Are social networks useful for companies?Tuesday, June 24, 2014 Added to the small level of influence that social networks have on consumer purchasing decisions there is also the ever latent danger posed by situations where communication can seriously damage the company's image. According to a recent survey by Gallup Inc. published by The Wall Street Journal "... a clear majority of Americans say that social media has no effect on their purchasing decisions. Immigrants: Workers Who are "Different"Monday, January 18, 2016 The disordered nature of their living conditions has been described as a positive catalyst for creative thinking. When talking about successful immigrants, emphasis has traditionally been given to their hunger for progress, their determination, and their hard working nature. But modern studies on the subject are drawing more attention to the "world being turned upside down" -which is what happens to those who emigrate- as the main factor which explains how so many immigrants are revealed to have exceptional, even genius capabilities. Asia Dominates in Coffee AuctionsWednesday, October 29, 2014 European and American companies who buy specialty coffee in electronic auctions are losing ground to Asian buyers, who in auctions for top grains from markets such as Costa Rica and Guatemala, are pushing up prices to record levels. Strong growth in coffee consumption in countries such as South Korea and Japan, coupled with the large purchasing power of its inhabitants has boosted demand for gourmet coffee and other special varieties. Growing Preference for Meat Without AntibioticsWednesday, November 5, 2014 US beef, pork and chicken meat produced without the use of antibiotics currently represents 5% of the market and there is a growing demand from consumers. A preference for meat that has not received antibiotics during its production process is growing in the US, where "... in 2012, 72% of people said they were extremely or very concerned about the widespread use of antibiotics in feed for animals. " More Taxes are a Good Thing ... For GovernmentsMonday, November 14, 2011 And apparently for bureaucracies in general, including those of international organizations; an "expert" from the Inter-American Development Bank is supporting tax reform in Costa Rica. Although officially the IDB "does not advocate a tax burden or specific tax policy," one of its officials warmly supports the project to increase the tax burden to support the Costa Rican economy, to the point of suggesting that the tax burden be similar to Argentina’s. Lack of Sugar in the U.S.Thursday, September 1, 2011 Central American producers will benefit from an increase in export quotas to the northern country. The damage caused by drought to sugar cane in Mexico, a leading provider to the U.S., has meant a reduction in supply by 200 thousand metric tons, therefore, according to an analysis published by The Wall Street Journal- import quotas assigned to Central American countries will be increased in order to meet domestic demand. To Have a Long Life: Innovate, Innovate, InnovateMonday, January 16, 2012 The speed of technological change threatens to dramatically shorten the lifespan of companies who do not make innovation the bread and butter of their existence. If your company has a tendency to rest in bureaucracy, or to react only when the market demands, it will likely have a shorter life span, and the cause of its death will surely be the so called creative destruction. From Print Ads to the WebTuesday, August 11, 2009 Interaction between mobile telephony, barcodes, cameras and software permits "traveling" from print media to the web. On its Friday edition, the print versions of Wall Street Journal had advertising from BMO Capital Markets. In the lower left part of the ad there was a barcode. Market for Gluten-Free Foods GrowsWednesday, June 25, 2014 While some studies question the real benefits of a gluten free diet, overall retail sales have doubled since 2007, reaching $2.1 billion in 2013. Responding to a consumer trend towards products considered natural and healthier the food industry has increased production of these products in order to take advantage of the growing market niche. Agro: The Value of Non-GM SeedsFriday, February 6, 2015 In the US an increasing number of farmers are replanting with non-GM seeds, while grains prices fall and there is a growing preference for organic products. At the end of 2014 consumption of non-GM foods such as cereals, salad dressings, eggs and other products increased by 15%, with sales reaching $9.6 billion. By analyzing consumer trends, the US agricultural sector expects this year increases of up to 45% in sales of non-genetically modified maize seeds and 8% in un genetically modified soy. Direct Access to Data Changes ManagementMonday, May 11, 2015 The increasing speed and ease of direct access to the information needed for decision-making, is drastically reducing the number of middle managers who used to be hired to provide them. In companies of the last century when a sales manager needed information about last year's sales in order to take a relevant decision, he or she had to contact their assistant manager, who was responsible for collecting information and presenting it to the director. Nowadays, the direct and easy access to all information concerning day-to-day business allows the same director to touch a screen, get the information and make the decision, reducing costs and saving time. World Demands More ProteinThursday, June 12, 2014 The growing consumption of meat, eggs, dairy and grains is driving the agricultural industry which benefits from dietary changes at the global level. The phrase "The protein business is a very good place to be right now," made in an article in The Wall Street Journal by a US pork producer reflects the boom being experienced by the agricultural industry around the world, thanks to changing trends in food consumption of animal protein products which are beginning to be used in place of carbohydrates in consumer's diets. Offices in Panama: More Supply Than DemandThursday, December 4, 2014 Predictions are that the office vacancy rate in Panama City, currently 33%, could reach 45% in 2016. Following that under usage prevailing in the office market rental rates have dropped by up to 30%. In the case of hotels, they are also experiencing this phenomenon, the vacancy rate has fallen by 50% and in turn nightly rates have decreased by 28%.
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE
Artificial Intelligence: How Does It Help to Optimize Costs?Wednesday, August 18, 2021 Artificial intelligence is the main driver of the change that companies are beginning to experience, which are already optimizing their business decision-making processes and strategies with algorithmic and predictive models. The times are long gone when the term artificial intelligence was used and understood only by professionals in the technology world. The 2011 Index of Economic FreedomThursday, January 13, 2011 In Central America, El Salvador leads (39 in the world), followed by Costa Rica (49), Panama (59), Guatemala (79), Nicaragua (98) and Honduras (99). According to the Heritage Foundation, who develops the index in association with The Wall Street Journal, "economic freedom is the fundamental right of every human to control his or her own labor and property. |
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