http://www.booz.com Telecommunications RSS feed from Booz & Company. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:04:50 -0600 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Measuring-Industry-Digitization-Leaders-Laggards-Digital-Economy.pdf?gko=96b57 As the pace of digitization speeds up, companies in every industry are looking to capture their fair share of the value being created. Our Industry Digitization Index indicates which industries are forging ahead--financial services and computers and electronics--and which are lagging--real estate, construction, and consumer goods. All companies can benefit by understanding where their industry stands in this critical effort, and where it needs to improve. By Roman Friedrich, Matthew Le Merle, Florian Gröne, Alex Koster Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Measuring-Industry-Digitization-Leaders-Laggards-Digital-Economy.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Telecom-Operators-Profitability-Growth.pdf?gko=96b57 Few telecom operators are increasing their profits these days. Revenues are essentially flat, and the returns on their cost-cutting efforts are diminishing. Restoring profitability growth will require operators to rethink their core businesses. A balanced program based on leveraging underdeveloped customer segments, generating more revenue from existing customers, simplifying the product portfolio, and realigning costs in light of customer needs will put operators back on the path to greater profits. By Martin Reitenspiess, Christopher Rischard, Dieter Trimmel, Florian Troesch Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:59:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Telecom-Operators-Profitability-Growth.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/featured_content/perspectives_12/telecommunications_2012?gko=c041b Over the past year, the telecommunications industry recovered greatly from the global recession and began to come to terms with an increasingly demanding business and retail customer base. A consensus has been reached as to the different business models--network guarantor, business enabler, experience provider, and global multimarketer--needed to serve those customers, and 2012 will be the year when leading operators begin to build the capabilities needed to fulfill this demand. By Karim Sabbagh, Roman Friedrich, Michael Peterson, Bahjat El-Darwiche Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:58:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/featured_content/perspectives_12/telecommunications_2012?gko=c041b http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/featured_content/perspectives_12/technology_2012?gko=6567a Digitization is the new name of the game in the technology industry, and 2012 appears to be the year when many of the trends that form the backbone of digitization--cloud computing, connectivity, and big data analytics, among others--will begin bearing fruit. If technology companies are to become active partners of industry verticals as they embark on their respective digital transformations, they must build the capabilities needed to better understand how different verticals operate and where the value streams can be found, and build solutions that can scale to entire industries. By Alex Koster, Toshiya Imai, Dr. Pierre Peladeau, Matthew Le Merle, Kenny Kurtzman Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:57:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/featured_content/perspectives_12/technology_2012?gko=6567a http://www.booz.com/media/file/GSMA-Booz-Study_Socio-economic-benefits-of-SIM-based-NFC.pdf?gko=96b57 Near-field communications (NFC) technology is rapidly being adopted in many markets around the world. If the many advantages of the technology are to be realized--including lower costs, more competition, and greater consumer value and choice--the telecom industry must work in tandem with the many service industries that stand to benefit to ensure that the technology is standardized and fully secure. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:56:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/media/file/GSMA-Booz-Study_Socio-economic-benefits-of-SIM-based-NFC.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/MWC_2012?gko=9de8c The Mobile World Congress, held annually in Barcelona, Spain, is attended by top-level executives and senior managers from the telecommunications and technology industries. In addition to a thought leadership conference, the event includes an exhibition featuring more than 1,400 exhibitors. Where to find us: Please visit our lounge on Avenue 116, directly in front of the entrance to Hall 5 How to contact us: Please send an email to  barcelona.mwc@booz.com Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:55:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/MWC_2012?gko=9de8c http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/featured_content/innovation_1000_2011?gko=ed546 Our seventh annual study of the world's 1,000 largest corporate R&D spenders focuses on the ways strategic alignment and corporate culture facilitate innovation. We show that companies whose innovation strategy is tightly aligned with overall corporate strategy, and whose culture supports innovation, have better innovation results and stronger financial performance. As in years past, we also conducted a comprehensive trend analysis of global R&D spending: Spending rose 9.3 percent in 2010, returning to its long-term trajectory after 2009's recession-induced decline. By Barry Jaruzelski, John Loehr, Richard Holman Wed, 14 Dec 2011 09:54:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/featured_content/innovation_1000_2011?gko=ed546 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Value-Shifts-Telecom-Media-Technology.pdf?gko=96b57 The telecom, media, and technology industries have seen many changes in the past several years, and as a result, how and where companies in the space make money have also changed significantly. In this analysis, we provide a detailed look at how the industry's various sectors--network operations, hardware infrastructure, IT services and software, intermediation on the Internet, and content--are gaining or losing value, and where individual players are seeking new sources of revenues and profits. By Pierre Péladeau, Roman Friedrich, Timo Benzin, Frédéric Sarrat Wed, 28 Sep 2011 02:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Value-Shifts-Telecom-Media-Technology.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Navigating-Evolving-Technology-Ecosystem.pdf?gko=96b57 Cloud computing is quickly increasing in popularity, and it will disrupt the traditional technology distribution ecosystem. As a result, traditional players like independent software vendors, systems integrators, value-added resellers, distributors, and retailers must prepare to realign their roles, even as new players like cloud masters, telecom companies, and app aggregators move to capture the new market. To succeed, telecom operators must begin now to envision the ecosystem's evolution, position themselves quickly, and execute carefully. By David Standridge, Philip Minasian, Fabian Seelbach, Jeremy Reich Wed, 28 Sep 2011 01:59:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Navigating-Evolving-Technology-Ecosystem.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Mobile-Commerce-Collaborate-Succeed.pdf?gko=96b57 It's time to stop thinking of mobile commerce as just another way to pay for goods and services. Instead, m-commerce is poised to transform the entire customer experience, allowing organizations to employ new methods to attract, support, and retain customers. As m-commerce reaches a tipping point, a single, scaled m-commerce proposition will likely dominate each market. For most companies, to deliver the credible scale required for success, collaboration is essential--sometimes with the fiercest of rivals. By Michael Knott, John Miles, Edward Boyes Wed, 28 Sep 2011 01:58:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Mobile-Commerce-Collaborate-Succeed.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Designing-Transcendent-Web-3.0.pdf?gko=96b57 Over the next several years, a number of new technologies will come together to create the next phase of the Internet. Called Web 3.0, it will generate a great leap forward in the degree of connectivity and communications, and in the amount of information available about customers and their attitudes and preferences. The benefits for business will be enormous, as the new Web provides a much greater flow of data on which to base everything from product development to marketing and sales to daily operations. Will your company be ready? By Karim Sabbagh, Olaf Acker, Danny Karam, Jad Rahbani Wed, 28 Sep 2011 01:57:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Designing-Transcendent-Web-3.0.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Enterprise-Opportunity-MENA-Telecom-Operators.pdf?gko=96b57 The rate at which the enterprise ICT market in the Middle East and North Africa is growing presents an enormous opportunity to telecom operators in the region. Capturing this potentially huge source of new revenues, however, will be no easy task, as the competition among operators and other players will be fierce. For operators to win, they must leverage their current advantages while creating a new value proposition based on expanded offerings and new digitization opportunities. By Bahjat El-Darwiche, Hadi Raad, Jad Hajj, Huy Nguyen-Tuong Wed, 28 Sep 2011 01:57:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Enterprise-Opportunity-MENA-Telecom-Operators.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Motivating-Behavior-Change-Pride-Builders.pdf?gko=96b57 Companies looking to make major changes can benefit by finding and leveraging their "Pride Builders"--employees who tend to be able to communicate their pride and loyalty to others. Organizations need to follow a rigorous approach to determine who those Pride Builders are, and then build on their insights and capabilities to influence behavior. In practice, an eight-step pilot program can be invaluable in gaining insights into how Pride Builders work and in demonstrating their impact. By Jon Katzenbach, Laird Post, Jonathan Gruber, Aurelie Viriot Wed, 28 Sep 2011 01:56:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Motivating-Behavior-Change-Pride-Builders.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Next-Wave-of-Digitization.pdf?gko=96b57 We are entering a new age of digitization, driven by consumer and business demand and by a host of new technologies, such as ubiquitous broadband, powerful data-crunching technology, and the "Internet of Things." Every industry will be affected--indeed, transformed--and it is up to all CEOs to guide their companies through the coming transition. This perspective provides a guide to the impact that digitization will have on various industries, and how soon they will be affected. By Roman Friedrich, Matthew Le Merle, Michael Peterson, Alex Koster Tue, 05 Jul 2011 02:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Next-Wave-of-Digitization.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Cloud-Opportunity-Telecom-Operators.pdf?gko=96b57 The advent of cloud computing presents telecom operators with a huge opportunity to capture higher-value revenues in a market that has yet to be fully occupied. But too few of them are exploiting the chance. To play successfully, operators need to realize that they have the assets needed to win in the cloud ecosystem, and then devise appropriate consumer- and business-oriented strategies for taking advantage of those assets. By Olaf Acker, Germar Schröder, Thomas Aichberger, Adrian Blockus Tue, 05 Jul 2011 01:59:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Cloud-Opportunity-Telecom-Operators.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Building-Communities-Around-Digital-Highways.pdf?gko=96b57 Across the globe, governments are supporting efforts to build national high-speed broadband networks in hopes of enhancing productivity, fostering investment, and providing greater access. If these networks are to help reach these goals, however, governments must also foster the growth of "digital communities" that will create the innovative and collaborative atmosphere needed to fully benefit from the increased access. By Karim Sabbagh, Bahjat El-Darwiche, Roman Friedrich, Milind Singh Tue, 05 Jul 2011 01:58:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Building-Communities-Around-Digital-Highways.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Ultralow-Cost-Mobile-New-Operating-Model.pdf?gko=96b57 Mobile telecom operators around the world are struggling to reduce expenses in the face of evolving technology and falling per-user revenue. But a one-off cost-cutting program won't work in the long run. Instead, companies need to take a holistic approach--we call it the ultralow-cost operating model--that trims costs where appropriate while supporting the operator's most strategic capabilities. By Roman Friedrich, George Appling, Ashish Sharma, Hadi Raad Tue, 05 Jul 2011 01:57:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Ultralow-Cost-Mobile-New-Operating-Model.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Winning-Next-Wave-Telecom-Mergers-Acquisitions.pdf?gko=96b57 Mergers and acquisitions activity is heating up again in the telecom sector, as operators all over the world look to consolidation as a path to growth. We expect large cross-border transactions to dominate the trend, as well as a smaller number of more modest in-market deals. Companies looking to participate should make sure they have both the financial firepower and the organizational readiness needed. By Karim Sabbagh, Amr Goussous, Christos Mastoras Tue, 05 Jul 2011 01:56:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Winning-Next-Wave-Telecom-Mergers-Acquisitions.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Stress-Testing-with-Disrupter-Analysis.pdf?gko=96b57 Although impossible to predict, Black Swans--unanticipated catastrophic events--occur regularly. Yet few companies understand how to prepare for them. Disrupter analysis can help, by mapping the shape of the company, creating a list of potentially disastrous events and their consequences, and putting in place measures designed to protect the company. By Matthew Le Merle Tue, 05 Jul 2011 01:55:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Stress-Testing-with-Disrupter-Analysis.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/Innovation_1000_Survey2011/?gko=2dc1b Wanted: executives interested in the connections between organization, culture, and innovation. We are seeking your insights for Booz & Company's annual Global Innovation 1000 study. Please click here to participate in our 15-minute online survey. Everyone who takes the survey will receive a free one-year subscription to the digital edition of strategy+business magazine and a copy of this year's Global Innovation 1000 study before its public release. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 01:54:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/Innovation_1000_Survey2011/?gko=2dc1b http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-2015-Value-Shifts-TV-Video-Ecosystem.pdf?gko=96b57 The traditional TV is still by far the most popular medium for consuming video content, and it will remain so for years to come. But new technologies and changing consumer behavior patterns are already transforming the TV and video ecosystem--indeed, most of the ecosystem's future revenue growth will be derived from the wide variety of new screens and nonlinear services on which more and more video is being watched. All companies with a stake in the ecosystem must plan now to develop strategies to win a share of that growth and to preserve the value they already have. By Thomas Künstner, Gregory Springs, Hannes Gmel Wed, 20 Apr 2011 02:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-2015-Value-Shifts-TV-Video-Ecosystem.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.strategy-business.com/article/11112?gko=b2721 The explosion in data traffic and the commoditization of the traditional voice business have left most large telecommunications companies in a bind. How can they generate more value from all the data traffic and avoid becoming merely the pipes through which it flows? Didier Lombard, who recently retired from his position as chairman of France Télécom, believes that the only solution is to find ways to monetize that data traffic. In this interview from the pages of strategy+business, he discusses the numerous innovations France Télécom is carrying out in order to thrive in the coming years. By Art Kleiner and Pierre Péladeau Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:59:00 -0500 http://www.strategy-business.com/article/11112?gko=b2721 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BaC-Turning_Like_to_Buy.pdf?gko=96b57 The stunning popularity of social networking is opening up enormous opportunities for new forms of e-commerce, and companies are only now learning how to take advantage of them. Lots of companies have already set up brand and product pages on sites such as Facebook. Now the challenge is to convert users into actual buyers who use social media to get recommendations, choose products, and make purchases without leaving these sites. The key is to learn how to use social media to create awareness, persuade customers to buy, and then keep them coming back. By Matt Anderson, Joe Sims, Jerell Price, Jennifer Brusa Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:58:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BaC-Turning_Like_to_Buy.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-E-Business-Transformation-Telecom.pdf?gko=96b57 If they are to survive the rapid commoditization of their business models and keep the loyalty of their increasingly sophisticated customers, telecommunications companies must develop online capabilities, like those of the best online retailers, across their entire business operations, from back-room processes and logistics to customer service and sales. In short, they must carry out a complete e-business transformation if they are to be able to deliver the digital goods and services that will bring new revenue growth. The effort will not be easy for many telecoms, but the time to start is now. By Carlos Severino, José Antonio Tortosa, Dr. Florian Gröne, Christopher Rischard Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:57:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-E-Business-Transformation-Telecom.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-GCC-Telecoms-Improve-Profitablity.pdf?gko=96b57 Slowing revenue growth, increasing competition, and more demanding customers are putting pressure on telecom operators to boost the efficiency of their operations. As these trends spread around the world, telecoms in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region are already making short-term, tactical cost reductions. But in order to ensure the lasting viability of their operations, they must optimize costs in three areas: incremental efficiency, process reengineering, and value chain restructuring. These efforts are the only way telecoms in the GCC can sustain and create value in the long run. By Hilal Halaoui, Chady Smayra, Lancelot Sursock Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:56:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-GCC-Telecoms-Improve-Profitablity.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-European-Digital-Highway-Hybrid-Networks.pdf?gko=96b57 European telecom operators are facing a challenging future in which the rise in data traffic is rapidly outpacing their willingness or ability to build the fiber-to-the-home networks with the speed and capacity to carry that traffic. As a result, they risk losing customers to competitors, and thus shrinking the customer base needed to support their investment efforts. Operators should seriously consider a convergent, hybrid approach that combines both fixed and mobile networks in a flexible system that allows the dynamic routing of traffic to homes and small businesses. By Martin Reitenspieß, Peter Weichsel, Dieter Trimmel, Thomas Aichberger Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:55:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-European-Digital-Highway-Hybrid-Networks.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Tablet-Early-Adoption.pdf?gko=96b57 Recently, Booz & Company surveyed more than 330 owners of tablet computers to better understand how these early adopters are using them. The results suggest that tablets will play a rapidly increasing role in how digital entertainment and media are consumed. More than 30 percent of our respondents, for instance, see their tablets as substitutes for PCs and laptops. And though the average user has downloaded 30 game apps, news apps get the most usage. Providers of paid content will be pleased to learn that users have downloaded an average of seven paid apps onto their tablets, and 30 percent say they pay for some kind of magazine or news app subscription. By Roman Friedrich, Thomas Künstner, Michael Knott, Pierre Péladeau Wed, 20 Apr 2011 01:54:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Tablet-Early-Adoption.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/End_of_Year_Letter_2011_telecom.pdf?gko=96b57 The coming year will be a challenging one for telecom operators. As they continue to build high-speed fixed and mobile networks, and search for continued growth in the form of high-value services and applications, competition from companies outside the traditional telecom industry boundaries will increase. So operators will have to become both more efficient and more innovative, and learn to take advantage of their many inherent advantages. We also expect increased M&A activity as companies look to add scale and services. By Karim Sabbagh, Roman Friedrich, George Appling and Joseph Sims Thu, 13 Jan 2011 02:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/End_of_Year_Letter_2011_telecom.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/End_of_Year_Letter_2011_technology.pdf?gko=96b57 Consumerization, social networking, mobile commerce, cloud computing--these are only a few of the trends that are making 2011 look like a very exciting year in the technology industry. The phenomenal success of the iPad--and the many followers popping up in its wake--is in truth dependent on their accompanying applications and services, and only makes clearer the long-term shift in value from hardware to services of every description. This shift will also be the key to increased M&A activity this year, as companies try to pull together hardware, software and services into fully integrated enterprise and cloud computing solutions. By Kenny Kurtzman, Gregor Harter, Barry H. Jaruzelski and Toshiya Imai Thu, 13 Jan 2011 02:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/End_of_Year_Letter_2011_technology.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Shopper-Strategies-Mobile-Commerce.pdf?gko=96b57 Mobile commerce is already the fastest-growing retail sales channel, and its potential is virtually unlimited. In just the U.S., sales are expected to quickly reach more than $7 billion annually for high-engagement product categories alone, and the market is even more substantial if software, travel, and entertainment purchases are included. Examples abound of retailers devising m-commerce strategies that add significantly to overall revenues. Ultimately, success will increasingly require that they create a fully integrated shopping experience especially designed to attract high-value, digitally oriented consumers and influence their decisions across all sales channels. By Matt Anderson, Stefan Eikelmann, Fabian Seelbach and Nick Buckner Thu, 13 Jan 2011 01:57:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/BoozCo-Shopper-Strategies-Mobile-Commerce.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/The_Value_of_Being_Global.pdf?gko=96b57 Global reach is proving to be a winning strategy for a number of telecom operators that have expanded far beyond their historical home markets. An analysis of the financial performance of companies such as Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and Telefónica indicates that key indicators including EBITDA and total shareholder return have been significantly greater for them than for the average local and regional telecom operator. What are they doing right? They are leveraging their scale, management experience, strong operating processes, and marketing capabilities to find synergies in all their markets. By Karim Sabbagh, Mohamad Mourad, Alfonso de Gaetano and Amr Goussous Thu, 13 Jan 2011 01:58:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/The_Value_of_Being_Global.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/Sustainable_Urbanization.pdf?gko=96b57 By 2030, fully 60 percent of the world's population is expected to reside in cities. Planning for this growth will require careful consideration of how to revitalize existing cities and to design and build the many new cities needed to accommodate this massive population shift. Technology can play a key role in the process of creating economically viable, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable cities that can provide a better quality of life for their residents, especially in areas like energy, healthcare, transport, and education. Stakeholders such as governments, developers, and ICT providers must work together to create a new model for building these cities. By Gregor Harter, Jai Sinha, Ashish Sharma and Sandeep Dave Thu, 13 Jan 2011 01:56:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/media/uploads/Sustainable_Urbanization.pdf?gko=96b57 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/books/essential_advantage?gko=e4d0d In their search for growth, too many companies play in too many markets, pursuing multiple strategies that undermine one another. As a result, they forgo the right to win in any market. Winners, however, develop a clear idea of what their companies do best and how it creates value for customers, and then hone a distinctive system of capabilities that will deliver lasting competitive advantage. In The Essential Advantage: How to Win with a Capabilities-Driven Strategy , Booz & Company's Paul Leinwand and Cesare Mainardi argue that adopting a capabilities-driven strategy that starts inside the company, with what it already does best, can lead to a measurable performance premium By Paul Leinwand and Cesare Mainardi Thu, 13 Jan 2011 01:55:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/books/essential_advantage?gko=e4d0d http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmfts-top-news/cmtfs_The_Future_of_Telecom_Operators?gko=eabad If telecom operators are to make the investments needed to build the next generation of fixed and mobile infrastructure, they must find new sources of revenue to replace those now being commoditized. Meanwhile, three major trends--greater demand for ubiquitous connectivity, the rise of modular technologies, and increasing competition from outside the industry--are transforming how value is being created in the telecom industry. Telecom operators around the world must respond by developing one or more of four new business models--network guarantors, business enablers, experience creators, and global multimarketers--and the capabilities those models will require to succeed in the hypercompetitive markets of the future. By Bahjat El-Darwiche, Roman Friedrich, Pierre Péladeau and Karim Sabbagh Wed, 06 Oct 2010 02:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmfts-top-news/cmtfs_The_Future_of_Telecom_Operators?gko=eabad http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Making_Digital_Content_Pay?gko=43e6c Even as print publishers lose revenue from subscriptions and advertising alike, it is already clear that most of the paid content models they have tried online have failed. Yet the evidence suggests that paid digital content can work if it is sufficiently differentiated from free content, and if publishers can provide customers with a better user experience, offer premium and complementary services on top of their content, and build the right pricing models and packages around it. Creating such offerings will require that publishers become more innovative and be willing to experiment with many more possibilities. By Gregor Vogelsang, Santeri Kirvelä, Sebastian Blum and Mikko Pulkkinen Wed, 06 Oct 2010 01:59:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Making_Digital_Content_Pay?gko=43e6c http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Leaner_and_Keener_Telecom_Operators?gko=62c2c Many of the products and services offered by telecom operators in developed markets have become commoditized, and although operators have pushed hard to reduce costs to maintain margins, they continue to waste more than 30 percent of their process-related operating expenditures. The key to future savings for operators lies in taking an end-to-end view of their operations in order to understand how processes in one silo are contributing to waste and increased costs in others. Such a view can lead to increased profitability, improved operations and better customer service. By Andreas Späne, Dr. Florian Gröne, Olaf Acker and Dr. Roman Friedrich Wed, 06 Oct 2010 01:58:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Leaner_and_Keener_Telecom_Operators?gko=62c2c http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Convergence_Reloaded?gko=b899a The long-awaited promise of convergence in the telecommunications industry is finally becoming reality. Devices, services and ubiquitous connectivity are coming together to offer consumers a transformative communications and entertainment experience, as well as offering relevant propositions in several vertical markets. Convergence offers telecom operators a major opportunity, if they can provide the products, services, enabling technologies, and infrastructure required for these customer propositions. To do so, they must develop the capabilities needed to offer greater availability, wider choice, higher quality, further customization, and more interactivity--and broaden their market approach from B2C and B2B to B2B2C and B2B2B, while capturing more partnering opportunities. By Michael Peterson, Stuart Cockburn and Hannes Gmelin Wed, 06 Oct 2010 01:57:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Convergence_Reloaded?gko=b899a http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Bringing_Mass_Broadband_to_India?gko=4b41c Given its size and rapidly growing economy, India continues to lag in bringing broadband to areas outside its cities. In order to remedy the situation, the country's telecom and cable operators must ensure ubiquitous supply by clarifying which broadband technologies work best for different segments, and by working with the government to build a stronger local content industry. The government must promote digitization of the cable industry while ensuring equitable access to content, and encourage the rollout of fixed broadband more quickly than the current market-based approach has allowed. By Karim Sabbagh, Jai Sinha and Ashish Sharma Wed, 06 Oct 2010 01:56:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Bringing_Mass_Broadband_to_India?gko=4b41c http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Loyalty_by_Numbers?gko=54770 As competition for increasingly fickle customers becomes more intense, the long-standing emphasis on customer acquisition among telecom operators is now giving way to a growing need to retain those customers. Operators have plenty of valuable information about customers, but they have done little to integrate and translate that information into insights they can use to build deep customer relationships through customized marketing and loyalty programs. Succeeding in this effort will require that operators build integrated data sets for each customer and add essential skills in IT, marketing, and elsewhere. By Dr. Michael Peteson, Jason Gordon, Hywel Evans and Barry Panayi Wed, 06 Oct 2010 01:55:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Loyalty_by_Numbers?gko=54770 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-recommended-reading/cmtfs_Fast_Track_to_Recovery?gko=56c52 Now that the global recession is at an end, companies are looking to recover and grow. But how well equipped are they to do so, given the downsizing and cost reductions of the past few years? The two critical capabilities needed to succeed in the recovery are speed and adaptability, yet neither capability is a strength of most formal organizations at present. That's why companies must turn to their informal organizations--the all-too-often hidden human side--for help in the critical period of growth that lies ahead. By Jon Katzenbach and Zia Khan Wed, 06 Oct 2010 01:54:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-recommended-reading/cmtfs_Fast_Track_to_Recovery?gko=56c52 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-recommended-reading/cmtfs_The_Coherence_Premium?gko=66ed1 In this ground-breaking article from the pages of the Harvard Business Review, Booz & Company partners Paul Leinwand and Cesare Mainardi argue that successful companies know what they do best, and they focus on it. In other words, they are "coherent" -- they align their market strategies to the capabilities that differentiate them from competitors, and they have the discipline to consistently play off those strengths. By Paul Leinwand and Cesare Mainardi Wed, 06 Oct 2010 01:54:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-recommended-reading/cmtfs_The_Coherence_Premium?gko=66ed1 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmt_foresight-article/cmtfs_Riding_the_Data_Tsunami?gko=ac38a The global economy is becoming increasingly digital, and data traffic over both fixed and wireless networks is exploding. As a result, telecom operators must invest in next-generation networks that can absorb this wave of data. Yet, increasing competition, regulatory pressure, and the proliferation of flat-rate pricing for data services are putting enormous pressure on operators' margins. Only by figuring out how to monetize these huge volumes of data will operators be able to make the investments needed to build the next-generation networks. By Pierre Péladeau, Karim Sabbagh, Bahjat El-Darwiche and Roman Friedrich Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmt_foresight-article/cmtfs_Riding_the_Data_Tsunami?gko=ac38a http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-new-articles/cmtfs_Enabling_Sustainable_Digital_Highways?gko=756f0 The many benefits of increased access to high-speed broadband are now clear. For both the public and private sectors in developed and emerging economies alike, national broadband networks are vital to sustainable economic development and social progress. But outdated policies, regulations, and business models continue to limit the infrastructure investments needed to ensure universal access. Moving forward will require that broadband move to the top of national strategic agendas, and policymakers and operators must work together to create the efficient industry structures and new business models needed to reach this critical goal. By Karim Sabbagh, Roman Friedrich, Bahjat El-Darwiche and Milind Singh Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:59:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-new-articles/cmtfs_Enabling_Sustainable_Digital_Highways?gko=756f0 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_The_US_National_Broadband_Plan?gko=9ce8f In a major effort to promote universal broadband access, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission recently released "Connecting America: The National Broadband Plan." While the details of the plan are still being refined, we see five key areas in which telecom operators must begin planning for the future: infrastructure deployment, market dynamics, industry vertical strategy, transparency, and regulatory engagement. Those that take the opportunity to understand, react to, and help shape and implement the plan will be in a much stronger position for the next decade or more. By Klaus Hölbling, Spencer Hutchins and John Ward Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:58:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_The_US_National_Broadband_Plan?gko=9ce8f http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_The_Rise_of_Social_Apponomics?gko=5a10f A new era of e-commerce is emerging--the era of "social apponomics." A combination of social media, consumer insight, and tailored applications is giving rise to new business models driven not by the direct monetization of online traffic but by customer life-cycle management. The key to success in this new era involves understanding customer needs and creating online customer experiences that translate into customer lifetime value. This approach to online customer experiences is making possible a new kind of e-tailer that will develop profitable customer value propositions for the long haul. By Gregor Harter, Henning Hagen and Stefan Plenge Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:57:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_The_Rise_of_Social_Apponomics?gko=5a10f http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Performance-Based_Advertising_Models?gko=a22f3 Marketing departments continue to look for advertising models in which the price of the ad is linked as directly as possible to transparent, accountable returns, not just online but in traditional media as well. Creating true performance-based models will require three parties--corporate marketing, media outlets, and advertising agencies--to adopt more sophisticated analytics and information technology in order to deliver measurable return on investment across all media markets--even TV, radio, and print. By Dr. Michael Peterson, Dr. Florian Gröne, Dr. Karsten Kammer and Julius Kirscheneder Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:56:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Performance-Based_Advertising_Models?gko=a22f3 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Evolution_or_Revolution?gko=66382 As the telecom industry looks to improve the customer experience, the billing process is finally getting the attention it has long needed. For too long, the huge scale and daunting expense of such projects--easily approaching US$100 million and more--have made many operators reluctant to proceed. In order to choose the billing system most suited to their needs, operators must carefully analyze their business model, and then match that model to the proper transformational approach--evolutionary or revolutionary. By Jens Niebuhr, Andreas Späne, Dr. Germar Schröder and Dr. Florian Gröne Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:55:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Evolution_or_Revolution?gko=66382 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmfts-top-news/cmtfs_The_Rise_of_Generation_C?gko=b0482 Over the next decade, the advent of Generation C--"digital natives" born after 1990--will transform the world of work, leisure, and entertainment, and the ICT industry that keeps them connected. In the face of declining revenues from traditional services, the challenge for the ICT industries will be to focus on what it will take to thrive in the Generation C environment. Indeed, ICT players are well positioned to help shape a wide variety of other industries--and to capture significant new revenues as those industries change and grow. By Roman Friedrich, Matthew LeMerle, Michael Peterson, and Alex Koster Wed, 31 Mar 2010 02:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmfts-top-news/cmtfs_The_Rise_of_Generation_C?gko=b0482 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Mobile_Operators_and_Mobile_Multimedia?gko=15806 The mobile telecom industry's value pools are increasingly shifting towards providers of content and services, particularly on the mobile internet. Operators must plan to participate in that shift if they are to avoid becoming nothing more than the bit pipes through which the value-added content, applications and services are shipped. To do so, they must devise multimedia strategies for the mobile internet that take into account five critical elements: customer segments, experience and propositions, devices, partnering, and monetization. By Klaus Hölbling, Dr. Michael Peterson, Dr. Alexander Sova and Florian Pötscher Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:59:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Mobile_Operators_and_Mobile_Multimedia?gko=15806 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Mobile_App_Stores_for_Telecom_Operators?gko=37319 Given the runaway popularity of mobile apps, every mobile operator must have an apps strategy that makes attractive apps packages available to subscribers, lest those subscribers drift off to other providers. It is unlikely that operators can generate significant revenues from app sales. But a strong app storefront offering that combines proprietary apps and apps drawn from external sources can increase average revenue per user (ARPU), improve customer acquisition, and reduce churn. By Pierre Péladeau, Roman Friedrich, Mohssen Toumi and Olaf Acker Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:58:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Mobile_App_Stores_for_Telecom_Operators?gko=37319 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Mobile_Operators_Move_to_Fixed?gko=31b9f The trend toward the convergence of fixed and mobile telecom assets, already well under way in many markets, will put stand-alone mobile operators at a distinct disadvantage, given their continued cost pressure and the lack of the fixed assets needed to compete with their integrated rivals' attractive bundled offerings. The result: their mobile assets will slowly diminish in value, unless they can devise an effective convergence strategy of their own. By Roman Friedrich, Michael Knott, John Ward and Vanessa Hyde Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:57:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Mobile_Operators_Move_to_Fixed?gko=31b9f http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Multi-Channel_Customer_Management?gko=c0902 Today's consumers expect to be able to interact with the companies they do business with through any number of channels. And they expect companies to know who they are, and understand their needs, no matter what the channel. To meet those demands, companies must take a holistic approach to customer lifecycle management. Doing so requires both a strong understanding of customer preferences and behaviors and a robust IT architecture that supports the overarching customer relationship management strategy. By Dr. Michael Peterson, Dr. Florian Gröne, Dr. Karsten Kammer and Julius Kirscheneder Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:56:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmtfs-news/cmtfs_Multi-Channel_Customer_Management?gko=c0902 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmfts-top-news/cmtfs_Reset_the_Media_Business_Model?gko=4fa99 As the impact of the Internet grows, and critical sections of the audience change how they consume information, the media business is facing challenges unlike any it has faced since the dawn of television. In response, virtually every media company is looking to reduce costs while investing in new sources of future revenue, according to a recent Booz & Company study. Yet many companies are taking far too conservative approaches to rethinking their operations and to developing growth strategies and business models for the future. Ultimately, success will require creating a truly innovative approach to business development that goes beyond the "incumbent" thinking of the past. By Harry Hawkes, Thomas Künstner, Gregor Vogelsang and Timo Benzin Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmfts-top-news/cmtfs_Reset_the_Media_Business_Model?gko=4fa99 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmfts-top-news/cmtfs_After_the_Downturn?gko=5f8d1 As the global economy picks up, the telecommunications industry faces four major trends that will deeply affect the strategy of every player--commoditization versus innovation, lean operations versus strategic investment, consolidation versus fragmentation, re-regulation versus deregulation. Does your company have the capabilities needed to succeed in the coming recovery? By Ghassan Hasbani, Peter Weichsel, Dieter Trimmel and Stuart Cockburn Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_do/industries/telecommunications/CMT-Foresight/cmfts-top-news/cmtfs_After_the_Downturn?gko=5f8d1 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50136149?gko=6b75e As we move into a new era of Internet growth fueled by new and emerging technologies, it will be increasingly important to understand the effect that regulatory changes might have on the Internet's growth. One area currently being debated is digital copyright, and regulators are now evaluating several potential changes to current law that could have a large impact not only on content providers and distributors but also on how users themselves interact with content. Our research goal is to understand how these changes might affect the level of early-stage investment. Ahmed, Tashfeen; Le Merle, Matthew; Pencavel, Christopher; Sarma, Raju Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50136149?gko=6b75e http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50136143?gko=36ef7 As we move into a new era of Internet growth fueled by new and emerging technologies, it will be increasingly important to understand the effect that regulatory changes might have on the Internet's growth. One area currently being debated is online privacy, and regulators are evaluating several potential changes to current law that would have a large impact not only on the content providers but also on the online user experience. Our study captures these dimensions by understanding how these regulatory changes might affect early-stage investment. Ahmed, Tashfeen; Le Merle, Matthew; Pencavel, Christopher; Sarma, Raju Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50136143?gko=36ef7 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50103490?gko=3d6fd The enormous popularity of tablet computers among consumers is forcing enterprises of all sizes to accept them as part of their technology arsenal as well. Much of this activity has been driven from the top down, beginning with top executives and board members of large enterprises, but that will likely change soon, as the productivity gains from new ways of using the devices become clearer. Appling, George Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50103490?gko=3d6fd http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50072647?gko=0325d A recent ICT industry roundtable identified three imperatives for the sector's continued advancement in the Middle East: next-generation policies, sector governance that accommodates multiple stakeholders, and regional collaboration. Various Authors Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50072647?gko=0325d http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50066231?gko=ae824 As technology projects increase in complexity, public and private organizations are searching for new mechanisms to control their costs and ensure systems deliver what they need. In doing so, they should go beyond the traditional project management office and consider a strategic implementation office, which extends the scope of oversight and is thus able to prevent common pitfalls before they occur. Bitar, Jad; Shehadi, Ramez; Tohme, Walid; Naamani, Mohamad Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50066231?gko=ae824 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50040186?gko=8ff93 The rapid growth of Africa's mobile telecommunications market over the past decade has had a huge impact on African consumers, on operators that do business on the continent, and on governments that have benefited from collecting license and service fees. That growth has set the stage for next- mobile broadband networks, which promise to make Internet use pervasive across the continent. But governments, regulators, operators, and even consumers must overcome several impediments to the full and successful development of these networks. Sabbagh, Karim; Singh, Milind; Tusa, David; Ganediwalla, Sandeep Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50040186?gko=8ff93 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50041441?gko=dbb48 Private-sector companies in GCC countries have an opportunity to address several pressing issues, including nationalization imperatives, local unemployment, and their own talent gaps, by attracting more national women into their workforce. Hoteit, Leila; Shehadi, Ramez; Lamaa, Abdulkader; Tarazi, Kamal Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50041441?gko=dbb48 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50030291?gko=79493 The pace of digitization is picking up rapidly but the speed at which digitization is taking place varies a great deal from industry to industry. To gain a better understanding of the relative degree to which digitization is transforming different industries, we have created the Industry Digitization Index. Whether they are currently digitization leaders or laggards, all industries can benefit by investing in the input, processing, and output capabilities needed to extend their digital footprints throughout their business ecosystems. Friedrich, Roman; Gröne, Florian; Koster, Alex; Le Merle, Matthew Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50030291?gko=79493 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50029474?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, out¬lined 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_and_white_papers/ic-display/50029474?gko=c6e01 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50014132?gko=8ec82 In 2011, the telecom industry has finally managed to come to terms with two major global shocks: the global economic downturn that continues to adversely affect the performance of operators in markets around the world, and the disruption caused by digitization. This is the time to look back at how the global telecommunications industry fared in 2011, the major trends that will affect it in 2012, and the strategies and capabilities operators will need in order to benefit from these trends. El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Friedrich, Roman; Peterson, Michael; Sabbagh, Karim Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50014132?gko=8ec82 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49970322?gko=a50fd Web analytics is the measurement, collection, analysis, and reporting of Internet data for the purposes of understanding and optimizing Web usage. Today, Web interactions between commercial businesses and their customers are as important, if not more so, for a business's growth as customer touches through traditional voice and bricks-and-mortar channels. This Leading Research deck discusses the data and technology opportunities and challenges associated with Web analytics. Nair, Ramesh; Parande, Raj; Nair, Balu; Goryunov, Yuri Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49970322?gko=a50fd http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49953075?gko=43985 New startup companies have long been an important driver of innovation and economic growth in the U.S., and few of them would have grown to maturity without early-stage financing. This study, based on a survey of almost 200 angel investors and interviews with 20 prominent venture capitalists, analyzes the extent to which this financing might be affected by the copyright regulatory environment. Ahmed, Tashfeen; Le Merle, Matthew; Pencavel, Christopher; Sarma, Raju Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49953075?gko=43985 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50099720?gko=f24f0 В предыдущих отчетах по исследованию цикла «Глобальные лидеры инноваций» (Global Innovation 1000) мы видели, что компании, ориентирующиеся на разработку самых передовых продуктов и услуг, можно отнести к одной из трех основных моделей стратегии развития инноваций: «выявление новых потребностей» (Need Seekers), «понимание рынка» (Market Readers), и «технологическое лидерство» (Tech Drivers). В этом году в нашем седьмом ежегодном отчете по проведенному исследованию 1000 крупнейших в мире компаний по инвестициям в исследования и разработки основное внимание уделяется взаимосвязи между тремя моделями стратегии, культурой и организацией и финансовыми результатами. Основной вывод состоит в том, что корпоративная культура принципиально важна для успешности инноваций, и ее воздействие на эффективность деятельности может быть измерено. Jaruzelski, Barry; Loehr, John Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/50099720?gko=f24f0 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49867677?gko=3607a In past editions of the Global Innovation 1000, we found that companies focused on developing cutting-edge products and services fall under one of three fundamental innovation strategy models: Need Seekers, Market Readers, and Tech Drivers. This year, our seventh annual study of the world's 1000 largest corporate R&D spenders focuses on the link between the three strategy models, culture, and organization -- and their effect on companies' alignment to innovation objectives and the impact on financial performance. The key finding: culture is key to innovation success, and its impact on performance is measurable. Jaruzelski, Barry; Loehr, John Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49867677?gko=3607a http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49849516?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_and_white_papers/ic-display/49849516?gko=833ec http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49841949?gko=7fde1 Booz & Company, Korn/Ferry International, and the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) recently conducted a survey of 350 senior marketing professionals across many industries to find out how the role of marketing is evolving. This Leading Research presents the findings and our analysis. Pandit, Yogesh; Ripsam, Thomas Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49841949?gko=7fde1 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49827495?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_and_white_papers/ic-display/49827495?gko=d0d48 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49820007?gko=df5dd Booz & Company and Buddy Media recently conducted a survey of North American marketers to learn more about how companies are embedding social media into their marketing organizations and activities. This Leading Research summarizes the results of that survey. Premo, Karen; Vollmer, Christopher Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49820007?gko=df5dd http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49817941?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_and_white_papers/ic-display/49817941?gko=d62a5 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49800934?gko=cd3e6 This global research study provides a detailed, data-driven analysis of the winners and losers in the telecommunications, media, and technology industries over the past five years. It examines the primary sources of revenue in each of the industry's five sectors -- network operations, hardware, IT services and software, content, and intermediation -- and considers how players in each sector are attempting to move into adjacent sectors in search of growth. Benzin, Timo; Friedrich, Roman; Peladeau, Pierre; Sarrat, Frédéric Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49800934?gko=cd3e6 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49794335?gko=7268f Many business transformation programs entail developing new capabilities that have a substantial IT component. A critical success factor for the transformation program is the adoption of the new capabilities (including technology) by users. A business value realization (BVR) program preps users to accept, absorb, and adopt new capabilities, and ensures management understands and supports the level and type of preparation that's needed. Nair, Ramesh; Pillai, Manoj; Nayar, Ajay; Kumar, Shivani Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49794335?gko=7268f http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49765919?gko=7cdc2 The Abu Dhabi Media Summit, a gathering of some of the best media and technology minds in the world, offered a forum to discuss the need for compelling content adapted to new formats, the importance of mobile devices, the challenges of monetizing new content models, and the possibility that cloud computing will transform consumers' use of media. Various Authors Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49765919?gko=7cdc2 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49740314?gko=11b13 A new study shows how the decisions made today by goods producers and policymakers will shape U.S. competitiveness tomorrow. Kaushal, Arvind; Mayor, Thomas; Riedl, Patricia Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49740314?gko=11b13 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49704545?gko=62c5f Certain companies are singularly adept at adapting their business to create and sustain value over time, but most are not. It's here that the example of top-tier private equity (PE) firms can be illuminating and useful. In this Perspective we explore seven private equity lessons that public companies can apply or adapt. Couto, Vinay; Divakaran, Ashok; Hawkes, Harry; Caglar, Deniz Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49704545?gko=62c5f http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49704542?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. Chatterjee, Arindam; Pötscher, Florian; Alewine, Ralph; Swartz, Joshua Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49704542?gko=d6ed7 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49703713?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_and_white_papers/ic-display/49703713?gko=31c02 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49651183?gko=4670b Profits for digital economy players have grown from US$498 billion on $3.7 trillion in revenue in 2002 to $726 billion on $4.3 trillion in 2010. But the benefits have not been distributed equally. This Perspective analyzes the relative changes in profitability among the six segments of the digital economy's value chain. Standridge, David; Pencavel, Christopher Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49651183?gko=4670b http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49651182?gko=0c394 Leading companies are capturing scale from transactional activities and developing advantaged capabilities using marketing shared services--a coordinated, consistent, and collaborative approach to their marketing service delivery model. This Perspective outlines a four-step program that companies can apply to avoid pitfalls and adopt best practices as they adopt or expand their marketing shared services model. Kapoor, Namit; Landry, Edward; Ripsam, Thomas Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49651182?gko=0c394 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49639031?gko=d6c01 To create successful partnerships, an IT project sourcing strategy should answer three critical questions: What is the desired target or result for the project? Who should the organization partner with to deliver results? How should a partner be selected? Bitar, Jad; Shehadi, Ramez; Tohme, Walid; Ramamoorthy, Chandrasekar Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49639031?gko=d6c01 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49635335?gko=b2a74 This Perspective outlines the tools most likely to form the basis of an external innovation capability, and details the questions that Chief Innovation Officers will need to answer in order to develop a business plan that can be presented to the entire executive team. Le Merle, Matthew; Campbell, Jamie Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49635335?gko=b2a74 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49633891?gko=08cca The enterprise segment will present Middle East telecom operators with a large potential growth opportunity as the region sees increases in both the number of businesses and their spending on ICT. El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Hajj, Jad; Raad, Hadi; Nguyen-Tuong, Huy Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49633891?gko=08cca http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49633893?gko=9c8b3 The Middle East telecom market is likely to see a rise in the number of mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), which typically address small segments of the market with targeted pricing, innovative services, and a unique customer experience. Belcaid, Adel; El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Goussous, Amr; Halaoui, Hilal Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49633893?gko=9c8b3 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49606607?gko=9f27e Customer segmentation has become a critical capability for making sense of growing volumes of customer data to develop and drive successful go-to-market strategies. But a company will succeed only if its operating model is specifically designed to make use of segmentation results and insights. Yulinsky, Corey Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49606607?gko=9f27e http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49606604?gko=ef98d To strengthen their ICT sectors and foster innovation, governments in the MENA region must act on five core elements: identifying key focus areas, establishing innovation-friendly policies and regulations, making funding more widely available, improving ICT infrastructure, and developing the local talent pool. Abou Chanab, Louay; El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Shehadi, Ramez; El Zein, Tarek Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49606604?gko=ef98d http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49625143?gko=09902 Business leaders are cautiously optimistic about the future of Europe and see an opportunity to revitalize the European Dream, according to this study from INSEAD and Booz & Company. Some 2,000 business leaders were surveyed on how the EU should move forward to ensure its place as a global player. The survey was launched as part of the inaugural The State of the European Union forum. Karlsson, Per-Ola Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49625143?gko=09902 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49582410?gko=2d3e6 Digitization is reaching an inflection point. Three powerful forces are driving the shift: consumer demand, the push for new technologies, and the prospect of even greater economic benefits. This Perspective provides guidance to CEOs and their man­agement teams about the relevance of digitization in their respective industries, and the factors most likely to accelerate or decelerate the digitization phenomenon. Friedrich, Roman; Koster, Alex; Le Merle, Matthew; Peterson, Michael Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49582410?gko=2d3e6 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49581418?gko=3795a Web 3.0--what we call the Transcendent Web--will offer an entirely new level of connectivity, communications, and information on customers, including their attitudes and preferences. Acker, Olaf; Karam, Danny; Rahbani, Jad; Sabbagh, Karim Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49581418?gko=3795a http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49576271?gko=3a7ad The GCC telecom operators that are best positioned to succeed as M&A activity resumes will have both ample financial firepower--a large revenue base, the capacity to fund big deals, and willing shareholders--and strong organizational readiness, encompassing governance, operating structure, processes, and skilled management. Goussous, Amr; Mastoras, Christos; Sabbagh, Karim Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49576271?gko=3a7ad http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49557056?gko=ab61b The seemingly unending stream of data breaches could be avoided or mitigated with a rigorous approach and a proactive process for risk management. Such an approach can make all the difference when senior management is called to account in the aftermath of a crisis. Gazzini, Alessandro; Holt, Matthew Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49557056?gko=ab61b http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49532304?gko=f0f24 The world as a whole is being shaped by a demographic megatrend: increasing aging and dependency. To better understand aging and its effects, Booz & Company introduces an approach that we call new demographics. Bernnat, Rainer; Moujaes, Chadi N.; Najjar, Mazen Ramsay; Shediac, Richard Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49532304?gko=f0f24 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49499287?gko=d0ec4 As cloud adoption grows, the traditional technology ecosystem is facing disruption -- but few players in the ecosystem are fully prepared. Most software and hardware players will need to change how they deliver their products and services and who they partner with, and many will need to refocus their strategies entirely. Minasian, Philip; Reich, Jeremy; Seelbach, Fabian; Standridge, David Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49499287?gko=d0ec4 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49443979?gko=50716 In the new era of the cloud--together with the expected explo­sion in connected devices and the dynamic applications optimized for them--information can be continu­ously fed to cloud-enabled "big data" and analytic engines, opening up the promise that all of marketing could migrate to a true real-time Internet marketing model. Very few chief marketing officers (CMOs) have thought through the capabilities they will need to drive these (mostly) new marketing activi­ties. And very few are ready to lead their organizations into this new world. Le Merle, Matthew; Minasian, Philip Wed, 27 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49443979?gko=50716 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49432667?gko=de3a0 Organizations should follow a rigorous approach to determine who the Pride Builders are, and then build on their insights and capabilities to influence behaviors. Pride Builders can be helpful allies in spreading both motivational behaviors and performance behaviors. In practice, an eight-step tactic we call a performance pilot is often valuable in gaining insights and demonstrating impact. Katzenbach, Jon; Post, Laird; Viriot, Aurelie; Gruber, Jonathan Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49432667?gko=de3a0 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49427100?gko=6138d Changes in consumer behavior, driven by new technologies, are profoundly reshaping the TV and video ecosystem. Most of the future growth in viewership will take place on new screens like PCs, tablets, and smartphones, and through new, nonlinear video formats, while social media will rise in importance. As a result, companies in a wide variety of industries are seeking new ways to gain access to and control over expanding value pools in this rapidly evolving, overlapping, and more competitive ecosystem. Gmelin, Hannes; Künstner, Thomas; Springs, Gregory Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49427100?gko=6138d http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49415721?gko=fe61a By rigorously identifying and applying relevant cost measures, GCC telecom operators can position themselves to weather ongoing industry challenges and benefit from leaner operations. Halaoui, Hilal; Smayra, Chady; Sursock, Lancelot Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49415721?gko=fe61a http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49378573?gko=e36e1 Nationwide high-speed broadband networks, or digital highways, can significantly boost a country's socioeconomic growth. However, such digital highways become truly effective only when "digital communities" spring up beside them, with functions such as e-health, e-government, e-education, and smart grids being developed to take advantage of the connectivity that broadband offers. El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Friedrich, Roman; Sabbagh, Karim; Singh, Milind Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49378573?gko=e36e1 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49377584?gko=893b0 Too often, the boards and leaders of large companies are unaware of the risks involved in black swan events, unnecessarily exposing their organizations, their shareholders, and themselves to grave consequences. The solution to this problem is disrupter analysis. Le Merle, Matthew Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49377584?gko=893b0 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49353864?gko=acc0d The rapidly growing demand for television, video, music, and Internet browsing in the home and other locations is increas­ingly challenging the networks of traditional convergent telecommunications providers. By adopting a hybrid approach that intelligently combines fixed and mobile access technologies, en route to a long-term fiber solution, convergent operators can differentiate themselves from competitors. Aichberger, Thomas; Reitenspiess, Martin; Trimmel, Dieter; Weichsel, Peter Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49353864?gko=acc0d http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49353861?gko=ef7e0 For traditional telecom companies, maintaining customer loyalty and delivering growth in the face of fierce price competition and new market entrants requires a new way of operating. To achieve this, they must go through an e-business transformation. Gröne, Florian; Severino, Carlos; Tortosa, José Antonio; Rischard, Christopher Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49353861?gko=ef7e0 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49285337?gko=5e8ee While the fundamental theory of team performance is perhaps well known, many teams fall short of their full potential because they fail to move from theory to execution, particularly when it comes to making critical decisions about when, where, and how to team. Katzenbach, Jon; Viriot, Aurelie; Vlak, August Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49285337?gko=5e8ee http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41945433?gko=c592f This Perspective explores the dynamics of make-or-buy decisions and presents a framework to help companies make the right decisions. The framework is built on three key pillars--business strategy, risks, and economic factors. Schwarting, Detlef; Weissbarth, Robert Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41945433?gko=c592f http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49165644?gko=d7dcf The purchasing process for mobile phones and U.S. wireless services is commoditizing. Consumer electronics retailers, national discounters, and online-only players present an opportunity and a threat to carriers. Carriers can still shape much of the future wireless ecosystem, but time is running out and swift action is needed to defend against competitors' attacks on the carriers' dominance. Appling, George; Hagen, Henning; Hodson, Nick Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49165644?gko=d7dcf http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49165643?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_and_white_papers/ic-display/49165643?gko=f7e96 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49165645?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_and_white_papers/ic-display/49165645?gko=07a75 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49598593?gko=77dad Originally published in the March/April 2011 issue of the Ivey Business Journal , this piece identifies and describes three strategies for open innovation, and explains what an organization must to build the right capabilities needed for it to succeed. Holman, Richard; Jaruzelski, Barry Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49598593?gko=77dad http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49136978?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_and_white_papers/ic-display/49136978?gko=78045 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49136977?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_and_white_papers/ic-display/49136977?gko=4d174 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49007250?gko=cde4f The trends most likely to reshape the GCC region's telecommunications landscape in 2011 break down into three broad categories: expansion, new revenue opportunities, and lean operations. El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Halaoui, Hilal; Tusa, David Wed, 19 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/49007250?gko=cde4f http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48964237?gko=2c452 Social networking and other new technologies have given rise to the "social consumer." Navigating this new world requires a new way of approaching customer relationship management, commonly called social CRM. In addition to their traditional CRM tools and processes, companies must rethink their product, channel, and customer strategies in order to build an entirely new relationship with their customers through greater transparency. Acker, Olaf; Gröne, Florian; Yazbek, Rami; Akkad, Fares Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48964237?gko=2c452 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48960512?gko=edcd5 This Conference Insights paper provides an overview of the 2010 TMT Finance & Investment Middle East Conference in Doha, at which it became clear that regional telecom operators are refocusing on growth as they move to revive the momentum that stalled during the economic crisis. Goussous, Amr; Mourad, Mohamad; Sabbagh, Karim; de Gaetano, Alfonso Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48960512?gko=edcd5 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48960322?gko=71a42 In a challenging competitive environment, telecom operators will need to fend off new players, develop new services that capitalize on their strengths, seek growth both organically and through M&A, and reshape their cost structures. Appling, George; Friedrich, Roman; Sabbagh, Karim; Sims, Joe Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48960322?gko=71a42 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48953718?gko=06f78 As the transformation of the telecom sector has created several operators with footprints in multiple markets, investors have rewarded these global players. GCC operators should follow their lead, but will need to put the right models in place to truly achieve global success. Goussous, Amr; Mourad, Mohamad; Sabbagh, Karim; de Gaetano, Alfonso Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48953718?gko=06f78 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48203382?gko=cc99c In this interview, the authors of "The Essential Advantage" point out that in this unpredictable economy, traditional approaches to strategy are a luxury most companies cannot afford. Instead they need to follow a Capabilities-Driven Strategy, starting by conducting a clear-eyed assessment of what they as a firm already do exceptionally well, and then doubling down on those differentiating capabilities. Further, they need to limit their focus to, at most, six capabilities, and make those capabilities work together as a mutually reinforcing system that perpetuates competitive advantage. Leinwand, Paul; Mainardi, Cesare Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48203382?gko=cc99c http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48814312?gko=26c9b Booz & Company hosted its first Telecom Technology Forum in May 2010. The event, held in Vienna, brought together senior technology leaders at communications companies around the globe to discuss the critical industry trends that are shaping their agendas. Various Authors Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48814312?gko=26c9b http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48814302?gko=dc9e4 The structure and productivity of sales forces have turned into major concerns for many C-level executives. Every sales force redesign needs to address two fundamental questions: How many sales forces are needed? And what is the optimal reporting structure? It also needs to be executed flawlessly. Dubey, Akshat; Kapoor, Namit; Ripsam, Thomas Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48814302?gko=dc9e4 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48814282?gko=57edd In the current economic environment, there is increasing interest in the concept of "zero-basing" cost and activity levels. Although the concept of zero-basing is understood in theory, it is often misapplied. A structured and pragmatic approach to zero-basing can help achieve sustainable cost reduction while protecting key activities. Clark, Andrew; Groves, Stuart; Nordahl, Hege; Waterlander, Otto Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48814282?gko=57edd http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48738226?gko=0f32e Getting the most out of a business intelligence deployment means following a rigorous set of guiding principles, assigning clear roles and responsibilities, and managing change throughout an organization. It also means working closely with an ecosystem of partners, and getting the right metrics to the right people at the right time. Kurtzman, Kenny; Michaels, Adam Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48738226?gko=0f32e http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48699816?gko=8caf6 Three major trends--demand for ubiquitous connectivity, the rise of modular technologies, and increasing competition from outside the industry--are transforming the game for all players in the telecom space. In response, operators must move away from the rigid vertical structures that were suited to monopolistic markets, and into business models that cut across traditional operators' boundaries and are adapted to the shared opportunities of hypercompetitive markets. El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Friedrich, Roman; Peladeau, Pierre; Sabbagh, Karim Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48699816?gko=8caf6 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48697903?gko=059fd At most telecom operators, holistic customer management strategies still take a backseat to siloed customer acquisition efforts taking place in discrete lines of the business. To effectively compete moving forward, telecom providers must build an integrated data set about each customer; shift the culture to one where everyone thinks about customers in an integrated way; add essential skills in IT, marketing, and elsewhere; and define success and develop a system for measuring it. Evans, Hywel; Gordon, Jason; Panayi, Barry; Peterson, Michael Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48697903?gko=059fd http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48643893?gko=fb3af After years of delay, convergence in the telecommunications industry is finally becom­ing a reality. Consumer expectations regarding the many benefits of convergence are high, and telecom operators must be prepared to offer the products, services, underlying technol­ogies, and infrastructure required to meet those expectations Cockburn, Stuart; Gmelin, Hannes; Peterson, Michael Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48643893?gko=fb3af http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48550469?gko=76be5 In mature telecom markets, declining prices, near saturation and fierce competition for new products and applications have squeezed margins. A lean approach to restructuring the business can bring a quick payback by eliminating waste and create a robust platform for maintaining future margins. Acker, Olaf; Friedrich, Roman; Gröne, Florian; Späne, Andreas Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48550469?gko=76be5 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48543367?gko=cc1d9 For years, telecom wholesalers in the MENA region have mainly engaged in lucrative facility leasing. However, a spate of new services, competitors, and regulations is rapidly transforming the sector's landscape, and operators need to respond with fundamental changes of their own. Abou Chanab, Louay; El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Touma, Hady; Nicholson, James Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48543367?gko=cc1d9 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48507621?gko=0333a As demand for broadband service continues to increase across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, a wide range of broadband technology options are competing for a share of this market. WiMAX, which enables operators to target broadband markets quickly and cost effectively, is garnering significant attention among new players and incumbents alike. Halaoui, Hilal; Sabbagh, Karim; Basra, Gaurav Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48507621?gko=0333a http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48507827?gko=59cef This overview of the Abu Dhabi Media Summit discusses the most critical ideas raised during the event, including the ways in which digital connectivity and technology are affecting media consumption in developing markets; the globalization of the media industry, and the simultaneous need to create relevant regional content; and the overlaps in media technology that have generated new competition among communications, media, and technology players. Various Authors Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48507827?gko=59cef http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48458830?gko=0b95c In this Perspective, we offer 10 important lessons--derived from successful e-government programs around the world--that can serve as an implementation guide for a positive outcome. Bernnat, Rainer; Johnstone-Burt, Andrew; Thomé, Frank; Zink, Wolfgang Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48458830?gko=0b95c http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48458831?gko=e9aba City investments that include a large ICT (information and communications technology) component can enable the design of smarter cities that offer a better quality of life for their residents while being more sustainable and cost efficient. Dave, Sandeep; Harter, Gregor; Sharma, Ashish; Sinha, Jai Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48458831?gko=e9aba http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48440355?gko=d2658 Telecom operators are responding to new competitive threats by scrutinizing and reinventing their home communication business--giving consumers the capacity to use services and applications that far transcend basic voice and Internet access services. Raad, Hadi; Sabbagh, Karim; Makki, Mahmoud; Hajj, Jad Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48440355?gko=d2658 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48192396?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_and_white_papers/ic-display/48192396?gko=454a9 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48188949?gko=675b5 Booz & Company conducted this study of Swiss manufacturing competitiveness in cooperation with the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce. The authors offer logical and coherent recommendations for what must be done to preserve the strength of manufacturing in Switzerland today, while framing the debate for the challenging steps that will be required to sustain the manufacturing renaissance of recent years. Bach, Olaf; Haddock, Ronald; Hoppe, Niklas Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48188949?gko=675b5 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48176567?gko=755f8 There will be clear winners and losers in the mobile app market, however. Players like Apple and Android have significant head starts. And e-tailers and retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy will be well positioned going forward. But every member of the mobile app ecosystem must begin positioning itself now for the evolution of the market into a system of stores offering downloadable apps that transcend the mobile markets and can be accessed on multiple devices. Appling, George; Pappalardo, Giulio Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48176567?gko=755f8 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48130270?gko=21ed5 The Federal Communications Commission recently released "Connecting America: The National Broadband Plan." Network operators have been given a significant opportunity. They have a transparent and documented strategic plan for many of the Genachowski FCC's core strategic priorities. Those that take the opportunity to understand, react to, and help shape and implement that plan, particularly for the five areas discussed in this Perspective, will be in a much stronger position for the next decade or more. Hölbling, Klaus; Hutchens, Robert; Ward, John Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48130270?gko=21ed5 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48123806?gko=386d4 For broadband to become a mass medium in India, cable and telecom companies must work to ensure ubiquitous supply, while the government and industry must work together to spur the creation of robust local online content. Sabbagh, Karim; Sharma, Ashish; Sinha, Jai Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/48123806?gko=386d4 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47987538?gko=2837c As the telecom industry looks to improve the customer experience in all aspects of its business, the billing process is finally getting the attention it has long needed. Critical as it is to replace these old systems, the huge scale and daunting expense of such projects--easily approaching US$100 million and more--have made many operators reluctant to proceed. Operators must analyze their particu­lar needs and business models, and then choose one of an evolutionary or a revolutionary approach. Gröne, Florian; Niebuhr, Jens; Schröder, Germar; Späne, Andreas Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47987538?gko=2837c http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47867735?gko=da19b The creation of national broadband networks is crucial to sustainable economic development and social progress. To pave the way for universal broadband access, governments and private-sector operators both need to make fundamental changes. El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Friedrich, Roman; Sabbagh, Karim; Singh, Milind Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47867735?gko=da19b http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47845802?gko=8a3f6 GCC telecom operators have launched unprecedented international expansion programs since 2004, but to become truly global, they must address organizational challenges in five areas: governance models, organizational models, management processes, values and culture, and talent management. Goussous, Amr; Mourad, Mohamad; Sabbagh, Karim; Abina, Rafiu Mon, 05 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47845802?gko=8a3f6 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47835503?gko=57e96 This Conference Insights paper, which summarizes the discussion at a Dubai summit among 19 leaders from telecom organizations operating in the Middle East and other emerging markets, offers their perspective in three primary areas: innovation, national broadband networks, and M&A. Various Authors Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47835503?gko=57e96 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47835329?gko=ed64e Mobile network operators must take into account five critical elements to boost their entry into the mobile Internet and multimedia space: customer segments; experience and propositions; devices; partnering; and monetization. Hölbling, Klaus; Peterson, Michael; Pötscher, Florian; Sova, Alexander Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47835329?gko=ed64e http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47940386?gko=f0e97 The American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (AmCham Shanghai) is pleased to release the results of the third annual China Manufacturing Competitiveness Study, conducted in cooperation with Booz & Company. This year's study illustrates how multinational manufacturers perceive China's evolution as a market and as an export platform. Various Authors Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47940386?gko=f0e97 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47830484?gko=a7b21 Telecom operators must make use of their inherent assets--powerful brands and subscriber relationships--to develop their strategies for selling mobile apps. Acker, Olaf; Friedrich, Roman; Péladeau, Pierre; Toumi, Mohssen Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47830484?gko=a7b21 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47782825?gko=d516c To be successful in the telecom markets of the future, operators will have to create new business models that offer customers attractive bundles of integrated services. This trend will put stand-alone mobile operators in particular at a distinct disadvantage, unless they can devise an effective convergence strategy of their own. Ultimately, however, devising a successful convergence strategy will enable mobile operators to preserve the value of their current assets while improving their competitive position in all their markets. Friedrich, Roman; Hyde, Vanessa; Knott, David; Ward, John Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47782825?gko=d516c http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47772654?gko=ee3a6 Communications, media, and technology players in the Middle East and North Africa have thus far been slow to capitalize on the accelerating shift to new media. To succeed in a radically different landscape, players must understand four key dynamics and devise strategies to capitalize on them. Belcaid, Adel; Chahine, Gabriel; Smayra, Chady; Bhargava, Jayant Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47772654?gko=ee3a6 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47691760?gko=89357 Telecom operators in the Middle East will have to respond to four strategic imperatives as the downturn abates: revive growth momentum, accelerate innovation in services, harvest broadband potential, and transform cost structures. Goussous, Amr; Mourad, Mohamad; Sabbagh, Karim; Tusa, David Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47691760?gko=89357 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47544564?gko=aed13 Companies operating in the information, communications, and technology sector have a unique opportunity to trigger significant environmental benefits, not only by upgrading their operations but also by developing greener products and services for their clients. Harter, Gregor; Karam, Danny; Sabbagh, Karim; Shehadi, Ramez Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47544564?gko=aed13 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47376751?gko=b358a The coming era of next-generation broadband networks is forcing telecommunications operators to adjust their traditional deployment models. El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Smayra, Chady; Trimmel, Dieter; Weichsel, Peter Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47376751?gko=b358a http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47372702?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_and_white_papers/ic-display/47372702?gko=2a559 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47375354?gko=9cbec Telecom policymakers and regulators in the Middle East and North Africa must address six new priorities over the coming two to three years: broadband policies, convergent markets, integrated regulators, regional harmonization, infrastructure rationalization, and increased transparency. Abou Chanab, Louay; El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Hasbani, Ghassan; Sabbagh, Karim Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47375354?gko=9cbec http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47341069?gko=1086f To build insights into B2B marketing leadership, Booz & Company recently studied building product manufacturers (BPMs) to better understand shifts in their marketing objectives, spending priorities, and focus on capability-building efforts. Egol, Matthew; Pandit, Yogesh; Perpich, David Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47341069?gko=1086f http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47341075?gko=10406 Currently, mobile advertising makes up just a small portion of the online advertising market. Yet its potential is high--thanks to its ability to narrowly target consumers with interactive marketing offers at any time of the day or night. If telecom operators hope to win in mobile advertising, they must take advantage of their large networks, in-depth customer data, and strong relationships with subscribers to defend their position within the mobile advertising value chain. Halaoui, Hilal; Harter, Gregor; Peladeau, Pierre; Toumi, Mohssen Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47341075?gko=10406 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47701015?gko=c999b The global recession of 2008-09 is seemingly lifting, and the telecommunications sector--with the notable exception of equipment and handset manufacturers--has escaped the worst of its effects. Revenues among operators worldwide have remained mostly steady (with the exception of mobile roaming revenues generated by business customers) and ongoing cost-cutting efforts have enabled them to maintain profitability. The coming year may be different. The industry is entering a period of significant change in which five distinct shifts--in geography, in services, in digital expansion, in operations, and in regulation--will come into even greater focus. Those companies that can take advantage of these changes will find real opportunities for growth; those that can't will be considerably challenged. Appling, George; Friedrich, Roman; Sabbagh, Karim Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47701015?gko=c999b http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47303428?gko=e8f53 The industry is entering a period of significant change in which five distinct shifts--in operating models, in services, in digital expansion, in operations, and in regulation--will come into even greater focus. Those companies that can take advantage of these changes will find real opportunities for growth; those that can't will be considerably challenged. Appling, George; Friedrich, Roman; Sabbagh, Karim Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47303428?gko=e8f53 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47185565?gko=55570 As the global downturn begins to show signs of abating, forward-looking players in the telecom industry must begin to focus on the strategies that will ensure their success in a more stable and growth-oriented economic environment. This Perspective discusses the four trends that will require all stakeholders to examine their place in the industry, determine their aspirations for the future, and create the right set of strategic capabilities to get them there. Cockburn, Stuart; Hasbani, Ghassan; Trimmel, Dieter; Weichsel, Peter Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47185565?gko=55570 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/46530340?gko=6d06e MENA telecom operators, thanks to their strong balance sheets, have sufficient financial leverage to continue to participate in growth opportunities: expanding traditional businesses, capitalizing on convergence between telecom and other industries, and acquiring weaker operators. The challenge remains in securing the necessary financing to make the most of these opportunities--especially during this economic crisis, which has constrained capital access globally. Goussous, Amr; Hasbani, Ghassan; Mourad, Mohamad; Raad, Hadi Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/46530340?gko=6d06e http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/46502956?gko=78efc Despite numerous innovations in television service delivery technologies over the years, and high household penetration of existing services, Internet protocol television (IPTV) may still offer a potential opportunity for telecom companies in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The region is characterized by traditional and conventional television service that is delivered primarily via free-to-air satellite and illegal distribution, which offer cost advantages for viewers but little to no interactivity. This lack of interactive services, along with negligible competition from cable, makes the MENA region well positioned to leverage the advantages of IPTV. Hasbani, Ghassan; Louizi, Kais; Raad, Hadi; Divakaran, Atul Tue, 11 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/46502956?gko=78efc http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/45903854?gko=b6141 Along with the rest of the country and the world, the San Francisco Bay Area is struggling through a steep economic decline, although Bay Area companies are faring considerably better than most. The Bay Area Council Economic Institute (BACEI) and Booz & Company recently partnered to survey leading companies in this important region to understand both their strategies for addressing immediate concerns and for long-term recovery. Our findings reveal the Bay Area has plenty of reason for optimism, and it will likely retain its privileged position and emerge from the downturn strong and positioned for continued growth. Clausen, Kim Bruun; Cuellar, Max; Nallicheri, Melanie I. Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/45903854?gko=b6141 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/45884278?gko=f49d5 The telecom sector has traditionally been a stronghold of financial resilience. However, its value in the Middle East and North Africa could be undermined by the recent economic turmoil if regulators and policymakers continue pursuing strategies that were formulated for different economic circumstances. Instead, policymakers and regulators need to step back, consider how to preserve the sector's resilience during the economic downturn, and adopt a broader approach to telecom policy--one that recognizes the sector's importance to the overall economy and enhances its vitality for the long term. Abou Chanab, Louay; El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Fiske, Jonathan; Sabbagh, Karim Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/45884278?gko=f49d5 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/45573700?gko=f4f94 The coming months will be painful for telecommunications providers, as consumers continue to cut back on their communications and media spend. But amid the gloom, a larger picture is emerging of shifting consumption patterns that will have both immediate and long-term consequences for the industry. Operators must not only update their offerings in the short run but also adapt to a new environment in which customers are savvier in the ways they consume and pay for services. Kuznetsova, Natalia; Laurence, Charles; Peterson, Michael; Ward, John Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/45573700?gko=f4f94 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/44948743?gko=3ab79 In the current recession, companies must quickly tailor their product and technology initiatives to new market realities and refocus their investments on their core R&D and innovation capabilities. Chief innovation officers who execute six tactical actions over the next 12 months can help their companies survive the downturn and prosper during recovery. Holman, Richard; Jaruzelski, Barry Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/44948743?gko=3ab79 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/44624073?gko=3336e In early 2009, Booz & Company invited 13 leaders from the foremost telecommunications organizations operating in the Middle East and other emerging markets to share their thoughts, perspectives, and concerns for the industry in the year ahead. This Conference Insights report offers an overview of the topics they discussed, including how the economy will affect telecom operators; how operators in emerging markets can take advantage of the crisis; how the operator/vendor relationship will be affected; M&A prospects for the industry; and whether operators should cut costs and retrench, or set the agenda and expand. Various Authors Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/44624073?gko=3336e http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47185225?gko=5f41c The rapid expansion of the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) telecom operators from regional to international has created an opportunity for far greater cross-border integration and value creation. These newly international operators are now positioned to take their multiple acquisitions and regroup them into cohesive, tightly integrated operations, and thus evolve into high-performing international companies. To do so, they must revisit how they manage their international operations. Hasbani, Ghassan; Mourad, Mohamad; Sabbagh, Karim Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/47185225?gko=5f41c http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/44158877?gko=2bd56 Mobile operators face a decision: Their 3G networks will soon be overwhelmed by the amount of data traffic they're handling. How can operators expand capacity while continuing to lower operating costs to maintain their margins and keep customers happy? Offering vastly improved network performance at just a fraction of the cost of 3G technology, Long-Term Evolution technology, or LTE, has the capabilities to greatly expand network capacity and offer a large number of customers the ability to access a wide range of high-speed services such as video-on-demand, peer-to-peer file sharing, and complex Web services. At the same time, additional spectrum is becoming available that will enable operators to manage their networks more flexibly, offering greater coverage and better performance for less money. Reitenspiess, Martin; Rosenhäger, Niels; Weichsel, Peter Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/44158877?gko=2bd56 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/44026707?gko=5386f This short piece illustrates that telecom operators in the Gulf Cooperation Council are not just surviving but thriving in the global financial crisis, with M&A transactions moving forward thanks to operators' strong cash positions. Hasbani, Ghassan Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/44026707?gko=5386f http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/43395352?gko=f4839 At a time when other industries are reeling, telecom operators have been holding up relatively well. Because telecom is an essential service, it is resilient during economic downturns. However, the credit conditions that triggered the worldwide financial crisis have persisted and are making it difficult for operators to access new funding. As a result, operators have to be more selective about investments, more rigorous in their evaluations, and more careful about how they weigh acquisitions, capital and operational expenditures, and strategic investments in new ventures. Catrina, Gabriel; Friedrich, Roman; Peladeau, Pierre; Sabbagh, Karim Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/43395352?gko=f4839 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/43196421?gko=c0973 The mobile channel offers an exciting opportunity for marketers--one that most have yet to fully embrace. One avenue to pursue is the creation of a branded mobile offering,in which the marketer creates a portal dedicated to its product, service, or brand. With constant access to each customer, branded mobile portals can build interactive relationships by identifying consumers not only in terms of personal identity, but also in terms of commercial behavior, geographic location, and social and communication patterns. The rewards for companies that capitalize on these possibilities--deeper engagement with consumers, increased brand loyalty, and enhanced customer lifetime value--are not to be missed. Friedrich, Roman; Gröne, Florian; Hölbling, Klaus; Peterson, Michael Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/43196421?gko=c0973 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/43085493?gko=13454 The economic storm will not spare telecommunications operators. But core communications-service revenue should prove resilient and operators may be able to take advantage of the turmoil by making anti-cyclical investments. In brief, the worldwide financial crisis will have the most significant impact on several areas of the telecom business. It will crimp M&A and put pressure on costs, force some vulnerable telecommunications companies out of business, curtail growth in developed as well as developing markets, and prompt consumers to be more disciplined about how they use even core communications services. But the turmoil will also create opportunities for operators that have the financial strength to maintain their long-term investments and the foresight to plot a strategy for a post-crisis world. Those who can navigate the turbulence may indeed find an upside. Catrina, Gabriel; Friedrich, Roman; Peladeau, Pierre; Sabbagh, Karim Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/43085493?gko=13454 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42905985?gko=a0002 As the Brazilian economy grows and becomes more complex, the mechanisms that represent shareholders and debt holders must become more sophisticated. Each company must take a tailored approach to corporate governance that suits its needs and ensures lasting change and the long-term sustainability of the enterprise. Pigorini, Paolo; Ramos, Arthur; de Souza, Ivan Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42905985?gko=a0002 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42862664?gko=b4e43 The more successful a country's telecom sector, the more attractive that country will be to investors--but the success or failure of telecom sectors often hinges on the presence of effective regulatory management. This paper examines the complex factors involved in creating an effective regulatory management framework for the telecom marketplace, with particular emphasis on the MENA region. El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Sabbagh, Karim; Smayra, Chady; Elias, Fady Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42862664?gko=b4e43 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/46628766?gko=f5fb1 Telecom companies in the Middle East are likely to see significant consolidation in their industry, with cash-rich players snapping up competitors that are squeezed by the cash crunch. Stock swaps may become more common, given the low market valuation of certain companies. Ultimately, the winners in the region will be those that can successfully leverage their strong cash positions to execute investments within the region and grow in scale, in addition to those companies that focus on extracting value from synergies and that innovate on service and pricing, thereby growing in scope. Hasbani, Ghassan Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/46628766?gko=f5fb1 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42506238?gko=c36a6 Faced with growing evidence that their lifestyle choices are tightly intertwined with environmental consequences, many consumers are "going green"--but their choices are limited when it comes to green products and services in the telecom sector. The trend toward green is starting to influence the industry, but strategies and services are still nascent. Telecom players that can position themselves to take advantage of this demand--through their choice of components, adjustments in the carbon footprint of their operations, or establishment of a full green proposition, including devices and the 4Ps--will be able to create a compelling difference between themselves and their competitors. Harter, Gregor; Sova, Alexander Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42506238?gko=c36a6 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41992012?gko=7baeb Procurement chiefs are being asked to undertake a host of new respon­sibilities, from decreasing supply chain complexity to stimulating supplier innova­tion. A Booz & Company survey of more than 100 business leaders reveals how cutting-edge procurement departments are meeting these challenges. Dutzler, Harald; Liberoth, Peter-John; Schwarting, Detlef; Spieker, Robert Wed, 06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41992012?gko=7baeb http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41936486?gko=d2038 According to a study by the Duke University Offshoring Research Network (ORN) project and Booz & Company, providers of outsourcing services are increasingly performing innovation work, such as new product development and R&D. Companies are seeking these services offshore as the analytical talent required for this work becomes more globally dispersed. Couto, Vinay; Lewin, Arie; Mani, Mahadeva; Sehgal, Vikas Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41936486?gko=d2038 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42030072?gko=8713a Successful Chinese companies have prospered to date through sheer scale, force, and structural position--in other words, through their "hard power." This hard power will continue to be important, but it will not be enough on its own to ensure success. Chinese companies will also need to develop "soft power." Cainey, Andrew; Tse, Edward Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42030072?gko=8713a http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/45922570?gko=f4838 This Perspective addresses the challenges of organizational design and proposes a new approach to organizing senior management around the Global Core. It presents four models for this new view of senior management, drawn from our own consulting experience and the firm's study of hundreds of other corporations. These models of the Global Core are pertinent to a variety of organizations ranging from highly diversified financial holding companies to more industry-specific companies where operational involvement by senior management does succeed in creating value. Couto, Vinay; Karlsson, Per-Ola; Neilson, Gary Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/45922570?gko=f4838 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901976?gko=5694c Organizational success hinges on effective execution, and effective execution is a matter of ability and agility. New research from Booz & Company shows that there are two key levers to pull in building an able, agile organization. Fernandes, Lauren; Neilson, Gary Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901976?gko=5694c http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901974?gko=66968 A new study from Booz & Company shows that there is a better way to sustainably execute change. Hannegan, Christopher; Harshak, Ashley; Rawlinson, Richard; Suarez, David Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901974?gko=66968 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901858?gko=b0e01 The countries of the Middle East must seek the same success in developing their IT capabilities that they have achieved with communications. Habayeb, Hana; Sabbagh, Karim Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901858?gko=b0e01 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901894?gko=45227 How Service-Based Competition Can Drive Growth in the MENA Telecom Industry El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Fiske, Jonathan; Sabbagh, Karim Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901894?gko=45227 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901862?gko=2231b In an average city on an average day, the average citizen runs into some 5,000 marketing messages. Gröne, Florian; Hölbling, Klaus; Acker, Olaf Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901862?gko=2231b http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901762?gko=abc47 For too long, many companies have exhibited tunnel vision in their approach to doing business in emerging markets, such as China, India, Brazil, and Russia. Some have seen them purely as venues for low-cost sourcing; others have considered them rapidly expanding pools of customers who are attracted to imported goods. But a new breed of company that we call global supply chain integrators (GSCIs) has recognized that these markets are more than just low-cost source markets or the mega-growth markets of our age: At a minimum, they are both. Bliss, Christoph; Haddock, Ronald Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901762?gko=abc47 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901824?gko=b7705 In this s+b column, the authors postulate a framework for deciding if a brand that has lost its currency should be retired and replaced or whether it has life left. Jullens, John; Bahadur, Nikhil Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901824?gko=b7705 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901812?gko=cee7b Railroad companies, both public and private, are reinventing themselves as customer-conscious businesses. Tipping, Andrew; Zubrod, Justin Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901812?gko=cee7b http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901796?gko=22a05 Booz & Company predicts that economic zones will be a significant driver for telecommunications revenue growth over the next 10 years across the MENA region. To capture this potential, the successful development of telecommunications infrastructure and services in these zones is of great significance. El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Fiske, Jonathan; Sabbagh, Karim; Smayra, Chady Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901796?gko=22a05 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901828?gko=fb1bc As concern mounts over rising fuel prices, the long-term availability of energy, and climate change, companies are turning their attention to one area where opportunities to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions abound: the industrial supply chain. Martha, Joseph; Turner, Martha Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901828?gko=fb1bc http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902070?gko=e83ab In a world that is going all-IP, network operators are looking for ways to bring together the Internet and telephony worlds. Carrier ENUM is an enabler that bridges the gap between Internet Protocol (IP)-based and traditional telephony services. Acker, Olaf; Friedrich, Roman Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902070?gko=e83ab http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901944?gko=5ae68 As the wave of sector liberalization continues, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) telecom operators face increasing competitive pressure. Halaoui, Hilal; Hasbani, Ghassan; Mourad, Mohamad; Sabbagh, Karim Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901944?gko=5ae68 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901882?gko=d68eb There are significant opportunities for telecommunications operators in the Middle East to tap into broadband growth and increase their revenues and bottom line margins. Hajj, Jad; Halaoui, Hilal; Hasbani, Ghassan; Sabbagh, Karim Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901882?gko=d68eb http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901818?gko=2f18e Harvard Business School professor Joseph L. Bower believes that only home-grown leaders have the sense of history and respect for culture to bring companies through major transitions. But not every insider is up to the job. Wheeler, Steven Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901818?gko=2f18e http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901930?gko=5a452 After two decades of battling multinational companies (MNCs) and the U.S. and European brands that invaded their local markets, Latin American companies have acquired sufficient muscle to compete at home and, increasingly, internationally. Costa, Letícia; Pigorini, Paolo; Ramos, Arthur; de Souza, Ivan Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901930?gko=5a452 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901798?gko=32f2b This comprehensive look at leadership shows how CEOs and their teams can create the kind of company in which executives can thrive. Wheeler, Steven Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901798?gko=32f2b http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901800?gko=bbf6f This year, the study of world's 1,000 largest corporate R&D spenders finds two primary success factors: aligning the innovation model to corporate strategy and listening to customers every step of the way. Jaruzelski, Barry; Dehoff, Kevin Tue, 27 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901800?gko=bbf6f http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901940?gko=b0bc4 This white paper focuses on the creation of regulatory and economic incentives that encourage the sharing of infrastructure among telecom companies. Abou Chanab, Louay; El-Darwiche, Bahjat; Hasbani, Ghassan; Mourad, Mohamad Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901940?gko=b0bc4 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901888?gko=5167d Acquiring and integrating companies is a risky business anywhere in the world, with a 50 percent success rate at best. In Asia, buying companies can be even trickier than elsewhere. Cainey, Andrew; Tse, Edward Fri, 09 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901888?gko=5167d http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901984?gko=1c166 Choice modeling is a powerful tool for understanding customers' choices. Here, we explain the benefits of this sophisticated methodology by way of a recently conducted Booz & Company study with more than 1,800 consumers in the United States. The study provided insights to service providers and mobile phone manufacturers on how to best approach consumers and gain market share. Plaschka, Gerhard R.; Harter, Gregor Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901984?gko=1c166 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901822?gko=9e4ed This article provides a rare in-depth look into Lego's transformation as it rationalized and streamlined its product development, sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution. Samakh, Edouard; Oliver, Keith; Heckmann, Peter Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901822?gko=9e4ed http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901868?gko=1ad3e Many consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers are so focused on generating additional volume that the overall efficiency of their trade spend investment is low. Alexander, Trey; VanDelden, Hans Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901868?gko=1ad3e http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901832?gko=afb92 To succeed in China, multinationals will need to take the familiar list of three C's (customers, company, and competitors) and add one more: context. Tse, Edward Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901832?gko=afb92 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902084?gko=5eec9 China is on the threshold of the convergence age, and the government is joining industry to embrace the trend and create the infra-structure. Early mover advantage is important, so companies must act decisively if they wish to lead and shape the convergence trend. Artero, David; Tse, Edward Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902084?gko=5eec9 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901838?gko=a3029 Ten critical factors -- from setting aggressive targets to balancing the need for new capabilities with the need to cut costs -- that can prevent common mistakes in major change programs. McGrath, Jack; Neilson, Gary Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901838?gko=a3029 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901810?gko=2f3e4 Chief marketing officers are moving beyond their roles as deliverers of marketing services and representatives of the customer to the company to take a serious role in company strategy. Tipping, Andrew; Landry, Edward; Harter, Gregor Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901810?gko=2f3e4 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901918?gko=5a08e Companies facing the prospect of radical change often succeed in engineering the business aspect of the change, but fall short in genuinely engaging key stakeholders in understanding and embracing the change. Aguirre, DeAnne; Hannegan, Christopher; Neilson, Gary Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901918?gko=5a08e http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901934?gko=c8dab For years, most call center managers have placed increasing productivity and improving customer service at the top of their agenda. Yet despite significant investment in new technologies, not much has changed, with average utilization rates hovering well below established benchmarks. Why the lack of progress? Because the cause of underperformance wasn't -- and isn't -- primarily technical. Among the many call centers the authors studied, the primary differentiator between top performers and average performers isn't technological but structural. This whitepaper offers organizational recommendations that can improve performance. Camarate, Jorge; Sanderson, Muir Wed, 15 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901934?gko=c8dab http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901900?gko=c3997 Taking the Smart Center approach may be the single biggest step that companies can take to improve service as well as control overall costs in their call centers. Kohler, Philip; Sanderson, Muir; Smith, Fiona Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901900?gko=c3997 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902080?gko=e8449 The full potential for Lean thinking in the public sector will only be realised if seen as part of a larger fundamental change in the way services are delivered. Already, some small-scale pilot projects have shown that the approach can work. However, in order to succeed on a larger scale over time, organizations must consider some critical factors to make Lean principles work. Ramakrishnan, Vikram; Sanderson, Muir Wed, 01 Aug 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902080?gko=e8449 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901852?gko=a5ef9 Executives of public companies can create the same level of shareholder value as private-equity players. Pettit, Justin Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901852?gko=a5ef9 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42231823?gko=89a83 Many CPOs have implemented more and more sophisticated ways of improving the procurement function itself, while neglecting coordination with the wider organization. E-procurement, e-auctions, spend analysis, and procurement outsourcing are all examples of how procurement has focused inwardly over the past five years. By pursuing ever-increasing functional depth, however, procurement is in danger of following Alice's steps in Wonderland and falling down its own rabbit hole. Harper, Simon; Saporito, Fabrice Fri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42231823?gko=89a83 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902082?gko=a9597 Emerging markets have become the new battle ground for mobile operators in pursuit of ambitious and continued growth. Given the different types of emerging markets that exist, success will ultimately be determined by the eco-system that stimulates local innovation. Friedrich, Roman; Lesser, Andy; Singh, Milind; Ward, John Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902082?gko=a9597 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901878?gko=a8ec3 The scarcity of telecom license issuances and privatization opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has driven up price premiums and triggered a new wave of consolidation among the top players. Hasbani, Ghassan; Mourad, Mohamad; Sabbagh, Karim Wed, 16 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901878?gko=a8ec3 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901932?gko=06e7f Before moving to cash in on businesses you think will be attractive, it is worth taking a hard look at the process of divestiture. Whether it's an outright sale or even a spin off to shareholders, in today's business environment splitting off pieces of a business is much harder than it appears. It can have an impact on not only the divested entity, but the seller itself. Adolph, Gerald; Neely, J Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901932?gko=06e7f http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901896?gko=d5751 For years, the prevailing wisdom has dictated a lean, mean corporate core. There's nothing wrong with this logic, but the implied premise that "bigger means bloated" is faulty. Couto, Vinay; Neilson, Gary Tue, 03 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901896?gko=d5751 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901904?gko=51ec3 Traditional cost-cutting programs only address an organization's structure and overlook the other aspects of Org DNA that affect costs: decision rights, information flows, and motivators. Ericksen, Matthew; Powers, Elizabeth; Ribeiro, Frank Tue, 03 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901904?gko=51ec3 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901962?gko=f600a Facing intense competition -- especially in manufacturing, where productive overcapacity has relentlessly driven down the prices of many goods -- Chinese companies are acknowledging that they will have to do things differently. Tse, Edward Wed, 14 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901962?gko=f600a http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901880?gko=c9e36 With the right plan and effective execution, offshoring can be a critical step toward the creation of an integrated regional service network. Cainey, Andrew; Haddock, Ronald Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901880?gko=c9e36 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901802?gko=c21c3 Once again, Booz Allen's annual study of the world's 1,000 largest corporate R&D budgets shows that high investment can't buy success. Jaruzelski, Barry; Dehoff, Kevin Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901802?gko=c21c3 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901788?gko=99077 This paper summarizes the results of a study conducted jointly with Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, which revealed that offshoring has evolved from a tactical cost-saving exercise to a strategic imperative in competing for talent. Couto, Vinay; Mani, Mahadeva Tue, 31 Oct 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901788?gko=99077 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901742?gko=b7a48 This paper sums up eight principles that make process redesign more effective in any industry, citing examples from electric power, telecom, oil and gas, and automotive companies. Hage, Brian; McKenna, Matthew; Wilczynski, Herve Tue, 18 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901742?gko=b7a48 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901768?gko=dd034 This paper is a guide for working successfully as foreign and local partners in China. Cainey, Andrew Wed, 05 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901768?gko=dd034 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42101864?gko=ae6a4 An NGN provides new opportunities foroperators looking to both reduce network cost and also increase top-line revenue growth. However, the first step is to consider the motivating factors as to why NGN deployment might be appropriate. Artero, David; Reitenspiess, Martin Fri, 16 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42101864?gko=ae6a4 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901890?gko=b3c9b This Viewpoint outlines a process of Total Cost Transformation for the telecom industry, based upon three pillars: the ISSR framework, change management, and program execution. Correctly implemented, this approach will help telecommunications operating companies cope with an environment in which revenue growth is slowing and operators must contain costs to keep margins healthy. Friedrich, Roman; Peterson, Michael Tue, 16 May 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901890?gko=b3c9b http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901928?gko=20eea This whitepaper posits that all too many companies fail to look beyond the traditional downside risks to their business to consider the upside risks, such as missed growth opportunities. Schirra, Wolfgang; Waterlander, Otto Mon, 01 May 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901928?gko=20eea http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901834?gko=ef3b0 A survey of innovation leaders in 186 companies in 19 nations reveals the best strategy for global networks of R&D centers. Veldhoen, Steven; Goldbrunner, Thomas Mon, 01 May 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901834?gko=ef3b0 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901988?gko=b5fda Multinational companies' operations in China must address the labor productivity gap, poor asset productivity, and the increased importance of quality. Haddock, Ronald Mon, 17 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901988?gko=b5fda http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901910?gko=e4836 Given China's tumultous market environment, companies need to take a flexible approach and respond quickly to sudden changes in supply and demand patterns. Haddock, Ronald; Tse, Edward Sat, 01 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901910?gko=e4836 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901778?gko=9af49 With slowing growth and increasingly saturated markets, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and suppliers face some difficult challenges. Booz & Company recently conducted a study of 3,000 start-ups in the mobile industry. Start-ups appear to be highly sensitive to the needs of the consumer and to future growth areas in the mobile arena. There is a correlation between the activities start-ups were involved with two or three years ago and what is happening in the industry today. Harter, Gregor Wed, 29 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901778?gko=9af49 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902076?gko=ee3e3 Service-oriented architectures (SOA) are proving effective at keeping spiraling IT costs in check and still allowing evolution. Alvarez, Eduardo; Jackson, Tim; Benson, Jim Thu, 02 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902076?gko=ee3e3 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901938?gko=94af5 This white paper spells out the answer to one of the most fundamental dilemmas facing any company entering China today: Do we go in alone, or do we find a Chinese partner? Tse, Edward Wed, 01 Mar 2006 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901938?gko=94af5 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42100036?gko=77a58 Convergent Services Will Change the Telecommunications Industry. All IP environments are converging services up and down the ISO-stack, driving the evolution of fixed and mobile telephony in ways which go well beyond tariff plans. Friedrich, Roman Thu, 15 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42100036?gko=77a58 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901840?gko=324f0 Lavish R&D budgets don't guarantee performance. A new Booz & Company study of the world's 1,000 biggest spenders reveals the value of an innovation dollar -- and the basics of a better strategy. Dehoff, Kevin; Jaruzelski, Barry Thu, 01 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901840?gko=324f0 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901848?gko=dd2f8 This white paper identifies twelve trends that define the growth opportunities in telecommunications over the next few years. Friedrich, Roman; Harter, Gregor; Jaruzelski, Barry; Tse, Edward Tue, 01 Nov 2005 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901848?gko=dd2f8 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42104688?gko=b182a Although mobile operators have traditionally focused on building high quality networks, providing voice services and managing billing and distribution, recent developments in technology and changing market requirements have dramatically increased the influence which devices have on mobile operator success. Blankenstein, Hanno; Friedrich, Roman Sat, 15 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42104688?gko=b182a http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902074?gko=81d25 It's not often that capital projects management and supply chain management are used in the same breath--but they should be. A Booz & Company analysis of energy company performance from 2001 to 2003 found that while the amount most businesses spent on capital projects was proportional to their size, companies that executed projects best by closely monitoring and controlling costs and schedules were able to significantly increase their net earnings relative to their peers. McKenna, Matthew; Wilczynski, Herve Mon, 18 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902074?gko=81d25 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41979320?gko=68c26 Process complexity is one of the silent killers of profitability. Any time a new product is added or changed or a service level is increased without addressing complexity the result is a process that is a little more cumbersome and a little more costly. Over the long haul, many good strategies go wrong simply because of the drag created by all those incrementally increasing costs. CIOs have an important role to plan in managing that complexity. Egol, Matthew; Hirsh, Evan; Irwin, Gil; Martin, Karla; Rao, Giridhar Fri, 01 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41979320?gko=68c26 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901992?gko=98a97 China is in a unique position to proactively address HIV/AIDS while rates of infection are still relatively low (0.07%). Businesses have the opportunity to not only prevent the growth of HIV/AIDS, but to help mitigate the long-term economic costs of the disease for both individual companies and China's economy. Beever, Charles; Tse, Edward Sat, 14 May 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901992?gko=98a97 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901912?gko=4825c According to a recent Booz & Company study, European executives are setting ambitious innovation performance targets for the next three years. Respondents not only seek to boost their return on innovation investment by an impressive 29 percent, but they also hope to increase product/service introductions while shortening time to market, increasing quality, and decreasing product/service costs. Hauser, Richard; List, Georg Thu, 05 May 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901912?gko=4825c http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901760?gko=4345c Innovation--the ability to define and develop new products and services and deliver them to market--is the fundamental source of value creation in companies and an important enabler of competitive advantage. Dehoff, Kevin; Jaruzelski, Barry; Kronenberg, Eric Fri, 15 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901760?gko=4345c http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902048?gko=16d6a The emergence of China in the global economy is arguably the most significant economic event in recent history. With economic growth averaging between 8 and 9 percent per annum for the past decade, coupled with a truly massive domestic population, most global companies have long since recognized that China is simply too large a market for them to ignore. Haddock, Ronald; Tse, Edward Tue, 01 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902048?gko=16d6a http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901908?gko=c8ef2 Many elements of the CFO's expanded, everyday role become more crucial in a merger, and success in these areas can help beat the odds and create a transaction that delivers. Adolph, Gerald; McNeese, Cynthia Thu, 20 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901908?gko=c8ef2 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901920?gko=96324 This study outlines the elements of an effective early warning system and the surprises that can occur if one element is missing or underemphasized, or if the relationships between them are out of balance. Kerins, Jason; McNeese, Cynthia Thu, 20 Jan 2005 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901920?gko=96324 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42102610?gko=10757 Taking a strategic approach to purchasing will drive sustainable results across the organization. A successful procurement agenda needs to address four key dimensions: processes, organization, technology, and performance management McKenna, Matthew Wed, 15 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42102610?gko=10757 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42340540?gko=9fd38 Burdened with multiple layers of management, these organizations tend to suffer from "analysis paralysis." When they do move, they move slowly and reactively, often pursuing opportunities later or less vigorously than their competitors. More consumed with the trees than the forest,managers spend their time checking one another's work, rather than scanning the horizon for opportunities or threats. These organizations are frequently bureaucratic and political in nature and tend to frustrate self-starters and results-oriented individuals. Mitchell, Deanna; Neilson, Gary Wed, 15 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42340540?gko=9fd38 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901924?gko=60394 It's planning time again. For most, this is a painful exercise. In the worst cases, the resulting plan is more aspiration than inspiration. Unrealistic sales targets, sandbagged expense budgets, and other hopes are forged into next year's roadmap. Stacks of reports and terabytes of data are generated but often ignored during interminable planning meetings. After all that, the plan is forgotten in a few months. Do any of these aspects sound familiar? Heinz, Irmgard; Kerins, Jason; McNeese, Cynthia Mon, 18 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901924?gko=60394 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901874?gko=740c1 In collaboration with the Association of National Advertisers, the leading U.S. marketing trade organization, Booz Allen Hamilton surveyed 370 people at more than 100 companies in nine industries in an attempt to discover whether marketing is in fact disconnected from the leadership agenda, determine the causes of any dysfunction, and uncover the best practices of superior marketing organizations. Hyde, Paul; Landry, Edward; Tipping, Andrew Mon, 11 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901874?gko=740c1 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41979294?gko=7a025 In their pursuit of customer revenues, wireless operators have become "accidental retailers," building networks of single-brand, single-product stores that collectively cover over 6,000 locations in the U.S. alone. Jaruzelski, Barry; Moeller, Leslie Fri, 01 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41979294?gko=7a025 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901956?gko=ba47d So congenial as to seem conflict free, the Passive-Aggressive Organization breeds a culture of simulated compliance where "everyone agrees but nothing changes." Building a consensus to make major changes is no problem; it's implementing the changes that can prove impossible. Kellner, Karl; Neilson, Gary Wed, 18 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901956?gko=ba47d http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902104?gko=ebcd1 Much as an athlete's true mettle is tested under the pressure of competition, an organization's corporate values are never as strained as when a company is in the midst of a major transformation. Aguirre, DeAnne; Burger, Christian; Krings, Joerg; Tipping, Andrew Fri, 16 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902104?gko=ebcd1 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901960?gko=db3c7 Product development has universally been identified as a key driver for growth and value creation. As a result, companies are focusing significant investments on the pursuit of the so-called "killer idea". In our opinion however, successful product development for many companies is not so much about developing "killer ideas" as about being able to control their product development activities and ensuring scarce resources are used in the most efficient and effective way. List, Georg; Mensing, Peter; Veldhoen, Steven Mon, 12 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901960?gko=db3c7 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902102?gko=e3dfb Astute companies are increasingly looking to their customers to drive growth-tailoring offerings, indeed their whole organizations, to customers' unique needs. The problem many companies face, however, is: How do you cater to customers without incurring debilitating costs in complexity? Building a truly customer-centric organization is the solution. Egol, Matthew; Hyde, Paul; Ribeiro, Frank; Tipping, Andrew Wed, 07 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902102?gko=e3dfb http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901830?gko=c91da Each company has an intrinsic innovation effectiveness curve. Here are three ways to lift it. Kandybin, Alexander Thu, 01 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901830?gko=c91da http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/43000314?gko=5b6df Managing change is a critical component of any major transformation. It is a necessary process that helps companies successfully implement new strategies. Change management gets results by building sponsorship from the top, creating leaders who will act as change agents, and by changing behaviors in frontline teams and individual employees in business units. Aguirre, DeAnne; Hyde, Paul; Neilson, Gary; Tipping, Andrew Tue, 15 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/43000314?gko=5b6df http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/43000323?gko=9f146 Service organizations face unprecedented challenges in today's business environment. Customers demand better service and more customized offerings. Sales managers push for incremental evenue, improved retention, and higher service levels. And senior management expects the virtually impossible--meaningful cost cutting at the same time as new product launches, acquisition integrations, and new market entry. Bailey, Curt; Nallicheri, Narayan Tue, 15 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/43000323?gko=9f146 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41903715?gko=0bc57 With the continued uncertainty in global markets, the ability to bring large-scale programs to a successful conclusion has become even more critical for the survival of many Fortune 500 companies--regardless of whether they are under pressure to achieve multibillions of dollars in savings or to realize revenue synergies from an acquisition.Our experience in many large-scale transformations has taught us that things can go wrong without a dedicated, structured, and comprehensive program management approach. Lauster, Steffen M.; Ripsam, Thomas Tue, 01 Jun 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41903715?gko=0bc57 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902022?gko=40146 There comes a point in any successful change movement when a great truth dawns on those involved: The inevitability and wisdom of the ongoing change is finally understood, and the new reality accepted. And what typically evokes this realization? Not hard data, nor a new process, nor an edict from above. Aguirre, DeAnne; Neilson, Gary; Schirra, Wolfgang; Tipping, Andrew Sat, 01 May 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902022?gko=40146 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901804?gko=43a3f Tools and techniques to help companies transform quickly. Aguirre, DeAnne Thu, 15 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901804?gko=43a3f http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901792?gko=a388f For most companies, significant challenges remain in improving the cost-effectiveness of their internal services. As the external environment shifts for a company's core business and the marketplace for G&A services, so too does the internal economy of the firm as BU customers demand increasingly customized services. In this charged environment, G&A practices are evolving rapidly and fundamentally. This report examines both the traditional and leading-edge approaches to G&A management andtheir impact on company performance. Couto, Vinay; McNeese, Cynthia; Pigorini, Paolo Thu, 15 Apr 2004 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901792?gko=a388f http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42102950?gko=8b660 Strong leadership, collaborative partnership, results-based funding, and balanced prevention, treatment, and care were found to be critical success factors in the fight against HIV/AIDS. These conclusions were the result of a strategic simulation conducted by business, government, and civil society executives in New Delhi, India, in October 2003. Beever, Charles Mon, 15 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42102950?gko=8b660 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42340537?gko=70d11 The most successful strategy-based transformations follow a three-phased approach that integrates the development and implementation of the strategy/operating model with the process for driving the human and emotional elements of change. As is the case with the coaching staff on the gridiron, the roles of the CEO and top team will change across the three phases of the transformation.Phase 1: Engaging the Top and Leading the ChangePhase 2: Cascading Down and Breaking BarriersPhase 3: Mobilizing the Base and Creating Ownership Aguirre, DeAnne; Hyde, Paul; Krings, Joerg; Neilson, Gary; Schirra, Wolfgang; Tipping, Andrew Mon, 15 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42340537?gko=70d11 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902042?gko=0b46a After five years of retrenchment and cost-cutting, senior executives at leading companies across a variety of industries share a common conviction: Innovation--the ability to define and create new products and services and quickly bring them to market--is an increasingly important source of competitive advantage. According to a new survey, more than 90% of top managers at companies in such fields as aerospace, automotive products, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications cite innovation as absolutely critical to achieving their strategic objectives. Dehoff, Kevin Mon, 01 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902042?gko=0b46a http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902038?gko=75303 This summarizes a major study on the evolution of the value chain and the potential impacts of outsourcing on the North American telecommunications industry. As a part of this study, senior executives from major Service Providers and industry experts across North America were interviewed to examine the drivers and trends for outsourcing in telecommunications, with a specific focus on network-related functions. Jaruzelski, Barry; Katz, Raul; Ribeiro, Frank Mon, 01 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902038?gko=75303 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902024?gko=9a9bb Success at large-scale transformation demands more than the best strategic and tactical plans, the traditional focus of senior executives and their advisers. It requires an intimate understandingof the human side, as well--the company's culture, values, people, and behaviors that must be changed to deliver the desired results. Plans themselves do not capture value. Value is realized only through the sustained, collective actions of thousands or tens of thousands of employees who are responsible for designing, executing, and living the change. Neilson, Gary Mon, 01 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902024?gko=9a9bb http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902046?gko=06098 You know that significant change is required for your company. You've done the analysis and come up with the right solution. You've gotten senior management buy-in, promised results, and announced the change program to the middle management. Three months have passed, but the change has stalled. Why hasn't the organization adopted the change? With dramatic market shifts and rapid executive turnover, strategic change programs must be implemented and deliver results quickly. Aguirre, DeAnne; Neilson, Gary Sun, 01 Feb 2004 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902046?gko=06098 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902028?gko=6c72b Offshoring business processes can offer companies across a range of industries the opportunity to lower costs by 40% or more. As senior managers look beyond the back office for functions to offshore, they need to determine first whether it makes economic sense to offshore them and then how to do it efficiently and effectively. Our work with clients that are offshoring to captive and third-party vendors--plus recent in-depth interviews with 10 offshoring vendors in India specializing in banking, insurance, telecommunications, and media--furnishes some unique and useful insights into this growing phenomenon. Alvarez, Eduardo; Couto, Vinay Mon, 01 Dec 2003 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902028?gko=6c72b http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902008?gko=29857 The way a company responds to demands for customized products or services can make the difference between performance that leads a sector and performance that lags that of industry peers. A Booz & Company study of product and service companies found that Smart Customizers--companies that focused simultaneously on value creation strategies and delivery alignment--outperformed industry peers two-to-one in revenue growth, and had profit margins 5% to 10% above competitors'. Companies that failed to align the value of variety with the cost of complexity were five times as likely to grow at rates below their industry average. Egol, Matthew; Martin, Karla; Moeller, Leslie Mon, 03 Nov 2003 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902008?gko=29857 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42340410?gko=6fd05 In recent years, as top-line growth has stalled, companies have had to get creative about cost reduction. As always, they are looking first to pare expenses in internal services. What is different is the lens they are applying; the perspective has broadened. Instead of relying solely on supply-side tactics to cut costs (e.g., process reengineering, automation, outsourcing, offshoring), companies are now managing the demand for internal services as well, challenging both service providers and business-unit customers to make serious affordability and service level trade-offs. Couto, Vinay; Pigorini, Paolo; Saddi, Joe Wed, 15 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/42340410?gko=6fd05 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902110?gko=4d9b7 The business process reengineering approach popular in the mid- to late-'90s may have delivered on the initial cost reduction front, but it is ill-equipped to evolve with new market requirements. Neilson, Gary; Saddi, Joe Sat, 11 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902110?gko=4d9b7 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902056?gko=4ab9b If you look closely at the management ranks of many Fortune 500 corporations, you'll see: excessive layers and narrow spans of control, particularly among mid-level directors and managers. The result is often bureaucratic buildup, bottle-necked decision-making, and a general lack of innovation. Employees laboring at the customer-facing end of this attenuated organization structure are hamstrung by vertical decision-making and multi-matrixed reporting relationships. Organizations like these need to look beyond simple headcount reductions to find more lasting and effective methods for getting in shape. Neilson, Gary; Saddi, Joe Wed, 01 Oct 2003 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902056?gko=4ab9b http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902058?gko=149d4 Current economic conditions are forcing companies to significantly rebase General & Administrative costs. For many organizations, the cost cutting in the IT function is expected to deliver 40% or more of overall savings. The problem is, many organizations are already struggling with budgets that are barely adequate to the demands being placed on their IT function. With no place else to squeeze, the traditional approaches to IT cost management aren't effective anymore. It's time for a new approach. Our recent experience indicates that managing the "demand" for IT services yields as much, if not more, benefit than traditional "supply" focused cost reduction programs. Alvarez, Eduardo; McNeese, Cynthia Tue, 01 Jul 2003 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902058?gko=149d4 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902106?gko=db5ef To date companies have have attacked internal service costs from the supply side. Our client experience suggests that there are benefits from managing the demand for such services. Couto, Vinay; Kaul, Anil; Neilson, Gary; Saddi, Joe Mon, 12 May 2003 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902106?gko=db5ef http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902062?gko=bc5ab Peer into the hallways of any business unit, and you will likely find "shadow staff", people performing tasks that duplicate those performed elsewhere in the organization. No matter the industry, shadowm staffs lurk in the corners of most large enterprises. Once brought to light these positions can add another 30 to 80% to total support staff head counts. Neilson, Gary; Saddi, Joe; Spiegel, Eric Thu, 01 May 2003 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902062?gko=bc5ab http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901876?gko=6dda0 "Business is flat. I need to cut overhead costs quickly to meet my earnings forecast. At the same time, I have to launch an even bolder round of restructuring to bring costs down 30 to 40 percent over the next three to five years. And I need to achieve these goals without undermining the core functional capabilities needed to keep my business moving and, ultimately, achieve above-market growth." Sound familiar? Seem impossible? Alvarez, Eduardo; Couto, Vinay; Neilson, Gary Sat, 22 Feb 2003 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41901876?gko=6dda0 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902032?gko=c41e7 Senior executives continually lament the amount of time they spend wrestling with organizational problems rather than building their business. From the CEO on down, business leaders routinely express variations on the same fundamental themes -- "We have the right strategy and a clear action plan, but we can't seem to execute," "Our industry is undergoing tremendous upheaval, but our people either don't recognize it or won't do anything about it". Addressing these concerns-- or rather the critical organizational constraints that underlie them -- is often the key to unlocking superior financial performance. Kletter, David; Neilson, Gary Fri, 01 Nov 2002 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902032?gko=c41e7 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/43000317?gko=d552f Buyers of high technology infrastructure are increasingly demanding end-to-end solutions from their vendors. This makes it critical for vendors to have robust Solution Interoperability Testing Programs in place. This article addresses some of the key issues surrounding the non-technical aspects of designing an interoperability testing program for solutions Jaruzelski, Barry; Ribeiro, Frank; Ripsam, Thomas Sat, 15 Jun 2002 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/43000317?gko=d552f http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902064?gko=343ff Companies have invested millions of dollars and accumulated years of experience in running highly efficient internal shared services operations. Now many are wondering how to unleash the next wave of value. Many believe that the next breakout strategy will take the form of an extended enterprise play, in which shared services will move beyond the walls of the corporation, either as a seller of services to external customers or as a buyer and aggregator of external services for internal clients. Couto, Vinay; Kaul, Anil; Neilson, Gary Sat, 01 Jun 2002 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.booz.com/global/home/what_we_think/reports_and_white_papers/ic-display/41902064?gko=343ff