PwC presents 10Minutes

Lease accounting

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0400

After three years of outreach and deliberation, the IASB and FASB recently issued a revised proposal to overhaul the rules on accounting for leases, a move that could significantly boost US companies' reported debt.

Why the COSO Update deserves your attention

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

COSO has published a PwC-authored update to its framework, the first in over 20 years, which gives you an opportunity to refresh your controls for today's environment.

Conflict minerals

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

10Minutes on conflict minerals provides insight into the strategic benefits and risks companies will want to focus on as they comply with the SEC's conflict minerals rule. The rule is effective for 2013 calendar year operations, so regardless of whether companies view conflict minerals as a supply chain opportunity, risk to their brand or another regulatory to-do, they should act now to prepare.

Harnessing customer demand to drive growth

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Consumer-packaged goods (CPG) companies, retailers, and their business partners often tout the ways they put customers at the center of their strategies. But while many companies do a good job of understanding their customers, perhaps not as many create demand by coordinating across marketing, sales, and innovation—functions and activities that now encompass the demand chain. This 10Minutes explores ways companies can capitalize on knowing their customer with demand functions pulling in the same direction.

Investing in China's private healthcare system

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

China recently introduced its 12th Five-Year Plan, which reinforces the government's commitment to easing ownership requirements. This 10Minutes discusses opportunities that private and foreign providers, payers, and investors can adopt to build a presence in China's growing healthcare market.

Stark realities of cybersecurity

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

This 10Minutes discusses why cybersecurity is more than an IT challenge—it’s a business imperative. New technologies, well-funded and determined adversaries, and interconnected business ecosystems have combined to increase your company’s exposure to cyberattacks. Critical digital assets are being targeted and the potential impact to your business has never been greater. In order to sufficiently protect the business, future cash flows, and shareholder value, your approach to cybersecurity must keep pace.

Remaking of utilities

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Aside from billing matters and service calls, customers historically have had little interaction with their utility providers. So it stands to reason that customer engagement remains a hurdle for traditional utility companies.

10Minutes on shaping the boardroom agenda

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 23:00:00 -0500

This 10Minutes outlines key points from PwC’s 2012 Annual Corporate Directors Survey that illustrate how boards are working to improve their oversight.

10Minutes on building the customer-centered organization

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 23:00:00 -0500

What does a customer-centered organization look like? What investments are needed to take you there, and what might that journey look like? This 10Minutes discusses these questions and how companies who focus on creating a customer-centered organization may reap real dividends.

Supply chain flexibility

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Volatility has become a fact of life in today’s business landscape. Yet, after years of global expansion, many companies’ supply chains are brittle, unable to respond to frequent fluctuations in demand and supply. This 10Minutes explores strategies companies can deploy to make their supply chains more agile and adaptable.

Creating value from Global Business Services

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

In 2013, company leaders are looking for value creation from their operations. To achieve this goal, organizations are moving beyond shared services and outsourcing to a Global Business Services (GBS) model. GBS helps provide those intangibles by focusing on customer needs and business strategy first and foremost.

Derivatives reform for non-financial services companies

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

For non-financial services companies, regulations introduced by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Basel III will result in significant changes to the derivatives market. Every aspect of a corporation using derivative to manage risk will ultimately be affected—from risk strategies and corporate funding to operations and accounting. This 10Minutes provides insight on the impacts of new regulation on corporate entities and what those entities need to do now in order to meet impending reform deadlines and ensure they're well equipped to manage increased costs and compliance responsibilities.

Environmental and social risk

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Environmental and social issues are posing greater commercial risks than ever. In this 10Minutes we'll explore what's changing and how companies can take a more forward-looking risk approach.

Talent priorities

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 01:00:00 -0400

Talent continues to top the list of executive concerns. Company leaders are focusing on how talent can help them achieve the following four strategic priorities: power growth, realize ROI, manage risk, and enable transformation.

US Manufacturing Resurgence

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Signs point to a potential surge in domestic manufacturing, and US companies are carefully watching seven key factors that are impacting the trend. They also need to consider what a potential move or expansion of manufacturing facilities to the US could mean for all aspects of their business.

Academic medical centers

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 23:00:00 -0400

Academic medical centers (AMCs) are the nucleus of the U.S. health system, yet they face multiple challenges.

Eurozone sovereign debt crisis

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

As Europe continues to grapple with sovereign debt problems, austerity measures, and recession, the Eurozone is changing and will likely emerge from the ongoing crisis looking quite different from the one we know today. Because the world is so interconnected, virtually every company will be affected and needs to figure out the impact on their companies worldwide - from strategy and operations to execution - and start preparing now.

Global talent mobility

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400

In this edition of 10Minutes we talk to leading edge companies about what is driving new mobility patterns and their current talent mobility practices, both from a short and long-term strategy perspective.

Effective audit committees

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Audit committees, management, and auditors work together to meet the information needs of the capital markets and to ensure quality audits and financial reporting. The leading practices in this 10Minutes may help audit committees continue to improve their oversight of auditors and management, thereby enhancing the quality of audits and financial reporting.

10Minutes on business continuity management

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The best disaster survival manual may be obsolete if it doesn’t anticipate major disruptions to the supply chain or at outsourced operations. As a result, business continuity management programs are being designed to continually assess— as well as counter—risks stemming from the interdependencies integral to running a business.

10Minutes on the CEO agenda 2012

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:00:00 -0400

For 2012, US CEOs show measured optimism as they face wide disparities in their operations around the world. Slow recovery at home and the crisis in Europe are immediate concerns. But they are taking deliberate steps to grow in priority markets.

10Minutes on managing water scarcity

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 23:00:00 -0500

Managing risks related to dwindling freshwater supply is becoming more urgent for businesses. This 10Minutes discusses how companies can prepare for the consequences of water scarcity by monitoring water use, evaluating risk across the supply chain, and partnering with local communities to replenish water supply.

Customer impact

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Designing and delivering truly exceptional customer experiences has become the key to achieving sustainable, profitable organic growth. In fact, new socio-economic and demographic conditions have fused themselves with technological innovation to redefine the very nature of customer value and how businesses should go about delivering it.

Medical innovation

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:00:00 -0500

The way we assess value in medical technology is changing radically. Payers are refusing to pay for incremental innovations that do not significantly improve health or reduce cost.

Expanding business in Asia Pacific

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:00:00 -0500

As Asia Pacific economies continue their rapid growth and become more deeply integrated, multinational companies are changing how they're expanding in the region for the long-haul--from setting up regional hubs and distribution networks, to developing local talent, to building brand loyalty amongst the region's rapidly growing number of middle class consumers.

Updating flexibility strategies

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:00:00 -0500

Employees with access to flexible work arrangements (FWAs) tend to be more satisfied, committed and engaged with their jobs, which leads to increased innovation, quality, productivity, and growth.

10Minutes on the Boardroom Agenda

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0500

In this short report, PwC discusses new governance regulations, new risks, and issues of executive compensation and succession planning.

10Minutes on changing corruption risks

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0400

As more and more businesses go global, and more countries step up enforcement, multinationals’ risks multiply dramatically. PwC offers a short primer on anti-corruption policies and procedures.

10 Minutes on why you want to get into healthcare

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Healthcare will reach nearly 20% of the US GDP by 2019 and is bursting with new products and services. It is also enticing more and more businesses to enter this marketplace. Here’s why you should take note.

Investing in Africa

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Africa has some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and offers the highest risk-adjusted returns on foreign direct investment among emerging economies. To succeed, investors must look beyond dazzling returns and one-off projects, and sign on as participating partners in Africa's long-term growth and development.

The Future of revenue recognition

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Revenue, or the “top line,” is a closely monitored measure of an entity's growth and market share. The FASB and IASB are currently in the process of replacing existing revenue guidance with a new global accounting standard for all revenue transactions. How will this change affect your business?

Doing deals in China

Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Companies seeking growth in China are exploring alternatives to outright M&A strategies, acquisitions, traditional joint ventures, wholly foreign owned entities (WFOEs), and dollar-denominated private equity funds to succeed. Here we discuss their approach.

10Minutes on the CEO agenda

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 23:00:00 -0500

The changing global economy, emerging markets and a renewed focus on growth — how are companies capitalising on opportunities to increase revenue, create innovative products and services, and fill skills gaps in unfamiliar parts of the world?

The future of lessee accounting

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 23:00:00 -0500

As early as 2014, in the US and internationally, leases could be required to appear on companies' balance sheets, which will impact debt and earnings metrics, and some companies' ability to borrow or spend capital PwC looks at the issue, and how procurement, IT, tax, treasury, operations, HR, finance and accounting can all be affected.

Engaging your pivotal talent

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 23:00:00 -0500

Higher employee engagement means improved retention, customer loyalty, revenue, sales and profit. But should you strive to raise engagement among all employees? The answer may surprise you.

Information security

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Emerging technologies like cloud computing and social media are growing more sophisticated, but so are hacker techniques. As companies look at growth initiatives and ways to hold down costs, what should CIOs do to protect critical data and avoid other information security risks?

US financial reform

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (The Dodd-Frank Act)ushers in a new financial regulatory architecture. Of chief concern to business leaders: How will The Act affect my company's ability to fund its needs, maintain liquidity, earn competitive rates on cash and investments, manage commodity and financial risks through derivatives, and provide financing to my customers?

The cloud

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Cloud computing can help businesses meet demands for greater agility as it is changing the ability for companies to deliver solutions at the new speed of business. Cloud computing solutions have the potential to accelerate innovation and time-to-market, enhance customer engagement, and improve connections across the network of suppliers, time zones, and cultures.

10Minutes on trust and transparency

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400

What actions are companies taking to restore, sustain or enhance trust in business? We take a closer look at this and identify some potential benefits of those actions, like better risk management, operational innovations and sources of companies' next competitive advantage.

10Minutes on the CIO

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Though c-suite executives are pretty comfortable with technology these days, they can work with their CIOs and CTOs to use new technology to build competitive advantage. With new products and services, CIOs and CTOs are helping to win loyal customers while running increasingly efficient IT organizations. Is your company embracing these opportunities? If not, here’s some insight into what you can do.

10Minutes on health reform

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Companies will need to re-examine their benefits strategies in the wake of Congress’ passage of the most substantial change to the health system since Medicare. How can agile companies prepare for the major changes coming their way, since the new healthcare bill will affect all employers regardless of size?

10Minutes on transforming HR

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400

The link between talent and business results was apparent during the financial crisis, as pivotal employees proved the difference at many firms. HR can play a key role in growing a company’s bottom line through four key actions: building the brand, aligning talent and corporate strategies, developing talent and measuring success. What is your HR department doing to help your company’s performance?

10Minutes on global infrastructure

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0400

In this business brief, PwC discusses the risks and opportunities associated with global infrastructure investment, and offers insight into optimal project management, governance and assurance.

10Minutes on compensation

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0500

PwC looks at how new federal guidance refines the pay-for-performance compensation model for all public companies, not just banks and financial services institutions.

10Minutes on maximizing internal audit

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:00:00 -0500

In this business brief, PwC shows how enhancing Internal Audit's role can help you reduce risks, optimize costs, and execute your growth strategies.

10Minutes on post-crisis boardrooms

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 07:00:00 -0500

It’s a year into the financial meltdown. What have directors been thinking and doing about it? Some are putting off key changes to operations and business models until regulators and Congress resolve policy issues like healthcare, greenhouse gas emissions, financial regulation, and executive compensation. Others aren’t waiting around for that to happen. They’re seizing growth opportunities now.

10Minutes on monetizing carbon

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Mandatory reduction of greenhouse gas emissions will affect all companies, not just heavy emitters. In this business brief, PwC shows what companies can do to prepare for cap-and-trade.

10Minutes on combating corruption

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

We look at how prosecutions and fines are increasing under the FCPA, UNAC regulations, and anti-corruption compliance strategy. We also discuss using forensic due diligence and corporate intelligence to expand into foreign markets.

10Minutes on off-balance-sheet arrangements

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0400

New reporting requirements for off-balance-sheet arrangements will impact financial reporting as well as current and future business ventures, financing, financial metrics, operations, stakeholder communications, internal controls, and IT systems.

10Minutes on managing diversity

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

To be successful, diversity efforts must entail more than just feel-good initiatives or programs that can be toppled by budget cuts or lethargy. Take 10Minutes now for PwC’s view on diversity and how cultural dexterity is key to creating sustainable competitive advantage.