Forecast season is again upon us, so here's our take on some of the the issues that will make a difference to our business next year.
In spite of some pessimism about the global economic picture, 2008 promises to be a year of significant growth at Protean, particularly as outsourcing continues to redefine the shape of modern business.
"Lean" principles have positively reshaped many manufacturing businesses during the past several years, and this same lean approach will be extended by forward thinking companies to departments such as finance, marketing and distribution. In most businesses these areas are ripe for similarly conceived improvements in efficiency and contribution to profitability.
Brand development and strategic communications are among the many business functions more effectively and economically executed by experienced and focused outside specialists, particularly as new electronic media and the continuous evolution of the internet alter the communications landscape.
More simply put: the continuous restructuring of the value chain requires companies to understand what is core, in terms of their competence, and what is context… and direct their resources accordingly.
