Negotiating for success
Regarded by many as the world’s leading negotiator, Prof Stuart Diamond has advised companies and governments on conflict resolution, and in 2008 was responsible for settling the seemingly intractable Hollywood writers’ strike. He spoke to Ann O’Dea. According to Stuart Diamond we are always negotiating, whether making a business deal, talking to friends or even driving a car. It’s the basic form of all human interaction, he says, and most of us are terrible at it. Diamond is a recognised authority on the subject: he runs the most popular course at Wharton Business School and has advised major corporations and governments on conflict resolution. In February 2008 he was called…
Read MoreLooking long
Fujitsu Ireland CEO Regina Moran is upbeat about both the prospects for her organisation, and the long-term prospects for Ireland. She speaks to Grainne Rothery about leadership for success. Her concern around the impact she has on the people she works with through their day-to-day interactions says a lot about Fujitsu Ireland CEO Regina Moran and her style of leadership. Moran, who was appointed to her current role in May 2009 following the merger of the three existing Fujitsu businesses in Ireland, claims that one of the most important things she has learnt around leadership over the years is the effect leaders have on people, both positive and negative. “I’m…
Read MoreDanone to create 40 jobs in Cork
Danone Baby Nutrition is to create 40 new jobs in Cork as part of a €50m investment. The makers of Aptamil and Cow and Gate will expand and redevelop its existing facility in Macroom, Co. Cork. The 40 new jobs will be in the areas of food science, engineering and supply chain management. Building is due to begin in February, 2011. In a statement, Danone said, “Consistent growth of Danone Baby Nutrition’s infant and toddler formulas, such as Aptamil, has resulted in the need to invest to increase capacity.” Almost all the output from the improved Macroom facility will be exported to more than 60 countries. The company already employs…
Read MoreLondon bankers’ salaries up 20pc
Investment bankers in London are earning up to 20pc more this year when compared to 2009, says a new survey released today. The survey, conducted by financial services recruitment company Astbury Marsden, found the average basic salary for investment banking staff in London has risen 20pc in the last year. It is thought that companies are trying to offset the curbing of bonuses with higher year-round salaries. Pressure continues to mount on firms to stop paying high end-of-year bonuses. Back, middle and front level staff will earn about Ł97,500 this year, up from Ł81,250 last year. Many top performers will also receive mega bonus payments, despite the continued criticism from…
Read MoreLet’s get phygital
When physical meets digital, you get phygital and it is in this phygital world that the future of marketing lies, says Gavin Downes. As an ever-increasing amount of marketing planning focuses on building integrated campaigns that exist seamlessly in experiences between the physical and digital worlds, a new ‘phygital’ paradigm has emerged. It’s a term that was coined by McCann-owned agency Momemtum around two years ago. The growth of the phygital world has been clearly evident since then and marketing folk across the world are starting to take notice. Some game-changing case studies exist from around the globe, with brands such as Microsoft, Coca-Cola, T-Mobile, IBM, Nike, O2 and Heineken…
Read MoreOriginal content sites more engaging than social media – study
Engagement and advertising responsiveness are strongest on original content rather than social media sites, according to a new UK study carried out by GfK NOP for the Association of Online Publishers. Participants in the study – The New Rules of Engagement – revealed they are almost twice as likely to trust advertising and brands on content sites versus social media sites, while they are almost three times more likely to believe that content sites are better than social media sites at influencing positive brand opinion. According to the AOP, by examining the relationship between site and audience, the study also reveals that measures such as dwell time and frequency of…
Read MoreGenband to create 100 jobs in Galway
US telecommunications company Genband has said it will create 100 jobs in its new international headquarters in Galway. The company, which develops IP infrastructure, plans to establish its international HQ and business services centre in Galway, representing an €8m investment. The jobs will be in finance, supply chain management, customer support, software development, HR, legal and administrative activities. Charlie Vogt, CEO and president of Genband said, “The establishment of our international headquarters operation in Ireland represents a critical component of Genband’s continued global strategy and growth. “Ireland’s breadth of high-quality, skilled human resources made Galway an ideal setting for our expansion, particularly when combined with the region’s competitive cost structure…
Read MoreECB’s Trichet confident of euro zone stability
European Central Bank president Jean-Claude Trichet told MEPs yesterday that he did not doubt the stability of the euro zone. Asked if he feared a domino effect in light of the debt crisis, he said that this would not happen, adding that Ireland and Greece were both solvent and therefore debt restructuring was not an issue. Trichet was also adamant that domestic democratic processes should not be interfered with, even in the event of a bailout. Asked by Belgian MEP Dirk-Jan Eppink if there is a link between political uncertainty and the financial markets, Trichet refused to draw any conclusions, stating again that democratic processes should be respected. At the economics…
Read MoreRenewable energy will cut costs – Minister Ryan
The best way to remain competitive and reduce long-term energy costs is to embrace renewable energy, according to Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan. The minister’s comments come as data published by Eurostat – the statistical office of the European Union (EU) – claims that Ireland has made significant reductions in electricity and gas prices. “Ireland now has some of the cheapest energy in the EU … but we can go further,” said Ryan. “The single best way that we can reduce energy costs in the long-term is to develop our renewable energy resources. “Our wind and our waves will deliver a clean, efficient energy supply for Ireland…
Read MoreEC forecasts Irish growth at just 0.9pc
The European Commission has said the Irish economy will grow by just 0.9pc next year. According to its autumn economic forecast, the EC believes the Irish economy will not reach the 1.75pc rate predicted by the Irish Government in its four year plan. The Commission also said the Government’s 2012 growth projection of 3.25pc is too optimistic. It says 2012 growth is more likely to be 1.9pc. Overall, the EC said European growth will experience soft growth next year and a stronger rebound in 2012. It said growth in 2011 will hit 1.75pc and 2pc in 2012. The recovery is “making progress,” though the “shock of the global crisis still…
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