-to-end services continues to drive the larger players. The large, mature players will also continue to absorb smaller companies who provide intellectual property that can be leveraged - at an array of multiples - as some will be seen as desirable by multiple players and others are made attractive by a higher bar to access in the public markets. At the other end of the scale, there is more consolidation to come amongst weaker players, especially in semiconductors.
• Energy:
The opening of the capital markets window (both debt and equity) will pave the way for increased M&A activity in 2010. The seller/buyer expectation gap is slowly narrowing. Large-cap exploration and production companies and Master Limited Partnerships have strengthened their balance sheets considerably and are ready to fuel growth again via the M&A route. PwC expects natural gas to continue to be a particular bright spot for acquisitions.
• Financial Services:
As the FDIC continues to take actions with troubled banking institutions, watch for consolidation among the regional banks at the hands of the FDIC to be a key theme of 2010. One key question is if private equity will take more seats at the banking deal table. PwC expects the asset management sector will also continue to be popular in this space.
• Automotive:
With the U.S. automotive industry remade, it will be time for the suppliers to resize and adjust their business models to the new paradigm. Watch for a realignment of product portfolios and manufacturing footprints as tier-one suppliers adjust to the new reality. Low-cost country sourcing will be a continued theme, while Asian acquirers may start to acquire more U.S.-based assets.
• Healthcare:
Once healthcare reform has run its course, look for the industry to ratchet up M&A activity. Consolidation will accelerate in the services, managed care and pharma sectors, driven by the need to reduce costs and increase productivity. Watch for seasoned leaders to embark on new ventures to shake up the business-as-usual model. The pharmaceuticals sector will continue pursue smaller acquisition targets, and explore areas less dependent on government, such as consumer product applications, animal health, vaccines, and biologics.
• Entertainment and Media:
Despite a sluggish economy, the Entertainment and Media sector still managed to pull off several high-profile entertainment deals in the second half of 2009. Look for strategic buyers to focus their efforts on content- and distribution-oriented acquisitions, both domestically and internationally, in response to favorable pricing in the market, as well as continuing to explore new media opportunities.
Other factors influencing M&A activity in 2010 may include the following scenarios:
• Private equity's ability to exit through Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) or acquisitions:
The IPO market has been re-established as a viable exit vehicle for private equity investments. IPO activity in Q4 of 2009 is expected to be the strongest quarter since 2007, with PE-backed deals contributing the majority of the volume in this deal channel. Assuming the equity markets do not experience a significant correction, PwC expects IPO activity to continue to increase in 2010.
• The "Wild Card":
How much would an economic double-dip rain on the M&A party? "We see continued weakness in key fundamental indicators, not the least of which is consumer demand," said Filek. "However, while we may see some challenges and market disappointments in 2010, the underlying fundamentals will outweigh the short-term stress, and companies will stay committed to their strategic vision and complete a lot of transactions in 2010."
Source: PricewaterhouseCoopers Transaction Services
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December 16, 2009
TIME Names United States Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke 2009 Person of the Year
TIME has named United States Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke the 2009 Person of the Year.
TIME's Person of the Year issue has the first full, on-the-record print interview with Bernanke since he became Chairman of the Federal Reserve.
IN A SERIES OF THREE INTERVIEWS, BERNANKE TELLS TIME:
• On the financial crisis:
"We came very, very close to a depression...The markets were in anaphylactic shock. I'm not happy with where we are, but it's a lot better than where we could be...Of course there were things we could have done better, but this was a perfect storm."
• On unemployment:
"The additional steps aren't as obvious or clear as the ones we've already taken. It's an enormous problem. There aren't easy solutions."
• On questions about his handling of Lehman, AIG and Bear Stearns:
"It's the price of success: people start to think you're omnipotent. We say we didn't have the authority, and it's 'Oh, you're the Fed. You could've come up with something.'"
• Bernanke tells TIME that major financial crises generally cost nations 5% to 20% of their national output. This panic seems likely to cost the U.S. a fraction of 1%. "How much would you pay to avoid a second Depression?" Bernanke asks. "I mean, this is a pretty good return on investment."
• On his background:
"I'm not one of those people who look at this as some kind of video game. I come from Main Street, from a small town that's really depressed. This is all very real to me."
• On banker pay:
"I think that bankers ought to recognize that the government and the taxpayer saved the financial system from utter collapse last year. And in recognizing that, I would think that bankers ought to look in the mirror and decide that perhaps there should be some more restraint in how much they pay themselves, given what the government and the taxpayer did to protect the system."
Source: TIME
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December 14, 2009
World-Class Universities Debate Rankings
Over 700 university academics and administrators from around 45 countries gathered at the fifth QS Asia Pacific Professional Leaders in Education Conference in Kuala Lumpur to hear international experts from 25 countries speak on globalization and the role of rankings in higher education.
A Rankings Workshop, held on 23 November, brought delegates up to date with developments in the QS World University Rankings, and sought their feedback. QS, the authors of the World University Rankings, has conducted over 70 Rankings Workshops in the last five years, attended by more than 5,000 senior university officers, planners and strategists.
Nunzio Quacquarelli, Managing Director of QS says: "These workshops ensure the methodology, rigor and impartiality of the QS World University Rankings are constantly reviewed by the academic community and fed back to the QS rankings team."
Tony Sheil, Associate Director, Research Policy at Griffith University, Australia observes: "QS has always been open and accountable, willing to listen and quick to take on changes for the better. The QS method has become very difficult for institutions to 'game' due to its use of both qualitative and quantitative indicators."
QS Quacquarelli Symonds, one of the world's leading networks for careers and education, has been publishing world rankings since 2004.
These rankings have obtained increasing influence among academics worldwide and have a growing effect on prospective students and government policy makers.
• QS World's Best Universities: Top 200 has also been published by U.S.News & World Report.
Below are the world's top 400 universities according to the Times Higher - QS World University Rankings.
• TOP 200
2009 RANK --- INSTITUTION --- COUNTRY
1 HARVARD University, United States
2 University of CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom
3 YALE University, United States
4 UCL (University College London), United Kingdom
5= IMPERIAL College London, United Kingdom
5= University of OXFORD, United Kingdom
7 University of CHICAGO, United States
8 PRINCETON University, United States
9 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
10 California Institute of Technology (Caltech), United States
11 COLUMBIA University, United States
12 University of PENNSYLVANIA, United States
13 JOHNS HOPKINS University, United States
14 DUKE University, United States
15 CORNELL University, United States
16 STANFORD University, United States
17 AUSTRALIAN National University, Australia
18 Mcgill University, Canada
19 University of MICHIGAN, United States
20= ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute), Switzerland
20= University of EDINBURGH, United Kingdom
22 University of TOKYO, Japan
23 KING'S College London, United Kingdom
24 University of HONG KONG, Hong Kong
25 KYOTO University, Japan
26 University of MANCHESTER, United Kingdom
27 CARNEGIE MELLON University, United States
28 Ecole Normale Superieure, PARIS, France
29 University of TORONTO, Canada
30 National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
31 BROWN University, United States
32= NORTHWESTERN University, United States
32= University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), United States
34 University of BRISTOL, United Kingdom
35 HONG KONG University of Science And Technology, Hong Kong
36= Ecole Polytechnique, France
36= University of MELBOURNE, Australia
36= University of SYDNEY, Australia
39 University of California, BERKELEY, United States
40 University of BRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada
41 University of QUEENSLAND, Australia
42 Federal Polytechnic School of LAUSANNE, Switzerland
43= OSAKA University, Japan
43= TRINITY College Dublin, Ireland
45 MONASH University, Australia
46 The Chinese University of HONG KONG, Hong Kong
47= SEOUL National University, South Korea
47= University of NEW SOUTH WALES, Australia
49= TSINGHUA University, China
49= University of AMSTERDAM, Netherlands
51 University of COPENHAGEN, Denmark
52= NEW YORK University (NYU), United States
52= PEKING University, China
54 BOSTON University, United States
55= Technical University of MUNICH, Germany
55= TOKYO Institute of Technology, Japan
57 HEIDELBERG University, Germany
58 University of WARWICK, United Kingdom
59 University of ALBERTA, Canada
60 LEIDEN University, Netherlands
61= The University of AUCKLAND, New Zealand
61= University of Wisconsin-madison, United States
63= AARHUS University, Denmark
63= University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (U of I), United States
65 Catholic University of LEUVEN, Belgium
66 University of BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom
67= London School of Economics And Political Science (LSE), United Kingdom
67= LUND University, Sweden
69 Kaist - Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology, South Korea
70= University of YORK, United Kingdom
70= UTRECHT University, Netherlands
72 University of GENEVA, Switzerland
73= Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
73= WASHINGTON University In St. Louis, United States
75 UPPSALA University, Sweden
76= University of CALIFORNIA, San Diego, United States
76= University of TEXAS At Austin, United States
78 University of NORTH CAROLINA, Chapel Hill, United States
79 University of GLASGOW, United Kingdom
80 University of WASHINGTON, United States
81 University of ADELAIDE, Australia
82 University of SHEFFIELD, United Kingdom
83 DELFT University of Technology, Netherlands
84 University of WESTERN AUSTRALIA, Australia
85 DARTMOUTH College, United States
86 GEORGIA Institute of Technology, United States
87= PURDUE University, United States
87= University of ST ANDREWS, United Kingdom
89 University College DUBLIN, Ireland
90 EMORY University, United States
91 University of NOTTINGHAM, United Kingdom
92= NAGOYA University, Japan
92= University of ZURICH, Switzerland
94 Free University of BERLIN, Germany
95= NATIONAL TAIWAN University (NTU), Taiwan
95= University of SOUTHAMPTON, United Kingdom
97 TOHOKU University, Japan
98 Ludwig Maximilian - University of MUNICH..., Germany
99 University of LEEDS, United Kingdom
100 RICE University, United States
101 University of OSLO, Norway
102 Hebrew University of JERUSALEM, Israel
103= DURHAM University, United Kingdom
103= FUDAN University, China
105 University of MINNESOTA, United States
106 University of CALIFORNIA, Santa Barbara, United States
107 Universite De Montreal, Canada
108= ERASMUS University Rotterdam, Netherlands
108= University of BASEL, Switzerland
108= University of CALIFORNIA, Davis, United States
108= University of HELSINKI, Finland
112 University of SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, United States
113 University of WATERLOO, Canada
114= TEL AVIV University, Israel
114= University of PITTSBURGH, United States
116 MAASTRICHT University, Netherlands
117 University Pierre and Marie Curie - PARIS, France
118 QUEEN'S University, Canada
119 CASE WESTERN RESERVE University, United States
120= EINDHOVEN University of Technology, Netherlands
120= PENNSYLVANIA STATE University, United States
122= University of Fribourg, Germany
122= University of MARYLAND, College Park, United States
124 City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
125 University of OTAGO, New Zealand
126= Catholic University of LOUVAIN (UCL), Belgium
126= Ecole Normale Superieure de LYON, France
128 University of VIRGINIA, United States
129= GEORGETOWN University, United States
129= OHIO STATE University, United States
129= University of ABERDEEN, United Kingdom
132= TECHNION - Israel Institute of Technology, Israel
132= University of VIENNA, Austria
134 POHANG University of Science And Technology, South Korea
135 CARDIFF University, United Kingdom
136 University of GHENT, Belgium
137 University of LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom
138= CHULALONGKORN University, Thailand
138= University of GRONINGEN, Netherlands
140 VANDERBILT University, United States
141 University of ROCHESTER, United States
142 KEIO University, Japan
143 Mcmaster University, Canada
144= University of BATH, United Kingdom
144= University of BERGEN, Norway
146= HUMBOLDT University of Berlin, Germany
146= University of CAPE TOWN, South Africa
148 WASEDA University, Japan
149= Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Germany
149= University of CALGARY, Canada
151= The University of WESTERN ONTARIO, Canada
151= YONSEI University, South Korea
153 SHANGHAI JIAO TONG University, China
154 University of Science And Technology of China, China
155= KYUSHU University, Japan
155= LOMONOSOV MOSCOW State University, Russia
155= WAGENINGEN University, Netherlands
158 NEWCASTLE University, United Kingdom
159 Technical University of DENMARK, Denmark
160 TUFTS University, United States
161 University of CALIFORNIA, Irvine, United States
162 LANCASTER University, United Kingdom
163 Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India
164 QUEEN MARY, University of London, United Kingdom
165 VU University AMSTERDAM, Netherlands
166= University of ARIZONA, United States
166= University of SUSSEX, United Kingdom
168= NANJING University, China
168= Saint-petersburg State University, Russia
168= University of LAUSANNE, Switzerland
171= HOKKAIDO University, Japan
171= University of BARCELONA, Spain
173 STONY BROOK University, State University of New York, United States
174= Kth, ROYAL INSTITUTE of Technology, Sweden
174= University of BOLOGNA, Italy
174= University of TSUKUBA, Japan
177= University of ANTWERP, Belgium
177= University of ATHENS, Greece
179 TEXAS A&M University, United States
180 University of MALAYA (UM), Malaysia
181 Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD), India
182 RWTH AACHEN University, Germany
183 RUTGERS, The State University of New Jersey, United States
184 University of KARLSRUHE, Germany
185 University of GOTHENBURG, Sweden
186= University of Colorado At BOULDER, United States
186= University of Gottingen, Germany
188 University of CANTERBURY, New Zealand
189 MACQUARIE University, Australia
190 National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico
191= Free University of Brussels, Belgium
191= University of READING, United Kingdom
193= INDIANA University Bloomington, United States
193= University of BERN, Switzerland
195 The HONG KONG Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
196= SIMON FRASER University, Canada
196= University of LEICESTER, United Kingdom
198 CHALMERS University of Technology, Sweden
199 University of NOTRE DAME, United States
200 University of TWENTE, Netherlands
...............................................................................
• 201- 400
2009 RANK --- INSTITUTION --- COUNTRY
201= Queen's University of BELFAST, United Kingdom
201= University of FLORIDA, United States
201= University of INDONESIA, Indonesia
204 PARIS IEP Sciences Po, France
205 Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
206 University of STUTTGART, Germany
207= University College CORK, Ireland
207= University of Sao Paulo, Brazil
209 RENSSELAER Polytechnic Institute, United States
210 HELSINKI University of Technology (TKK), Finland
211= Autonomous University of BARCELONA, Spain
211= KOREA University, South Korea
211= Technical University of BERLIN, Germany
214 DALHOUSIE University, Canada
215= Autonomous University of MADRID, Spain
215= STOCKHOLM University, Sweden
215= University of DUNDEE, United Kingdom
218= KOBE University, Japan
218= Paris-Sud XI University, France
220= MAHIDOL University, Thailand
220= Radboud University NIJMEGEN, Netherlands
222 MICHIGAN STATE University, United States
223= National TSING HUA University, Taiwan
223= Rmit University, Australia
225 University of IOWA, United States
226 University of OTTAWA, Canada
227 Free University of BRUSSELS, Belgium
228 Paris-SORBONNE University (Paris IV), France
229= CHARLES University, Czech Republic
229= LOUGHBOROUGH University, United Kingdom
229= VICTORIA University of Wellington, New Zealand
232 University of Technology, SYDNEY, Australia
233 Goethe University FRANKFURT, Germany
234= ATENEO De Manila University, Philippines
234= BRANDEIS University, United States
234= SOAS - School of Oriental And African St..., United Kingdom
237= Indian Institute of Technology KANPUR, India
237= University of BONN, Germany
237= University of MASSACHUSETTS, Amherst, United States
237= WAKE FOREST University, United States
241= LA TROBE University, Australia
241= University of VICTORIA, Canada
243 National University of Ireland, GALWAY, Ireland
244= CURTIN University of Technology, Australia
244= QUEENSLAND University of Technology, Australia
244= University of MIAMI, United States
247= KING SAUD University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
247= ZHEJIANG University, China
249 University of SURREY, United Kingdom
250 GADJAH MADA University, Indonesia
251 University of WOLLONGONG, Australia
252= Complutense University of MADRID, Spain
252= University of CALIFORNIA, Santa Cruz, United States
254= FLINDERS University, Australia
254= University of Strasbourg, France
254= University of STRATHCLYDE, United Kingdom
257 STOCKHOLM School of Economics, Sweden
258 LAVAL University, Canada
259= HIROSHIMA University, Japan
259= University of MANNHEIM, Germany
259= University of UTAH, United States
262= GEORGE WASHINGTON University, United States
262= University of The PHILIPPINES, Philippines
264= University of TURKU, Finland
264= VIENNA University of Technology, Austria
266= KING FAHD University of Petroleum & Mine..., Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
266= University of EXETER, United Kingdom
266= University of NEWCASTLE, Australia
269 NORTH CAROLINA STATE University, United States
270 NORWEGIAN University of Science And Technology, Norway
271 Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussees..., France
272 University of HAMBURG, Germany
273= Ecole Normale Superieure Lettres et Science, France
273= University of ESSEX, United Kingdom
273= University of HAWAII, United States
273= YORK University, Canada
277= Pontifical Catholic University of CHILE, Chile
277= University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne, France
279= DUBLIN City University, Ireland
279= University of ULM, Germany
281= DRESDEN University of Technology, Germany
281= Joseph Fourier University - GRENOBLE I, France
281= National CHENG KUNG University, Taiwan
284 Indian Institute of Technology Madras, India
285 University of CALIFORNIA, Riverside, United States
286 Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy
287 ASTON University, United Kingdom
288= DARMSTADT University of Technology, Germany
288= University MONTPELLIER II - Sciences and..., France
288= University of CINCINNATI, United States
291= GRIFFITH University, Australia
291= National University of Malaysia (UKM), Malaysia
291= University of DELHI, India
291= University of LIEGE, Belgium
295= State University of CAMPINAS (Unicamp), Brazil
295= TULANE University, United States
295= University of SOUTH AUSTRALIA, Australia
298 University of BUENOS AIRES, Argentina
299 MASSEY University, New Zealand
300 University of SOUTHERN DENMARK, Denmark
301 University of Cologne, Germany
302= JAGIELLONIAN University, Poland
302= University of EAST ANGLIA, United Kingdom
302= University of Tromsa, Norway
305 AUSTRAL University, Argentina
306 National YANG MING University, Taiwan
307= CHIBA University, Japan
307= HONG KONG Baptist University, Hong Kong
309= ARIZONA STATE University, United States
309= University of Warzburg, Germany
311 VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC Institute, United States
312= NOVOSIBIRSK STATE University, Russia
312= University of PADUA, Italy
314= University of Science, Malaysia (USM), Malaysia
314= University of WAIKATO, New Zealand
316 ROYAL HOLLOWAY University of London, United Kingdom
317 Friedrich Alexander University of Erlang..., Germany
318= BRUNEL University, United Kingdom
318= Umeå University, Sweden
320 University of Technology, Malaysia (UTM), Malaysia
321 University of The WITWATERSRAND, South Africa
322 University of PISA, Italy
323 BEN GURION University of The Negev, Israel
324= Heinrich Heine University of Dusseldorf, Germany
324= POMPEU FABRA University, Spain
326= DUBLIN Institute of Technology, Ireland
326= University of TASMANIA, Australia
328= KUOPIO University, Finland
328= University of LEIPZIG, Germany
330 IOWA STATE University, United States
331= Johannes Gutenberg University of MAINZ, Germany
331= University of OULU, Finland
333 University of Lille 1, France
334 Paris Diderot University, France
335 Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, India
336 University of GRAZ, Austria
337= University of ALABAMA, United States
337= University of ST GALLEN (HSG), Switzerland
339= HANYANG University, South Korea
339= MONTERREY Institute of Technology and Hi..., Mexico
339= University of CONNECTICUT, United States
342 BIELEFELD University, Germany
343= BOSTON College, United States
343= University of CHILE, Chile
345 Putra University, Malaysia (UPM), Malaysia
346= HOWARD University, United States
346= Ruhr University BOCHUM, Germany
346= University of KONSTANZ, Germany
349 University of WARSAW, Poland
350 National University of Sciences And Technology, Pakistan
351= American University of BEIRUT (AUB), Lebanon
351= BANDUNG Institute of Technology (ITB), Indonesia
351= NATIONAL TAIWAN University of Science An..., Taiwan
354 University of MARBURG, Germany
355= DEAKIN University, Australia
355= JAMES COOK University, Australia
357= Saarland University, Germany
357= Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea
357= SWANSEA University, United Kingdom
360 BILKENT University, Turkey
361= GOLDSMITHS, University of London, United Kingdom
361= University of INNSBRUCK, Austria
363 COLORADO STATE University, United States
364= HITOTSUBASHI University, Japan
364= University of PARIS V - Descartes, France
366= University of COIMBRA, Portugal
366= WASHINGTON STATE University, United States
368= SHOWA University, Japan
368= University of GEORGIA, United States
368= University of TEHRAN, Iran
371= FLORIDA STATE University, United States
371= Paul Sabatier University - TOULOUSE III, France
371= PUSAN National University, Korea, South
374= Heriot-watt University, United Kingdom
374= KYUNG HEE University, South Korea
374= UNITED ARAB EMIRATES University, United Arab Emirates
377= University of FLORENCE, Italy
377= YOKOHAMA NATIONAL University, Japan
379 SOGANG University, South Korea
380 University of TENNESSEE, United States
381= City University of New York, United States
381= University of NAVARRA, Spain
383= Federal University of RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil
383= University of BRADFORD, United Kingdom
383= University of NEW MEXICO, United States
386= ABERYSTWYTH University, United Kingdom
386= CARLETON University, Canada
386= University of BAYREUTH, Germany
389= National CHIAO TUNG University, Taiwan
389= University of MANITOBA, Canada
389= YESHIVA University, United States
392= ILLINOIS Institute of Technology, United States
392= NAGASAKI University, Japan
394= BANGOR University, United Kingdom
394= CZECH TECHNICAL University in Prague, Czech Republic
394= Universite Du QUEBEC, Canada
397= DREXEL University, United States
397= EWHA WOMANS University, South Korea
399= OSAKA CITY University, Japan
400 University of BREMEN, Germany
Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds (www.topuniversities.com). With permission.
Copyright © 2004-2009 QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd.
• Read the full edition of the QS Top Universities Guide online.
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December 10, 2009
Many Automotive Brands are Losing Buyers to Competitors Due to Poor Customer Treatment though they have High Customer Satisfaction with the New-Vehicle Sales Process: J.D. Power
Overall satisfaction with the new-vehicle purchase experience has improved from 2008, but automakers are losing 12 percent of new-vehicle sales to other brands, on average, as a result of poor customer treatment at dealerships, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study.
The study is a comprehensive analysis of the new-vehicle purchase experience. Overall customer satisfaction is measured for five factors:
Dealership Facility;
Salesperson;
Paperwork, Finance Process;
Delivery process; and
Vehicle Price.
Overall satisfaction averages 836 points on a 1,000-point scale in 2009, up by 11 points from 2008. Satisfaction with each of the five factors improves from 2008, with the greatest improvements in the two areas that are most within the dealer's control -- the salesperson and delivery process factors.
According to J.D. Power, salespeople have improved most notably from 2008 in helping buyers stay within their budgets and in negotiating prices quickly. Within the delivery process, dealerships have improved considerably in providing complete explanations of the owner's manual and explaining vehicle features.
"In this difficult economy, dealerships are working particularly hard to close sales, but need to be attentive to customers without exerting unwanted sales pressure," said Jon Osborn, director of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates. "Nearly one in four buyers in 2009 reports experiencing sales pressure from their selling dealer."
The study finds that more than one in five shoppers who leave a dealership without purchasing a vehicle do so because they experienced poor treatment or dealer performance issues such as pricing games, sales pressure tactics or discourteous treatment. While 43 percent of these buyers ultimately purchased from a different dealer of the same brand, 57 percent decided to purchase from a different brand altogether. For the industry as a whole, this equals a 12 percent loss of retail sales to other brands.
"With the billions of dollars that automakers spend designing, producing and marketing new vehicles, as well as in driving customers to showrooms, it is critical that potential buyers are not pushed out the dealer's door because of a poor customer experience," said Osborn. "Manufacturers and dealers should be concerned with the experiences of all shoppers, whether they purchase or not. From a buyer's perspective, recollections of their shopping experience include not only the selling dealer, but also all of the other dealers they visited."
The 2009 Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study is based on responses from approximately 48,000 new-vehicle buyers who purchased or leased their new vehicles in May or June 2009. The study was fielded between August and October 2009.
Sales Satisfaction Index Ranking --------- J.D. Power Circle Rating
(Based on a 1,000-point scale)
• Luxury Brands
Jaguar ---------------------- 898 ---------------- 5
Cadillac ---------------------- 893 --------------- 5
Lexus ----------------------- 877 ---------------- 4
Mercedes-Benz ------------ 877 ---------------- 4
Land Rover ------------------ 872 --------------- 4
(Average) ------------------- 864 ---------------- 3
Lincoln ----------------------- 863 --------------- 3
BMW ------------------------ 861 ---------------- 3
Porsche ---------------------- 861 --------------- 3
SAAB ------------------------- 857 --------------- 3
Acura ------------------------ 856 ---------------- 3
Infiniti ------------------------ 845 --------------- 2
Volvo ------------------------- 842 --------------- 2
Audi -------------------------- 828 --------------- 2
• Mass Market Brands
Mercury ---------------------- 867 --------------- 5
smart ------------------------- 865 --------------- 5
Buick ------------------------- 864 --------------- 5
Pontiac ----------------------- 864 --------------- 5
Chevrolet -------------------- 863 --------------- 5
MINI -------------------------- 862 --------------- 5
Saturn ------------------------ 858 --------------- 4
HUMMER --------------------- 856 --------------- 4
GMC -------------------------- 853 ---------------- 4
Ford --------------------------- 847 --------------- 4
Subaru ------------------------ 834 -------------- 3
Suzuki ------------------------ 832 --------------- 3
(Average) -------------------- 832 --------------- 3
Honda ------------------------ 830 --------------- 3
Volkswagen ------------------ 828 --------------- 3
Scion -------------------------- 826 --------------- 3
Kia ----------------------------- 823 -------------- 3
Toyota ------------------------ 823 --------------- 3
Chrysler ---------------------- 822 --------------- 3
Hyundai ---------------------- 819 --------------- 3
Nissan ------------------------ 815 --------------- 3
Mazda ------------------------- 809 --------------- 2
Dodge ------------------------ 805 ---------------- 2
Jeep -------------------------- 805 ---------------- 2
Mitsubishi ------------------- 778 ---------------- 2
Source: J.D. Power and Associates
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"A typical car buyer trusts others' advice rather than any traditional advertising.
Hence, the Word of Mouth is the forgotten most powerful publicity tool that an automobile manufacturer may explore and employ to advertise its products as well as to promote its dealer showrooms."
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December 6, 2009
Volvo Ocean Race: Legs 9 & 10: From Marstrand to Stockholm, From Stockholm to St Petersburg
• The Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 was the 10th running of this ocean marathon. Starting from Alicante in Spain, on 4 October 2008, it took in Cochin, India, Singapore and Qingdao, China before finishing in St Petersburg, Russia for the first time in the history of the race. Spanning some 37,000 nautical miles, visiting 11 ports over nine months, the Volvo Ocean Race is the world's premier ocean yacht race for professional racing crews.
Photo: Telefonica Black, skippered by Fernando Echavarri (ESP) finish first on leg 10 in St Petersburg. © Dave Kneale/Volvo Ocean Race.
Photo: Telefonica Black, skippered by Fernando Echavarri (ESP) finish first on leg 10 in St Petersburg. © jiang yongtao / Volvo Ocean Race.
Photo: A Swedish Navy ship accelerates on front of Green Dragon at the start of leg 10 from Stockholm to St Petersburg. © Sander Pluijm/Team Delta Lloyd/Volvo Ocean Race.
Photo: Spinnakers up for the downwind leg of the in-port race in Stockholm. © Dave Kneale/Volvo Ocean Race.
Photo: PUMA Ocean Racing at dawn on leg 9 from Marstrand to Stockholm. © Rick Tomlinson/Volvo Ocean Race.
Photo: Delta lloyd passes the finish in IJmuiden --- It took skipper Bouwe Bekking just 5 hours 23 minutes and 18 seconds to sail the Delya Lloyd 105 miles from Lowestoft to IJmuiden. © Volvo Ocean Race.
Photo: The fleet get under way at the start of leg 10 from Stockholm to St Petersburg. © Dave Kneale/Volvo Ocean Race.
Photo: PUMA Ocean Racing, skippered by Ken Read (USA) at the start of leg 9 from Marstrand to Stockholm. © Sally Collison/PUMA Ocean Racing.
Photo: Ericsson 3 chasing Telefonica Black at dawn, as the fleet pass the Orsund Bridge on the way to Stockholm. © Rick Tomlinson/Volvo Ocean Race.
Volvo Ocean Race was run for the first time in 2001-02.
During the nine months of the 2008-09 Volvo, which started in Alicante, Spain and concluded in St. Petersburg, Russia, the teams sailed over 37,000 nautical miles of the world's most treacherous seas via Cape Town, Kochi, Singapore, Qingdao, around Cape Horn to Rio de Janeiro, Boston, Galway, Goteborg and Stockholm.
Each of the seven entries had a sailing team of 11 professional crew, and the race required their utmost skills, physical endurance and competitive spirit as they raced day and night for more than 30 days at a time on some of the legs. They each took on different jobs onboard the boat. About two sailors in each team had medical training. Also, each team consisted of a sailor trained as a sailmaker, a sailor trained as an engineer, and a sailor trained as a media specialist.
During the race the crews experience life at the extreme: no fresh food is taken onboard and they go through temperature variations from -5 to +40 degrees Celsius.
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December 4, 2009
World Bank: Majority of People Want Action on Climate Change, Even if it Entails Costs
Photo: View of lakes and mountains. Photo © Curt Carnemark / World Bank.
A new poll of 15 nations, most of them in the developing world, finds that majorities of the people canvassed want their governments to take steps to fight climate change, even if that entails costs. People signaled they would support public measures to limit greenhouse gas emissions and step up adaptation measures. For example, respondents would support higher fuel efficiency standards for cars, preserving or expanding forests, and extending funding to vulnerable countries so they can develop hardier crops suited to more severe climates.
Photo: Fishing. Photo © Alex Baluyut / World Bank.
"The poll's findings shed light on global attitudes at a particularly important moment: the run-up to the conference on climate change to be held December 7-18 in Copenhagen. Hearing from people in the developing world offers a new lens on this issue," says Katherine Sierra, World Bank Vice President for Sustainable Development.
Photo: Horse-drawn cart. Mali. Photo © Curt Carnemark / World Bank.
Photo: Mali. Photo © Curt Carnemark / World Bank.
Carried out by WorldPublicOpinion.org and commissioned by the World Bank, the poll questioned 13,518 respondents in 15 nations -- Bangladesh, China, Egypt, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Russia, Senegal, Turkey, the United States, and Vietnam.
Other key findings include:
• Public concern about climate change is high worldwide, but it's generally higher in developing countries.
• Publics, particularly in developing countries, believe climate change is already having negative effects.
• In most countries, wealthy and poor alike, large majorities are willing to pay to fight climate change.
• Support for increased adaptation funding to poor countries is widespread worldwide.
Photo: View of river and mountains. Bhutan. Photo © Curt Carnemark / World Bank.
"It is encouraging indeed to see strong across-the-board support for committing to emissions limits in both developed and developing nations, since behavior change and attitudes will help determine whether we succeed or fail in addressing this global issue," says Marianne Fay, World Bank Chief Economist for Sustainable Development and Co-Director of the World Development Report 2010: Development and Climate Change.
Ms. Fay explained that the poll was commissioned as a follow-up to the recently released WDR. The aim was to gain a better understanding of how the recommendations of the Report to invest substantially and immediately to manage climate change ("Act now, act together, and act differently") resonate in a cross-section of countries.
In the low-income country of Vietnam, for example, 98% say their government should commit to limiting emissions as part of a deal, and 93% support the same course in the absence of a deal. At the other end of the wealth spectrum, the people of France express 97% support if an agreement is reached at Copenhagen, and 87% if no agreement emerges.
Photo: View of road before storm. Ghana. Photo © Curt Carnemark / World Bank.
Majorities in 14 of 15 countries are willing to pay to fight global climate change.
Majorities in most countries also support measures that would raise costs for energy and transportation.
Photo: Portrait of children. India. Photo © World Bank / Curt Carnemark.
Similarly, majorities in 12 countries support "gradually increasing the requirements for fuel efficiency in automobiles, even if this raises the cost of cars and bus fares." Majorities in 11 countries support "gradually reducing government subsidies that favor private transportation, even if this raises its cost." Majorities in all countries polled support "preserving or expanding forested areas, even if this means less land for agriculture or construction."
WorldPublicOpinion.org operates as a collaborative project involving research centers from around the world that is managed by the Program on International Policy Attitudes (PIPA) at the University of Maryland. The margins of error for each country range from +/-3 to 4 percentage points. The surveys were conducted across the different nations in September and October 2009.
Source: World Bank
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"We, the Heads of the MDBs and the IMF, appeal to the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to agree in Copenhagen the foundations for an ambitious, comprehensive, and equitable global climate change regime that enables all countries to achieve sustainable development along climate-resilient and low greenhouse gas emission-intensive paths. We recognise the primacy of the UNFCCC, whose principles and process we have supported from the start. We endeavour, in accordance with our organizations' respective mandates, expertise, and resources, to further coordinate our financing and analyses of climate change actions and enable our client partners to maximise the effective use of new financial flows."
-- Joint statement by the heads of the African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Investment Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund.
The International Climate Science Coalition (ICSC) has released the names of over 140 leading climate experts from 17 countries who are asking the United Nations and other supporters of this month's Climate Change Conference to produce convincing OBSERVATIONAL EVIDENCE for their claims of dangerous human-caused global warming (AGW) and other changes in climate.
• "With revelations that critical temperature data used by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change appear to have been intentionally distorted to increase warming trends, national representatives to the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference must demand a thorough re-examination of the scientific evidence supporting proposed mitigation actions. This should not be limited to simple temperature data auditing but must also include a re-evaluation of many of the climate-related assertions uncritically accepted by politicians and media worldwide."
-- Dr. Tim Patterson, ICSC Chair and Professor of Earth Sciences at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.
• "While policies designed to conserve energy, reduce pollution and help vulnerable peoples adapt to climate change are important to pursue, proposals to severely curtail GHG emissions in an effort to control climate make no sense, given the current state of scientific knowledge. Instead we need to focus on environmental issues we know we can positively impact - air, land and water pollution being primary examples."
-- Dr. Wibjörn Karlén, Professor Emeritus, Physical Geography, Stockholm University, Sweden.
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December 2, 2009
Los Angeles International Auto Show: Porsche Boxster Spyder Makes World Debut
Photo: Porsche Launched the New Boxster Spyder to World Media in Los Angeles.
Today, at a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Porsche took the wraps off one of its most nimble and sportiest mid-engine cars: the 2011 Boxster Spyder.
• Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing.h.c. F. Porsche AG.
Photos: Porsche rolled out its new Boxster Spyder for the first time at a press conference at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. Helping usher in the sports car for this world debut was Austria's freestyle rock drummer Alfred Vogel. (Porsche Cars North America, Inc., Axel Koester)
"The new Boxster Spyder looks distinctly different from its Boxster siblings," said Klaus Berning, Porsche's executive board member responsible for worldwide sales and marketing, speaking at the Los Angeles Auto Show press conference today. "Our designers borrowed from the rich history of our mid-engine sports and race cars of the '50s, but under the skin it has our most advanced technology so that its performance matches the Spyder's looks, making it the quintessential purist Porsche."
"When equipped with Porsche-Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission and the Sports Chrono Package, the new Spyder, using Launch Control, accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Top track speed is 166 mph -- with the roof open."
Weighing only 2,811 lbs. and delivering 320 horsepower, it goes on sale in February 2010 and will join the Boxster and Boxster S that made their world debut here last year.
Source: Porsche
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November 30, 2009
U.S. Crude Oil Production in 2009 Poised To Show Big Jump: Platts Analysis
Photo: Platts' new 100-year anniversary global branding ad for oil rolled out in February issue of UK's Energy Risk Magazine; first in a series of Platts' 2009 ads to highlight the commodities it covers: Oil, Petrochemicals, Electricity, Natural Gas, Metals and Renewable Fuels.
• United States crude oil production for 2009 is on target to have its biggest one-year jump since 1970, according to a Platts analysis of industry data.
Platts, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, is a leading global provider of energy and commodities information.
With U.S. oil production averaging 5.268 million barrels per day (b/d) through October, the gain in U.S. output will be the most since the country produced 9.637-million b/d in 1970, which turned out to be the peak year of U.S. crude output, according to Platts' analysis of data published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). If that 5.268 million b/d figure holds through December, this year would show a 6.4% boost from the 4.95 million b/d average of 2008 and rank as the best U.S. oil production year since 2004, when output averaged 5.419 million b/d.
Projections from the U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS) indicate that the primary driver for this year's U.S. oil production resurgence is actually just getting started. That driver is the Gulf of Mexico, where operators have begun launching a group of new fields, fulfilling what has been a decade-long focus on unlocking the promise of deepwater exploration there.
Photo: Oil tanker and offshore drill on ocean.
In its reporting, Platts concluded that with the jump in the Gulf of Mexico, combined with the emergence of two other new oil-production trends, it appears the U.S. has a chance of at least maintaining oil output in the range of five million to six million b/d for some years to come.
The Gulf posted its biggest oil production year in 2002 with 1.556 million b/d, but only 61% of that total came from deepwater. In contrast, this year the MMS projects oil output of 1.213 million b/d with 76% from deepwater as the Gulf ramps toward an expected new oil production record of 1.635 million b/d by 2011.
Besides growth in the Gulf, those other trends involve further development of the Bakken Shale oil play in North Dakota and success by a group of operators now training their onshore exploration sights toward new oil targets at the expense of natural gas.
Photo: Oil Rig at Sunset.
As for companies shifting their strategies, that group includes large Houston independent and Bakken pioneer EOG Resources, which has set a goal of shifting from a 70% gas production share to a 50:50 oil and gas mix by 2011 with a comprehensive review of additional potential North American shale oil targets.
This rise in output has helped the U.S. reduce its net imports -- defined as imports less exports, both crude and petroleum products -- by a substantial amount. While there are many factors that go into the United States' net import figure, the decline has been striking, according to EIA data.
And while the drop in U.S. consumption can be seen as accounting for much of that decline, the U.S. also has put more than 140 million barrels of crude oil and products into inventory since the beginning of October 2008, something made possible in part by the rise in crude oil output.
Source: Platts
|GlobalGiants.Com|
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November 26, 2009
Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games: Panasonic to Deliver Full Lineup of HD Equipment
Photo: Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Mascots Quatchi, Sumi and Miga (© VANOC/COVAN).
Photo: Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Whistler Olympic Park (© VANOC/COVAN).
Photo: Panasonic to Deliver Full Lineup of HD Equipment to Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Panasonic Corporation, the Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, announced it is providing a full lineup of High-Definition (HD) equipment to support the broadcast of the Olympic Games; delivering the largest supply of AV equipment for any Winter Games in the company's history.
Through cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) and Olympic Broadcasting Services Vancouver (OBSV), Panasonic will supply its HD video equipment to the competition venues and broadcasting locations, making the Vancouver Games the first Olympic Winter Games to be broadcast completely in HD format.
Following Beijing 2008, all international video signals for the 2010 Winter Games will be produced and distributed in HD format from the International Broadcasting Center (IBC) to rights-holding broadcasters around the world. In addition, the HD video signals will also be used for the first time for display on the LED Large Screen Display Systems in the competition venues and BC Place Stadium where the Opening and Closing Ceremonies will take place; making the 2010 Winter Games the first "HD Olympic Winter Games" with all the Olympic videos to be delivered completely in HD.
In addition, Panasonic will support a safe and secure Olympic operation by providing high-quality picture and high-sensitivity surveillance camera systems for the indoor and outdoor Olympic facilities, the surrounding areas and highways.
Sources: Panasonic Corporation; Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC).
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"Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games will take place in February 2010. Relevant consumer-oriented businesses targeting audiences in participating countries (especially those in North America) may timely explore this advertising opportunity."
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November 25, 2009
Lands' End Offers FeelGood Sweaters
Photo: Lands' End FeelGood Cardigan. The FeelGood collection includes a variety of sweater styles, such as the cabled sweater vest, striped turtleneck or cabled cardigan, all in rich seasonal colors like Winter Violet, Rich Red and Iris. Lands' End is one of the world's largest retailers of casual and tailored clothing for women, men, children.
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November 20, 2009
Every GM Vehicle Sold Costs Taxpayers $12,200, Says National Taxpayers Union
The American taxpayer has put up $12,200 for every General Motors vehicle sold through the beginning of 2011, and $7,600 for every Chrysler vehicle sold as well, according to a new report issued by the 362,000-member National Taxpayers Union (NTU).
The report, The Auto Bailout - A Taxpayer Quagmire, is authored by NTU Adjunct Scholar Thomas D. Hopkins, Professor of Economics at Rochester Institute of Technology. Hopkins held senior management positions in two White House agencies during the Ford, Carter and Reagan Administrations. In the early 1980's, he served as Deputy Administrator, Office of Information & Regulatory Affairs, in the Office of Management & Budget.
Photo: 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD LTZ Extended Cab.
"Every time someone in your neighborhood drives home in a shiny new Chevy Silverado, remember that it cost American taxpayers more than $12,000," said Pete Sepp, NTU Vice President for Policy and Communications.
The study found that the average American taxpaying family has invested roughly $800 in the auto bailouts so far. Moreover, the study found, the government support poured into General Motors, Chrysler, and GMAC - the financing subsidiary that supports sales at both - now stands at $78.9 billion. Given that figure, and an estimate of how many vehicles GM and Chrysler will sell through the end of 2010, the study finds that each vehicle one of the bailed-out companies sells costs taxpayers $10,700.
Finally, breaking down the costs by company, the study reports that every Chrysler vehicle sold costs taxpayers $7,600, and every GM vehicle sold costs taxpayers $12,200.
The research is based upon a November study released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), entitled "Continued Stewardship Needed as Treasury Develops Strategies for Monitoring and Divesting Financial Interests in Chrysler and GM," a follow-up report on the "Troubled Asset Relief Program," as well as statements and reports released from the U.S. Treasury.
The study also found that during the first ten months of 2009, GM and Chrysler sales fell further than other major auto producers, down 33.4 percent and 38.9 percent, respectively.
Photo: US Treasury Department, Washington, DC, USA.
"While the prospect of repayment of GM and Chrysler loans might be expected, after bankruptcy the vast majority of the bailout funds are no longer legal obligations of the newly-structured GM and Chrysler," the study concludes. "If Americans are to believe public officials' claims that the government will eventually reprivatize the auto industry, the necessity of a thoughtful exit plan is essential. However, at this time no such plan exists, making it likely that the Treasury will not recover its investment."
Source: National Taxpayers Union, 108 North Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314, USA.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
"The names 'GM' and 'General Motors' continue to take a beating.
But the value of the name 'Chevrolet' (as well as that of 'Cadillac' and 'Buick') remains unaffected. It is the same it was 20 or 30 years ago.
If GM had projected 'Chevrolet' as its flagship brand (it may do so even today!), it would have boosted the buyers' confidence in all its brands and nameplates and would have restored the investors' confidence in the company."
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November 19, 2009
Bridget Moynahan is the Newest Spokesmodel for Garnier Nutritioniste
Moynahan will be the face of the Garnier Nutritioniste Ultra-Lift product collection.
Global skincare company Garnier Nutritioniste is introducing actress Bridget Moynahan as the latest spokesmodel for the brand. Moynahan will appear in print and TV campaigns for the brand's top-selling Ultra-Lift skincare collection, set to debut July 2010.
Moynahan joins an impressive roster of Garnier spokesmodels, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Bar Rafaeli and Alana de la Garza.
"We are thrilled to partner with the beautiful Bridget Moynahan," says Maybelline New York-Garnier President David Greenberg. "Her class, grace and accessibility make her a model representative of the Garnier brand. Most importantly, she exhibits a likeable, healthy beauty that speaks to our consumer in such a positive way."
Moynahan is an all-American girl raised in the East Coast town of Longmeadow, Massachusetts. Before earning international recognition in films and TV, she had a successful modeling career, appearing on the covers of numerous magazines including Glamour, Vogue, Elle and Self. Moynahan has since appeared in a number of major films, such as Serendipity, The Sum of All Fears, The Recruit, I, Robot, and Lord of War. She is the star of the upcoming 2010 film Ramona and Beezus and is currently shooting the film Battle: Los Angeles.
Source: Garnier
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November 14, 2009
PRINCETON HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
Photo: Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and New Jersey Congressman Rush Holt (center) visit a diagnostic imaging suite during a tour of University Medical Center at Princeton today. Speaker Pelosi and Rep. Holt held a press conference at the hospital to discuss the need for healthcare reform in America. Pictured at left is Barry S. Rabner, president and CEO of Princeton HealthCare System. (Photo Credit: Princeton HealthCare System. Photographer: Richard Titus)
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November 12, 2009
Volkswagen Group of America Invests $125 Million for New Dealer Storefronts in New York City
Flagship Audi and Volkswagen dealerships reinforce commitment to U.S. market.
Photo: Volkswagen Group of America Invests $125 Million for New Dealer Storefronts in New York City.
• Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. announced today that it is investing in flagship Audi and Volkswagen dealerships in New York City, as part of its strategic plan to grow business in the U.S. market.
The $125 million deal is for the 265,000 square-foot building formerly housing Potamkin General Motors. The building is strategically sited in the highest traffic area of 11th Ave., making it a convenient location for Volkswagen and Audi customers.
• Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the world's third largest automaker and the largest carmaker in Europe. It houses the U.S. operations of a worldwide family of distinguished brands including Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Volkswagen.
"As Volkswagen and Audi move forward on our aggressive plan to increase sales in the U.S., there is no better place to demonstrate our commitment than in Manhattan -- a town synonymous for bold actions and big thinking," said Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. "New York has always been a leading market for the Volkswagen and Audi brands, and these new store fronts will serve to strengthen our business even more. We are proud to be investing in the New York economy, excited to showcase our brands and look forward to seeing more Volkswagens and Audis on the streets of New York."
The new dealerships will showcase Volkswagen and Audi's new showroom concepts, known respectively as "white frame" and "terminal." The dealerships will be part of one of the largest dealers in the area, the Open Road Auto Group. The Group will target to begin selling vehicles in early 2010.
Source: Volkswagen Group of America
|GlobalGiants.com|
AN AUTOMAKER SHOULD MAKE A POTENTIAL CAR BUYER POSITIVELY LOOK UPON ITS MARKETING.
Should an Automaker make a potential car buyer look upon its marketing as that from an Established, Confident Car Company that believes that its products are very much in demand and that trusts that when someone buys its new car, he or she is already in love with it?
Or, Should an Automaker make a potential car buyer look upon its marketing as that from a Struggling, Jittery Car Company that believes that its products are not in demand and that is why it is forcing the consumers to become artificially interested in them by saying, "If you buy a new car from us and you don't love it, you can bring it back within a specified time, and we we'll refund your money, though, of course, we would do it after a frightening refunding process you would never dare to undergo!"?
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Marriott International Developing Green Hotels
Photo: Marriott International will expand its green hotel portfolio ten-fold in five years, with a new green hotel prototype for its Courtyard brand that will be pre-certified LEED(R) (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) by the U.S. Green Building Council. Shown here, the Courtyard Portland City Center, which is certified LEED-Gold. (© Marriott International, Inc., William James Photography)
• Marriott International, Inc. announced today that it will expand its green hotel portfolio ten-fold over the next five years by introducing a green hotel prototype that will be pre-certified LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), an internationally recognized green building certification system designed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
The green hotel prototype, which will be available in April 2010, will save owners approximately $100,000 and six months in design time, and reduce a hotel's energy and water consumption by up to 25 percent.
The green hotel prototype, referred to by the USGBC as "volume build certification," has been created for Marriott's Courtyard brand, which has a development pipeline of nearly 160 hotels worldwide. In 2010, the company expects to introduce similar green hotel prototypes for its Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites brands, which represent more than 290 hotels in the pipeline worldwide.
"Marriott's' commitment makes it among the first in the world to commit to implementing green buildings on this scale," said Doug Gatlin, Vice President, USGBC. Marriott was the first hospitality member of the USGBC, and has more than 20 LEED accredited professionals on staff.
While many of the benefits of LEED certification, such as improved energy savings, better indoor air quality and reduced CO2 emissions, are transparent to guests, others are easier to identify such as easy access to public transportation, in-room recycling, and light sensors in the guest rooms.
|GlobalGiants.com|
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November 5, 2009
General Colin Powell Receives American Patriot of Character Award
U.S. Civil servant and retired Army General honored for "outstanding service to America, commitment to ethical conduct"
General Colin Powell, former US Secretary of State, received the American Patriot of Character Award presented by The Character Education Partnership during their 16th annual National Forum on Character Education, in Alexandria, VA.
The American Patriot of Character Award honors one American citizen whose leadership exemplifies the very best of the nation's founding principles.
"The award recognizes individuals not only for great success in their chosen field, but also for upholding the highest ethical standards in service of the common good." "General Powell is a remarkable public servant who has truly made a positive difference in our nation," CEP's executive director Joe Mazzola said. "He is a shining example of integrity for young people, and all American citizens, to emulate. We are honored to have him as the first recipient of this award."
In his acceptance remarks Powell talked about his family's emphasis on good character and achievement.
General Powell also congratulated the National Schools of Character award winners who were in attendance to receive their awards. He commended the educators for their efforts to develop students of good character.
Character Education Partnership advocates for quality, comprehensive character education in U.S. schools. It is a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit coalition of organizations and individuals based in Washington, DC.
Source: Character Education Partnership
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"Most people say that is it is the intellect which makes a great scientist. They are wrong: it is character."
-- Albert Einstein
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October 28, 2009
Students from Top Academic Institutions Choose The World's Top 50 Most Attractive Employers
Compiled from 11 out of the 12 leading economies, nearly 120,000 students from top academic institutions chose their ideal companies to work for.
Google is the world's most attractive employer, followed closely by its rival, Microsoft. This is the only global index of employer attractiveness and highlights the world's most powerful employer brands, i.e., those companies that are the most successful in talent attraction and retention.
The study has been conducted by Universum. Universum is a global Employer Branding company. It is headquartered in Sweden and has presence in more than 28 countries.
Employers today are faced with a shrinking global workforce, a lack of skilled workers and an increasingly demanding generation of new talent. To secure talent under these conditions, employers must develop true and differentiating employer brands. The employers that feature in this Top 50 all have one thing in common: they successfully appeal to current and future talent, and they are aware of how scarce talent is.
The global ranking is based on the national rankings that Universum conducts annually all over the world. The companies that are featured in at least eight out of the twelve leading economies were included in the global ranking, and the 50 most attractive employers were identified. The countries represented in the Global Top 50 rankings are the US, Japan, China, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain, Canada and India.
• Despite it being one of the toughest years for car manufactures, BMW and Daimler appear in the Global Top 50 rankings.
The Big Four accountancy and professionals service firms; financial services companies and management consultancies, still remain strong. In spite of this year being one of worst recessions since the Second World War, they remain globally attractive employers and are especially popular with business students. IT employers are highly placed in the engineering ranking, which can be expected, with Google, Microsoft and IBM in the top three.
The fast moving consumer goods companies and employers in the retail sector are also attractive employers, recognised for their universal appeal as employers in the graduate recruitment market, attracting students from both a business and engineering background.
"These companies in the Top 50 really work with employer branding strategically. The Big Four, for example, are all in the top 10 business ranking, as they have employer branding as part of their business strategy. Many associate their corporate brands to people. This is normal for the service industry, but it is a new approach for other companies" says Michal Kalinowski, Universum CEO. "These companies are in the Top 50 because they are focused, consistent and differentiate themselves in their communication."
Irrespective of rank, the Top 50 Global Employers for business and engineering students are very similar, showing strong employer brands transcend many skill and industry groups. Conversely, Oracle and Philip Morris make it to the Top 50 for business students, but not for engineering students. GlaxoSmithKline and Alcatel-Lucent appear in the engineering ranking, yet not in the business ranking.
What the rankings most certainly reveal is that the big multinational brands are favored. Due to the globalization of the talent market, multinational companies are generally recognized as being attractive employers. Findings from Universum's various student surveys show that students would like a good career reference, an international career and an employer that can offer secure employment. Lovisa Öhnell, head of research and consulting at Universum, comments, "These multinational brands are globally well-known, they offer relocation opportunities and business travel, interaction with clients and colleagues in various countries, and due to their size and economic strength, they are also seen as being the safest choice."
• GLOBAL TOP 50 - ACCORDING TO BUSINESS STUDENTS
Company - Ranking 2009
Google - 1
PricewaterhouseCoopers - 2
Microsoft - 3
Goldman Sachs - 4
Ernst & Young - 5
Procter & Gamble - 6
J.P. Morgan - 7
KPMG - 8
McKinsey & Company - 9
Deloitte - 10
The Boston Consulting Group - 11
BMW - 12
Coca-Cola - 13
L'Oréal - 14
Morgan Stanley - 15
Sony - 16
IBM - 17
Johnson & Johnson - 18
Deutsche Bank - 19
General Electric - 20
Citigroup - 21
HSBC - 22
Accenture - 23
Nestlé - 24
Credit Suisse - 25
Bain & Company - 26
Unilever - 27
UBS - 28
Nokia - 29
Intel - 30
Esso/ExxonMobil - 31
Kraft Foods - 32
Shell - 33
Hewlett-Packard - 34
Mars (Masterfoods) - 35
Pfizer - 36
Siemens - 37
Philips - 38
Oracle - 39
Bayer - 40
Philip Morris - 41
DHL - 42
BP - 43
Bosch - 44
Cisco - 45
Daimler - 46
Ericsson - 47
ABB - 48
Novartis - 49
Schlumberger - 50
• GLOBAL TOP 50 - ACCORDING TO ENGINEERING STUDENTS
Company Ranking 2009
Google - 1
Microsoft - 2
IBM - 3
BMW - 4
Intel - 5
General Electric - 6
Sony - 7
Siemens - 8
Shell - 9
Procter & Gamble - 10
Johnson & Johnson - 11
Hewlett-Packard - 12
Cisco - 13
Esso/ExxonMobil - 14
McKinsey & Company - 15
Schlumberger - 16
BP - 17
L'Oréal - 18
Nokia - 19
Accenture - 20
Coca-Cola - 21
Philips - 22
Goldman Sachs - 23
Nestlé - 24
Pfizer - 25
Bosch - 26
The Boston Consulting Group - 27
J.P. Morgan - 28
Deloitte - 29
Morgan Stanley - 30
GlaxoSmithKline - 31
Ericsson - 32
Ernst & Young - 33
ABB - 34
Bayer - 35
Unilever - 36
PricewaterhouseCoopers - 37
Deutsche Bank - 38
HSBC - 39
Kraft Foods - 40
Bain & Company - 41
Citigroup - 42
Alcatel-Lucent - 43
Daimler - 44
Novartis - 45
Mars (Masterfoods) - 46
KPMG - 47
Credit Suisse - 48
DHL - 49
UBS - 50
The Global Top 50 rankings are based on the employer preferences of nearly 120,000 final year students, who were surveyed at the top academic institutions in the world's 11 largest economies. The global rankings are based on the annual surveys conducted on a global level in 2009. Each student is presented with a list of 130 to 150 national and international employers, chosen by university students through an independent and structured nomination and assessment process. On a global level, this represents 800 considered employers. Students acknowledge those companies they would consider working for. Out of the companies selected as 'considered employers', each student then selects his or her five Ideal Employers. The Global Top 50 is based on the frequency of being selected as an Ideal Employer overall within 11 markets: US, Japan, China, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain, Canada and India.
• The Global Top 50 is the most comprehensive study ever conducted on employer attractiveness.
• This Practical Global Business Study is being presented for the First Time.
|GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 6:34 AM | Link to this Post
October 21, 2009
Tokyo Motor Show: Honda CR-Z Concept 2009 Makes World Debut
• Stylish hybrid coupe will arrive in North America in 2010 as 2-seat model.
Honda today debuted CR-Z Concept 2009, the second concept version of the stylish, sporty hybrid coupe, at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show. While the vehicle displayed at the show is a global concept with a rear seat, the production version that will be introduced to North America in the second half of 2010 will be packaged as a sporty, 2-seat hybrid that provides a personal driving experience for North American customers.
"The Honda CR-Z will expand our lineup of hybrid vehicles and reinforce the fun-to-drive values associated with the Honda brand," said Erik Berkman, vice president of Automobile Corporate Planning and Logistics for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Beyond great styling and features, CR-Z will bring new levels of engagement and fun to customers interested a small car or a hybrid vehicle."
The production version of the Honda CR-Z will make its world debut at the January 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
|GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 10:02 PM | Link to this Post
October 10, 2009
The Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 Awarded to President Barack Obama for Diplomacy
Photo: Newsweek Magazine January 26, 2009 Special Inauguration Issue with President Barack Obama on the cover.
Photo: Visitors crowd outside the Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue to read a display of newspaper front pages announcing Sen. Barack Obama's election as the 44th U.S. president, November 5, 2008. (Credit: Maria Bryk/Newseum).
• ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE NORWEGIAN NOBEL COMMITTEE
Oslo, October 9, 2009
The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama's vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.
Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama's initiative, the USA is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened.
Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future.
• His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population.
For 108 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sought to stimulate precisely that international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world's leading spokesman. The Committee endorses Obama's appeal that "Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges."
....................
|GlobalGiants.com|
"The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable."
-- Proverbs of Solomon: 25:3
"if we desire to secure peace, one of the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known, that we are at all times ready for War."
-- George Washington
"Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all."
-- George Washington
"My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth."
-- George Washington
"The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 to President Barack Obama of the USA for founding his diplomacy on the MOST IRRESPONSIBLE CONCEPT that 'those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population.'
Has the World become Bankrupt of Leadership?
The 'values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population' are NOT Essentially Correct. They are NOT Necessarily High-Minded. They are NOT Divine. On the contrary, they are inclined to be MEAN and MISLEADING!"
• Intellectual Property Notice
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Posted by Editors at 9:58 AM | Link to this Post
October 8, 2009
World Economic Forum's Financial Development Report shows global financial centres' lead is weakening
• Signs of weakness emerge among many global financial centers following crisis.
• Developing countries show comparative financial stability, but also potential for improvement in other areas.
• Report analyses 55 financial systems and capital markets around the world.
Photos: Participants captured during the Dalian WorkSpace 2009 at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, China.
• Financial Development Report 2009 -- New York, USA, 8 October 2009 - The world's largest economies took the biggest hit in the World Economic Forum's second annual Financial Development Report released today.
Global financial centers still lead in the report's Index, but the effects of financial instability have pulled down their scores compared to last year. The United Kingdom, buoyed by the relative strength of its banking and non-banking financial activities, claimed the Index's top spot from the United States, which slipped to third position behind Australia largely due to poorer financial stability scores and a weakened banking sector.
The Financial Development Report ranks 55 of the world's leading financial systems and capital markets. It analyses the drivers of financial system development and economic growth in developed and developing countries to serve as a tool for countries to benchmark themselves and establish priorities for reform.
• Download the 2009 rankings in PDF
• Download the full Report (PDF)
Photos: Participants captured during a session at the Young Global Leaders Summit 2009 in Dalian, China.
The rankings are based on over 120 variables spanning institutional and business environments, financial stability, and size and depth of capital markets, among other factors.
The financial crisis was acutely felt in most global financial systems and caused most countries' scores to drop significantly compared to 2008.
"The change in scores does demonstrate the implications of the downturn on our assessment of the long-term development of financial systems," said Nouriel Roubini of New York University and Chairman, RGE Monitor who is the lead academic on the report.
Germany and France suffered a heavy fall in overall scores that pulled them out of the top 10. They dropped in the rankings but demonstrated financial stability scores that were significantly higher than the United Kingdom and US. Australia showed particular strength this year, a trend that is echoed in many Asia Pacific economies.
The breadth of factors covered in the report means that countries with high financial instability scores like the United Kingdom and US could still achieve a high relative ranking in the Index due to other strengths.
"We hope this report will provide some insight as to how the financial crisis has affected the world's major financial systems. It draws attention to the diversity of factors beyond financial stability that must be addressed to support the role of financial systems in driving economic growth. The United Kingdom and US may still show leadership in the rankings, but their significant drops in score show increasing weakness and imply their leadership may be in jeopardy." said Kevin Steinberg, Chief Operating Officer, World Economic Forum USA.
Some developing countries performed well in the financial stability section of the Index. Chile came in third while Malaysia, Mexico and Brazil are all in the top 15. Norway and Switzerland took the top two spots in this category.
"Developing countries exhibited a relatively strong showing in the financial stability pillar of the Index. For some, this is the result of learning from the mistakes of past financial crises, while for others it may reflect the relative lack of complexity and global integration of their financial systems," said Co-Author Nouriel Roubini.
Developing countries also earned many of the top spots with respect to commercial access, which measures the availability of capital through such means as commercial loans, IPOs and venture capital.
The Industry Partnership Programme of the World Economic Forum, under whose auspices this work was undertaken, provides a platform for the world's leading companies to define and address critical issues. The Financial Development Report benefited from the guidance and support of its Industry Partners with particular contributions from Barclays Capital, EFG Hermes, JPMorgan, Standard Chartered Bank and Troika Dialog.
The report draws on data taken from a variety of publicly available sources such as the World Bank.
Source: World Economic Forum
|GlobalGiants.com|
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Posted by Editors at 10:32 AM | Link to this Post
