MultiBriefs - Your source for industry specific News Briefs

Coronavirus: A reminder for employers to have contingency plans for health…

D. Albert Brannen Business Management, Services & Risk Management

The recent outbreak of coronavirus in China reminds us that employers need to take certain actions to be prepared for public health crises in general. This article outlines some of the basic steps that employers can take now to get ready for a rapid spread of flu, coronavirus or some other pandemic threat. For example, you should strive to keep your safety policies and practices up to date. Consider what policies or practices you can adopt now that may come into play if there is a pandemic or major outbreak.

Third-party suppliers can jeopardize your small business

Patrick Gleeson Business Management, Services & Risk Management

One of the less-glamorous aspects of contemporary business is the essential role played by third-party suppliers. Their increasing use allows businesses to rapidly scale up to meet increased product demand. Often, they can supply parts or processes for far less than it would cost a company to produce them in-house. But what is becoming increasingly understood is that these third-party suppliers can also threaten your business — that they present several different kinds of third-party supply risk.

Will the 2020s see the rise of the retail robots?

Katherine Radin Retail

Given the current retail landscape, it comes as no surprise that retailers are diversifying their strategies to avoid closings or losing business to online shoppers. At the National Retail Federation's recent trade show, robots took the spotlight as a solution for retailers looking to improve their inventory management strategies. Some retailers have already been using robots in their distribution centers, and Walmart has recently adopted these high-tech "employees" as well. What does that mean for the industry, retail workers, and in-store shoppers?

Report: US manufacturing slowdown continues

Seth Sandronsky Manufacturing

The U.S. manufacturing sector shrank in December, said the nation's supply executives in the Manufacturing ISM Report On Business. "The December PMI registered 47.2 percent, a decrease of 0.9 percentage point from the November reading of 48.1 percent," said Timothy R. Fiore, chair of the Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. "This is the PMI's lowest reading since June 2009, when it registered 46.3 percent." December was the fifth straight month of PMI contraction.

New study reveals Europe’s fastest-growing freight airport hubs

Matt Falcus Distribution & Warehousing

A new study by freight supplier CP Cases has revealed the current status of Europe’s cargo hubs and the airports that have been growing fastest in the sector. Obvious and well-known freight hubs naturally feature in the list when ranked by total tonnage. Because of the huge amount of belly cargo carried through passenger aircraft at these hubs, few of the dedicated cargo airports can compete with their capacity. However, a number of smaller airports rank highly in different categories, which is quite unexpected and could indicate the future places to watch as their cargo business develops.

Safety issues and trackability in personal care product packaging

Michelle Pudlo Retail

There are already certain concerns we have about quality when purchasing personal care products, but there are also several safety concerns pertaining to the manufacturing and packaging of these products. Personal care products may be referred to as "cosmetics" by law, but they consist of much more than fragrance and makeup products. Cosmetics can refer to everything from body wash and shampoo to toothpaste and skin lotions. While millions of consumers use personal care products on a daily basis, there are certain safety measures that they often lack that put consumers at risk.

Can you recession-proof your job?

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Whether you believe that Big Macs or RV sales predict recessions, it seems at least that the continued talk of a recession is certainly on the horizon. Yet, with more of us gainfully employed and the job market so seeker-friendly, should we care? Yes; just like how it is easier to find a job when we already have one, it is easier to plan for a recession when we are not in one. Here are a few things to consider when trying to recession-proof your job.

3 steps to new employee success

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

The honeymoon period for new employees provides a prime time to set the stage for unlimited success. While some employers unfortunately also call this the introductory period and try to use it as an evaluation window within which to weed out new hires, we should look at it as a litmus test for our own success and a chance to invest in the success of an employee. Employees come in ready to make an impact, optimistic about the opportunity and eager to learn. Here are three steps to take to fan that flame of enthusiasm into a sustainable fire.

Compete on others’ weaknesses, not their strengths

Anne Rose Marketing

When your niche is responsible for your success, why would your company abandon that winning strategy to compete against other companies' strengths? A chain of hardware stores that owes its success to its niche of providing personal customer service, advice, and DIY knowledge has recently considered competing against big online stores to deliver products in one day. Does that make sense to abandon your core competency and spend inordinate money to expand in an area that another has already locked up?

Why PIPs should be a manager’s favorite tool

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

Performance improvement plans (PIPs) are these amazing little forms that can pave a smoother path to professional growth or termination. They can end bad behavior and create positive new habits. Unfortunately, they require a few things of which we do not often have enough: time, patience and focus. Here are a few reasons why PIPs should be a manager’s favorite tool and how they should be used.

Industries