German Employee Data Law Could Be on Its Way

  • Post category:Ogletree Deakins
  • Reading time:7 mins read

Quick Hits Two German federal ministries have drafted legislation that would provide more legal certainty for employers regarding how to handle employee data. The legislature also wants to allow the use of AI applications, but within certain limits. The draft legislation would provide a detailed regulation on the basics of…

How Microsoft Defender for Office 365 innovated to address QR code phishing attacks

  • Post category:Microsoft
  • Reading time:10 mins read

Over the last year, the cybersecurity industry faced a significant surge in QR code phishing campaigns, with some attacks increasing at a growth rate of 270% per month.1 A QR code (short for “Quick Response code”) is a two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned using a smartphone or other mobile…

AI Can Help Leaders Communicate, But Can’t Make Employees Listen

If a chatbot can Slack convincingly in the boss’s voice, will employees follow orders once they realize the CEO is actually a machine?A novel two-part study finds that an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot trained to write like a technology company’s CEO responded to questions so believably that many employees thought…

How Europe’s residential BESS industry can navigate global competition

  • Post category:McKinsey & Company
  • Reading time:8 mins read

Residential battery energy storage systems (BESS) primarily serve two purposes for homeowners. First, they capture energy generated by solar panels and store it for use when needed, such as in periods of inclement weather or when grid electricity rates increase. Second, they can act as backup generators, providing power during…

Work with nature to unlock economic prosperity – Oxford

The authors also highlight how NbS can create 'win-win' scenarios, such as raising income and creating jobs while enhancing biodiversity and supporting climate adaptation. These attributes make NbS an essential approach for countries as they transition to clean and efficient circular economies. Specific examples covered by the research include the…

Hope for an AI Revolution

The accumulation of discoveries and innovations in history takes time, but their rapid development and widespread implementation - sometimes reaching revolutionary proportions - usually begins during and after crises (and during conflicts). At the moment, the world has emerged from the Covid-19 economic crisis, but it is in a state…

The Power of the Language We Use in Healthcare – Claudia Cometa

Claudia explains how her passion for advocacy arose following her father’s illness, and how moving away from images of a cancer ‘’battle’’  helps us to see our bodies as allies, rather than adversaries. She also highlights the barrier to healing created by the language of competition, how she found inspiration…

The Life of Giants: A Life-Cycle View of Wind Turbines

  • Post category:INSEAD Knowledge
  • Reading time:5 mins read

What our model showsAs energy companies continue to install bigger wind turbines further offshore in the name of maximising energy output, our results counter the conventional wisdom that associates larger turbines with higher efficiency and profitability. The findings shed light on the inherent trade-offs in turbine size and wind farm…

Unfair Commercial Practices – Legal Insights for E-Commerce Businesses

  • Post category:Logan & Partners
  • Reading time:5 mins read

To engage customers responsibly, businesses need to find a balance between strong marketing efforts and fair commercial practices. The European Union (EU) has strict regulations to protect consumers from unfair commercial practices, and it’s vital for e-commerce companies to understand and comply with these rules. Failure to do so can…

Overcoming sub-Saharan Africa’s health workforce paradox

  • Post category:McKinsey & Company
  • Reading time:13 mins read

Mustering adequate human resources for healthcare is a significant challenge for most health systems globally. Everywhere you look, countries are facing shortages in qualified healthcare personnel, uneven distribution of workers, inadequate training, and challenging work environments. These issues are most acute in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa, which…

The productivity imperative for Australian general insurance

  • Post category:McKinsey & Company
  • Reading time:8 mins read

Australia’s general insurers have been facing more frequent and more severe natural disasters, rapid inflation of claims costs, and increased scrutiny from regulators—all while trying to achieve sustainable financial performance. At the same time, the cost of insurance has become increasingly unaffordable for consumers. Insurers trying to outperform in this…

A Practical Guide to Gaining Value From LLMs

1. Credit for this example is due to X user Dean Buono (@deanbuono); credit for subsequent examples in this section is due to Colin Fraser (@colin_fraser). 2. L. Berglund, M. Tong, M. Kaufmann, et al., “The Reversal Curse: LLMs Trained on ‘A Is B’ Fail to Learn ‘B Is A,’”…

How a Network of Nonprofits and a Habit of Generosity Powers the U.S. Blood Supply

Q: Blood transfusions are so commonplace they don’t get much attention. Would you give some context on the importance of transfusions and the business of the blood supply? It is just expected that blood will be available for transfusion. Whether it’s cancer treatment, maternal postpartum hemorrhage, sickle cell, transplant surgery,…

A turning point for private brands: How retailers can seize the opportunity

  • Post category:McKinsey & Company
  • Reading time:15 mins read

In 2021, we asked whether the private-brand trend would last. At the time, consumers were eagerly snapping up retailers’ owned brands, which were lower-priced and more readily available than similar products from many national brands. Fast-forward to today: our research clearly shows that consumers are continuing to opt for private…

Progressive Peacemaking and the End of the Ukraine Conflict

The cold war didn’t remain cold of its own accord. In the absence of the rising global peace discourse fostered by postwar peace movements, the cold war would have been even more dangerous and, perhaps, never-ending.The original, and most powerful, postwar peace movement was led by the World Peace Council…

6+1 success factors to B2B pricing

  • Post category:Valcon
  • Reading time:4 mins read

The 7 key success factors in B2B pricing 1. Align pricing with your business objective When it comes to pricing strategies, there is no one-size-fits-all. Every company needs a pricing strategy that fits its unique situation. Your pricing strategy should align with your overall business objectives, whether that is maximising…

The World From the Bottom Up or The Masterpieces of Eurasian Architecture

“There is nothing permanent except change… from differences results the most beautiful harmony” Heraclitus of Ephesus, 5th century BC   If there is a central theme to this year, it is probably the world getting accustomed to the lack of predetermined scenarios. Discussions focusing on international order are fading; the…

Generative AI: The packaging and paper industry’s next frontier

  • Post category:McKinsey & Company
  • Reading time:10 mins read

Generative AI (gen AI) promises to transform business processes. The value added from gen AI could reach $ 4.4 trillion per year, according to McKinsey analysis. Historically, the packaging industry has lagged behind other industries in adopting new digital technologies—including traditional AI and machine learning. However, even in this industry,…

New Jersey Joins Data Privacy Party—New Jersey Data Protection Act Becomes Effective in January 2025

  • Post category:Ogletree Deakins
  • Reading time:10 mins read

Quick Hits The NJDPA goes into effect on January 15, 2025, with its opportunity to cure provision sunsetting six months later on July 15, 2025. The NJDPA’s “sensitive data” definition encompasses more than is typical in comparable laws. The NJDPA applies to non-profit organizations and institutions of higher education in…

GAO Says OSHA Should Sharpen Its Focus on Ergonomic Hazards in Warehouses and Delivery Companies

  • Post category:Ogletree Deakins
  • Reading time:6 mins read

Quick Hits A recent GAO report includes several recommendations for how OSHA should evaluate its national emphasis program on warehousing and distribution centers to “more fully protect workers” from ergonomic hazards. The GAO found that three major hazards—falls, slips, and trips; objects and equipment; and overexertion/bodily reaction—were the leading causes…

A Winning Procurement Strategy: Tips for Success

  • Post category:Sourcing Champions
  • Reading time:8 mins read

  Learn how to develop a successful procurement strategy with these valuable tips. Enhance your procurement process and achieve your organization’s goals. Procurement has evolved beyond simple transactions. In today’s fast-paced business world, a solid procurement strategy is essential. It allows organizations to adapt to market changes, streamline operations, and…

California Governor Signs Legislation Expanding Infertility and IVF Coverage

  • Post category:Ogletree Deakins
  • Reading time:6 mins read

Quick Hits Under SB 729, effective July 1, 2025, certain health insurance policies in California will be required to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Insured health plans with at least 101 participants will be required to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility; insured plans with…

Offshore Renewable Energy (Phase 2): Area Designation and Grid Connection Path

  • Post category:Arthur Cox LLP
  • Reading time:9 mins read

In October 2024, some key building blocks for Phase 2 have been put in place. They include Government approval of the South-Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan and a Decision on Grid Connection Policy. South-Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (“SC-DMAP”) The Oireachtas has approved the SC-DMAP, which is available at the…

3 States to Consider Paid Sick Leave Initiatives on the November 2024 Ballot

  • Post category:Ogletree Deakins
  • Reading time:7 mins read

Quick Hits Voters in three states—Alaska, Missouri, and Nebraska—will have a chance to vote on establishing paid sick leave in their states. The states could join the eighteen states and Washington, D.C., that already have paid sick leave laws. Election day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Each state has proposed…

Layoffs Surging in a Strong Economy? Advice for Navigating Uncertain Times

From tech to media to management consulting firms, layoffs are back.Downsizing during a healthy economy can help lay the foundation for efficient growth or make space for new roles that harness newer technology, such as artificial intelligence. Companies such as Dropbox and Intel have also announced staff cuts in reaction…

ANDPAPERS Q4 2024 | The Fed underwrites a US soft landing

By Investment Desk | 30 Oct, 2024 After a robust first half of the year, risk markets experienced heightened volatility in the third quarter. In part, this could have been due to the lingering disconnect between risk markets and economic growth trends in the West: markets are pricing in a…

Movement, Not Stasis: The Art and Journey of Kim Weston

Learning through experience is dynamic, not static. As you’ll hear in this episode with artist Kim Weston, her photography is a way of deepening understanding of ourselves and the world around us, seen and unseen. Through compelling story and image, Kim takes us on a journey where each photograph tells…

USA borrowing binge about to burst?

In early 2019, Olivier Blanchard, the former head of the International Monetary Fund, suggested that there was no fiscal cost to the United States from running ever-bigger budget deficits. The federal government could essentially grow its way out of overspending, and investors could be confident in the continued safety of…

3 terrifying investing mistakes to avoid this Halloween

You might see the Halloween season as the perfect opportunity to enjoy some horror films, dress up in scary costumes, and carve spooky pumpkins with your family. Yet, one area where you won’t want any frightening surprises is your financial plan. Unfortunately, when creating an investment portfolio there are some…

Piero Cipollone: The digital euro: what’s in it for you?

1 November 2024By Piero CipolloneAs they juggle various cards, apps and devices, most Europeans find that digital payments have fallen short of their promise to provide a convenient euro area-wide solution. The ECB’s Piero Cipollone explains how a digital euro would blend the simplicity of cash with digital convenience. Twenty-five…

The Global South in Search of Identity

Today the world is at an early stage of a global crisis, as evidenced by a sharp increase in conflicts as states vie to become centres of power. This concerns, in particular, the Ukraine conflict, the situation in the Middle East, a set of problems in relations between India and…

Top 5 disruptive forces and critical success factors for the financial services industry

  • Post category:Elixirr
  • Reading time:7 mins read

The global financial services industry is facing unprecedented disruption. With an ever-expanding web of and the rapid rise of fintech competitors, financial institutions must navigate a constantly shifting landscape to stay competitive. As compliance costs grow and data management becomes more complex, bold leadership and innovative solutions are crucial. To stay…

What you’ll find in the Bing 2024 elections experience

  • Post category:Microsoft
  • Reading time:4 mins read

At Bing, we’re laser focused on providing swift, straightforward ways to find the information you need from a variety of sources and content, all so you can make an informed decision. This election season Bing is providing a single, comprehensive experience for both the 2024 U.S. presidential race and state…

A Human Path in Operations

One of the things Michelle Kinch loves about teaching operations to MBA students is the chance to dispel some of the myths around it. Many students begin with the belief that operations management is about mathematical models, data analytics and spreadsheets—and dominated by manufacturing contexts. To Kinch, an assistant professor…

A Fragmented Landscape Is No Excuse for Global Companies Serious About Responsible AI

Topics Responsible AI The Responsible AI initiative looks at how organizations define and approach responsible AI practices, policies, and standards. Drawing on global executive surveys and smaller, curated expert panels, the program gathers perspectives from diverse sectors and geographies with the aim of delivering actionable insights on this nascent yet…