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Archive for June 29th, 2011

Comprehensive Solutions Needed for More Effective Mega-Project Management in China, India and Rest of Asia

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2011-06-27 11:00 

 

SINGAPORE, June 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ — Asia’s most influential project managers seeking solutions to the never-ending complexity of mega-project management are meeting in Beijing on 19 and 20 September. The purpose is to brainstorm about how mega-projects are becoming the new norm for project construction in Asia’s biggest economies.

It requires 37 procedures, takes 336 days, and costs 579.23 % GNI per capita to build just a warehouse in China. In India, complex regulations at state and federal level are stalling projects at the very beginning. And when it comes to mega-projects, the situation only gets more complex. Yet Asia needs mega-projects to address their burgeoning energy and water crisis, and feed their growing economic ambitions.

In North China, the desertification of the Gobi Desert is drying up farmland in the north, and the rapid growth of mega-cities Tianjin and Beijing has already drained underground aquifers. China has already spent a whopping CNY115bn (US$17bn) in their ambitious South-to-North Water Diversion Project, and will spend more on this mega-project over the next decade, as construction enters its critical phase.

Over in India, a power crisis is looming. Recent reports showed that the government once again fell short of the target for ramping up generation capacity by 64%.  In April 2011, India unveiled 16, US$4.4 billion ultra mega power projects to meet their growing power needs, projects which are attracting significant interest from the power sector.

As mega-projects become the new normal for large scale construction projects in Asia, a key regional conference, meeting from 19-20 September 2011 in Beijing will see project management experts from Hatch, Arup, Flour and Worley Parsons address the key project management challenges associated with conceptualising, developing and executing mega-projects in the region.

The conference, IQPC’s Effective Project Management of Global Megaprojects, will also see seven key regulators from China, and the rest of Asia contributing their tips and pointers on formulating strong contracts and doing business under the different legislative environments present.

Within the complex judicial, political and business structures of Asia’s growing economies, effective management of mega construction projects have evolved to become a creative art form instead of practical science, where procedures and principles are being overtaken by manipulative methodologies and organisational excellence, allowing for chaotic miscalculations and burgeoning costs.

Asia’s most influential project managers seeking solutions to the never-ending complexity of mega-project management have already confirmed their participation for the Effective Project Management of Global Megaprojects conference. Those seeking more information can visithttp://www.globalmegaprojects.com/Event.aspx?id=521344&mac=MPPRNWBA or contact Joyce Shi (email:joyce.shi@iqpc.com.sg; +65.6722.9446) to request for the latest conference information pack.

Media contact:

Joyce Shi
Tel: +65-6722-9446
Email: joyce.shi@iqpc.com.sg

 

SOURCE International Quality and Productivity Center (IQPC)

Written by asiafreshnews

June 29, 2011 at 6:12 pm

Posted in Business & Finance

Thomson Reuters Releases Endnote X5 for Windows

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2011-06-27 09:00 

 

Research and publishing solution enables file attachments on the Web, automatic reference updates and PDF annotations

PHILADELPHIA and LONDON, June 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ — Thomson Reuters today released a major upgrade to Thomson Reuters EndNote® for Windows, the bibliographic management and publishing solution used by millions of researchers, librarians and students worldwide. With EndNote X5 researchers can add and move file attachments between their computer and Web account, view and annotate PDFs, and update references automatically.

“EndNote X5 offers several new and improved product features to help users save valuable time managing their reference collections,” said Keith MacGregor, executive vice president, Thomson Reuters. “We are continually looking to improve the scholarly research and publishing experience for our customers, and the latest update adds key functionalities like the ability to update existing references with critical data needed for grant submissions.”

Add and Transfer File Attachments to the Web

EndNote X5 users can access file attachments and figures within their EndNote Web records. File attachments can be added directly to an EndNote Web record or transferred between a local library and the Web to see the same reference detail in both environments. EndNote X5 users will also receive increased Web storage for up to 25,000 references and 1GB for their file attachments.

View and Annotate PDF files within EndNote

A new PDF viewer joins the “Quick Edit” tab in EndNote X5, enabling users to review an attached PDF and edit a record in one place. The PDF viewer makes it easy to navigate between multiple attachments as well as annotate the file with highlights and comments. Users can search the entire PDF including comments and use many familiar options common to PDF viewing.

Update References Automatically

Existing references can now be updated easily with a new option that lets EndNote search online for more complete reference detail. When a match is found, EndNote highlights the differences in a side-by-side comparison of the new and existing reference. Users can decide whether to update the empty fields only, replace all the fields, or copy-and-paste specific information. While any field can be updated, the new feature saves time for existing references that now require article identifiers such as PMCID and NIHMSID numbers for grant submissions.

The latest version of EndNote also enables users to:

  • Use new conditional formatting in journal styles that substitutes data for empty fields automatically.
  • Review differences in duplicate records quickly with auto-highlights.
  • Select a new citation style-Author (Year)-in Microsoft® Word.
  • Use a new reference type-Music-and new fields in the Journal Article reference type-Article Number and NIHMSID.
  • Cite While You Write in over 5,000 journal styles.

For more information about EndNote please visit endnote.com.

Pricing and Availability

EndNote X5 is designed for Windows XP, Vista and 7. The list price of EndNote X5 is $329.95 USD. A list of international distributors is available at endnote.com. Special upgrade prices are available to owners of previous versions. EndNote X5 is now available from Thomson Reuters, college and university bookstores, and authorized resellers worldwide. EndNote X5 for Mac OS X will ship in summer/fall 2011.

About Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters is the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals.  We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, healthcare and science and media markets, powered by the world’s most trusted news organization.  With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs more than 55,000 people and operates in over 100 countries. For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com.

 

SOURCE Thomson Reuters

Written by asiafreshnews

June 29, 2011 at 3:19 pm

Posted in Business & Finance

25 Organizations in Asia Pacific named as Aon Hewitt Best Employers in APAC 2011

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2011-06-27 10:35
2011 Study validates that focusing on People translates to better business results

HONG KONG, June 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ — Aon Hewitt, the global leader in human resource consulting and outsourcing solutions, announced on 22nd June the winners of the 6th Aon Hewitt Best Employers in APAC 2011 study.

A key highlight of the study is that Best Employers delivered differentiated financial returns from the ‘Rest’. From 2007 to 2009, Best Employers achieved double the growth in profit levels compared to the ‘Rest’ (i.e. 16% vs 8%) which includes their performance during the economic crisis from 2008-2009.

In addition to higher profits, the ‘Best’ achieved higher employee engagement levels with an average of 88% of employees engaged compared to 60% employee engagement for the ‘Rest’.

The 20 Aon Hewitt Best Employers in APAC 2011 are:

Organization Name Market
Aditya Birla Group India
Al Rajhi Bank Malaysia
Bain & Company Singapore
China Telecom Shanghai Branch Mainland China
Citi Singapore Singapore
GD Midea Holding Co., Ltd. Mainland China
Godrej Consumer Products Limited India
Golden Arches Restaurants Sdn Bhd Malaysia
LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd India
McDonald’s (China) Co., Ltd. Mainland China
McDonald’s Restaurants Pte Ltd Singapore
McThai Co., Ltd. Thailand
Neusoft Corporation Mainland China
NTPC Limited India
S P Setia Berhad Malaysia
Samsung Securities Korea
Singapore Prison Service Singapore
Swensen’s (Thai) Limited. Thailand
Tata Teleservices Limited India
Whirlpool Of India Limited India
Note: List in alphabetical order, unranked.

Aon Hewitt’s 2011 Asia Pacific Best Employers Study marks the 6th study in the region since 2001. The 2011 study was conducted in the following markets in Asia Pacific: Australia/New Zealand, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Across these markets, over 800 organizations representing 23 industries participated. In total, information was collected from over 150,000 employees representing the views of a diverse over 2.5 million employees in the Asia Pacific region. This makes the Aon Hewitt Best Employers study the most comprehensive research study on people in the Asia Pacific region.

This year’s judging panel also identified a separate list of Aon Hewitt Best Employers from the hotel industry sector. The five Aon Hewitt Best Employers in APAC 2011 — Hotels are:

Organization Name Market
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Hong Kong
The Ritz-Carlton Hotels, China Mainland China
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore Singapore
The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok Thailand
Note: List in alphabetical order, unranked.

Jeremy Andrulis, Project Director, Aon Hewitt Best Employers in APAC 2011 Study and General Manager, Aon Hewitt Consulting, Hong Kong, said, “The increased focus on the region as one of the world’s key growth engines presents vast opportunities and daunting challenges for organizations to meet the heightened demands — particularly related to attracting, developing, engaging and retaining employees. Aon Hewitt’s 2011 Asia Pacific Best Employers Study, conducted during this growth period from the end of 2010 through early 2011, provides unique insights into how well organizations are leveraging the opportunities and delivering on the challenges regarding their human capital practices.”

The study notes that there is no single formula for becoming a Best Employer. The organizations identified as Best Employers possess vastly different business models, business strategies, work cultures, and human capital programs. However, in the 2011 study, it was clear that the ‘Best’ differentiated themselves versus the ‘Rest’ in their ability to answer five critical questions that employees are asking of their organizations.

Are we all aligned on the people investments needed to achieve our goals?
Is there a compelling reason for me to work here?
Will I be effectively developed and fairly rewarded for extra effort?
Do I receive timely and quality support?
Am I trusted and encouraged to take ownership?
Edouard Merette, Chief Executive, Aon Hewitt Consulting, APAC, said, “The Aon Hewitt Best Employers study completes a decade in the Asia Pacific Region. Over these years we have witnessed a rising interest among regional organizations in becoming a Best Employer. It is a sign of the region’s economic status and global aspirations of regional organizations.

The Best Employers study proves that the decision to take the journey of becoming a Best Employer is a strategic decision for progressive organizations. The data, insights and best practices from the Study show us how the Best are ensuring their human capital systems are geared towards achieving the best business results for growth economies.”

The judges for the regional Asia Pacific Best Employers were:

Dr. Siriyupa Roongrerngsuke, Executive Director, Head of Human Resources Program, Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration of Chulalongkorn University and Honorary Research Fellow (2011-2012), Birkbeck College, University of London;
Mr. Michael Fraccaro, Regional Head of Learning, Talent, Resourcing and Organisation Development Asia Pacific, The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited;
Ms. Viola Hoffmann, Director, Talent Management, Human Resources Asia Pacific, BASF East Asia Headquarters Ltd.; and
Ms. Alice Chai, Research Director, The Wall Street Journal, Asia.
The key criteria used by the judges to identify the Best Employers focused on the scores for the Best Employer Drivers, Best Employer Employee Segments and Engagement scores. In addition, the judges also factored in the organization’s financial performance, size, complexity of their business, employee turnover and HR practices.

Richard Arnold, Commercial Director for Manchester United, the biggest football club in the world, delivered the keynote address at the announcement ceremony. The theme for the keynote was ‘Manchester United – Sustaining Best Employer Leadership’. Richard noted, “We compliment the rigor and the science behind Aon Hewitt’s Best Employers study – the essence of any organization’s success is in its talent management capability. Manchester United understands the value of managing talent. Goals are won and business results achieved when talent is engaged, empowered and excited with the organization. Congratulations to all the Aon Hewitt Best employers for being on their journey to become institutions with great talent”

About Aon Hewitt Best Employers in APAC 2011 study

The Aon Hewitt Best Employers in APAC 2011 study was based on inputs from more than 800 organizations. The study received opinions from more than 150,000 employees representing a workforce of 2.5 million employees — making it the largest single source of employee and human capital research across the region. The study was conducted in partnership with Wall Street Journal Asia on a regional basis, along with media partners in the local markets.

This year’s study covered Australia/New Zealand, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and Middle East.

About Aon Hewitt

Aon Hewitt is the global leader in human resource consulting and outsourcing solutions. The company partners with organizations to solve their most complex benefits, talent and related financial challenges, and improve business performance. Aon Hewitt designs, implements, communicates and administers a wide range of human capital, retirement, investment management, health care, compensation and talent management strategies. With more than 29,000 professionals in 90 countries, Aon Hewitt makes the world a better place to work for clients and their employees. For more information on Aon Hewitt, please visit http://www.aonhewitt.com/apac.

About Aon

Aon Corporation (NYSE:AON) is the leading global provider of risk management services, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing. Through its more than 59,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon unites to deliver distinctive client value via innovative and effective risk management and workforce productivity solutions. Aon’s industry-leading global resources and technical expertise are delivered locally in over 120 countries. Named the world’s best broker by Euromoney magazine’s 2008, 2009 and 2010 Insurance Survey, Aon also ranked highest on Business Insurance’s listing of the world’s insurance brokers based on commercial retail, wholesale, reinsurance and personal lines brokerage revenues in 2008 and 2009. A.M. Best deemed Aon the number one insurance broker based on revenues in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and Aon was voted best insurance intermediary 2007-2010, best reinsurance intermediary 2006-2010, best captives manager 2009-2010, and best employee benefits consulting firm 2007-2009 by the readers of Business Insurance. Visit http://www.aon.com for more information on Aon and http://www.aon.com/manchesterunited to learn about Aon’s global partnership and shirt sponsorship with Manchester United.

Media Contact:

Sushil Bhasin
Marketing Lead, Best Employers in APAC
Aon Hewitt
+91-9810068426
sushil.bhasin@aonhewitt.com

Elaine Liu
+852-2917-7928
elaine.liu@aonhewitt.com

SOURCE Aon Hewitt

Written by asiafreshnews

June 29, 2011 at 3:02 pm

Posted in Uncategorized