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Banking On Markets To Save The Post-Nopenhagen World, Knowledge@Smu
Banking On Markets To Save The Post-Nopenhagen World, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
At the Copenhagen harbour, a statue of the little mermaid sits, as if to remind us all of the tragic fate that awaits the hopeful. And just like in the fairytale, ideals vanished into thin air at the COP 15 last month, as world leaders failed to establish any binding consensus on climate change. All is not lost. Some politicians, analysts and activists are still holding out for the alternative happy ending to the tale, where politicians will ratify an international agreement at the next COP convention… and if not, the one after that. But for those who have no …
Corporate Governance In China: No Quick Fix, No Fixed Solution, Knowledge@Smu
Corporate Governance In China: No Quick Fix, No Fixed Solution, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
China offers a multitude of business opportunities, but international investors often find themselves stumped with a range of issues, many of which boil down to the country's distinct system of corporate governance. Here, the lines between interests and relationships are less clear-cut, and links to the government seem to serve as a proxy to accountability. This is a system that exists for a reason, said TJ Wong at SMU's Ho Bee Professorship in Chinese Economy and Business lecture series. However, foreign investors, used to international norms of transparency, are calling this into question.
Asian Maths Whizz And Talkative Females: How Stereotypes Can Actually Boost Performance, Knowledge@Smu
Asian Maths Whizz And Talkative Females: How Stereotypes Can Actually Boost Performance, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Nobody likes to be pigeonholed or reduced to a single stereotype. One reason could be because we believe ourselves to be products of multiple stereotypes: a combination of identities, such as "Asian", "female", "lawyer", "Gen X", "Christian", "Chinese", etc. While these labels connect us to like-individuals, they can also carry all sorts of connotations and expectations – positive, neutral and negative. For example, an Asian might be expected to outperform a non-Asian at mathematics because of stereotypes that Asians are mathematically inclined. Will such undue expectations affect the Asian's performance outcome? Research studies point to a 'Yes'.
To Groom And Retain Talents, Asian Organisations Look To The West, Knowledge@Smu
To Groom And Retain Talents, Asian Organisations Look To The West, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Is there a scarcity of talents in Asia? While opportunities are abound for businesses in the region, many organisations struggle to find the "right" people to seize those opportunities. Those that do a good job of grooming and retaining their future leaders will find themselves to be in an advantageous position. But why should organisations invest in nurturing their flock when seats to the corner offices are already "reserved" for an in-group of family members, friends, scholars, social elites, etc? This is especially problematic in Asia, where many large organisations are either family-owned or state-owned.
Singapore’S Leadership, Circa 2004 - Softer, Gentler, Consultative?, Knowledge@Smu
Singapore’S Leadership, Circa 2004 - Softer, Gentler, Consultative?, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Long before the ‘locals versus foreigners’ debate captured the imaginations of the nation, Singaporeans might faintly remember the ‘stayers versus quitters’ contention, as well as talk of ‘heartlanders versus cosmopolitans’ – milestones that are now neatly documented into a collection of essays, bundled in the book, Impressions of the Goh Chok Tong Years in Singapore. Stories ranging from Singapore’s population decline, bilateral relations and SARS crisis, to interethnic tensions, censorship and civil activism are captured, providing a remarkably wide, stereoscopic (if not nostalgic) peek into a recent past.
Buy Now, Regret Later: Rationalising The Irrational For Shopaholics, Knowledge@Smu
Buy Now, Regret Later: Rationalising The Irrational For Shopaholics, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Why do we buy things that we don't need? One explanation is that it nourishes our consumerist cravings; that inexplicable sense of satisfaction that comes with the ownership of familiar items, but in a different colour, design, brand, smell, taste – things we tell ourselves to celebrate each euphoric ring on the cash register. What follows, however, are questions of doubt that plague even the most seasoned of shopaholics: Can I afford this? Can I really find good uses for this? Can this new car really fix my hair loss? According to a new study by SMU marketing professor Jane …
Housekeeping For Regulators Of Volatile Housing Markets, Knowledge@Smu
Housekeeping For Regulators Of Volatile Housing Markets, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
World housing markets have gone through a volatile period of boom and bust, triggering the financial crisis and subsequent economic downturn. While it might be tempting for governments to contemplate on housing bubbles by means of monetary policy or direct controls over housing prices, such moves are far more complicated than it seems. Housing prices are influenced by various factors and governments have a limited handle on them at best. Raising interest affects other sectors of the economy - not just housing. So what can governments do? What should be the ultimate goal of housing policy?
Big Blue’S Next Big Act: Smarter Technology For A Smarter Planet, Knowledge@Smu
Big Blue’S Next Big Act: Smarter Technology For A Smarter Planet, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Everything seems to be going digital – our television sets, phones, the ways in which we communicate with each other, perform transactions or apply for permits – all in the name of pristine pictures, crystal clear sounds, paperless administration and fast, unencumbered access to data – all important features of the good life, for sure. But are we necessarily better off? We could be, given that "digitalisation" allows us to see and do things differently; to be more intelligent than we have ever been before, says IT giant IBM. And it is this belief that underscores the company's worldwide "Smarter …
Businesses Re-Imagined: Social Value Above Shareholder Value?, Knowledge@Smu
Businesses Re-Imagined: Social Value Above Shareholder Value?, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are often viewed upon as publicity stunts; that corporations only do “good” only if it makes them look good - a cynical view, perhaps, but not completely groundless. Though it may seem as if more organisations are stepping up to serve social causes, such initiatives, as seen from inside the heads of corporate honchos, are secondary to profit maximisation. This is problematic, as more and more people seek to align their lives and careers with the social interests that matter.
In Support Of A Cashless Future, Researchers Recreate A Cash-Like Experience, Knowledge@Smu
In Support Of A Cashless Future, Researchers Recreate A Cash-Like Experience, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
The mobile phone is piece of technology so loved, that some have referred to it as a “phantom limb”. To personalise and get the most out of this “limb”, people have been known to spend lots of time and money, decorating their precious phones with screen protectors, fancy ringtones, wallpapers, themes and ‘apps’. Many have even been caught fiddling with this device while driving! With a national mobile penetration rate of close to 140 percent (which suggests some people may have more “limbs” than others), it seems only natural to fantasise about incorporating the mobile phone into other favourite pastimes, …
What Shapes The Way In Which We Imagine Our World?, Knowledge@Smu
What Shapes The Way In Which We Imagine Our World?, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Despite national, religious or ideological differences, there are several key points in the recent history of mankind that have influenced the ways in which we see the world today. And while no two perspectives can be exactly the same, Xiang Biao, an academic fellow at the University of Oxford, believes that all "global imaginations" are bounded together by three common threads: the "earthy", "funky" and "wordy". For one, "earthy" issues such as global warming, forms one of the few but key universal concerns that almost every political leader can agree upon - in one way or another. Such global issues …
Entering The Lion’S Den: Technology Entrepreneurs Need A Global View And Action Plan, Knowledge@Smu
Entering The Lion’S Den: Technology Entrepreneurs Need A Global View And Action Plan, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
How many technology companies are confident enough to venture outside the sheltered environment of their home country to compete against the market leaders in their own turf? Not many, especially for the new or young business ventures. Many avoid entering "the lion’s den", so to speak, for fear that they will be eaten alive. Yet, not many realise that if they cannot survive the “lion’s den”, they may not last very long within their own nest, shares seasoned venture capitalist Gideon Tolkowsky.
Scrutinising The Art Of Kata: How Toyota Does It, Knowledge@Smu
Scrutinising The Art Of Kata: How Toyota Does It, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Toyota is, arguably, the most famous Japanese car maker and a model of manufacturing and production excellence. While there have been some recent setbacks, the company’s continuously-refined work process, ideas, and philosophies offer timeless lessons and insights. In his book Toyota Kata, the result of a multi-year study, engineer, management consultant and researcher Mike Rother shares with Toyota’s admirers and sceptics alike how this company does it.
Arresting The Saboteurs Of Strategic Change, Knowledge@Smu
Arresting The Saboteurs Of Strategic Change, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
What might ‘rotting’ tomatoes, dirty bus station toilets and an airport catastrophe have in common? They illustrate how organisational strategy, when badly implemented, can lead to disastrous results. According to Robin Speculand, CEO of Bridges Business Consultancy, most leaders spend an extraordinary amount of time and effort in formulating their strategies, yet they overlook many of the critical aspects that could determine a successful implementation of strategic change.
How Should One Live? – A Book That Adds The Asian Perspective, Knowledge@Smu
How Should One Live? – A Book That Adds The Asian Perspective, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
For long, Western philosophers have attempted to answer Socrates’ proverbial question on life and morality universally. Yet, many of those theories can seem incomplete to people on the other side of the globe. For a more holistic view on virtue, scholars have begun to incorporate Eastern perspectives, studying Confucius, Mencius and other Asian philosophers, alongside Bentham, Mill and Kant. In a new book launched by SMU’s School of Law, both Eastern and Western views on ethics and social responsibility are presented - with the contemporary reader in mind.
Monitoring State-Owned Versus State-Controlled Enterprises, Knowledge@Smu
Monitoring State-Owned Versus State-Controlled Enterprises, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
What’s the best way to monitor listed Chinese companies effectively? Should the Chinese government introduce more stringent corporate governance regulations to keep managers on their toes? Forget it. According to a research study by SMU accounting professor Wang Jiwei, the government is better off ditching its little black book of corporate governance reform and focusing on other ways to get results. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Private Equity In China: Grey, Yet Delicious, Knowledge@Smu
Private Equity In China: Grey, Yet Delicious, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Sometimes, even the biggest might stumble in China’s grey, yet opportunity-laden private equity market. How should foreign private equity firms play their cards, what should they look out for, and how can they deal with China’s legal and accounting issues? Yong Kwek Ping, CEO of greater China-focused private equity firm Inventis Holdings, shares his experience and insights.
Following The Financial Crisis: Risk And Opportunities For Singapore, Knowledge@Smu
Following The Financial Crisis: Risk And Opportunities For Singapore, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Asian economies are showing signs of recovery, and the stock markets have rebounded, leading to optimism that the worst of the economic crisis is over. However, few are expecting a quick return to the boom years, for weakness still persists in major economies while uncertainties remain in others. Nevertheless, for those Singapore-based regional financial industry players speaking at a recent seminar organised by the Sim Kee Boon Institute of Financial Economics, they are picking up lessons learned, seeing beyond the near-term worries, and finding growth opportunities.
Leave Some Breathing Room For Optimal Value Creation In Asian Family-Owned Firms, Knowledge@Smu
Leave Some Breathing Room For Optimal Value Creation In Asian Family-Owned Firms, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Corporate governance, via the active monitoring of a company’s management by its board of directors, is an accepted practice. For publicly-listed companies controlled by families, the general perception is independent directors should actively take up the mantle of watching out for the interests and rights of minority shareholders. But, is there a possibility whereby over-zealous monitoring might crimp the growth of these family-run companies, thus, doing more harm than good? According to a new study: Yes, it does!
Soaps, Creams And Strips: Procter & Gamble’S Approach To Innovation, Knowledge@Smu
Soaps, Creams And Strips: Procter & Gamble’S Approach To Innovation, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Innovate to give the customers what they desire -- it may sound like a simple and straightforward mantra for success in business, but many companies find themselves struggling to be gainfully innovative! Throw in ‘fickle-minded consumers’ and ‘a myriad of competitor offerings’ into the mix and the challenge magnifies glaringly. Yet, Procter and Gamble (P&G), a 172-year-old company, has somehow managed to get it right – and with more than 300 brands across 80 countries. Dr Shekhar Mitra, P&G’s Senior Vice-President of Research and Development, offers Singapore Management University an insider look into the innovation principles that guide one of …
When Will Service Standards In Singapore Improve?, Knowledge@Smu
When Will Service Standards In Singapore Improve?, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Are service standards in Singapore bad, or do Singaporeans expect too much from service providers? Ask any Singaporean about their service experiences and you might evoke strong reactions, accompanied by vivid stories spun out of petty encounters with service providers. Ask a local service provider, however, and you might hear tales of rude, thankless customers. Those in the business of providing service often find themselves walking a thin, fine line between protecting the interests of customers and front-line service personnel. If businesses subscribe to the adage, “the customer is always right”, is it fair to expect those in the “wrong” …
Changing The World, One Laptop At A Time, Knowledge@Smu
Changing The World, One Laptop At A Time, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
When Nicholas Negroponte mooted the idea of a US$100 laptop four years ago, he was met with scepticism. Undaunted, he and his team signed up partners and sponsors. Today, the end product, once described as “impossible”, is said to be inspiration behind netbooks. However, technological advancement was not the driving force behind the XO, as this laptop is called. Negroponte was motivated, instead, by the educational needs of developing nations, seeing that a large number of children in these countries receive little or no education. But just how far can inexpensive laptops go to address the needs of poverty-stricken communities?
Aiming For “Brand Bonuses” In Times Of Budget Cuts, Knowledge@Smu
Aiming For “Brand Bonuses” In Times Of Budget Cuts, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Branding, perceived by the bean-counters as an expense item, is always among the first to go during recessions. In its place are price cuts and price promotions aimed at delivering value to customers. The common (and predictable) belief is to stimulate demand quickly, so as to sustain production and operations during the trying times. After all, brand equity cannot possibly help close a sale or bring in the cash –- or can it? To answer this question, SMU’s Provost, Rajendra K. Srivastava, examined the financial performance of brands during a downturn in a hunt for the elusive “brand bonus”.
Beyond Fakirs And Call Centres: Lessons From India’S Global Powerhouses, Knowledge@Smu
Beyond Fakirs And Call Centres: Lessons From India’S Global Powerhouses, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Forget the stereotype of the Indian accountant, IT manager or call centre operator. Instead, think savvy bigwigs with hungry appetites for all things foreign. Some of the world’s largest and most successful corporate acquisitions over the last 15 years have been carried out by conglomerates bearing the Indian flag. Tata, Mittal, Bharat Forge and Infosys are but just the more prominent names. Many others are emerging. What can we learn from these powerhouses and what makes them tick?
The Importance Of Being Earnest… In Cyberspace, Knowledge@Smu
The Importance Of Being Earnest… In Cyberspace, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Community websites are increasingly viewed as treasure troves of opinions, from restaurant service to hotel accommodations, from mobile phone reviews to reliability ratings of an online auctioneer. An underlying factor behind the success of such websites is the implicit trust between users – to offer unbiased, accurate views. Consequently, a trustworthy online community puts users at ease to make decisions and perform transactions confidently. So web administrators would do well to maintain a trusting online community, if only to keep the cash tills a-ringing. But is it possible to measure or monitor something as unquantifiable as inter-user trust?
Shopping With Elephants: Coming To Terms With Nepotism In The Retail Space, Knowledge@Smu
Shopping With Elephants: Coming To Terms With Nepotism In The Retail Space, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Nepotism, favouritism and discrimination: issues that exist not only in business and politics, but also, in shopping malls! Research has shown that customers will likely receive benefits and superior service when they demonstrate a common “bond” with the people who serve them. Perks include free products, upgrades, queue-jumps and other value-adds, such as staff recommendations and extra attentive service. While such “allowances” create wonderful retail experiences for customers who receive it, is it fair for those who don’t?
Why Might Some Employees Sabotage Their Companies?, Knowledge@Smu
Why Might Some Employees Sabotage Their Companies?, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
The abuse of organisational resources, lying to colleagues, mishandling of confidential data, blackmail, etc - deviant behaviour in the workplace is not just a nuisance, but also a crippling and costly affair, easily reaching billions annually. As it is, business leaders are already saddled with enough worries over the market environment. Tackling deviant behaviour is an extra human resource challenge that most would prefer to go without. Lance Ferris, an organisational behaviour and human resources professor at Singapore Management University, looks at what causes such behaviour: self-esteem, and how managers can address this issue.
Think Outside Your Box: Enhancing Creativity Through Multicultural Interactions, Knowledge@Smu
Think Outside Your Box: Enhancing Creativity Through Multicultural Interactions, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Creative ideas are often the result of two or more seemingly non-overlapping concepts. The more we expose ourselves to diverse experiences, the more likely we might be to sample from a richer pool of ideas, thereby facilitating our creativity, and by extension for some, organisational innovation. This is because experience lowers our resistance and increases our readiness to sample foreign concepts. Angela Leung, an assistant professor of psychology at Singapore Management University, notes that while ideas from differing cultural experiences can be recruited as intellectual resources, several factors inhibit our ability to draw on these experiences, thus impeding our creative …
Bringing The Power Of Information To Life – The Case Of Emc Corporation, Knowledge@Smu
Bringing The Power Of Information To Life – The Case Of Emc Corporation, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Technology, markets and customer needs are changing. EMC Corporation, which started as a memory board maker thirty years ago, has been changing along. More well-known in the technology industry for its range of hardware used to store data, the company now positions itself as an “information storage vendor”, where software and services plays a greater role. Along with this repositioning, the company is actively managing what the EMC brand stands for, says EMC’s Steven Leonard.
Emperors And Their John Waynes: Business Strategy, Inspired By The Wild Wild West!, Knowledge@Smu
Emperors And Their John Waynes: Business Strategy, Inspired By The Wild Wild West!, Knowledge@Smu
Knowledge@SMU
Large swathes of the Southeast Asian economies have been dominated by some forty Overseas Chinese families. What makes them tick, what are their management philosophies, what are their strategies and how do they view and face up to the business challenges today and tomorrow? George Haley, Usha Haley and Tan Chin Tiong sets to answer these questions and more in their latest collaboration “New Asian Emperors: The Business Strategies of the Overseas Chinese.”