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 the answers came from the boss himself. But there’s a caveat: When employees perceived that a response came from AI—even…

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How Europe’s residential BESS industry can navigate global competition

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 potential outages.In recent years, the European residential BESS manufacturing industry experienced exponential demand growth, fueled partly by consumer desire for…

  • Post category:McKinsey & Company
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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 Working for Water* (WfW) programme in South Africa, which cleared invasive species from over 1 million hectares of land while…

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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 of geopolitical overstrain. This is the best time to find technological solutions to business-related, national and global problems, as well…

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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 from the Princess of Wales, and why no patient should feel like they are a burden. Show Topics ‘’How is…

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

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 site selection on economic viability. Our results reveal that the trend can in fact undermine the economic viability of wind farms.…

  • Post category:INSEAD Knowledge
  • Reading time:5 mins read
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Unfair Commercial Practices – Legal Insights for E-Commerce Businesses

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 result in legal penalties and harm a brand’s reputation. What Are Unfair Commercial Practices? Unfair commercial practices cover a wide…

  • Post category:Logan & Partners
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Overcoming sub-Saharan Africa’s health workforce paradox

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 carries an estimated 25 percent of the world’s disease burden but accounts for only 3 percent of the global healthcare…

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  • Reading time:13 mins read
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The productivity imperative for Australian general insurance

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 competitive environment and offer affordable products should look at step-change productivity improvements such as the three levers described in this…

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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,’” arXiv, submitted Sept. 21, 2023, https://arxiv.org. 3. E. Mollick, “Google’s Gemini Advanced: Tasting Notes and Implications,” One Useful Thing, Feb.…

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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, anemia, or bleeding trauma from an auto accident or gunshot wound, they can all require substantial transfusions. The blood supply…

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

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 brands. The trend is continuing in both Europe and the United States. McKinsey’s latest consumer sentiment research shows that nearly 75…

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  • Reading time:15 mins read
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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 (WPC) – a global network of millions of activists that from the 1940s through to the 1960s had a huge…

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6+1 success factors to B2B pricing

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 profit, entering a new market or retaining customers. Consider how different approaches – value-based, dynamic or AI-based pricing – can…

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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 former order no longer functions, and there’s no knowledge what the new one, if it ever materialises, will look like.…

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

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, excitement is building around generative AI. We conducted a survey of more than 200 paper and packaging executives across substrates…

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  • Reading time:10 mins read
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New Jersey Joins Data Privacy Party—New Jersey Data Protection Act Becomes Effective in January 2025

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 addition to for-profit businesses. Scope The NJDPA applies to companies that: conduct business in New Jersey OR produce products or…

  • Post category:Ogletree Deakins
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GAO Says OSHA Should Sharpen Its Focus on Ergonomic Hazards in Warehouses and Delivery Companies

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 of most injuries and illnesses in general warehousing and last-mile delivery services. The GAO recommendations include revising the OSHA Form…

  • Post category:Ogletree Deakins
  • Reading time:6 mins read
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A Winning Procurement Strategy: Tips for Success

  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 drive cost savings. Additionally, it fosters innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth. Strategic procurement also minimizes supply chain risks and enhances…

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California Governor Signs Legislation Expanding Infertility and IVF Coverage

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 up to 100 participants will be required to offer coverage. SB 729 does not affect employers that “self-fund” their health…

  • Post category:Ogletree Deakins
  • Reading time:6 mins read
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Offshore Renewable Energy (Phase 2): Area Designation and Grid Connection Path

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 link here. The SC-DMAP identifies four proposed maritime areas off the South Coast within which fixed offshore wind farms may…

  • Post category:Arthur Cox LLP
  • Reading time:9 mins read
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3 States to Consider Paid Sick Leave Initiatives on the November 2024 Ballot

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 measures to ensure workers have access to paid time off for health-related needs, reflecting a growing national trend toward expanding…

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  • Reading time:7 mins read
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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 to slowing or declining demand. US government data from October suggests that employers remain cautious, adding just 12,000 new positions…

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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 soft landing, whereas economic indicators suggest a wider array of outcomes. Additionally, the unwinding of the Japanese yen carry trade…

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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 a story of heritage, community and spirit. As she says, “Our ancestors are with us; the people we loved in…

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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 the Treasury bonds used to finance those deficits. This sanguine view of the United States’ fiscal health was not unusual…

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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 simple mistakes that could make achieving your financial goals a nightmare. Read on to learn three terrifying investment mistakes to…

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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 years ago, the introduction of the euro transformed Europe. For the first time, people in different countries were using the…

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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 China, and the Taiwan problem. Despite this consistent growth of contradictions, the volatility indicates that following their conclusion, a new world…

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

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 competitive over the next five years, companies must prioritise clear objectives, adopt cutting-edge technology and foster a culture of compliance.…

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What you’ll find in the Bing 2024 elections experience

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 elections to deliver real-time election results, voting information, the latest news, and more. Users can try the experience here.Leading up…

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Is your ‘conglomerate discount’ a performance discount or a communication problem?

Math is wonderful—because it works. Consider a classic valuation question: Is the whole worth the sum of its parts? Put another way, should the total value of a conglomerate be less than the value of its operating companies, if each business were measured on a stand-alone basis? The answer is no, of course not. Two plus two does not equal five, and when it comes to conglomerates, it should not…

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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 of business administration at Tuck, the name “operations” obscures its true nature: a value creation system with humans at its…

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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 important focus area for leaders across industry. In collaboration with More in this series subscribe-icon Subscribe Share For the third…

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Seyfarth Launches Energy Transactions Practice with Addition of Three-Lawyer Team in Houston

HOUSTON - (October 30, 2024) - Seyfarth Shaw LLP has strengthened its nationally recognized Corporate department with the addition of a three-lawyer team to its Houston office. Partner Chris Cottrell, along with associates Michael Szymanski and Xiaoming Gao, have joined Seyfarth to launch the Energy Transactions practice. The team is well-regarded for its extensive experience in the oil and gas industry and its ability to craft innovative, practical legal solutions…

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Azure at GitHub Universe: New tools to help simplify AI app development

With seamless integration among VS Code, GitHub, and Azure, we provide an AI-powered, end-to-end development platform to transform your apps with AI. AI has reset our expectations of what technology can achieve. From transforming how we explore the cosmos to enabling doctors to provide personalized care and making business functions operate more intelligently, it all comes down to you—the developer—to turn this potential into reality. As developers, you’re experiencing a…

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What is retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)?

A golden outline of a speech bubble is filled with a jumble of colorful, balloon-like spheres. The spheres vary in size, color, and texture, and the image is set against a light-gray background. In recent years, large language models (LLMs) have made tremendous progress in their ability to generate content. But some leaders who hoped these models would increase business efficiency and productivity have been disappointed. Off-the-shelf generative AI (gen…

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  • Reading time:12 mins read
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