PwC US thought leadership

Expanding business in Asia Pacific

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST

As Asia Pacific economies continue their rapid growth and become more deeply integrated, multinational companies are changing how their 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.

Medical innovation

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST

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.

Updating flexibility strategies

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST

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 EST

Directors recognize the changing governance landscape. New governance regulations, risks associated with emerging technologies and fraud, and the effects of the economic downturn have corporate directors focusing on ways to increase their effectiveness in the boardroom. Executive compensation, risk management, and succession planning are three areas of focus for directors.

Technology forecast: 2011, Issue 4

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST

This edition of Technology Forecast explores how sustainability measures—increasingly a key measure of value in the marketplace—can and should be embedded in an enterprise’s systems, processes and technology.

10 Minutes on why you want to get into healthcare

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EDT

Why the anti-corruption regulatory movement is now one of the most formidable compliance challenges confronting the private sector, and what you need to know about it.

10 Minutes on why you want to get into healthcare

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EDT

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.

September Monthly Highlights

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:00:00 EDT

Every month, PwC delivers a range of thought leadership that explores key business issues affecting companies around the world. This month we focus on a variety of issues and address questions such as: Are you ready to capitalize on Africa’s investment opportunities?Can old data learn new tricks?What are the risks that companies should be mindful of at each stage of the market life cycle?What's the latest with Dodd-Frank?

Investing in Africa

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EDT

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.

Technology forecast: 2011, Issue 3

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EDT

PwC’s Tech Forecast offers insights for CIOs on opportunities and challenges for companies considering implementation of cloud computing.

Reducing complexity

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EDT

Many U.S. accounting standards are more complex than necessary to meet the standard-setter's objective of issuing high-quality standards. Complexity imposes costs on both investors and companies for information that is often neither easily understood nor particularly useful. Opportunities exist to maintain, or even increase, the quality of accounting standards while reducing complexity.

View: issue 14

Sat, 11 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EDT

View: issue 14

Finding the right pace for standard setting

Thu, 12 May 2011 12:00:00 EDT

Issuing high quality accounting standards is paramount. The boards should take whatever time is needed to accomplish this goal.

Doing deals in China

Mon, 09 May 2011 12:00:00 EDT

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.

Technology forecast: 2011, Issue 2

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EDT

In this report we look at enterprise innovation and the role of information technology. Is innovation the result of inscrutable, opaque genius, or can innovation be treated as an end-to-end process subject to performance optimization by adopting proven methods and systems? Read on for the answer.

HR Business Process Outsourcing

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 12:00:00 EST

As the first wave of HR Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) contracts which began approximately seven years ago begin to expire, many HR leaders are being forced to decide whether or not to renegotiate - or retire - existing outsourcing agreements. This presents a strategic opportunity to negotiate a new agreement that will improve outsourcing processes, efficiencies and business value which will allow HR to pursue more strategic value-adding activities.

10Minutes on the CEO agenda

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST

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 11:00:00 EST

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.

Technology forecast: 2011, Issue 1

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST

The current generation of smart handhelds implies more opportunities for enterprises than might be obvious. In the always-on, post-PC era, early adopters are using their phones and tablets to become an integrated part of the information landscape. So how do CIOs turn a consumer trend in smart handhelds to their enterprise’s long-term advantage? The first step is to understand how the workforce is changing.

View: issue 13

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST

View: issue 13

Engaging your pivotal talent

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST

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 12:00:00 EDT

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?

Technology forecast: 2010, Issue 4

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EDT

PwC’s Tech Forecast offers insights for CIOs on opportunities and challenges for companies considering implementation of cloud computing.

The situational CIO: IT problem solver, cost cutter, strategist

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EDT

During the recession, CIOs and other executives had to focus on tactical issues like efficiencies and cost cutting, rather than on developing new business strategies. Here, PwC explains how that may change and outlines ways the CIO can become more strategic while handling other responsibilities – an idea we call the “situational CIO”.

US financial reform

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EDT

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?

Technology forecast: 2010, Issue 3

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EDT

What are the techniques behind low-cost distributed computing that have led companies to explore more of their data in new ways? Here we review the most effective ideas.

The cloud

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:00:00 EDT

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 12:00:00 EDT

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.

Finance & accounting shared services

Wed, 05 May 2010 12:00:00 EDT

10Minutes on Finance & Accounting shared services voices PwC's point of view on how organizations can attempt to minimize, offset, or capitalize on the business consequences of a global economic slowdown when deciding to implement or re-evaluate their current shared services centers.

10Minutes on the CIO

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:00:00 EDT

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 12:00:00 EDT

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 12:00:00 EDT

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 12:00:00 EDT

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.

View: issue 12

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

This issue of PwC's business magazine discusses why anticorruption strategies are crucial for companies in emerging markets. We also examine the steps forward-looking employers are taking to get more value from their healthcare dollars, how a business deal can position an organization for transformation, and what new business alliances and sectors are being created by the cleantech revolution.

Technology forecast: 2010, Issue 2

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

In this issue we examine the yin and yang of structured or repeatable work processes and versatile or variable human processes. For every "yang" in the business, there are probably two "yins"—the more variable, responsive, creative, analytic, and insightful activities that heavily rely on the versatility of employees’ efforts.

10Minutes on compensation

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

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 business continuity management

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

The best disaster survival manuals anticipate major disruptions to the supply chain or at outsourced operations. IT departments play a key role in helping to design business continuity management programs that continually assess— as well as counter—risks.

Technology forecast: 2010, Issue 1

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST

Modeling and simulation from an architectural and transformation standpoint are the focus of this edition. We also explore how CIOs can have more of an impact on transformation efforts by anticipating and harnessing the power of complex adaptive system models, as an adjunct to the modeling efforts of the IT department.

10Minutes on maximizing internal audit

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:00:00 EST

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 EST

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 12:00:00 EST

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 12:00:00 EDT

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.

Becoming a risk resilient organization - the 5 continuous stages

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EDT

This webcast looks at the five stages to integrating risk and performance to achieve resiliency in a volatile global economy, while avoiding the blind spots that traditional, compliance-focused risk management has created.

10Minutes on off-balance-sheet arrangements

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EDT

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.

View: fall 09

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EDT

Landing page of magazine for business executives that lists features: innovation, cloud computing, corporate social responsibility, and an interview with former US Secretary of State Condaleezza Rice on the challenges of her past and future.

10Minutes on managing diversity

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EDT

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.

10Minutes on managing risk and performance

Wed, 27 May 2009 12:00:00 EDT

Companies are under pressure to reform how risk is assessed and to measure its effect on a company’s performance. Linking risk and performance gives companies the confidence to take smart risks.

10Minutes on US infrastructure

Wed, 06 May 2009 12:00:00 EDT

There’s a massive need to renew US infrastructure. What forces are converging now to make it happen? Take 10Minutes for a quick overview of the factors and risks – like skills shortages, hidden costs, vulnerable supply chains and more -- and what goes into good management in today’s environment.

10Minutes on the emerging influence of IFRS

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EDT

How the impact of International Financial Reporting Standards will broaden considerably over the next few years as the convergence of US GAAP and IFRS brings key changes to US financial reporting.

10Minutes on international tax increases

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EDT

PwC analyzes the proposals to change the taxation of US multinational corporations in President Barack Obama's proposed fiscal year 2010 budget.