Wednesday 18 August 2010

Edward E. Whitacre Jr.

Whitacre is a good example of 'expertise' leadership, he is brought in problematic companies and helps them recover.

Edward E. Whitacre Jr.
Edward E. Whitacre, the former chairman of AT&T, was named the chairman of the "New G.M.'' on June 9, 2009, as the federal government continued to shake up the bankrupt auto giant. The company said in January 2010 that he would become G.M.'s permanent chief executive. The move was not unexpected given how he had taken control of management since the ouster of G.M.'s former chief executive, Fritz Henderson.

Read the whole article at: http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/people/w/edward_e_whitacre_jr/index.html?inline=nyt-per
This is a classic example of strategic management. A series of factors in the macro environment increase the attaractiveness of an industry. BHP enters this industry, with an aquicition (note the bidding process). This is a vertical integration. Their strategy is justified by their long the vision.

BHP Billiton launches hostile bid for Potash

Mining giant BHP Billiton has launched a $40bn (£25.8bn) hostile takeover bid of Canadian firm Potash Corp after having had an initial offer rejected.
On Tuesday, Potash, the world's largest fertiliser producer snubbed BHP's offer, saying it undervalued the firm.

Read the whole article at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11009145

Wednesday 4 August 2010

“Straddling” bus–a cheaper, greener and faster alternative to commute

Not really an uncertainty as the key word indicates, but for those working on scenario planning it may provide some inspiration on uncertainty regarding forms of transportation, urbanisation, city life development, technology etc.

“Straddling” bus–a cheaper, greener and faster alternative to commute

A big concern on top of urban transportation planner’s mind is how to speed up the traffic: putting more buses on the road will jam the roads even worse and deteriorate the air; building more subway is costly and time consuming. Well, here is an cheaper, greener and fast alternative to lighten their mind up a bit: the straddling bus, first exhibited on the 13th Beijing International High-tech Expo in May this year. In the near future, the model is to be put into pilot use in Beijing’s Mentougou District (bjnews). (The official site of the high-tech expo put it as 3D fast bus, which I think is more confusing, for now I’ll just call it the straddling bus.)

Read the whole article at: http://www.chinahush.com/2010/07/31/straddling-bus-a-cheaper-greener-and-faster-alternative-to-commute/