It seems that the only constant in the insurance industry these days is change. The emergence of new technology and “big data” are altering the way insurance carriers conduct business. Long gone is the time where people relied on an agent to buy an insurance policy.
In several of our recent engagements we have witnessed first-hand the enormous amount of pressure on CEOs to meet the stringent demands of both stakeholders and customers. One such demand that continues to be a top priority for executives is employee productivity.
Many major banks are suffering declines in trading revenue amid an environment of tranquil markets and stringent regulations.
Do your employees feel a connection in the workplace? If not, consider the following: Towers Perrin research reports companies that have engaged employees report a 6% higher net profit margin. In addition, Kenexa research concludes that engaged companies have shareholder returns that are five times higher over the course of five years.
Organizations dealing with rapid changes are often plagued with inconsistencies that limit production and produce erratic results. So why not devise a plan to stop wasteful practices and become more productive? Sounds easy enough, however gaining employee acceptance of a new approach can be extremely challenging. Two key elements must be considered for a large-scale project such as this to be a viable option: behaviors and change management.
Mining firms must transform in order to survive and they have begun to take inspiration from factory floors.
Through cost-cutting exercises or point solutions many companies have sacrificed productivity in exchange for growth and revenue, and the result hasn't been ideal,
Retail banking has its fair share of problems. What is clear is that when things go wrong, it is not because banks fail to comply with regulatory rules – the business model, company culture or business practices are usually to blame.
Mergers and acquisitions represent the ultimate challenge for any business -- no other event is more difficult, challenging or chaotic. A bad merger can leave a tarnished legacy where problematic cultural and process issues define the organization.
Every year hospitals waste millions of dollars on misused or overused items, such as disposables, general supplies, laundry, uniforms and food. Changing a wasteful culture starts with identifying and correcting processes that that are detrimental to the inventory management process. However, this type of change is easier said than done. It is often difficult for hospital executives to implement a new framework of operations on every floor – they neither have the time nor the resources to execute a plan of this size and scope.
It seems obvious enough that excellent customer service is something every bank, or any public-facing business for that matter, should strive for. With so many options for customers to choose from, customer service is the "x-factor" that banks need to stand out from the crowd. To the average person, banks all look the same from the outside, but it's what's on the inside that will keep them coming back for more.
Recently, members of the Alexander Proudfoot North American team had the privilege of working with the United Way of Greater Atlanta to assist homeless veterans living in Atlanta. The joint team's objective was to assemble "welcome home" kits for local vets in the process of moving into transitional housing. It was an extremely rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Mining and metals firms across the world suffered some serious challenges in 2013, according to an industry report recently released by global professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Due to the influx of patients caused by health care reform, doctors barely have enough time to see patients let alone pharmaceutical sales reps. Since the chances of spending quality time in front of a doctor are now few and far between,
Investors are demanding the world’s biggest mining companies produce sustainable cost reductions and not just defer spending after the industry’s profit fell to the lowest in a decade, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP said.
In a move that signals more companies are comfortable taking on more risk in order to expand their operations, corporations are engaging in hostile mergers and acquisitions activity at the highest rate since the recession.
Group Seven countries, which include the world's leading economies outside the U.S., are often lauded for their productivity ratings, and according to one new study, the UK is running in the middle of the pack.
The term “big data” is getting a lot of attention these days, but for all the wrong reasons. In theory, the concept of big data analytics – acquiring systems to analyze large quantities of data – makes sense for businesses inundated with information.
