Risk Management

Bulk carrier ran aground

2012-01-30T06:11:00.001-08:00

On 19^th January, 2012, Bulker “Global Legacy” operated by NYK Global Bulk Corporation which is subsidiary of NYK Line stranded at Pohang, Korea. She has anchored at Pohang waiting for cargo.

She dragged and hit break water due to strong wind. After hitting break water, she stranded at about 100meter away from shore. As her fuel tank was damaged, we are collecting the in formations as to its quantity. We are managing situation coordinating with local authority.

Risk Management

2012-01-28T15:44:00.000-08:00

The entire process of identifying, evaluating, controlling and reviewing risks, to make sure that the organisation is exposed to only those risks that it needs to take to achieve its primary objectives, is known as 'risk management.'

Risk management is a proactive process, not reactive.

Risk cannot be eliminated. However, it can be:

Transferred to another party, who is willing to take risk, say by buying an insurance policy or entering into a forward contract;
Reduced, by having good internal controls;
Avoided, by not entering into risky businesses;
Retained, to either avoid the cost of trying to reduce risk or in anticipation of higher profits by taking on more risk, and;
Shared, by following a middle path between retaining and transferring risk.

OPTIONS TO BE CONSIDERED TO IDENTIFY RISK

2012-01-28T08:31:00.000-08:00

1. comparison against risk minimization measures
2. checklists
3. group process techniques
4. analysis of the project assumptions
5. analysis of areas uncertainty
6. analysis of the reasons why decisions have been made to ensure that these remains valid

2012-01-28T04:32:00.000-08:00

RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk Management is considered a vital aspect of a business world, it is because success of the business depends upon successfully identifying the risks and finding the best strategies to overcome these risks.

Risk Management

2012-01-25T23:27:00.000-08:00

The Importance of Strategic Management

2011-12-09T07:59:00.001-08:00

Why is strategic management so important?According to Hunger & Wheelen, “Organizations that engage in strategic management generally outperform those that do not. The attainment of an appropriate match or fit between an organization’s environment and its strategy, structure, and processes has positive effects on the organization’s performance. A firm cannot afford to follow intuitive strategies once it becomes large, has layers of management, or its environment changes substantially. As the world’s environment becomes increasingly complex and changing, strategic management is used by today’s corporations as one way to make the environment more manageable.”Consistent with the importance of strategic management is the importance of staying informed on demographic, cultural, and political changes that affect a corporation’s business around the world.

2011-12-06T03:14:00.000-08:00

Dog : Oh no! not again !!!!

Strategic Management Formulation: Assessing Company's Internal & External Situation

2011-12-02T13:46:00.000-08:00

The diagram that breakdown the process of formulating strategic management activities, by conducting internal and external analysis based on company mission.

Words of Wisdom on leadership

2011-11-28T01:47:00.000-08:00

By not demanding accountability, you fail to protect your people from their own incompetence.
~ General Norman Schwarttzkoph

2011-11-27T23:47:00.000-08:00

Seeking help is not a sign of ignorance. its an intellectual act that allows people to admit that some situations are not meant to be handled alone.....

Help

2011-11-27T23:30:00.000-08:00

Seeking help is not a sign of ignorance. its an intellectual act that allows people to admit that some situations are not meant to handled alone.....

The Magic of Recurring Revenues - Another Strategic Management Tip

2011-11-24T20:18:00.000-08:00

Whether you are just starting out or have had your business for years, every business owner should focus on developing recurring revenue streams. Few things have as much impact across so many elements of your business as this.

Recurring revenues streams are the portions of a company’s total revenue which are stable, very likely to continue and can be counted on with a high degree of certainty.

Predictable revenues produce stability, operational efficiencies and enable you to focus your time and energies on growing your business. Not every business can have one, but if you don’t, you should try really really hard to fix that.

Examples of businesses with recurring revenue streams

Examples of recurring revenues are gym memberships, insurance policies, maintenance and support services, telephone, internet and other services. There are many other types of businesses which not only enjoy this type of revenue but which are actually designed and built on this model.

There is a distinct trend right now, particularly with web based businesses to offer services under a subscription model rather than a traditional one time sale and licensing model. In addition to software services being delivered in this manner, most Managed Services Providers of IT services (MSP’s) are setup on a recurring revenue basis.

Benefits of recurring revenues
• Predictable cash flows
• Loyal repeat customers
• Lower sales costs
• More effective sales processes to develop new customers
• More effective sales processes to grow business with existing customers
• Increased revenues
• Increased profitability
• More effective use of everyone’s time
• Business stability
• Enhanced ability to plan, invest, develop, grow, and manage your business

10 Reasons why Small Businesses Fail

2011-11-24T14:42:00.000-08:00

1. The math just doesn't work

2. Owners who cannot get out of their own way

3. Out-of-control growth

4. Poor accounting

5. Lack of a cash cushion

6. Operational mediocrity

7. Operational inefficiencies

8. Dysfunctional management

9. The lack of a succession plan

10. A declining market

The Motivational Artwork

2011-11-22T05:24:00.000-08:00

Key Question for Systemic Competence Management

2011-11-21T22:52:00.000-08:00

"Any one can hold the helm when the sea is calm." — Publilius Syrus.

Advantages and Disadvantages of technology

2011-11-17T21:31:00.000-08:00

ADVANTAGES

1. Globalization - it allowed the world's economy to become a single independent system

2. Communication - communication becomes cheaper, quicker and more efficient

3. Cost Effectivenes - it streamlined businesses to make them extremely cost effective money making machines

4. Bridging the cultural gap - it helps people from different cultures to communicate with one another

5. More time - it has made possible for busineses to be open 24/7 all over the globe

6. Creation of new jobs - new creation of interesting jobs

DISANVANTAGES

1. Unemployment - it created a job redundancies, downsizing and outsourcing

2. Privacy - email hacking is big threat to privacy informations online

3. Lack of job security - each one have to be updated and needs constant learning if he/she wishes to keep job secure

4. Dominant culture - it is now argued that US influences how most teenagers globally act, dress and behave

Benefits of Strategic Management

2011-11-17T19:31:00.000-08:00

The main advantages of strategic management have developed better strategies by aid agencies nor systematic, logical and realistic policy options.

Strategic Management offers the following financial and non financial:

Financial benefits of strategic management
First Study shows organizations, strategic management principles tend to be better rewarded than comparing productively with those who do not.

Second most powerful organizations tend to prepare for the implementation of strategic planning for future deviations in the external and internal environment. Companies with strategic planning have excellent long-term effectiveness in line with its monetary sector.

Non-financial benefits of strategic management
To avoid the first addition to the support of the destruction of corporate money, the strategic management of real additional benefits, including increased understanding of external threats, a better understanding of the strengths of competitors, improve employee productivity decreased resistance to change, and with a clear understanding of performance and rewarding relationships.

Second addition to strengthening management and employees, strategic management is often helpful to bring order and discipline to an organization.

Culture is walking the talk

2011-11-16T23:45:00.000-08:00

The maritime zones are established by Part V of the UNCLOS Convention (1982).

2011-11-15T05:28:00.001-08:00

Make a difference in the workplace

2011-11-13T19:45:00.000-08:00

By using strategic thinking, you can often turn frustration into opportunity. Strategic thinkers:
• Resist falling into the rut of reacting solely to the needs and demands of senior managers and line staff. Strategic thinkers develop an understanding of what needs to be accomplished by their work teams and strive to influence the way both senior managers and line staff view work priorities.
• Learn to be successful synthesizers of information. Senior managers rely on front-line or middle managers to translate policy directives and priorities from the top into useful and coherent instructions to line staff. Those who are able to successfully implement top-level decisions at the line-staff level are coveted by senior management. Senior staff members also rely on team leaders or managers to give them information about operational issues that they can use to make policies and set priorities. Strategic thinkers use this opportunity to provide information in ways that promote their priorities and the needs of their team members.
• Selectively champion goals and objectives that are important to them. Strategic thinkers identify one or two goals that are truly important and find ways to advocate for them among senior managers and line staff. Senior managers will quickly tire of someone who advocates for a wide variety of goals. However, if front-line and middle managers focus their efforts on a few important issues, senior managers—over time—will be tolerant and even come to expect specific reactions and feedback from them.

Strategic framework

2011-11-11T14:23:00.001-08:00

S t r a t e g i c M a n a g e m e n t f o r T o u r i s m

2011-11-11T08:59:00.000-08:00

The subject of strategic management is often taught as a core topic at some stage (usually the final year) during a tourism degree programme. Strategic management also acts as a key feature of postgraduate tourism degree programmes. The topic consolidates what the student has learnt in the preceding years of their degree and applies this knowledge at a strategic level to tourism contexts.
However, many of the concepts associated with strategy and strategic management are abstract in nature and can often be difficult for teaching staff, let alone students, to comprehend. It is important that lecturers and students are able to access resources that enable their wider understanding of the subject matter and create opportunities where theory can be effectively applied to practice.

Benchmarking

2011-11-11T06:46:00.000-08:00

Benchmarking is the process of comparing one's business processes and peformance metrics to industry bests and/or best practices from other industries.

Dimensions typycally measured are quality, time and cost.

A Quote on Change

2011-11-11T01:01:00.001-08:00

"Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me."

-Carol Burnett

Flowsheet

2011-11-10T16:44:00.000-08:00

Minimizing Resistance to Change

2011-11-10T01:53:00.000-08:00

The Behaviour Change Process

2011-11-10T00:55:00.000-08:00

There are times when we realise that there must be a better way to do things. We then take necessary steps to rectify the situation. This is called the Behaviour Change Process.
The Behaviour Change Process consists of four steps:

Non-awareness
This is defined as being unconscious of one’s behaviour that results in ineffectiveness. The process of behaviour change begins because we realise that there must be something wrong somewhere. More importantly, we realise that there must be something that can be done about it

Awareness
Being aware of an ineffective behaviour is a good start. What would be better is to find alternate ways of doing things so that we can be more effective. That’s the whole point of understanding the behaviour change process in the first place.

Internalising
Just like when toddlers begin to take little baby steps, regardless of how many times they stumbled. Just like when a consistent combination of steps became a short walk. Just like brisk walking turned into a run. We kept at it, because let’s face it… it sure beats crawling

Integration
To put it simply, integration means unconciously applying a new behaviour or skill. Let’s take the walking example used previously. I’m sure that you walk without even needing to think about how the process works.

http://www.heritage-tech.net/

2011-11-09T23:38:00.001-08:00

INCOTERMS VISUAL DEFINITION

2011-11-09T02:30:00.000-08:00

How to be a strategic thinker

2011-11-09T02:24:00.000-08:00

The foundation for strategic thinking lies in the attitude you have toward your work and the people you supervise and it requires patience and an understanding of organizational dynamics. Here are a few ways that you can become a strategic thinker:
• Pay attention and be ready for the unexpected. One of the potential traps of front-line and middle management is the tendency to become myopic. Learn as much as you can about the entire organization and external and internal conditions that serve as opportunities or threats. Sometimes, circumstances can change very quickly and you want to be the person who is ready to adapt to new conditions.
• Determine how your team's efforts can add value to the organization. Try to look beyond the routine work of your team and determine how the needs and priorities of the organization are changing
• Understand the top priorities and concerns of senior management. Timing is everything when it comes to having a positive impact on the way senior management views your team. Develop an analytic approach to your dealings with top management. Ask yourself what things are important to the organization, what perspectives senior managers have toward organizational priorities, and more specifically, your work team, and which of your priorities or goals have the best chance to be viewed positively at any given moment.

2011-11-07T08:01:00.000-08:00

the analogy with shipping is an obvious one; "ONLY A MARITIME DISASTER OR A MAJOR POLLUTION INCIDENT WILL ALERT THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC TO THE FACT THAT SHIPPING STILL EXISTS". Is there any hope of rather better, more positive, public awareness of this important world industry?

Step by Step Business Planning Process that Will Work in your Company

2011-11-06T16:14:00.000-08:00

Are your company’s targets growing faster than your strategy can keep pace? Do you need a breakthrough in growth and profitability? Do you ever hear comments like these in your organization?

"Our strategic planning process consumes too much time and resources, without commensurate results."
"Our good ideas don’t seem to go anywhere."
"We have a strategy, and lots of projects going on, but they don’t seem to be connected."
"Major change is forcing us to step back and recast our strategic plan."
"We don’t have a cohesive strategy that managers and employees can get behind."
"We chronically miss our growth targets."
"Our strategic plan and actions seem to be disjointed."
"We are not an innovative company."
"Our CEO and senior leaders are good operators, but they need to be more strategic."
"We have a key issue that has been analyzed to death, but we never execute against it."

Engagement Roadmap to Change

2011-11-06T00:03:00.000-07:00

Words of Wisdom

2011-11-03T19:40:00.000-07:00

Good Safety Behaviour

2011-11-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

The maritime industry nowadays relies on safety, could this be a time now to focus of your people's safety behaviour?

Don't wait for an accident to happen before you realize that safety trainings are much cheaper and sustainable.

The indicators of Good Safety Behaviour:

- Assertiveness
- Involvement
- Proactiveness
- Visibility
- Knowledge Actions

If your people are the key to your business... invest on them... it will surely pay the price.

Nokia bets on Windows Phone future

2011-11-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia has launched two new smartphones based on Microsoft's new Windows Phone 7.5 operating system. The Lumia 800 and the Lumia 710 mark the beginning of Nokia's fightback against Apple's iPhone and rivals using Google's Android software.

Quite a few interesting lessons from Nokia's new strategy:
1) new strategy was developed by the new CEO which links to leadership styles;
2) Nokia seems to be trying to develop a new segment in the market, which is a gamble, but its potential 'billion people';
3) interesting to note how Nokia tries to differentiate from direct competitors with services (think VCA);
4) Nokia's new strategy is based on a strategic alliance. This strategic alliance is particularly interesting because Microsoft does not have its own handsets (in contrast to Apple and Google).

The Code

2011-11-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

Can you tell which products are made from which country? Let me tell u - the first 3 digits of barcode denotes the country where it was made.

471 is Made in Taiwan .

690 ~ 692 - CHINA

00 ~ 09 USA & CANADA

30 ~ 37 FRANCE

40 ~ 44 GERMANY

49 - JAPAN

50 - UK

The Process of Great Leadership

2011-11-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

The road to great leadership (Kouzes & Posner, 1987) that is common to successful leaders:

◦Challenge the process - First, find a process that you believe needs to be improved the most.
◦Inspire a shared vision - Next, share your vision in words that can be understood by your followers.
◦Enable others to act - Give them the tools and methods to solve the problem.
◦Model the way - When the process gets tough, get your hands dirty. A boss tells others what to do, a leader shows that it can be done.
◦Encourage the heart - Share the glory with your followers' hearts, while keeping the pains within your own. (nwlink.com)

Philex posts record profit

2011-10-27T22:21:00.000-07:00

Best 9-month income in firm's 55-year history

Philex Mining Corp on Thursday said it posted P4.35 billion in net income for the first nine months of 2011 on the back of higher production and metal prices.

Philex, which is partly owned bu Hong Kong's First pacific Co ltd., sadi in that this was the highest nine-month profit in its 55-year history and was 106 percent higher than the P2.12 billion recorded a year ago.

"Earnings would have been slightly higher were it not for the recent weakening in gold and copper prices which adversely affected the value of later shipments, with final prices falling in the last month of the third quarter," said Manuel V. Pangilinan, Philex chairman and Chief executive officer.

source: http://business.inquirer.net/27243/philex-post-record-profit

Strategies to Survive the Recession

2011-10-27T01:13:00.000-07:00

Diversification
In a weak economy, diversification may be your business' best friend. The more services you can offer, the more clients you will be able to find.

Outstanding Customer Service
Once you've started attracting customers, you'll have to worry about retaining them, and in a stagnating economy that may be even more difficult. You must provide not only a high quality product, but also exceptional customer service.
Marketing Intensification
One of the biggest mistakes business owners make during periods of economic slowdown is to cut back on marketing and advertising, doing this could be most detrimental to your business. Instead, your marketing needs to be more aggressive and more comprehensive than ever.

Adopt Cutting Edge Technologies
One of the best ways to stay ahead of your competitors is by keeping up with current technology. So if you aren't familiar with customer relation management software or even e-mail marketing, now is the time to do so.

Stay Focused
Nothing will damage your business more than business myopia or short sightedness.. In order to stay successful, you must always keep an eye on your long term goals and objectives.

Seek New Ways to Improve
If you are like most people, you are content with the status quo until something disturbs it. You should be constantly re-evaluating not just your marketing plan, but all of your business strategies including policies, pricing, and employee performance.

based from the article of Collin Almeida

Father of artificial intelligence dies

2011-10-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

John McCarthy, a pioneer in artificial intelligence technology and creator of the computer programming language often used in that field, has died. He was 84.
McCarthy was a leader in the artificial intelligence field, coining the term in a 1955 research proposal. He said "every aspect of learning or any other feature of intelligence can in principle be so precisely described that a machine can be made to simulate it."
In 1958, McCarthy invented the programming language Lisp, which paved the way for voice recognition technology, including Siri, the personal assistant application on the newest iPhone.
McCarthy also developed the concept of computer time-sharing, which allowed multiple users to interact with a single computer. That lay the foundation for cloud computing today.

7 Ways to Make Meetings More Efficient

2011-10-26T18:01:00.001-07:00

Meetings are the third major time waster in the world of work. As much as 50% of working time is spent in meetings, either group meetings or one-on-one meetings. In the estimate of almost everyone, at least 50% of this time is wasted. This means that as much as 25% of all working time is lost in meetings of one kind or another.
However, meetings are not an evil. Meetings are a necessary business tool for exchanging information, solving problems, and reviewing progress. But they must be managed and they must be used effectively.
Here are 7 ways to increase the efficiency and improve the results of meeting time:
1. Is the meeting necessary?
2. Write an agenda.
3. Start and stop on time.
4. Cover important items first.
5. Summarize each conclusion.
6. Assign specific responsibility.
7. Keep notes and circulate minutes.

Concept of Leadership

2011-10-24T23:12:00.000-07:00

Go to the people. Learn from them. Live with them. Start with what they know. Build with what they have. The best of leaders when the job is done, when the task is accomplished, the people will say we have done it ourselves.
Lao Tzu

PESTEL Analysis

2011-10-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

A Quote on Leadership

2011-10-21T04:05:00.000-07:00

“Leaders establish the vision for the future and set the strategy for getting there; they cause change. They motivate and inspire others to go in the right direction and they, along with everyone else, sacrifice to get there.” John Kotter

Competitive Dynamics

2011-10-21T01:12:00.001-07:00

Strategy is Execution

2011-10-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

Strategy is getting it right and doing it right. On the one hand, we have to pick the right course of action. On the other hand, once chosen, we have to carry it out properly.

If our strategy and its execution are both flawed, the effort is "doomed from the beginning." Our chances of success are zero, nil, nada, zilch.

If our strategy is sound but its execution is flawed, we are guilty of muffing it. We have what is commonly known as "a botched job."

An odd situation arises when our strategy is flawed but we execute it flawlessly. In this case, we are doing extremely well something we shouldn’t be doing at all.

Only when our strategy and its execution are sound do we stand a pretty good chance of success. Even then success is not guaranteed.

source: http://www.nickols.us/strategy_is.htm

Strategic Thinking and Management

2011-10-20T03:23:00.000-07:00

Change your thinking,
Change your actions,
Change your results.

How do you keep thinking strategically on a daily basis? It's too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks that must get done and not make time for longer-term strategy. This information provides tips on how to maintain your longer term focus and share that with staff so everyone in the organization understands the part they play in assuring the company's success. Think, Plan, Act differently to get the results you want in work and in life.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT MODEL

2011-10-19T00:51:00.000-07:00

A strategic management model in seven steps:

1. Analyze the overall goal and the purpose of the project.

2. Asses the objectives, activities and values of the project.

3. Assess current strengths, successes and achievements. Consider quantitative and qualitative results.

4. Analyze what contributed to them (consider internal/external resources and capabilities).

5. Asses challenges and gaps. Analyze what contributed to each.

6. Adjust your current project plan in order to reflect best practices and a strategy to fill gaps.

7. Develop a generative vision. What is it about this project that inspired and will inspire to implement? How would success look like?

This strategic management model will help you manage and lead at the same time.

LPG Charter Rates Going Up

2011-10-18T23:58:00.000-07:00

Record liquefied-petroleum-gas shipments are eroding a glut of the tankers hauling the fuel used in stoves, cars and lighters, driving charter rates to the highest ever at a time when most other ships are losing money.
The surge in supply is a consequence of expanding natural gas output and oil refining, which produce LPGs as a byproduct.Demand for LPG is strengthening now because consumers are expanding stockpiles before the Northern Hemisphere’s winter begins.
The process of extracting natural gas destined for liquefaction yields about 5 percent propane and a similar amount of butane or ethane, according to the Paris-based World LP Gas Association. Liquefied natural gas is produced by cooling gas to about minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit. A barrel of crude typically yields about 3 percent LPGs when it is refined, accounting for about 40 percent of global LPG supply.

What Every Leader Needs to Know

2011-10-17T00:57:00.000-07:00

The Strategy

2011-10-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

Sample of Competitive Strengths

2011-10-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hellenic Carriers believe they possess a number of strengths that give them a competitive advantage in the shipping industry:
· Long-standing experience in the shipping market. The founders of Hellenic Carriers and their family and affiliates have been involved in shipping since the early 1950's with a history of profitability generated through various shipping cycles from efficient operations and well timed acquisitions.
· Established group with long-term, high-quality customer relationships. Hellenic Carriers has developed an extensive network of long-term business relationships with large, established charterers of dry bulk carriers, such as Bunge S.A., Baumarine AS, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Limited, Oldendorff Carriers GmbH & Co. KG, Armada Bulk Carriers Ltd, Dampskibsselskabet Norden A/S, Swissmarine Services S.A., China National Chartering Corporation, Cosco Bulk Carrier Co. Ltd, Hanjin Shipping Company, Korea Line Corporation and Cargill International SA.
· A modern, high quality fleet of dry bulk vessels.The weighted average age of the operating fleet on 31 December 2010 is 15.2 years. Following the delivery of the two Kamsarmax newbuilding vessels, currently on order, the fleet will comprise of seven dry bulk carriers, namely two Kamsarmaxes, three Panamaxes, one Supramax, and one Handymax with an aggregate carrying capacity of about 467,141dwt and a weighted average age of 12.5 years (as of 31 March 2013). All ships are built to high specifications in established leading shipyards, and are subject to high standards of maintenance.
· High standards of operation. Hellenic Shipmanagement Corp along with Mantinia Shipping Co S.A., to whom technical and operational management is sub-contracted, operate the fleet under a stringent safety management system and have an excellent operating track record.
· Balanced Employment Strategy.The Company implements a balanced chartering strategy fixing the majority of the vessels in medium to long term time charters aiming to secure visible and stable cash flows. By maintaining close ties with market sources, the Company continuously monitors developments in the market with the aim of highlighting and exploiting opportunities.
· An experienced management team with a proven track record. The executive management team of Hellenic Carriers is led by the Chief Executive Officer Fotini Karamanlis, who has over 16 years experience in the shipping industry. Hellenic Carriers believes that the members of its management team are skilled at recognising opportunities for the purchase and sale of vessels and that Hellenic Shipmanagement Corp. along with Mantinia Shipping Co S.A. have the technical, financial and managerial expertise to safely and efficiently manage a big bulk carrier fleet.

Sample Business Strategy of Hellenic Carriers

2011-10-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

-Hellenic Carriers' primary objective is to ensure that Hellenic Shipmanagement manages the fleet in a manner that allows the Company and its subsidiaries to maintain profitability across the shipping cycle and thus to maximise returns for Shareholders.
-Accretive growth through vessel acquisitions. The intention is to grow the fleet managed by Hellenic Shipmanagement through timely and selective acquisitions by its subsidiaries of second-hand, modern, high-quality dry bulk carriers.
-Management of a modern, high quality fleet of dry bulk carriers. Hellenic Shipmanagement will continue to focus on the Handymax, Supramax, Panamax and Kamsarmax dry bulk vessels, as these vessel types carry a wide variety of cargoes and trade over a wider range of routes, thus offering a greater number of chartering opportunities compared to larger vessels.
-Delivery of an outstanding service to customers through highly efficient operations with optimal fleet utilisation.
-Balanced chartering of the vessels managed by Hellenic Shipmanagement in a manner that provides the shipowning companies with stable cash flows. It is intended that the vessels managed by Hellenic Shipmanagement should be employed primarily on time charters with terms of between one and three years that provide relatively stable cash flows and high utilisation rates.
-Attraction and retention of blue-chip customers. Hellenic Shipmanagement has developed a network of business relationships with established, reputable charterers of dry bulk carriers as well as other key counterparties in the shipping industry (for example banks, insurers and brokers).

Business Goal Setting

2011-10-14T01:22:00.000-07:00

To have a successful goal, you have to include the following:

1. Be Clear. You have to know exactly what you want.

2. Be Specific. The more specific you are, the less your brain wanders and has to figure out what you really want every time you think of your goal.

3. Set A Date For Completion. When you set a date for completion, then your brain reacts to action, because there is a sense of urgency.

4. Fine Tune Your Goal. After your first draft, go over your goal and ask the following questions:

a Does it make sense to you?
b. Do you believe it?
c. Do you feel you can accomplish it?
d. Does that date seem too long, short, or is it just right?

5. Envision Yourself Already Having Achieved That Goal. When you have your goal defined and fine tuned, then relax in a quiet place, and don't think of anything for two or three minutes.

6. Mix Your Goal With Emotion. You must have an intense desire for your goal to come true.

Source: http://www.atouchofbusiness.com/guides/eliminate-the-chaos-in-your-business/goal-setting-0005.html

Strategic Management Competencies

2011-10-13T22:15:00.000-07:00

Is Euro zone in Danger?

2011-10-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

MEDITERRANEAN REGION BALLAST WATER MGT. REGULATION

2011-10-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

Mediterranean BWM regulation

With effect from January 1, 2012, all ships should exchange ballast water before entering the Mediterranean Sea or after leaving the Mediterranean Sea to meet the regulation D-1 standard of the Ballast Water Convention. Exchange should be carried out at least 200 nautical miles from land and in waters at least 200 metres deep. The sequential, flow through or dilution methods of ballast water exchange are accepted as meeting the D-1 standard.
In situations where this is not possible (because the ship will have to deviate from its intended voyage; because exchange will delay the ship; or for safety reasons) exchange should be undertaken before entering the Mediterranean Sea area, or after leaving the Mediterranean Sea area, as far from the nearest land as possible, and in all cases in waters at least 50 nautical miles from the nearest land and at least 200 metres deep.
Sediments collected during cleaning or repair of ballast tanks should be delivered to sediment reception facilities or be discharged to sea beyond 200 nautical miles from the nearest coastline when the ship is sailing in theMediterranean Sea area.

Source: Lloyd's Register

BCG Matrix

2011-10-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

The BCG Matrix

Dogs: Low Market Share / Low Market Growth

Cash Cows: High Market Share / Low Market Growth

Stars: High Market Share / High Market Growth

Question Marks (Problem Child): Low Market Share / High Market Growth

Strategic Leadership

2011-10-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

"All men can see the tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which great victory evolved." ~ Sun Tzu

Google to buy Motorola Mobility ( Diversification-focus and external growth strategy)

2011-10-11T06:49:00.000-07:00

Good example of an acquisition which serves as diversification-focus strategy by Motoral and an external growth strategy by Google. Motoral has lost the battle for the handsets, so focuses in the corporate and government solutions sector where it is well placed. Google does not have the time to grow organically its handset SBU to compete with the other smartphones and hopes that its existing core competences and SBUs could help develop synergies.

Google to buy Motorola Mobility for $12.5bn
Internet giant Google has announced a deal to buy Motorola Mobility for $12.5bn (£7.7bn). A joint statement said the boards of both companies had unanimously approved the deal, which should be completed by the end of this year, or early in 2012.
Earlier this year, Motorola split into two separate companies. Mobility develops and manufactures mobile phones, while Motorola Solutions covers wider technologies for corporate customers and governments.

Five Forces in Competetion Model

2011-10-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

STRATEGIC PLANNING

2011-10-08T22:26:00.000-07:00

Strategic Plan and SWOT

Strategic planning is creating a vision of the future and managing toward that expectancy. It's operating under a mission statement umbrella that focuses the organization's effort. Strategic planning answers the three big questions:

Where are we today?
Where do we want to be in the future?
What should we be focused on today, in order to make it more likely we will be where we want to be in the future?

It is a simple process with an incredible power to DEVELOP ORGANIZATION and bridge the gap between long-term vision and day-to-day tactics. Having answered the big three questions the team than creates action plans that start them moving in that direction -"Now" means today, this week, this month, and this quarter.

Economies of scale and scope

2011-10-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

Be Strategic

2011-10-07T05:36:00.000-07:00

Strategy Meeting

2011-10-07T02:33:00.000-07:00

Do you have 5S?

2011-10-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

A workplace full of clutter is a burden for every employee. We can't avoid to pile paperwork, office supplies, photographs of loved ones or even leftover food within our workstation. But who wants a messy workstation where millions of bacteria thrive and are the main causes of that cold, cough and other sickness you have no idea how you caught.

The 5S system introduces a simple yet effective way to get rid of clutter in your workplace. This is a popular tool from the Japanese:

1. "Seiri" or Sort

2. "Seiton"- Set in Order

3. "Seiso"- Shiny clean

4. "Seiketsu"- Standardize Cleanup

5. "Shitsuke"- Sustain

Start your 5S today!

What's Your Company's Competitive Edge?

2011-10-06T06:57:00.000-07:00

Since the implementation of the International Safety Management Code (ISM), the number of accidents had been significantly reduced. Today it has been the benchmark of every oil majors and charteres in making business with a shipping company. Inspection such as vetting, port state, flag state ect. are becoming relevant to the shipping business whereas failure to such inspection will result to delay, detention and loss of charter opportunity. Safety performance has become the defining factoe of the shipping business these days.

Do you know the status of your company in terms of safety performance?
Can you determine whether you are above of below your competitors?
Do you know your company's competitive edge?

Amazon unveils £130 iPad rival

2011-10-05T05:04:00.000-07:00

The 'battle' of the tablets has some very interesting points (from strategic management). Although, the tablets are not technologically superior to existing devices (i.e. laptops), they are entertainment items, and Apple has create a new segment in the market. The success of these products lies with the complementarities that are to be developed with the rest of the products (i.e. iPad and iphone). Amazon offers the new tablet as 'upgrade' to kindle which quite dominant in its market. Amazon seeks to establish synergies between the Kindle Fire and its e-books, mp3s businesses. It is quite interesting that Amazon is expected to seek access to the mobile handsets for greater coverage of the market (as Google recently did with buying Motorola's handset business unit). Also, Amazon’s strategy is a very good example of 'low cost leadership' as it is losing about $50 per device.

A thought on leadership

2011-10-04T07:05:00.001-07:00

“You are in a war. You must plan to take the other guy down first and do it. Winning is not the best thing; it's the only thing. If it were not, no one would keep score. To win the war, you must take charge. You must set the organization's objectives, establish a chain of control, delegate, appraise performance, adjust and act.” – The Mafia Manager

Strategic Management Plan

2011-10-02T02:46:00.001-07:00

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT: The Effective Manager

2011-10-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

Effective Manager:
The effective manager needs to understand and be able to use the latest strategy tools for analyzing industries, and be able to create strategies for sustainable advantage, and understand industry transformations.
Strategic management must include a broad set of strategic management issues, including:
• Industry analysis and the forces that determine industry attractiveness;
• Competitive positioning and the factors determining relative firm performance;
• Industry transformation and strategic sustainability;
• International strategy
Effective Managers must have the ability to develop, evaluate, and implement value-creating strategies for their business. They need to be exposed to the details that forces them to grapple with the real world tradeoffs, not just blackboard theories, and encourages them to work through strategic options.

Marine HR Strategy Development

2011-09-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

High performance as well as attraction
and retention of competent
employees are key challenges for
any organisation and thereby it has
also become a focus point for most
businesses to improve employee
and organisational competence
development.

Research shows that what makes
people perform and go beyond
expectations in their jobs is when
they have a personal interest or
they clearly see the purpose, believe
in their work and see the higher
meaning of it.

HR Strategy should include the following:

- Development of HR strategy initiatives and processess

- Learning and training strategy

- Definition and roll-out of communication strategies

- Development of training processedd

- Employee satisfaction and surveys

- Analysis of resent HR situation and identification

of future improvement activities

- Definition and facilitation of organisational changes

- Improvement of knowledge sharing

Thought on Managers and Leaders

2011-09-29T18:50:00.000-07:00

If you want to get the best performance out of your team, identify who is skilled at accomplishing and driving tasks (managers) and who is skilled at setting vision and motivating people (leaders). Leverage their respective skills to enable your team to find its fullest capability. Assess yourself and determine in which direction you most want to grow. (Businesswiz)

Strategic Group Map

2011-09-27T04:19:00.000-07:00

Benefits of Mergers

2011-09-23T01:11:00.001-07:00

1. Economies of scale. This occurs when a larger firm with increased output can reduce average costs. Different economies of scale include:

i) technical economies if the firm has significant fixed costs then the new larger firm would have lower average costs
ii) bulk buying – discount for buying large quantities of raw materials
iii) financial – better rate of interest for large company
iv) Organizational – one head office rather than two is more efficient

Note: A vertical merger would have less potential economies of scale than a horizontal merger e.g. a vertical merger could not benefit from technical economies of scale

2. International Competition. Mergers can help firms deal with the threat of multinationals and compete on an international scale

3. Mergers may allow greater investment in R&D This is because the new firm will have more profit. This can lead to a better quality of goods for consumers

4. Greater Efficiency. Redundancies can be merited if they can be employed more efficiently

Evaluation:

The desirability of a merger will depend upon several factors such as:

1. Is there scope for economies of scale
2. Will there be an increase in monopoly power and significant reduction in competition
3. Is the market still contestable (freedom of entry and exit)

source: http://www.economicshelp.org/microessays/competition/benefits-mergers.html

2011-09-22T06:38:00.000-07:00

HOW TO BE A GREAT MANAGER THROUGH STRONG LEADERSHIP

2011-09-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

The management skill of meeting goals is related to the leadership skill of sharing a vision. You as a leader must have a vision for a better future and motivate a group of people toward that vision while following the plans, procedures, and tasks you as a manager created.

As a leader you need to be proactive and creative. As a manager you need to be directive, action-oriented and responsive. You as a leader must get your organization to believe that the work and goals are worthwhile. As a manager, you need to make sure each individual has the skills necessary to achieve those goals. Quite simply, it takes a strong leader to get the group to see the big picture, and a great manager to get the individual to be a part of the big picture. They are different roles, but combined they create an incredible overall management style. (www.masterclassmanagement.com)

SWOT: The Philippine outsourcing and offshoring industry

2011-09-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

Here’s a SWOT analysis of the Philippine O & O industry:

Strengths:
1. Strategic location in Asia
2. Infrastructure well developed infrastructure, redundant and cost-effective telecommunications, and centrally located IT parks
3. Highly skilled labor force
4. Ample support from government and industry associations

Weaknesses:
1. Scarcity of labor
2. Commoditization of services non-core processes are easily learned and replicated by others
3. Disorganization of some sectors
4. High cost of power
5. International perception: political instability, red tape/bureaucracy, unclear policies on labor and land ownership

Opportunities:
1. Infrastructure building capacity outside established hubs, or in emerging O & O centers, providing adequate and competent training, refining and enacting policies on data security and intellectual property rights
2. Emerging O & O segments in particular, the knowledge process outsourcing
3. Globalization

Threats:
1. Labor migration and attrition
2. Emerging O & O providers

source: http://www.outsourceit2philippines.com/news-outsource/SWOT-The-Philippine-outsourcing-and-offshoring-industry.htm

2011-08-31T07:08:00.000-07:00

Turn Stress into an Asset

Stress is unavoidable, but it doesn't have to be damaging. When managed correctly, strain can positively impact productivity and performance. Here are three things you can do to make stress work for you:
• Recognize worry for what it is. Stress is a feeling, not a sign of dysfunction. When you start to worry, realize it's an indication that you care about something, not a cause
for panic.
• Focus on what you can control. Too many people feel bad about things they simply can't change. Remember what you can affect and what you can't.
• Create a supportive network. Knowing you have somebody to turn to can help a lot. Build relationships so that you have people to rely on in times of stress.

From "Turning Stress into an Asset" by Amy Gallo.

Manila Amendments to STCW

2011-08-30T21:56:00.000-07:00

Hello C/TL people -

Your old seadog here. Just reminding those directly involved in the shipping and manning industry about the following:

STCW 2010 Amendments : What you need to know.
It is widely known that IMO held a Diplomatic Conference in Manila, Philippines, earlier last year 2010 to discuss amendments to STCW. What most people fail to identify is the extent of revisions and the implementation realities behind that.

STCW Manila Amendments
On June 25th, 2010, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other major stakeholders in the global shipping and manning industry formally ratified the so-called "Manila Amendments" to the current Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and its associated Code. The amendments aim to bring the STCW up to date with developments since its conception and initial adoption in 1978, and the subsequent amendments in 1995.

Entry Into Force
The Convention amendments will be adopted with a tacit acceptance procedure which has been agreed indicating that amendments will be accepted by 1st July 2011 UNLESS more than 50% of the parties to the STCW object such a development. As a result STCW Amendments are set to enter into force on January 1, 2012.

The foregoing are only introductory parts. Suggest consult details from the list of amendments which are long.

Mobile technology gains in supply chain and logistics sectors

2011-08-25T23:22:00.000-07:00

Logistics professionals are certainly moving toward mobile applications to improve overall supply chain operations, but just how fast is it happening? Our technology correspondent gives us a reality check.
With tablet computers and handheld devices maintaining their tight grip on the business world, it just makes sense that the logistics sector would continue its forward momentum toward a time when wires are a thing of the past.
Long talked about in supply chain circles, goals like “real time” and “visibility” are already coming to fruition for tech-savvy shippers that integrate wireless, RFID, and other mobile technologies into their operations.
Over the next few pages we’ll take a look at just how much traction mobile technologies have gained in today’s supply chain, discuss the benefits of RFID and wireless integrations, and highlight what barriers to adoption still remain. We’ll also illustrate just how close we are to real-time supply chain management and logistics visibility—and how far we have to go before we get there.
“One supply chain executive told me that by the time he goes through the six-month purchase approval process at his firm for wireless technology, three generations of smart phones have come and gone,” says Ellis.
IDC reports that mobile applications and devices are penetrating the sales and marketing organization at a “staggering pace,” and expects total worldwide smartphone shipments to reach 925.7 million units by 2015 (compared to 450 million in 2011). Computer tablets like the iPad, Motorola XOOM, and Samsung Galaxy Tab are also growing in popularity, and are on pace to reach shipments of roughly 50 million units in 2011 (up 18 million units in 2010).
Expect to see at least a portion of those mobile devices in the warehouse, where more shippers are gravitating toward wireless environments. In those logistics environments, Zimmerman says requirements for specific key sizes—and the ability to withstand multiple, 6-foot drops to a concrete floor—have given way to durable devices that share the operating systems, processors, communications, batteries, and even peripheralization with their more ruggedized brethren.
Not all shippers are reaping the rewards of these wireless advancements, although many are looking to upgrade and begin seeing those benefits. “A lot of [shippers] in the warehouse and distribution sector still have a lot of the old technology installed,” Zimmerman says, “and are looking to integrate the value and cost advantages of an 802.11n solution.”
That movement is also being driven by the fact that wireless handset providers like Motorola are rolling out 802.11n-capable devices. “That’s sending a signal to the industry that now is the time to upgrade wireless infrastructures to support those handhelds,” says Zimmerman, “and tap into the value that they provide.”
Part of the growth in wireless will come from the handheld market, where durable devices are gaining popularity among shippers that increasingly want to handle their warehouse and transportation operations without the hassle of wires. “The cost profiles and functionality of handheld devices is making their adoption more advantageous for companies,” says Zimmerman, who points out that improved Wi-Fi networks, Wi-Fi hot spots, and better cellular capabilities are all playing a role in the evolution.

AAPA to focus on Asia Pacific trade lanes

2011-08-25T22:45:00.001-07:00

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) will have some prominent shippers and rail partners sharing insights at its upcoming annual convention and expo.

While the AAPA meeting is always stimulating and informative, this year’s event at the Port of Seattle should be especially engaging. Given that it’s being staged on the West Coast alone is sufficient reason to attend, for industry analysts agree that the dynamism and complexity of the Asia Pacific transport and logistics market offers the best prospects for growth and returns.

Of special note, convention attendees will have the opportunity to hear about the important economic role of ports from Washington. State Governor Chris Gregoire will give the opening day keynote address, sharing his perspective on the global economy. Then shippers will learn of trade trends from Microsoft Corporation General Counsel and Senior Vice President Brad Smith. Later in the week, the program will feature BNSF Chairman and CEO Matt Rose, who will speak on the value of, and challenges to, the global supply chain network.

The convention will conclude with a members-only annual meeting and installation of new officers for the Association’s upcoming fiscal year, including appointment of Virginia Port Authority Executive Director Jerry Bridges as chairman of the board for AAPA’s centennial year, 2011-2012.

Guess is that ports in the gulf and eastern seaboard will be keen on collecting market intelligence on Asia sourcing strategies that include using “all water” routes by 2014.

How to Get the Boring Tasks Done

2011-08-25T04:35:00.000-07:00

Think of why you are doing the task and how good it will feel when it is done. Instead of focusing your mind on how boring a task may feel focus your thoughts on why you are doing this and how good it will feel when you are done with it. If needed, sit down for a few minutes, close your eyes and see in your mind and feel how good it will be when you are there, when you are done with the task. Then go to work with that motivation and those positive feelings in your body.

Do it mindfully. When you sort papers, do the laundry or do the dishes be fully there. Focus 100% on just the fork with all your senses – how it feels, looks and smells – as you are scrubbing it and nothing else. Don’t get lost in daydreams. If you are just there I have found that even such a simple and mundane task becomes more enjoyable and something that can bring inner calm rather than distress.

Don’t think too much. Get going instead. The more you think about the boring task the more boring it seems in your mind. And so it becomes harder and harder to get started and to get to done. So try to think very little about it. Just make a decision to start doing the task, get up and go do it right away.

Make a deal with yourself and set a timer for 10 minutes. It is often in easier to do tasks like these in small bursts. So make a deal with yourself to make a dent in this task. Make a deal to just spend 10 minutes on your inbox, mundane reading or cleaning the house. Set a kitchen timer and say to yourself that you only have to do this work for 10 minutes. When the timer rings you can continue doing it if you feel like it (this often happens to me because getting started is the hard part). Or you can stop and go do something more interesting instead.

Create a pleasurable distraction. If possible, try to listen to the radio, your favorite songs, an audio book or watch a movie or TV-episode while doing your boring task. You don’t always have to do just one thing at a time in silence. I often listen to music or watch an episode of the Simpsons while doing the dishes or other routine work at home.

Reward yourself. When you are done with your task then reward yourself. Take a walk in the sun, move on to a more fun or creative task at work or in school or have a tasty treat. This habit can make it easier to get started and to keep going each day. Because you know that you can look forward to not just being done and the long-term payoff from that but also your immediate reward right after you are finished.

Maggots

2011-08-21T21:58:00.001-07:00

They're creepy, slimy and altogether ooky, but maggots can save your life. These squirmy larvae are science's newest wonder-cure and were approved in 2003 as the Food & Drug Administration's only live medical device. Placed on serious wounds, maggots mimic their "wild" lifestyle and munch on bacteria and dead tissue, stimulating healing and helping to prevent infection.

2011-08-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

The International Chamber of Shipping has compiled a useful reference document collating the policy and rules of Flag States on the carriage of arms and private armed guards on board vessels.

The document, providing tabulated information on Flag States' rules, has been added to the ICS website and is proving to be a popular reference tool for shipowners and other interested parties within the shipping community.

Kiran Khosla, ICS Director of Legal Affairs and secretary of the ICS' maritime law and insurance committee, says:

"When the information is compiled together like this it is interesting to see the similarities
and variations in approach throughout the international community. Piracy remains a major source of concern among shipowners and the wider shipping industry and we are not surprised that members are keen to ensure they are up to speed with the latest recommendation and advice. The consensus view among ICS national shipowner associations remains that private armed guards are a clear second best to military personnel. However, in view of the current crisis, ICS has had to acknowledge that the decision to engage armed guards, whether military or private, is the decisionto be made by the ship operatorafter due consideration of all the risks and subject to the approval of the vessel's Flag State and insurer."

source: www.worldmaritimenews.com/archives/27970

USA: BAEs Shipyard to Build Twin Screw Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger

2011-08-18T23:20:00.000-07:00

BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards announced its first contract to build a new ship from scratch at its Mobile River facility.

Weeks Marine Inc. hired BAE to build a 356-foot-long, 79-foot-wide dredging vessel for use in the U.S., according to BAE. The twin screw trailing suction hopper will have a capacity of 8,500 cubic yards.

The contract is worth $85 million, according to BAE.

BAE officials said they will immediately begin engineering work and buying materials. The first steel for the ship will be cut in early 2012, and it will be delivered in January 2014.

The work will require the shipyard to add about 150 employees to its 800-person workforce during the life of the contract, according to Vic Rhoades, the general manager of BAE’s Mobile operation.

SMC to buy Exxon Mobil businesses in Malaysia

2011-08-18T01:06:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Philippine conglomerate San Miguel Corp. is buying Exxon Mobil's oil refinery and gas stations in Malaysia for $610 million.

The company said Wednesday it has signed agreements to buy three Exxon Mobil subsidiaries involved in refining, distributing and marketing petroleum products.

Physical assets include the Port Dickson refinery, seven fuel distribution terminals, and about 560 gas stations.

SMC President Ramon Ang says the business is attractive, with "plenty of room to move up the value chain by upgrading refinery capabilities."

SMC's subsidiary Petron Corp. is the Philippines' largest oil refining and marketing company.

source: http://ph.news.yahoo.com/smc-buy-exxon-mobil-businesses-malaysia-121354277.html

ShipNet Launches YouTube Channel

2011-08-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

ShipNet is now using YouTube as a new means of supporting customers.

A seven-minute video showing the ShipNet’s Voyage Estimator, part of its Chartering and Operations package, is the first to be released, and ShipNet is planning to build the content up so the full suite of content can be covered, providing a ready introduction on how to make the most of its software that can be accessed at any time.

“Talking about how our solutions can help our customers is one thing, but being able to show it makes it much more real”, says Managing Director Miguel Dainesi, “using services like YouTube reinforces the point that we are actively developing solutions that make the most of advanced technology”.

EPA Regulation Coming at The Wrong Time

2011-08-16T08:21:00.000-07:00

As the Environmental Protection Agency takes more time to finalize its proposed ozone standard, shippers question if this action is really necessary at all.

According to National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons,  the economic recovery remains stalled as shippers face unprecedented regulations.
  
“Manufacturers have made it very clear that this discretionary action by the EPA to revise the ozone standard would harm the economy and threaten job creation,” he told constituents.

He said the Administration took yet another step in delaying the standard, and manufacturers hope this is a sign that the Administration is hearing their concerns.

“Piling on an unnecessary and unrealistic ozone standard would be yet another setback. Studies show the proposed ozone standard could result in millions of jobs lost and $1 trillion per year in compliance costs,” said Timmons.   

Shippers are beginning to speak with one voice to persuade the Administration to abandon its current reconsideration efforts until a review is required in 2013, and to carefully consider the dire consequences this standard will have on job growth and the struggling economy.

Philippines may soon own vast gas-rich area

2011-08-16T04:48:00.000-07:00

Paje said the undersea region, called Benham Rise, could turn the Philippines into a natural gas exporter because of the area’s huge methane deposits.

Studies conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the past five years indicate large deposits of methane in solid form, Paje said after a Senate budget hearing.

The government is only awaiting a formal declaration from the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (Unclos) that Benham Rise is on the country’s continental shelf and therefore part of its territory, Paje said.

source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/42329/philippines-may-soon-own-vast-gas-rich-area

BEER.....Hmmmmm

2011-08-16T04:04:00.000-07:00

The newest bad kid on the block, beer has long been overshadowed by its healthier alcoholic cousins. While no one's suggesting you switch that glass of antioxidant-rich Pinot Noir for a tall glass of lager-there's still that beer gut to worry about-new research has suggested that moderate beer intake can actually improve cardiovascular function. Now if only a scientist will discover the health benefits of ballpark franks and chicken wings. Heaven.

quotes! quotes! quotes!

2011-08-15T23:13:00.000-07:00

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one."
~ Mark Twain

"You must not procrastinate. Rather, you should make preparations so that even if you did die tonight, you would have no regrets. If you develop an appreciation for the uncertainty and imminence of death, your sense of the importance of using your time wisely will get stronger and stronger." ~Dalai Lama

"Work while it is called today, for you know not how much you may be hindered tomorrow. One today is worth two tomorrows; never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today."
~ Benjamin Franklin

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." ~Walt Disney

The Philippines may soon be a natural gas exporter

2011-08-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

The Philippines will gain 13 million hectares in additional territory, an area slightly smaller than Luzon, should the United Nations approve next year the government’s claim on a region off the coast of Isabela and Aurora. This undersea region, called Benham Rise, could turn the Philippines into a natural gas exporter because of the area’s huge methane deposits. Studies conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the past five years indicate large deposits of methane in solid form. The Philippine government is only awaiting a formal declaration from the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that Benham Rise is on the country’s continental shelf and therefore part of its territory. Once the UNCLOS establishes that Benham Rise is part of the Philippines, the country would have legal basis to enter into exploration agreements with private companies to explore the area’s resources.
(source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/42329/philippines-may-soon-own-vast-gas-rich-area)

Top 20 largest shipping flags (October 2010)

2011-08-15T01:41:00.000-07:00

Around 90% of world trade is carried by the international shipping industry.

Without shipping the import and export of goods on the scale necessary for the modern world would not be possible.

Seaborne trade continues to expand, bringing benefits for consumers across the world through competitive freight costs. Thanks to the growing efficiency of shipping as a mode of transport and increased economic liberalisation, the prospects for the industry's further growth continue to be strong.

There are over 50,000 merchant ships trading internationally, transporting every kind of cargo. The world fleet is registered in over 150 nations, and manned by over a million seafarers of virtually every nationality.

Nautilus Granted Exploration Tenements In Fijian Waters

2011-08-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

Nautilus Minerals Inc. has become the first private sector organization to be granted offshore exploration licenses in Fiji.
The Fijian Government has granted the company fourteen special prospecting licenses, covering a total of approximately 60,000 km2. The territory is considered highly prospective, having been the subject of marine research by Japanese, French and other scientific cruises in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The licenses each have an initial term of two years.
Under the terms of a regional area of interest agreement signed with Teck Resources in 2007, Teck holds the right to earn an interest in the Fijian tenements by contributing to exploration spending. Teck has not yet indicated whether it intends to exercise that right.
Following the grant of the Fijian leases, Nautilus holds exclusive exploration tenements covering a total of approximately 230,000 km2 in the western Pacific, and has applied for a further 370,000 km2, taking the total to approximately 600,000 km2.
Nautilus' CEO, Steve Rogers said the award of the licenses was an important step forward for Nautilus and for Fiji.
"The territory is very promising and has the potential to host significant high grade deposits of copper, zinc, silver and gold.
"Following the recent grant of exploration licenses by the International Seabed Authority, the Fijian government's decision to select Nautilus as the first private sector, commercial organization to be granted offshore exploration leases reconfirms the leading status of Nautilus in this new industry," he said.
Nautilus is developing the world's first deepwater seafloor resource development project at Solwara 1, in the Bismarck Sea of Papua New Guinea. The project is well advanced, with all permitting in place and construction of remote-controlled seafloor production equipment having commenced.

source: http://www.seadiscovery.com/mtStories.aspx?ShowStrory=1049462113

Mastermind Alliance

2011-08-12T06:14:00.000-07:00

Mastermind alliance, joint venture, business partners, cooperation… Call it what you want, you need a mastermind alliance with others to be successful.

A mastermind alliance in its simplest form is just people working together for a common goal. A true mastermind alliance however is much different and is formed when a group of two or more people come together and work in perfect harmony. When you come together in perfect harmony with a group of people your energy is mixed with theirs and together you have much more power than any one individual alone.
The John Donne quote “No man is an island” does a great job to summarize that no one can be successful without the aid of others. Even the lone inventer slaving away in his basement still needs the help of others to manufacture and market his invention when ready.

There is synergy of energy, commitment and excitement that participants bring to a mastermind group.

Mastermind groups offer a combination of masterminding, peer brainstorming, education, accountability and support in a group setting to sharpen your business and personal skills. A mastermind group helps you and your mastermind group members achieve success.

Malaysia: Flag States Sign Declaration Condemning Acts of Violence Against Seafarers

2011-08-11T22:28:00.002-07:00

Posted on Aug 10th, 2011

Three of the largest flag states, accounting for around 40% of the world’s commercial shipping tonnage, have signed an agreement condemning the acts of violence against seafarers by pirates. The flag states agreed to pool information on the mistreatment of seafarers at the hands of pirates.
The flag states signed a Declaration in Washington on 3 August 2011, condemning the acts of violence against seafarers. The Declaration recognised that the increasing use of violence against captured seafarers was underreported and noted that there were significant sensitivities associated with such information.
The Declaration affirmed their commitment to provide information on the levels of violence faced by seafarers to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) from reports received by them in accordance with their internal procedures.
The IMB will collate and disseminate aggregated data of the levels of violence. The reports will omit their names, the names of the vessels, owners, operators and flag states to protect identities and privacy.
The project is supported by the One Earth Future Foundation (OEFF) and the TK Foundation.

The total number of attacks worldwide stands at 304, with 31 successful hijackings.

IMB strongly urges all shipmasters and owners to continue to report all worldwide actual, attempted or suspicious piracy and armed robbery incidents to the IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre.

Let’s talk, SMC asks CIAC

2011-08-10T23:12:00.001-07:00

San Miguel Corp. (SMC), which acquired a majority stake in Philco Aero Inc., is asking Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) to resume and accelerate their long-delayed negotiations for the $177-million Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) Terminal 2 Project.

Philco Aero, which used to be a privately held Filipino-Korean consortium, is the original proponent of the DMIA T2 project. Its unsolicited proposal for this multimillion-dollar venture was accepted by the CIAC board on May 17, 2010.

SMC has put up a holding company, which recently acquired 70 percent of Philco Aero, to conclude a transaction that began early last year.

Penson and Company Inc., SMC’s partner in the venture, will own 30 percent of the holding company.

After a meeting with SMC officials on Wednesday, Philco Aero president and CEO Ricardo L. Penson disclosed that SMC was keen on advancing the long-delayed negotiations with CIAC for the T2 project as “the delay is causing undue inconvenience to the public in general and to the public-private partnership efforts of the Aquino administration in particular.”

source: http://business.inquirer.net/11965/let%E2%80%99s-talk-smc-asks-ciac

10 Tips for Creating a Successful Business

2011-08-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

1. Understand that you as the business owner are responsible for everything that happens in your business. You cannot delegate that responsibility.
2. The attitude of the business owner is reflected in the employees working in the business. If you don’t like the attitude you see in your employees – look in the mirror.
3. Personal growth and business growth are not the same but they are closely related. When you stop growing as a person you stop growing your business.
4. Know that you don’t know everything. It is not possible. When you come to that realization, investing in trusted advisors makes so much sense and it becomes an easy decision.
5. Life is short. Enjoy what you do and others will see that and be attracted to you. It is fun to work with and be around someone who is positive and excited about what they do. If you don’t like what you do, find something else to do.
6. Give others credit for their contribution to your success. Everyone loves to be a part of something bigger than themselves and to be recognized for their contribution to the overall success of the organization.
7. Know that your success is tied directly to how well you motivate, manage, inspire, sell and encourage people. Your success, especially as you grow your business comes through the performance of others.
8. If you can’t measure it how do you know it works? Measure everything.
9. You must understand how the business you are creating will help you create the life you want. There can be no misunderstanding. True success lies in creating a business that is consistent with and supports the life you want to create.
10. Develop a passion for your work and have fun!
By: Ron Finklestein, Small Business Success Expert