December 2013

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 31 dec 2013

'Design Thinking' is becoming a critical component of innovation strategies implemented by companies. According to Professor John Caruso of Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD), design thinking is all about process and openness to exploring innovative ideas, and through creative problem-solving process that seeks to make lateral connections between seemingly disparate ideas, provide customer centric products and services. The interview with John Caruso provides his views on design thinking concept, the process, the problems that can be solved, the risks involved, the cost factor and its overall impact on companies. He mentions that every company can utilize the basic principles of design thinking, customize them based on their specific needs and apply them as part of their problem solving strategies. According to him the fundamental aspects of design thinking are - problem identification; evaluation of user's needs; establishment of product criteria; exploration & development of ideas & concepts; evaluation of these concepts; implementation through drawings, plans, physical models & user testing; and a further evaluation step before getting realization in the product market. Read on...

BizTimes: Design Thinking can change your company
Author: Erica Breunlin

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 31 dec 2013

'Emotional Design' concept was introduced by Donald Norman and it proposes that people find aesthetically appealing product much more functional and useful because it connects with the person on an emotional level. He mentions three levels of emotional and visual design - Visceral (instant and instinctive first impressions after interaction with product); Behavioral (user experience based on functionality, simplicity, intuitiveness and usability); Reflective (leads to overall impression of the product and involves reasoning, logical thinking and analysis). The article utilizes these principles to suggest a designing process for apps. It mentions ways for incorporating positive emotions in the app design - surprise users with something unexpected and new; use humour; make it attractive and good looking; make people feel special by offering something extra to exclusive groups; consider users needs and incorporate helpful tips and guides. Some more suggestions for app designers - imitate human emotions, use music and be playful and edgy. Read on...

CMS Wire: How To Use Emotional Designs In Your App To Engage Users
Author: Jessica Davis

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 30 dec 2013

Business ethics are an important element of corporate governance and are critical for building public trust and achieving long term success of the businesses. According to the report by SHRM Foundation, more than half of the 10 largest corporate bankruptcies since 1980, costing US$ 1.228 trillion to the owners and the economy, were caused by unethical business practices. While on the other hand, the stock price growth of 100 firms with most ethical culture outperformed stock market and peer indices by 300%, mentions Great Places to Work Institue. Linda Fisher Thornton, author of '7 Lenses: Learning the Principles and Practices of Ethical Leadership', provides seven tips to be an ethical leader - (1) Face the complexity involved in making ethical choices (2) Don't separate ethics from day-to-day business (3) Demonstrate respect for everyone at all times (4) Don't think about ethics as just following laws and regulations (5) Don't exempt anyone from meeting ethical expectations (6) Celebrate positive ethical moments (7) Don't ever stop being ethical. Read on...

Business Report: The ethical workplace
Author: NA

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 29 dec 2013

CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) phenomenon is finding relevance around the world. In a recently held 'CSR Saudi Arabia 2013 Conference' the main focus was to encourage Saudi business leaders to participate in initiatives to provide youths with employment skills and promote their civic engagement. Saudi Arabia's 65% population is below the age of 25 years and holds the potential to lead the country for a better socio-economic future. The main themes of the conference included job creation, community-based initiatives, gender diversity, and growing a knowledge-based economy. According to Huda Hakki, Programs & Projects Department Director of the King Khalid Foundation, although Saudi Arabia is one of the highest in philanthropy but partnerships and collaborations among various stakeholders ensure effective use of resources to build a vibrant civil society and thriving business and entrepreneurial community. Read on...

CSRwire: Corporate Social Responsibility Takes Center Stage in Saudi Arabia
Author: NA

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 23 dec 2013

With human DNA having 8-9% of viral elements and an average human body having ten times more microbial cells then human cells, the question arises how these constituents influence and affect human behavior or is there a link between the two at all. Some recent research studies point in this direction and suggest possibilities of connection between the two - the host and the pathogen. Researchers from UCLA found changes in brain function of women as a result of probiotics. Moreover research also suggests a link between the type of bacteria present in the gut and the connections between the different areas of the brain. Research by Stephen Collins of McMaster University in Ontario found that the replacement of gut bacteria of nervous mice by that of a fearless mice makes it friendlier and less anxious. Read on...

Forbes: Who's In charge Here - The Surprising Science of Self Control
Author: Steven Kotler

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 22 dec 2013

Organizations develop and implement CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) policies and programs based on their own specific approaches. It may include philanthropy, community engagement, environmental sustainability, social sector collaborations etc. Deloitte, a global consulting firm, has Humanitarian Innovation Program that collaborates with social organizations to develop better solutions for the problems they face. The program intends to have a more client-centered approach to CSR and engages these organizations, considering them as their important clients, through an application and consultation process. In this process Deloitte utilizes its private expertise to co-create innovative solutions. Read on...

devex: CSR should be more 'client-centered' - Deloitte executive
Author: Paul Stephens

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 22 dec 2013

According to a study by Margaret Ormiston of London Business School and Elaine Wong of University of California at Riverside, for every five cases of good CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) that Fortune 500 CEOs undertake they commit one act of CSiR (Corporate Social Irresponsibility). For their study they considered the 2002 list of Fortune 500 CEOs, obtained detailed background information available through various media, conducted assessment tests like California Adult Q-sort (a forced distributed methodology) and narrowed the list to 49 CEOs for the study. Then they used KDL (Kinder, Lydenberg, Domini) scale to assess CSiR. KDL rates companies in seven qualitative areas from a scale of -2 to +2 on aspects like environmental behavior, community relations, employee relations, corporate governance, diversity, human rights, and product. Researchers suggest that CEOs should always be aware and vigilant of their organization's activities from all aspects and companies should have CSR board or an oversight committee to check on their CEO more frequently. Read on...

THOMASNET News: Study - How CSR Leads to Corporate Social Irresponsibility
Author: Michael Lewis

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 21 dec 2013

Professor Stacey Bent and her team at Stanford University has created the world's thinnest and most efficient absorber of light. The gold nanodot-filled wafers were fabricated using a technique called block-copolymer lithography. A thin-film coating was added over the wafers using a technology called atomic layer deposition that provided uniform coating and gave control over the thickness of the film at an atomic level. This research will find application in solar cells to develop clean energy. An ideal solar cell would be able to absorb entire visible light spectrum - violet light waves, red light waves, invisible ultraviolet and infrared light. The research team was able to tune the optical properties of nanodots to maximize absorption of a specific wavelength. The experiment have the potential to lower the cost of the solar cell device by reducing the amount of material while also improving the efficiency by maximizing the absorption of light. Read on...

ScienceBlog: Scientists break record for thinnest light-absorber
Author: NA

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 21 dec 2013

Tackling water scarcity and carbon emissions are important issues facing the world. There is continuous debate regarding the methods of energy and power generation and their effects that lead to global warming and climate change. According to recent report by US Department of Energy (DoE), some renewable and clean energy sources use more water then fossil fuel-powered plants. About 90% of power in US is generated by fossil fuel and nuclear power plants and they together use half of the total water consumed by US. The report mentions water consumption by each source per megawatt hour of electricity generation - Hydroelectric (15000 to 68000 litres); Concentrating Solar (3000 litres); Nuclear (2650 litres); Coal (1900 litres); Natural Gas (750 litres); Biofuels use water indirectly to irrigate biofuel crops; Wind farms and photovoltaic solar plants almost consume no water. If US has to meet the target of reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, it has to rely heavily on renewable and clean energy sources which on the other hand also create water consumption challenges. John Rogers of Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) says that water scarcity shoud be taken into account along with emissions when planning new power sources. Read on...

New Scientist: Thirsty clean energy may add to water stressed world
Author: Sara Reardon

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 18 dec 2013

Hospitals in recent times have become specialized and develop their competences accordingly. The specializations provide hospitals clear focus in providing the best available services and facilities to the particular segment they serve. One of the important segment of the hospital spectrum is children care as they have different needs as compared to adults and may require specific medical procedures and care services. Article provides review of some highly ranked pediatric hospitals in US and explores the reasons for their excellence. Some of the differentiating factors are - higher level of commitment to provide children focused quality medical services; dedication towards providing best healthcare experience to patients enables them to build solid reputation and attract best staff; invest heavily on amenities, equipment and technology; investment in research to discover new treatments. Read on...

Healthcare Global: Hospitals Blazing Trails, The Best in Children's Care
Authors: Alyssa Clark, John McMalcolm

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 17 dec 2013

A retail industry expert explains how an experience in retail provides lessons that can develop and enhance leadership abilities - Don't just be different, be special (make customers part of your enterprise and delight them so much that they form an emotional attachment to the brand); Pick up the trash (don't hesitate to act on even smaller things if there is a need, become visible to your customers, model the behavior that you want others to follow, develop emotional connect with customers and employees); Don't blow a long-term relationship over a short-term glitch (create clarity around what a customer experience feels like in your context, understand the competitive offerings as the customers are aware too in today's connected world); When your name is on it, you own it (cutomers may not understand the organizational separation of working units so if they see a corporate connection then you should make sure to deliver as corporate reputation might be at stake); Frontline employees are too often undervalued (keep in mind the value of the employees who are at the bottom of the hierarchical pyramid in the organization, understand their needs and ensure their well being with proper pay and benefit policies, training efforts and other support mechanisms). Read on...

strategy+business: Learning the Leadership Lessons of Retail
Author: Eric J. McNulty

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 16 dec 2013

Among many leadership qualities and traits, the ability to have 'emotional connect' and reach people and inspire them, is one of the most important. Some of the leadership tools that can assist to inspire, encourage and enhance talent are - Emotional Intelligence (understand empathy and ability to read peoples needs and desires); Continuous Learning (curiosity and an insatiable desire to do better and embrace new knowledge and fresh input); Contextualize (understand specific situations and implement solutions accordingly); Let Go (inspire, influence, guide, support, give people freedom to perform and get out of the way); Honesty (being transparent and accountable, inspire with heart); Kindness and Respect (avoid ignorance and arrogance); Collaboration (consider employees as partners and communicate openly and honestly about organization's strategies, goals and challenges); Partner with Your People (understand employee goals and assist them). Read on...

Forbes: Leadership is About Emotion
Author: Meghan M. Biro

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 12 dec 2013

Advancements in digital and communication technologies are affecting the dynamics of how healthcare is provided and received. Patients have access to latest and sophisticated health information, improved access and communication with medical professionals, digital tools and improved social support. Some of the technologies that are participating in the healthcare delivery and access, and facilitating its transformation are wearable health monitoring devices, health applications, electronic medical records, DNA analysis, social media outlets and online forums. In their recent book 'ePatient 2015: 15 Surprising Trends Changing Healthcare', Fard Johnmar and Rohit Bhargava, explore the human aspects of the various technologies that are affecting the healthcare landscape, evaluate and understand the relationship that is progressing between humans and healthcare technology and how these technologies have the potential to save lives. Frad Johnmar explains "The future of healthcare is about more than economics, politics and individual technologies. We want readers to come away with a deeper appreciation to the human side of innovation and understand that looking at the big picture is required, rather than optional." The book examines and explains 3 themes that are changing healthcare and giving rise to 15 trends - (1) Health Hyperefficiency (Trends: Empathetic Interfaces, Unhealthy Surveillance, Predictive Psychohistory); (2) The Personalized Health Movement (Trends: The Over-Quantified Self, The Device Divide, Multicultural Misalignment, Healthy Real Estate, Medical Genealogy, Neuro-influence Mapping, Natural Medicine, Microhealth Rewards); (3) Digital Peer-to-Peer Healthcare (Trends: Care Hacking, Accelerated Trial-Sourcing, Virtual Counseling). Read on...

HIT Consultants: ePatient 2015: 15 Surprising Trends Changing Healthcare
Author: Fard Johnmar

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 11 dec 2013

Global food security, farming associated livelihoods and farming methodologies are important issues around the world. There are competing economic and political ideologies trying to gain acceptance when it comes to the very sensitive agricultural sector. One of the sensitive issue of the present time is that of GM (Genetically Modified) crops and use of biotechnology and genetic engineering in food production and processing. The main issues of concern are related to their effect on human health and the natural environment. The article deals with the GM food and technology debate and its politicization in UK. Eight European countries (Poland, Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Greece, and Bulgaria) have banned GM crops. In 50 countries around the world including Australia, Japan and most European countries GM crops production is either totally banned or there are extremely tight restriction on GM crops production and products. Read on...

Global Research: Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology and the Future Of Humanity
Author: Colin Todhunter

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 11 dec 2013

'Liberation Management' is the concept that encourages workers to be themselves without the limiting and formal workplace norms and professional attitudes. The boundaries between home and work are blurring. Workers are provided freedom to carry on their duties without being restricted to workplace. Organizational structures are less hierarchical and more flexible. Collaborations are on ad hoc basis. Professor Peter Fleming of Cass Business School in London, used the concept of 'biopower' developed by Michel Foucault, a French expert in the working of discipline and control, to examine the pros and cons of the present day freedom and autonomy of workers. According to him, this is a 'lifestyle approach' to management, where companies expect better performance by encouraging employees to be their everyday selves on the job. Life skills, communication & organization skills and emotional intelligence are now the key competences. Read on...

ANI News: Experts say line between professional and personal life 'blurring'
Author: NA

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 08 dec 2013

There is growing consensus and concern across all the nations rich or poor, developed or developing, that inequality among populations is growing and it is a major threat to the global economy. The latest World Economic Forum report mentions widening income disparities as one of the top trends facing the world in 2014. According to Helene D. Gayle, CEO of CARE USA, the reasons for growing inequality in the world include - lack of access to quality primary and secondary education in some countries; public health problems, like chronic diseases, that exacerbate income gaps; social inequalities like gender discrimination. Recent Pew Research Center survey of general populations around the globe found that in 31 out of 39 nations, 50% or more of those surveyed said that inequality is a very big problem in their country. Read on...

Pew Research Center: The global consensus: Inequality is a major problem
Author: Richard Wike

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 08 dec 2013

The latest report released by World Economic Forum, 'Outlook on the Global Agenda 2014', was based on the survey of 1592 leaders from 112 countries that included people from business (43%), academia (21%), civil society (12%), government (9%), other organizations (8%) and international organizations (7%). The study identifies the following top 10 trends facing the world in 2014 - (1) Rising societal tensions in the Middle East and North Africa; (2) Widening income disparities; (3) Persistent structural unemployment; (4) Intensifying cyber threats; (5) Inaction on climate change; (6) Diminishing confidence in economic policies; (7) A lack of values in leadership; (8) The expanding middle class in Asia; (9) The growing importance of megacities; (10) The rapid spread of information online. Read on...

World Economic Forum: Outlook on the Global Aganda for 2014 - Top 10 Trends of 2014
Author: NA

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 07 dec 2013

The world of fashion is evolving with advancement in materials technology and functionality in clothing and garment design. The latest trends in Japanese fashion industry include - Inspired by the emergency blankets used in disaster sites and space outfits, foil like material is used to design sporty urban suits that are light and retain heat, for windy and extreme cold weather conditions; Odor free undergarments and dresses made from highly porous ceramic particles woven into the material absorb and trap bad odor and then metal ions break down the odor causing elements. Another deodorizing nanotechnology based fabric material is permeated with solvent that neutralizes bad odor ammonia; Use of tiny magnets in undergarments to help women suffering from stiff shoulder and back pain. Read on...

The Asahi Shimbun: Latest fashion is smart and high-tech
Author: Kotaro Nakajima, Yuki Ogawa

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 07 dec 2013

Healthy population is the essential component of development. In regions where substantial populations are residing in rural and remote areas, the challenge is to provide them with timely access of healthcare services and medicines. There are lessons that can be derived from retail supply chain management and processes to deliver medicines and health products effectively and efficiently. According to a report by CIHL (Center for Innovation in Healthcare Logistics) at the University of Arkansas, some of the best practices of retail supply chain that can be adopted by healthcare industry are - collaborative planning, forecasting & replenishment; scanning technology; education & training; centralized purchasing & supply; supply chain services reorganization; regular cycle counting and stock rotation; performance management; actual usage inventory management; e-commerce; data standardization. Read on...

the guardian: Getting medicines to the poor - Solving the logistics challenge
Author: Eliza Anyangwe

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 02 dec 2013

New perspectives and dynamics are being created in the socio-economic environment of the countries due to the rising phenomenon of non-charitable social enterprises. According to a legal expert from UK, charities should consider partnerships and collaborations with social businesses and should view them working on similar agendas. This would create a potent competitive front to counterbalance the powerful business oligopolies that seem to dominate the markets. He mentions that a proper legal definition of a social business with appropriate 'asset locks' in the articles of association are needed for building this partnership with charities. Read on...

Third Sector: Charities 'should see non-charitable social enterprises as comrades-in-arms'
Author: Kate Youde

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 02 dec 2013

Customer service and support is becoming one of the most critical function of the businesses with advancement in communication technologies, social media and customer awareness. The need to focus on customer satisfaction is essential for customer acquisition, to build long-term relationships and get repeat customers. The article examines customer service trends for 2014 - Self Service; Proactive Support; Technological Domination; The Comeback of the Premium Service; Customers Have a Voice and They Can't Stop Using it. Read on...

Dubai Chronicle: Upcoming Customer Service Trends for 2014
Author: NA

Mohammad Anas Wahaj | 01 dec 2013

Jonny Ives of Apple, acknowledges the influences that Dieter Ram's (of Braun) work has on his designs. Often these influences are visible in his designs for Apple's products. Article explores some of the comparisons of the works of both designers. Jonny Ives considered Dieter Ram's designs as 'bold, pure, perfectly-proportioned, coherent and effortless'. The ten principles of 'Good Design' described by Dieter Ram are - (1) It is innovative; (2) It makes a product useful; (3) It is aesthetic; (4) It makes a product understandable; (5) It is unobtrusive; (6) It is honest; (7) It is long-lasting; (8) It is thorough down to the last detail (9) It is environmentally friendly; (10) It is as little design as possible. Read on...

Forbes: Jony Ives' (No Longer So) Secret Design Weapon
Author: Anthony Wing Kosner