http://www.booz.com Operations RSS feed from Booz & Company. Sun, 19 May 2013 19:45:57 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/51915732?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=47d70 Your approach to transforming your bank's operations model depends on your goal - to improve customer experience, streamline processes, or reduce back-office costs. We suggest five best practices: Customer-back process transformation, Product and service simplification, Aggressive digitization, Governance and performance management transparency, and Delivery model optimization. Along with aligning your operation's performance goals to your business priorities, these will meet your objectives. Jain, Ashish; O'Keefe, Daniel Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/51915732?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=47d70 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/51885861?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=3ddf3 In our experience, there are three root causes for the rising incidence of product failures in the medical device industry: a siloed, reactive approach to quality; a lack of focus on continuous improvement; and the ever-increasing complexity of medical devices. To address them, manufacturers should consider developing quality management as an organizational capability. The principal components of such a capability are critical-to-quality (CTQ) management, systems engineering, and design for Six Sigma (DFSS). Companies that successfully weave these three elements into an integrated, preventive quality capability can achieve a competitive advantage and a leadership position in their industry. Ehrhardt, Marcus; Holman, Richard; Hutchens, Robert; MacDonald, Ian Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/51885861?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=3ddf3 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/51918952?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=28af9 At the 2013 International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) held in the UAE, Booz & Company shared several thought leadership pieces related to ways in which Middle East nations can enhance their armed forces. This is one of five reports. Labroo, Ashish; Mark, Bob; Sheikh, Haroon; Trépant, Hugo Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/51918952?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=28af9 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/51476257?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=6d099 The commercial aircraft markets are poised for growth--and primed for the next generation of fuel-efficient, digitally enabled aircraft. Anderson, Jono; Fischer, Erich; Ram, Raman Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/51476257?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=6d099 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/51476185?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=e8cd0 In 2012, data traffic grew at explosive rates, but monetization lagged behind; telecom companies must resolve this paradox this year by choosing how they approach the market. Every player in the industry must choose its strategic direction and build the corresponding set of capabilities necessary for success. El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Peterson, Michael; Sharma, Ashish; Sims, Joe Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/51476185?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=e8cd0 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/51368638?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=8bb36 There is a golden opportunity today for the leaders of HR, IT, finance, operations, R&D, marketing, sales, sourcing, and other corporate functions and shared services. With routine tasks shrinking and the need for capabilities ascending, functions can become "fit for purpose": changing their portfolio of activities to focus primarily on those that are strategically important to the enterprise as a whole. Caglar, Deniz; Kapoor, Namit; Ripsam, Thomas Fri, 16 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/51368638?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=8bb36 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50643956?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=a6157 Manufacturers are caught in a global talent squeeze. In mature economies, skilled talent has become elusive, and in emerging economies the pools of qualified talent are increasingly cost-prohibitive. Manufacturers must think beyond boundaries to leverage creative talent sourcing practices, develop global talent competencies, and cultivate "glocal" (global plus local) employer brands and employee value propositions. Divakaran, Ashok; Mani, Matt; Post, Laird Mon, 11 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50643956?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=a6157 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50656226?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=866df Results from the 2012 China Innovation Survey. China emerges as an innovation engine and Chinese companies are becoming serious competitors, according to a new report by the Benelux Chamber of Commerce, China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), Wenzhou Chamber of Commerce and Booz & Company. Mansson, Anna; Veldhoen, Steven Wed, 06 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50656226?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=866df http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50636248?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=ed14d Virtually all growth in retail sales over the next few years will come from multichannel venues, driven primarily by the impact of digitization. Retailers need to choose--based on their overall value creation proposition--among six supply chain models to operationally support seamless multichannel shopping experiences. Hagen, Henning; Kauffeld, Richard; Conrad, Alexandra Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50636248?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=ed14d http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50500605?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=c199c Expanding beyond its traditional role, the supply management organization in many companies has become a key contributor to overall corporate strategy, a source of competitive advantage, and a facilitator of profit growth. Supply and sourcing executives are also considering a growing array of risks, and building stronger alliances inside and outside the company. These issues, and others, were highlighted in a survey of sourcing leaders conducted by Booz & Company in connection with the firm's annual Strategic Sourcing Executive Forum. Houston, Patrick; Thelen, Bruce; Turner, Martha; Miller, Jodi Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50500605?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=c199c http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50399227?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=19b19 Recent recalls of hygiene products have raised concerns about the microbiological robustness of the supply chain for these products. According to a Booz & Company study, nearly all manufacturers have practices in place for preventing bacterial contamination, but these practices vary widely. There are opportunities for improvement. Every manufacturer needs to begin by assessing the micro-robustness of its end-to-end supply chain. Ehrhardt, Marcus; Hutchens, Robert; Palaniappan, Subbu; Riedl, Patricia Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50399227?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=19b19 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50389905?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=0135e In an environment of reimbursement reductions and declining revenue yields, stepwise cost reductions of 10 percent or more will be a top priority for hospitals and health systems. To achieve this level of savings and continue to fulfill their missions, hospitals and health systems will need a proven, yet nontraditional, approach capable of producing transformational cost reduction. Bailey, Curt; Kaul, Anil; Fusco, Brad; Krishna, Aneesh Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50389905?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=0135e http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50072644?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=8ffab As demand for outpatient care and services grows, health systems must create virtuous circles of improvement that enable simultaneous gains in access, quality, and cost in their ambulatory care operations. The key to achieving these gains is a capability for high-performance operations in four interdependent areas: talent management, patient flow, scheduling, and demand and operations planning. Bailey, Curt; Kapur, Akshay; Prabha, K.R. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50072644?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=8ffab http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50367574?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=e1422 In this reader we share our perspective on key aviation industry issues and discuss strategic and operational responses including approaches and solutions that are relevant for the industry as a whole. The authors discuss the changing profile of airport investors, pricing airport access, changing airline marketing strategies, key success factors for airport express trains, the strategic and financial impact of Single European Skies (SES), the impact of airline bankruptcies and potential remedies, pursuing sustainable aviation, and a new airport security model. Various Authors Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50367574?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=e1422 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50029474?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=c6e01 For most large telecom operators in developed markets, profitability growth has stalled, and in most cases turned negative. In order to reverse this trend, operators must pursue a balanced, holistic program for restoring profitability that is designed to make gains on both the revenue and the cost sides of the equation. Booz & Company's cash flow improvement framework, outlined in this Perspective, is just such a program. Reitenspiess, Martin; Rischard, Christopher; Trimmel, Dieter; Troesch, Florian Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50029474?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=c6e01 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50030376?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=829c7 National healthcare systems face spiraling expenses as they seek to provide affordable, high-quality, and universal care services. Hospital supply chains present these systems with a prime opportunity both to mitigate increases in expenses and help improve patient care. Bitar, Jad; Schwarting, Detlef; Pfeiffer, Thomas; Arya, Yash Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/50030376?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=829c7 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49849516?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=833ec Companies that excel in directing large capital projects can be richly rewarded. Yet achieving this level of success requires adroit management and execution of the sourcing function. This Perspective discusses the critical set of capabilities in eight facets of capital projects that companies need to achieve sourcing excellence. McKenna, Matthew; Schwarting, Detlef; Uffhausen, Mark; Yates, Paul Sun, 16 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49849516?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=833ec http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49827495?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=d0d48 In today's increasingly complex business environment, the role of the chief procurement officer (CPO) has evolved and expanded. This Perspective analyzes how the role is changing, traits required for success, and steps CPOs can take to transform the job and its impact on the organization. Singh, Rohit; Thelen, Bruce; Turner, Martha Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49827495?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=d0d48 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49817941?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=d62a5 This Perspective examines business process empowerment (BPE), a customer-focused, strategically driven alternative to traditional, back-office focused business process management, with particular applicability in service industries. BPE combines process architecture with a continuous improvement culture to drive sales and otherwise improve front-office operations. Acker, Olaf; Blockus, Adrian; Gröne, Florian; Wheeler, Keith Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49817941?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=d62a5 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49779196?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=17761 The steady decrease in U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) investment spending will continue for the foreseeable future. To better compete in this new environment, traditional companies should look beyond simple cost-cutting measures to a more comprehensive "next-generation affordability" approach that transforms cost structures and refocuses capabilities on the new market requirements. Adams, Jim; Beckey, Steve; Martin, Joseph; Brukardt, Ryan Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49779196?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=17761 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49704542?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=d6ed7 Self-service offers operational efficiencies, enables transformative business models, and enhances customer experiences. A strategic approach to self-service adoption and implementation requires an analysis of a company's core capabilities and its "way to play" in the market, industry trends, the proper mix of self-service and human interaction, and customer value propositions, as well as the development of six self-service capabilities. Alewine, Ralph; Chatterjee, Arindam; Pötscher, Florian; Swartz, Joshua Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49704542?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=d6ed7 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49704544?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=f0c45 Supply chain expenditures make up about 60 percent of capital and operating costs for typical utilities. This Perspective outlines a new approach--natural supply chains that exist across business units and are made up of business activities that have inherent similarities. Once a company's natural supply chains are identified, the supply chain organization can be tailored to meet the distinct needs of each, resulting in improved performance across a wide range of measures. Cassidy, Dennis; McKenna, Matthew; Singh, Rohit; Uffhausen, Mark Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49704544?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=f0c45 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49703713?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=31c02 Developed markets are on the cusp of mass adoption of mobile commerce. Many companies now see m-commerce as a strategic priority but few will find themselves in a sustainable, value-accruing position. For most, the only way to win at scale is through collaboration in the form of as-yet-untried partnerships. Boyes, Edward; Knott, Michael; Miles, John Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49703713?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=31c02 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49691207?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=7849f Energy projects tend to be big, complicated, expensive, and risky. As such, they are often pursued through joint ventures and other multi-owner entities. Partners can dramatically improve success with joint ventures by: developing a shared understanding of strategic intent; assessing the capabilities and roles of all entities; and designing and effective governance and decision-making model. Dann, Christopher Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49691207?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=7849f http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49655543?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=a4b96 Traditional defense manufacturers are facing a period of change that, if poorly navigated, could severely cripple their competitiveness and even threaten their very existence. Success in today's defense market will require (1) under¬standing and investing in new capabilities; (2) attacking structural costs; and (3) advancing systemic processes. Dustman, Eric; Hughes, Thornton; Martin, Joseph; VanHorn, David Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49655543?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=a4b96 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49655545?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=e5169 Rising costs are forcing the entire U.S. healthcare industry to find ways to unlock and enhance medical value by delivering higher-quality, more affordable care to empowered and engaged consumers. This Perspective outlines three models--population care, healthcare products, and focused transformation--that address the issue of reclaiming lost medical value in a comprehensive and sustainable way. Ahlquist, Gary; Gopalka, Abhishek; Saxena, Sanjay B.; Spencer, Brett Fri, 05 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49655545?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=e5169 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49597065?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=21953 In the current consumer products and retail environment, getting best-cost country sourcing right is mandatory for success on a global scale. This Perspective identifies three sourcing maturity levels: novice, progressing, and best in class. It provides both a questionnaire for determining your company's level and specific critical steps for success. Dutzler, Harald; Mansson, Anna; Parthasarathy, Sriram; Phillips, Dave Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49597065?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=21953 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49584099?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=ac570 An ultralow-cost mobile (ULCM) operating model can enhance both efficiency and effectiveness for mobile network operators. This Perspective explains how mobile players can migrate to an ultralow-cost model, taking into account every aspect of the mobile value chain--network operations; marketing, sales, and distribution; and outsourcing. Appling, George; Friedrich, Roman; Raad, Hadi; Sharma, Ashish Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49584099?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=ac570 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49691205?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=492c7 To assist health plans as they consider and pursue ACOs, Booz & Company conducted extensive primary and secondary research, proprietary economic modeling, and in-depth interviews with academic experts, external vendors, and senior executives of payors and providers. This Perspective reports Booz & Company's findings on the emerging ACO landscape. Ahlquist, Gary; Spencer, Brett; Saxena, Sanjay B. Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49691205?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=492c7 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49165643?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=f7e96 Booz & Company has developed a profiler that lets compa­nies test the coherence of their supply chain capabilities against their defined "way to play" to ensure sufficient align­ment for premium returns. And when alignment is lacking, the profiler provides customized recommendations for improvement. Kauffeld, Richard; Michaels, Adam; Mueller, Curt Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49165643?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=f7e96 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49687180?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=193f5 Die Entwicklung des öffentlichen Beschaffungswesens bleibt in punkto Effizienz deutlich hinter der Privatwirtschaft zurück. Durch den Aufbau strategischer Einkaufsorganisationen könnten öffentliche Auftraggeber wie Bund und Länder Haushaltsmittel in Höhe von bis zu 20 Milliarden Euro jährlich einsparen. Aber wie sehen konkrete Optimierungsmöglichkeiten aus? Dieser Frage widmet sich die Studie „Zum Entwicklungsstand des öffentlichen Einkaufs"When it comes to efficiency, procurement in the public sector comes up short. With the help of strategic procurement organizations, federal institutions could reduce costs by as much as 20 billion Euros per year. This study describes which steps need to be taken towards the optimization of public sourcing. Various Authors Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49687180?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=193f5 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49165645?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=07a75 Procurement departments have often been slow to recognize and respond to situations taking place on the ground in local sourcing markets that have the potential to significantly disrupt their supply chains. By answering four simple questions, procurement officers can stave off difficulties and get a jump on competitors that are still paying less attention. Dutzler, Harald; Harnett, Laura Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49165645?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=07a75 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49136978?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=78045 Supply chain risk has steadily grown as companies have increased their reliance on outsourcing and sole sourcing while simultaneously failing to shockproof their supplier networks. This Perspective details four steps that companies need to take to develop a resilience framework that will help them to mitigate supply chain risk. Turner, Martha Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49136978?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=78045 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49136977?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=4d174 Companies continue to turn to their procurement function as a source for additional savings. Yet for a variety of reasons the identified savings are never actually captured and reflected on the bottom line. This Perspective discusses six elements that must be in place to get the most from procurement savings initiatives. Hawkes, Harry; Houston, Patrick; Turner, Martha Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49136977?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=4d174 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49104137?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=1aa96 Banks currently pay 80 percent of the bill to provide cash, and cashless payments are forcing up the cost per cash transaction. In response, there are three waves of cost reduction that banks around the world are taking to reduce their cash costs. Koss, Victor; Lavery, Greg; Lageweg, Christiaan; Struben, Marijn Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49104137?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=1aa96 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49087687?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=72f5b In the current automotive and aerospace environment, getting best-cost country sourcing right is mandatory for success on a global scale. This Perspective identifies three sourcing maturity levels: Novice, Progressing, and Best in Class. It provides both a questionnaire for determining your company's level and specific critical steps for success. Schwarting, Detlef; Weissbarth, Robert; Mansson, Anna; Dum, Angela Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49087687?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=72f5b http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49047868?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=4b02b With the collapse of crude oil and natural gas prices in late 2008, the energy industry faced a formidable challenge: how to cut costs sufficiently to continue to deliver the profits that Wall Street demands, while minimizing operational and business risks. Now more than two years old, this effort has been a rousing success. Booz & Company estimates that the global oil and gas industry has enjoyed annual hard-dollar savings in excess of $40 billion over the past three years. Cassidy, Dennis; McKenna, Matthew; Mehta, Seema; Uffhausen, Mark Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/49047868?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=4b02b http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48982747?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=7b60d The effective management of service operations is crucial to controlling labor costs and improving customer satisfaction. To successfully meet this dual challenge, companies must address the six drivers of high-quality, cost-effective service: product and process design; service-level labor requirements; service and distribution network structure; process management; workforce management; and measurement and compensation. Bailey, Curt; Bhalla, Vikas; Hawkes, Harry; Riedl, Patricia Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48982747?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=7b60d http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48964235?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=3765a As products of every description become more and more intelligent, the software they contain will determine how they are differentiated from their competitors, and thus how they create value. In this new environment, every manufacturer must learn how to develop innovative, sophisticated soft­ware. Harter, Gregor; Böckmann, Jörg Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48964235?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=3765a http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48875343?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=6c30c Supply chain costs make up about 80 percent of capital and operating expenses for upstream oil and gas companies. Consider a new approach--natural supply chains, which exist across business units and are made up of business activities that have inherent similarities. Once a company's natural supply chains are identified, the supply chain organization can be tailored to meet the distinct needs of each, resulting in improved performance across a wide range of measures. Barta, Jeffrey; Cassidy, Dennis; Singh, Rohit; Uffhausen, Mark Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48875343?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=6c30c http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48542780?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=2d0d2 Hospitals account for more than 30 percent of all healthcare expenditures globally--a number that is likely even higher in the Middle East. To understand how effectively these expenditures are being used, Booz & Company launched a study in a select number of hospitals in the region to assess their current level of operational excellence. Bunte, Matthias; Hashemi, Ali Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48542780?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=2d0d2 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48527866?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=cbd06 This leading research provides a perspective on "Lean" toolkits and the benefits of using "Lean" principles in financial services. Market trends are adding pressure on financial institutions to cut costs and grow simultaneously. A "Lean led" business transformation can help address these pressures by providing rapid improvement in cost structures, client service and risk. Mavros, Kelley; Plansky, John; Regelman, Roman; Solomon, Jamie Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48527866?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=cbd06 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48225820?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=62824 Gaining control over claims can reduce an insurer's costs significantly. Among other actions, insurers should try to align their commercial practices with those of repairers or other providers, make better use of the vast amount of information at their disposal, and gain a better understanding of the risks and costs of claims in order to prioritize them accordingly, thus freeing up claims professionals to take on a more strategic role. Butler, Sarah; Francis, Paul Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48225820?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=62824 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48196984?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=3a33f Coming out of one of the worst downturns in history, many retailers have become skilled at cutting costs fast. But to achieve lasting advantage in an increasingly demanding industry, retailers need to step up their game and create operating models that maximize efficiency and effectiveness on a sustainable basis. Kapoor, Namit; Mani, Matt; Ripsam, Thomas; Sharma, Anu Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48196984?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=3a33f http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48192396?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=454a9 As the global economy becomes increasingly digital, data traffic over both fixed and wireless networks is exploding. This presents telecom operators with a major challenge: They must invest more and more capital in next-generation networks that can absorb this wave of data even pressure on margins intensifies. This Perspective analyzes four strategies operators can take to manage and monetize the data on their networks. El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Friedrich, Roman; Peladeau, Pierre; Sabbagh, Karim Sat, 26 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48192396?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=454a9 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48139472?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=3f0dc For utilities, increasing productive time by more effectively leveraging existing resources is imperative for coping with future finan­cial constraints. The journey toward improved productivity begins with a comprehensive up-front assessment of inefficient and unproductive practices across the entire work manage­ment life cycle and concludes with reshaping perspectives and expectations throughout the field force. Our recent experience suggests that meaningful increases in productive time can be accomplished by optimizing how work is planned, scheduled, and performed; expanding the skill sets of the existing work­force (including managers); standardizing work practices; and better leveraging underlying information technology and reporting tools. Hoffman, Mark; Jirovec, Todd Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/48139472?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=3f0dc http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/47812407?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=f68d1 Unconventional gas reserves, which have become an increasingly impor­tant component of energy company portfolios, differ from conven­tional assets in that they tend to be low-margin, resource-intensive exploration efforts. Because profit opportunities are limited, getting the most out of an unconventional program requires close scrutiny of operational efficiency and cost levels. As a result, unconventional reserves are perfect candidates for sustainable cost cutting through the introduction of lean supply chain concepts. Cassidy, Dennis; Click, Christopher; Clyde, Andrew; Singh, Rohit Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/47812407?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=f68d1 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/47491243?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=abf68 Organizations around the world are embracing integrated risk-management strategies that combine the right blend of physical, information, and IT security controls. Gazzini, Alessandro; Shehadi, Ramez Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/47491243?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=abf68 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/47375353?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=62f67 Consumers prefer to do business with consumer electronics manufacturers and telecommunications companies that can repair their products quickly, and the potential for cross-selling is real. Yet many companies do not even get the basics right. To do so, they must identify improvement priorities, determine which improvement measures will make the biggest difference, and develop metrics to monitor performance. Engelmann, Dr. Jens ; Hölbling, Klaus Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/47375353?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=62f67 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/47372702?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=2a559 Many telecommunications operators are already outsourcing some or all of their field services activities, according to a recent Booz & Company study, and more and more are taking the same approach to their network operations. The single biggest driving force behind this trend is the desire to reduce operating expenses, and as operators strive to cut costs further, they will begin to outsource more activities long thought to be at the core of their network operations. Friedrich, Roman; Weichsel, Peter; Miles, John; Rajvanshi, Ashish Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what-we-think/reports-white-papers/ic-display/47372702?utm_content=AllOperations&utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=TextLink&gko=2a559